海角直播

Fashion enthusiasts take creative approach to modest Ramadan designs

Fashion enthusiasts take creative approach to modest Ramadan designs
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Farah Hammad鈥檚 Ramadan collection 鈥渞eflects the harmony between organic forms.鈥 (SUPPLIED)
Fashion enthusiasts take creative approach to modest Ramadan designs
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Noor Eclipse by Nour Al-Dhahri. (SUPPLIED)
Fashion enthusiasts take creative approach to modest Ramadan designs
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Voula Collection鈥檚 Ramadan line 鈥渃ombines modesty, elegance and cultural significance.鈥 (SUPPLIED)
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Updated 01 March 2025

Fashion enthusiasts take creative approach to modest Ramadan designs

Fashion enthusiasts take creative approach to modest Ramadan designs

RIYADH/ABU DHABI: Fashion designers and enthusiasts in 海角直播 are championing modest Ramadan-themed collections that aim to reflect the spirituality of the holy month.

Sarah Albedair, Saudi designer and founder of Voula Collection, told Arab News that her Ramadan collection 鈥渃ombines modesty, elegance and cultural significance.鈥

鈥淢odest clothing that can be worn year-round, including during Ramadan, aligns well with the spirit of practicality and simplicity which aligns with affordable cost 鈥 Over the past decade, there has been a notable shift in the fashion world as modest fashion moves from niche to mainstream, and Ramadan plays a pivotal role in this evolution,鈥 she said.

Albedair鈥檚 collection blends Saudi and Greek symbols in her colorful and expressive designs.

Voula Collection鈥檚 abayas and dresses use a range of materials and fabrics, mostly sourced from Europe, including linen, crape, organza, denim, poplin and cotton.




Farah Hammad鈥檚 Ramadan collection 鈥渞eflects the harmony between organic forms.鈥 (SUPPLIED)

Fashion-lover Zainab Mamdooh predicts that the fashion trend this Ramadan will include winter heavy fabrics and darker colors.

Mamdooh prefers to wear jalabiyas, a flowy and modest dress worn by women from Middle Eastern countries, styled with statement gold jewelry.

鈥淒uring the holy month, I love wearing jalabiyas made from linen and velvet, especially those embroidered in gold,鈥 she said.

鈥淚 find that traditional adds a touch of elegance and reflects cultural authenticity ... I also love pairing my jalabiyas with jewelry, incorporating gold and diamond pieces to complete my look.鈥

Deciding to add a fresh touch to her wardrobe, Mamdooh purchased a jalabiya from Souq Manama, a market located in Bahrain.

鈥淚 wanted to break the traditional association of jalabiyas with gold embroidery only, so I opted for silver detailing to showcase a different, yet equally elegant aesthetic.鈥

Saudi designer Farah Hammad has launched her latest Ramadan drop, 鈥淭he Botanical Collection,鈥 inspired by the beauty of nature and the fluid elegance of marble. The pieces merge organic floral patterns with structured artistry.

鈥淭he collection reflects the harmony between organic forms and structured artistry,鈥 Hammad told Arab News. 鈥淚t鈥檚 about celebrating femininity, strength and the beauty of contrast 鈥 delicate yet bold, soft, yet powerful.鈥

Featuring about 40 curated pieces, the collection is designed for versatility. The color palette is drawn from nature, incorporating earthy tones, deep blues and greens, muted pastels and rich jewel hues.

鈥淭he cuts are flowy yet tailored, incorporating layering and intricate embellishments that enhance the botanical and marble-inspired aesthetic,鈥 she said.




Gilded Aura by Nour Al-Dhahri. (SUPPLIED)

鈥淲hat makes 鈥楾he Botanical Collection鈥 even more special is that I sourced the fabric locally this time,鈥 Hammad said. 鈥淚t was important for me to support locals and ensure the materials reflect the authenticity and richness of the collection鈥檚 inspiration.鈥

The collection was designed to align with Ramadan, a time of renewal and reflection. 鈥淩amadan is one of my favorite months,鈥 she said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 about growth, transformation and beauty in every stage. The collection embodies that spirit, embracing contrast and balance, just like Ramadan itself.鈥

The Botanical Collection is available online and at Hammad鈥檚 studio. At the end of February, select pieces will also be showcased at Homegrown Market in Hay Jameel in Jeddah, her hometown, as a limited-edition release.

A portion of proceeds from the collection will also be donated to various charities.

Nour Al-Dhahri鈥檚 Ramadan 2025 collection is an ode to the spiritual serenity and luminous beauty of Ramadan days and nights.

Al-Dhahri told Arab News: 鈥淎lthough I have warm feelings for all of my collections, Ramadan always has a more intimate quality. Stories, tradition and passion are at the heart of this collection, not merely the clothes.

鈥淭o me, it鈥檚 a celebration of the women who are proud of their ancestry and who aren鈥檛 afraid to embrace modern elegance.

鈥淒uring this sacred month, every aspect, from the hand-embroidered details to the meticulously selected materials, was created with the purpose of empowering women to feel beautiful and certain.鈥

The collection of kaftans boasts a soft pastel and neutral tone palette.

Pieces were crafted from luxury fabrics, including pure linen, tulle, French crepe, Indian linen, chiffon and organza.

鈥淚n keeping with the spiritual quest of the holy month, the embroidery stands for tradition while the contemporary cuts and pastel colors provide a feeling of levity and rebirth.

鈥淭he enduring allure of Ramadan is celebrated in each item through the incorporation of modern elegance,鈥 she said.

The Noor Eclipse piece is a sophisticated tulle design with delicate sequin shoulder and asymmetrical neckline embellishments.

Sundown Veil combines organza and chiffon, mirroring the warm hues of a Ramadan sunset, while the Gilded Aura is a wearable symbol of nature鈥檚 beauty with its hand-embroidered leaf motifs.

鈥淚t is our responsibility as a Saudi label to pay homage to our heritage via clothing, making items that speak to the women of the Middle East and beyond ... to keep inventing while maintaining the spirit of the kaftan, which is an essential component of Ramadan apparel,鈥 Al-Dhahri said.

Since Ramadan generally encourages a more meaningful lifestyle, AMUSED is a platform that promotes and sells previously owned, authenticated accessory items in 海角直播. Mindful that fashion is the second-largest polluting industry in the world, it aims to create a more circular economy to break away from the make-use-dispose model that has dominated fashion culture.




Voula Collection鈥檚 Ramadan line 鈥渃ombines modesty, elegance and cultural significance.鈥 (SUPPLIED)

Sara Teymoor, CEO and cofounder of AMUSED, told Arab News: 鈥淩amadan is a time of reflection, connection, and celebration 鈥 one of our busiest shopping seasons, with buyers often purchasing higher value and multiple pieces.

鈥淭he right accessories elevate every occasion, from elegant iftar gatherings to intimate late-night suhoor outings.

鈥淢indfulness, generosity, and sustainability define Ramadan 鈥 values at the core of AMUSED鈥檚 mission.鈥

Items from the platform have been sported by several online personalities, including the Saudi chef and travel content creator Nihal Felemban, fashion and travel influencer Sausan AlKadi, and style and beauty influencer Asma AlMalki.

Customer experience executive, Maryam Yusuf, shared some of AMUSED鈥檚 most requested pieces year after year for their timelessness: the Chanel Classic Flap Small is a daytime essential for their buyers for its compact and elegant design, perfect for running errands during the day.

A discontinued yet sought-after gem, particularly in metallic versions that remain a collector鈥檚 favorite, is the Diorama, while the Hermes Picotin 18 seems to be a popular mini tote for cozy evenings out.

To add to the festive spirit of the month, the platform is sharing exclusive styling tips to elevate the Ramadan wardrobe, special recipes from their team, live Instagram drops featuring next-day shipping finds, guest interviews, fashion trends, and more, on their blog.


Hungary鈥檚 ambassador bids farewell to 海角直播 after a decade of diplomacy

Hungary鈥檚 ambassador bids farewell to 海角直播 after a decade of diplomacy
Updated 47 min 2 sec ago

Hungary鈥檚 ambassador bids farewell to 海角直播 after a decade of diplomacy

Hungary鈥檚 ambassador bids farewell to 海角直播 after a decade of diplomacy
  • Balazs Selmeci hails Vision 2030 reforms, societal change, stronger bilateral ties

RIYADH: Hungarian Ambassador to 海角直播 Balazs Selmeci bid farewell to the Kingdom as he concluded his decade-long tenure.

Selmeci visited Arab News headquarters in Riyadh on Monday, where he met with Editor-in-Chief Faisal J. Abbas.

The envoy said his goals were to strengthen political and diplomatic relations, expand economic ties and promote a positive image of Hungary in 海角直播.

Hungarian Ambassador to 海角直播 Balazs Selmeci with Arab News Editor-in-Chief Faisal J. Abbas in Riyadh on Monday. (AN photo by Huda Bashatah)

At the same time, Selmeci sought to highlight 海角直播鈥檚 changes and opportunities in Hungary, as well as the hospitality and kindness of the Saudi people.

鈥淚 believe I achieved good results in both areas, thanks to the support of Saudi institutions, the people and my colleagues at the embassy,鈥 Selmeci told Arab News.

Reflecting on his time in the Kingdom, Selmeci highlighted the significant changes he witnessed over the years. He singled out the closing ceremony of Riyadh Season at King Fahd Stadium as a moment that symbolized 海角直播鈥檚 rapid transformation.

Saudi society showed commitment to the reforms, leading to a more open and globally connected country.

Balazs Selmeci, Hungarian Ambassador to 海角直播

He recalled that the stadium was full of men and women together, and Saudi ballet dancers performed on stage 鈥 something that would have been unimaginable earlier.

鈥淎t that moment, I realized how much 海角直播 had changed. I saw many talented Saudis and felt their happiness, both on stage and in the audience,鈥 the envoy said.

Over more than 10 years in 海角直播, Selmeci observed the transformative impact of Vision 2030, including societal reforms and economic diversification.

He added that social reforms 鈥 such as involving women in the workforce, increasing their participation across sectors, welcoming international visitors and events, and balancing tradition with modernization 鈥 laid the foundation for economic progress.

鈥淰ision 2030 itself required great courage from the leadership and strong support from the Saudi people,鈥 Selmeci said.

From the outset, Saudi society showed commitment to the reforms, leading to a more open and globally connected country, he added.

鈥淭hese social and ongoing economic reforms have increased 海角直播鈥檚 international presence and influence,鈥 Selmeci said.

He added that the reforms have allowed foreigners to better understand the Kingdom and build trust, and that the dedication of both the government and the people provides a strong foundation for success.

Selmeci began his tenure as ambassador on Nov. 14, 2019, presenting his credentials to Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan on Dec. 12, and to King Salman on Jan. 8, 2020.

Before then, he served in Riyadh as deputy head of mission from March 2014 to June 2018, marking more than a decade since he first began working to strengthen Saudi-Hungarian relations.

During his tenure, he oversaw the first-ever bilateral meeting between the two countries鈥 foreign ministers in the Kingdom, as well as the first bilateral meeting between their defense ministers.

Selmeci said that among the economic cooperation projects during his tenure, his favorites were the reestablishment of the Saudi-Hungarian Business Council, the launch of the Saudi-Hungarian Digitalization Cluster and the creation of the first Saudi-Hungarian joint venture in the Kingdom.

He also extended his best wishes to the Saudi people, encouraging them to continue working with determination toward a better life, making the country more prosperous while preserving its traditions and heritage.

Asked what message he would leave for his successor, Selmeci expressed hope that they would build on these achievements and accomplish even greater successes, while creating as many memorable experiences as he did.

He added that his successor could count on the full support of the Saudi leadership, officials, the people, the diplomatic corps and embassy staff.

In his closing remarks, the ambassador said he planned to return to the Kingdom in the future 鈥 鈥渆ven as a simple tourist, to walk in King Salman Park, visit Qiddiya or attend Expo 2030.鈥


Open call for 12th Red Sea International Conference in Jeddah

Open call for 12th Red Sea International Conference in Jeddah
Updated 14 July 2025

Open call for 12th Red Sea International Conference in Jeddah

Open call for 12th Red Sea International Conference in Jeddah
  • Museums, heritage commissions invite experts to submit proposals for 2026 event
  • Grants available to successful bidders

JEDDAH: Experts in the fields of archaeology, history, anthropology, environmental studies and museum curation are being invited to apply to take part in the 2026 edition of the Red Sea International Conference.

The event, which will run from April 9-12, will be held at the Bab Al-Bunt building, which sits within Jeddah鈥檚 UNESCO-listed Historic District and is the future home of the Red Sea Museum.

Launched in 2002, the conference is regarded as a key platform for interdisciplinary dialogue on the Red Sea鈥檚 historical significance. Previous editions have been held in partnership with the British Museum, University of Southampton, University of Warsaw and University of Crete, among others.

The open call for the 2026 event was issued by 海角直播鈥檚 Museums Commission and Heritage Commission. Participants will explore a broad range of themes, from ancient maritime trade and the archaeology of coastal cities and ports, to environmental history, underwater heritage and the Red Sea鈥檚 legacy as a crossroads of cultures linking Africa, Arabia and the Indian Ocean.

Anyone interested in taking part should submit an abstract, limited to 300 words and written in English, to [email protected] by Oct. 15. Poster proposals are also welcomed and will be reviewed by a scientific committee.

To support broad participation in the conference, the commissions will provide five grants to cover the cost of travel, accommodation and registration to researchers whose papers are accepted.

Priority will be given to applicants from the Red Sea region and developing countries.

By hosting the conference in Jeddah, the commissions aim to bolster 海角直播鈥檚 academic and cultural standing, while reaffirming the Red Sea鈥檚 enduring significance as a living archive of human history, exchange and civilization.


MWL chief, Uzbek Islamic leader meet in Makkah

MWL chief, Uzbek Islamic leader meet in Makkah
Updated 14 July 2025

MWL chief, Uzbek Islamic leader meet in Makkah

MWL chief, Uzbek Islamic leader meet in Makkah
  • Al-Issa highlighted the center鈥檚 vital role in promoting Islamic civilization, addressing misunderstandings, and combating negative stereotypes
  • Abdukhalikov, on behalf of Uzbekistan, expressed pride and appreciation for the league鈥檚 efforts in the Islamic community and its esteemed international standing

MAKKAH: Secretary-General of the Muslim World League Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa recently received Firdavs Abdukhalikov, president of the Center for Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan, and his delegation in Makkah.

Al-Issa highlighted the center鈥檚 vital role in promoting Islamic civilization, addressing misunderstandings, and combating negative stereotypes, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.

Abdukhalikov, on behalf of Uzbekistan, expressed pride and appreciation for the league鈥檚 efforts in the Islamic community and its esteemed international standing.

He also praised Al-Issa鈥檚 representation of Muslims during his speech at the UN鈥檚 inaugural International Day to Combat Islamophobia, held at the General Assembly鈥檚 invitation.

Also in Makkah, Al-Issa met Mohammed Samir Al-Naqshbandi, Iraq鈥檚 consul general in 海角直播, who paid a farewell visit at the end of his term.


Tourism minister launches tour of Saudi Summer program destinations in Taif

Tourism minister launches tour of Saudi Summer program destinations in Taif
Updated 14 July 2025

Tourism minister launches tour of Saudi Summer program destinations in Taif

Tourism minister launches tour of Saudi Summer program destinations in Taif
  • Ahmed Al-Khateeb highlights commitment to quality service, unforgettable visitor experiences

RIYADH: Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb, who is also chairman of the Saudi Tourism Authority, has visited Taif governorate to begin his field tours of destinations featured in the Saudi Summer program.

The program, launched in May with the slogan 鈥淐olor Your Summer,鈥 runs until September and showcases destinations from Jeddah and the Red Sea鈥檚 coastal escapes to the cooler highlands of Taif, Baha, and Asir. It offers more than 250 exclusive deals through partnerships with more than 200 private sector entities.

Al-Khateeb led a delegation of senior officials from the ministry and the tourism sector. The visit included tours of tourist landmarks in Taif to assess the visitor experience, review facilities, and oversee service quality.

He expressed satisfaction with the visit, highlighting Taif鈥檚 natural beauty and mild climate, which help position it as a key tourist destination in the Kingdom and the region, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Tourism data shows Taif welcomed more than 3.6 million domestic and international tourists in 2024, up 9 percent from 2023. Annual tourism spending reached SR3.4 billion ($906 million), and 266 tourism establishment licenses were issued, according to the SPA.

Al-Khateeb said at the program鈥檚 launch in May: 鈥淭his year we aim to welcome more than 41 million visitors from 18 countries and achieve SR73 billion in total tourism spending. These numbers reflect 海角直播鈥檚 growing reputation as a world-class destination, offering unforgettable experiences year-round.鈥

The Kingdom aims to attract 150 million visitors in total by 2030 through improved infrastructure, diverse experiences, better connectivity, and streamlined travel procedures.

Asir is hosting its summer season with a rich array of musical, artistic, and cultural events, featuring Al-Muftaha Village and the Plato Event, along with adventure trails and outdoor activities amid the lofty mountains and pleasant weather.

Riyadh is hosting the second Esports World Cup from July 8 to Aug. 24, attracting visitors worldwide. The city also offers artistic and cultural events and various entertainment shows throughout the summer.

Jeddah is welcoming visitors with its beaches and luxury resorts. Its diverse marine activities and relaxation events make it an ideal destination for families and water sports enthusiasts. Visitors can also explore City Walk and enjoy performances at Circus 1903.

Sheybarah and Ummahat are islands that are part of the Kingdom鈥檚 luxury tourism network, featuring white sandy beaches, clear waters, and colorful coral reefs to offer maritime adventures.

Taif greets summer visitors with refreshing mountain breezes and fragrant Taif roses in Arruddaf Park, in addition to traditional markets and lush orchards.

The Al-Shafa and Al-Hada mountains provide a misty, magical atmosphere for those immersed in the region鈥檚 rich heritage.

Visitors can also experience stunning natural beauty in Baha, from mountain heights to valley depths in Raghadan Forest.


OIC chief, Palestinian envoy discuss crisis in Gaza, West Bank

OIC chief, Palestinian envoy discuss crisis in Gaza, West Bank
Updated 14 July 2025

OIC chief, Palestinian envoy discuss crisis in Gaza, West Bank

OIC chief, Palestinian envoy discuss crisis in Gaza, West Bank

Jeddah: The secretary-general of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, Hissein Brahim Taha, met Palestine鈥檚 permanent representative to the OIC, ambassador Hadi Shibli, at its headquarters in Jeddah.

The envoy updated Taha on the escalating situation in Palestine, detailing the deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza and ongoing violations and crimes by Israeli forces in the West Bank, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.

The two sides also discussed the provocative rhetoric and incitement by Israeli ministers and officials, plans for annexing the West Bank and claims of Israeli sovereignty over the territory.

Taha reaffirmed the OIC鈥檚 commitment to advocating for an immediate, lasting ceasefire, facilitating humanitarian aid to Gaza, ensuring international protection for Palestinians and supporting a two-state solution in line with UN resolutions.