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RIYADH:聽海角直播鈥檚 Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received聽Pakistani Prime Minister聽Shehbaz Sharif at Al-Yamamah Palace in Riyadh on Wednesday.聽
The prime minister arrived in Riyadh earlier on Wednesday for a state visit, accompanied by a high-level delegation, the Saudi Press Agency reported.聽
Sharif was received at King Khalid International Airport by Prince Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Governor of Riyadh Region.聽
DAMMAM: Fresh off her Fashion Award win at the National Cultural Awards, Princess Nourah Al-Faisal headed to the Eastern Province this week for the first Design Research Forum.
A lavender carpet was rolled out at Imam Abdulrahman bin Faisal University (formerly the University of Dammam), where the all-day forum 鈥 the first of its kind 鈥 brought together students, academics and enthusiasts from across the Kingdom in the name of design research.
The CEO of Art of Heritage and founder of Adhlal, a Riyadh-based consultancy supporting the creative economy, Princess Nourah told Arab News that it was 鈥渁 full circle moment.鈥
鈥淚 came here (IAU) in 2017 as part of the first industry report. We did part of our first focus groups here, and some of the people, some of the partners that we brought to participate with us, actually were part of that as well,鈥 she said.
Princess Nourah explained that bridging academia and industry was central to Adhlal鈥檚 mission and long-term strategy: 鈥淲hen we originally did our first industry report, we understood right then that one of the big gaps was this connection between academia and the industry.鈥
She described the forum as 鈥渙ne of the first and definitely the biggest event that we鈥檝e had that focuses on the importance of research in innovation, research in design, research in developing ideas and strategies.
鈥淲hen you think about all of these big projects, how do you create them in a way that revolves around the Saudi human who lives here?
Judging the poster competition, she was 鈥渧ery, very impressed. I mean, the technical knowledge, the thought process, the clarity, and just the design of the posters.
鈥淭oday is, I think, a new beginning for us at Adhlal. We are hoping to do this annually and to see it grow,鈥 she said.
The posters covered relevant themes such as sustainability and AI. Princess Nourah likened today鈥檚 AI frenzy to the Industrial Revolution: 鈥淭hat鈥檚 why the human-centered skills are the most important鈥 everything else, you can learn.鈥
She also reflected on a pilot project with Effat University: 鈥淚 am overwhelmed by how many of them finally understood how important and life-changing good design can be; to improve people鈥檚 lives and connect with people.鈥
Workshops and panels rounded out the day, including a lecture by Badr Al-Rasheed of the Architecture and Design Commission and Donia Belttaib of King Abdulaziz University.
The Adhlal Experience in Jeddah Al-Balad panel was moderated by IAU鈥檚 Lujain Rafea, with contributions from Adhlal鈥檚 Jeroen Frumau, Effat University鈥檚 Ahmed Kassab and his former student, now colleague, Deena Shahadah.
IAU leader and educator Sara Alghamdi told Arab News the forum showcased the strength of student research: 鈥淥ur students are capable and have a lot of potential. Last year, we had 33 patents from our college 鈥 nobody knows about it,鈥 Alghamdi said.
鈥淭o incentivize the students, to show them that we can do collaborations with other parties, to empower them, there are cash prizes.鈥
From 55 submissions, 20 were shortlisted and reviewed by a jury panel that included Princess Nourah. Rawabi sponsored the top three prizes 鈥 SR5,000, SR4,000 and SR2,000 鈥 with additional People鈥檚 Choice and publication prizes to come.
The top winning project, 鈥淎ssessing the usability of bio-textiles made of palm waste in carryalls,鈥 was created by seniors Salam Al-Abdulaal, Fatimah Al-Kardoos, Maram Al-Sagar, Ghada Hantoush and Majd Al-Osaimi.
Al-Abdulaal, who is local to the area, told Arab News about the importance of using date palm waste as it is abundant in her hometown: 鈥淭his is a part of everyday life here, date palms and farms. We are interested in sustainability due to our environment, and we also have been doing some projects previously about this.鈥
Al-Kardoos added: 鈥淲e started with the research saying that we want to assess the usability of the bio textile that comes from the palm tree waste and compare it with the conventional leather. Is it usable as much as the conventional leather or not?鈥
With prototypes in hand and guidance from IAU professors, the students contacted professionals in the Netherlands who had done similar projects and tested carryalls made from palm-derived textiles.
Al-Sagar added: 鈥淎fter we analyzed all of the data that we gathered from all the participants, we experimented with each one of them and we conducted a very successful outcome of our findings.鈥
The team plans to split the cash prize equally鈥 then 鈥済o out to lunch.鈥
RIYADH: A major infrastructure forum convened in Riyadh this week to examine ways in which to improve quality of life and minimize disruption during development works.
The CEO of the Infrastructure Projects Center in the Riyadh Region, Fahad Al-Badah, spoke to Arab News about how the center plans infrastructure work to reduce disruption to residents.
鈥淭he comprehensive planning methodology that the center is currently working on has taken into account specific regulations for the placement of services. The services are arranged from bottom to top.
鈥淲ater services, for example, are the deepest compared to the rest of the services, and they always take priority, followed by electricity and then telecommunications.
鈥淭his methodology is primarily aimed at preventing disruptions when implementing additional services. We start with water, then electricity, then telecommunications, and finally, the street is fully asphalted.鈥
The CEO emphasized the importance of securing stable and high-quality infrastructure to ensure the longevity of construction projects.
鈥淧rojects cannot succeed without a strong, sustainable and robust infrastructure that can withstand the coming years.鈥
More than 25 nations are participating at the expo, including companies from China and Russia, as well as another 300 exhibitors such as the Saudi Fund for Development, Eastern Province Municipality and the Saudi Technology and Security Comprehensive Control Company (Tahakom).
The three-day event is billed as an opportunity to exchange knowledge on smart cities through conversations on water management, artificial intelligence, transportation, energy and green alternatives.
Mujahid Al-Abden, general manager of digital strategy at Riyadh Infrastructure Projects Center, described how the center is working to tackle the negative impact of infrastructure development: 鈥淭he causes of traffic, the pollution, safety measures around the construction zones.鈥
鈥淩IPC try to go through the full cycle, identify the key points and try to address each one of them,鈥 he said.
A number of MoUs were signed at the event, including one between RIPC and the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Agency and another with King Salman International Airport.
Sponsored by Riyadh region Mayor Prince Faisal bin Abdulaziz bin Ayyaf, the Global Infrastructure Forum and Expo took place from Sept. 15 to Sept. 17 in Riyadh.
RIYADH: Saudi organizations are being urged to display their achievements in culture, mental health and wellbeing at an upcoming awards ceremony to honor those making a difference in the workplace.
The mentl awards 2025 will take place on Nov. 21 at the Address Montgomerie in Dubai.
Submissions are open to organizations from the GCC, and the deadline for entries is Sept. 30.
Last year, 海角直播 was recognized when the Sync Digital Wellbeing Program at the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture won the national award for the Kingdom.
Reflecting on that achievement, Dr. Justin Thomas, chartered psychologist and senior researcher in the program, said: 鈥淭he existence of an award ceremony honoring those who promote psychological wellbeing and mental health signals the importance we now place on such initiatives across the region.
鈥淭here was a time not too long ago when mental health was, at best, not even mentioned.鈥
According to Gallup鈥檚 Global State of the Workplace 2025, 海角直播 has an employee engagement rate (which measures the emotional connection and commitment employees have to their work and organization) of just 26 percent.
The cost of disengagement could reach an estimated $85 billion annually 鈥 the equivalent of $48.6 million every hour lost to reduced productivity and wellbeing challenges.
Scott Armstrong, founder of mentl, said: 鈥満＝侵辈 is on a transformational journey, not only in business but in how organizations care for their people.
鈥淲e know there are powerful, untold stories of leadership, innovation, and inclusion. The mentl awards are the stage where those stories can be celebrated and shared with the wider region.鈥
Now in their third year, the mentl awards bring together organizations from across the GCC.
With more than 40 categories, the platform covers a range of sectors, from finance, healthcare and technology, to education, retail, hospitality, and government.
Individual honors such as Empathy in Leadership and Mental Health Champion ensure leaders and advocates are recognized.
All entries are reviewed by an independent panel of leaders, including: Sir Ian Cheshire, chair of the King Charles III Charitable Fund; Dr Nahida Nayaz Ahmed, chief medical officer at Sakina; Jen Fisher, former chief wellbeing officer at Deloitte; Jessica Smith OAM, Paralympian, author and inclusion campaigner; Marwan Abdulaziz Janahi, senior vice president, Dubai Science Park; Mae S. Al Mozaini, founder and CEO, The Arab Institute for Women鈥檚 Empowerment; Founder, The Center for Leadership; Founder, Saudi Women on Boards.
Each entry includes 12-month membership of the mentl community, providing access to exclusive events, resources, and continued conversation around wellbeing.
Saudi organizations are encouraged to enter at mentlawards.com.
RIYADH: 海角直播, China and Qatar condemned on Wednesday Israel鈥檚 expanded military operations in Gaza, warning the assault violates international law and threatens regional stability.
海角直播鈥檚 Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a statement, denounced what it called the 鈥渃ontinued perpetration of crimes鈥 by Israeli occupation forces and criticized the international community for failing to take effective measures to stop the escalation.
The Kingdom reaffirmed its rejection of actions that undermine international humanitarian law and called for urgent international efforts to end the violence and ensure the protection of civilians in Gaza.
Qatar鈥檚 Ministry of Foreign Affairs also condemned the Israeli ground operation 鈥渋n the strongest terms,鈥 calling it an extension of the war against the Palestinian people and a 鈥渂latant violation of international law.鈥
It warned that Israel鈥檚 actions undermine prospects for peace through policies of 鈥渟ettlement, aggression and racism,鈥 and urged decisive international action to ensure compliance with international resolutions.
Qatar reiterated its support for the Palestinian cause and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
In Beijing, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian said China also 鈥渇irmly opposes Israel鈥檚 escalation of military operations in Gaza and condemns all acts that harm civilians and violate international law,鈥 in reference to the bombardment of Gaza City.
DUBAI: Just weeks ahead of the international conference 鈥淪anctions, AML and CFT for Banking and Finance in the Kingdom of 海角直播,鈥 to be held in Riyadh on Oct. 21鈥22, 2025, French Senator Nathalie Goulet, in an interview with Arab News en fran莽ais, praised 海角直播鈥檚 ambition and commitment to combating money laundering and financial crime.
鈥満＝侵辈 was an early leader in the 鈥楴o Money for Terror鈥 initiative. The country is capable, and above all, it has a strong leader and a clear vision,鈥 the senator stated.
A firm political will
For Nathalie Goulet, the Kingdom鈥檚 transformation is undeniable.
鈥淔rom the moment Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman came to power, he addressed corruption issues head-on. He instilled a new political direction and determination,鈥 she said.
This transformation is aligned with the Kingdom鈥檚 rapid opening, notably under Vision 2030, and is part of a broader effort to enhance the business climate and attract foreign investment within a stable legal and financial framework.
鈥淭hings are moving quickly 鈥 but ultimately, it鈥檚 a matter of political will. And in 海角直播, that will is very clear,鈥 she added.
Riyadh: The next regional hub for compliance
The event in October will gather regulators, bankers, legal experts, and compliance professionals from around the world. For Goulet, it represents a pivotal moment: 鈥淲hat I鈥檓 hoping for are concrete exchanges of best practices. Because sometimes it鈥檚 not the laws that change things 鈥 it鈥檚 the daily interactions between professionals.鈥
The French senator will speak about financial transparency and international cooperation.
Tangible progress and stronger regional cooperation
Following her recent participation in the 鈥淔ighting Financial Crime鈥 summit in Abu Dhabi on Sept. 10鈥11, Goulet commended the efforts of the UAE, which was recently removed from the Financial Action Task Force gray list.
鈥淭here鈥檚 genuine commitment at the highest level. And that determination is contagious. We鈥檙e also seeing strong Saudi involvement 鈥 for example, through Nazaha, the anti-corruption authority.鈥
For Goulet, a regional dynamic is clearly underway: more extraditions, greater respect for judicial cooperation frameworks, and the rising capabilities of local authorities.
Fragmented responses for a global issue
Despite this progress, the senator remains concerned: Between 2 and 5 percent of global gross domestic product is estimated to be generated from money laundering, yet only 1 to 2 percent of those funds are ever recovered.
鈥淭hat鈥檚 billions forgone that could finance schools, hospitals, and infrastructure 鈥 an enormous shortfall for citizens.鈥
In addition to the extensive use of unregulated crypto-assets and migrant trafficking, Goulet warns about increasingly inventive techniques used by criminal networks: gold smuggled under the guise of coffee and tampered banana shipments.
Challenges in the Middle East
The Middle East is not exempt from these shifts. Goulet highlights several worrying trends: gold trafficking, unrestrained use of crypto-assets, and massive counterfeiting.
鈥淐ounterfeiting isn鈥檛 just fake handbags. It includes fake medicine, defective spare parts, and illicit tobacco. The global cost is estimated at $650 billion per year.鈥 (EU Intellectual Property Office, 2022)
She stresses the need to improve traceability 鈥 even across informal networks such as money transfer systems and certain digital platforms.
Cooperation and upskilling at the heart of the response
To tackle these threats, Goulet calls for stronger multilateral action: targeted training, information sharing, international benchmarking, and the adoption of new technologies.
鈥淲e need to upskill judges, customs officers, and regulators. But we also need to strengthen cross-border cooperation and exchange best practices.鈥
She also highlights the critical role of artificial intelligence in detecting suspicious transactions and calls for the creation of research fellowships on crypto-assets and their mechanisms.
海角直播: Toward a structuring role in the international system
As 海角直播 increasingly positions itself as a regional financial hub, questions are emerging about its future role within global bodies like FATF.
鈥淭he Kingdom has the means, the ambition, and the will. It already applies the rules, cooperates effectively, and leads by example.鈥
The recent appointment of an Emirati official as head of Interpol, Maj. Gen. Ahmed Naser Al-Raisi, she adds, also reflects the region鈥檚 growing influence in global security governance.
A global fight for citizens
According to Goulet, this fight transcends national borders and financial institutions 鈥 and must remain a top priority, amid economic turbulence.
鈥淧recisely because the economic climate is difficult, we cannot allow public money to slip through the cracks. Crime diverts public resources. This is a fight for citizens 鈥 for schools, for hospitals,鈥 the senator said.
Riyadh will mark a new chapter. For Goulet, every conference, every professional exchange, and every regulatory or technological breakthrough contributes to building a healthier, fairer economy.
Next stop: Riyadh 鈥 Oct. 21-22, 2025
Conference: Sanctions, AML and CFT for Banking and Finance in the Kingdom of 海角直播, with the participation of French Senator Nathalie Goulet
Registration link: https://nielsonsmith.com/events/sanctions-compliance-aml-ctf-for-banking-finance-conference-26-27-november-riyadh-ksa/
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