ֱ’s role in stabilizing Lebanon praised/node/2620165/saudi-arabia
ֱ’s role in stabilizing Lebanon praised
Bukhari said ֱ was not “at odds with Shiites in Lebanon or elsewhere.” (AFP)
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Updated 14 min 33 sec ago
Arab News
ֱ’s role in stabilizing Lebanon praised
Updated 14 min 33 sec ago
Arab News
RIYADH: Sheikh Al-Khatib, head of Lebanon’s Higher Islamic Shiite Council, has praised the role ֱ is playing in Lebanon and its “wisdom in bridging divides between the Lebanese parties to achieve stability in the country.”
In a meeting with Saudi Ambassador to Lebanon Waleed Bukhari, Al-Khatib said the people needed to regain trust in the state, “which should address their daily, social and security concerns above all else.”
Al-Khatib added: “Shiites in Lebanon have never been a factor in creating division; rather, they have worked toward achieving unity.” He hailed ֱ’s role in achieving stability in Lebanon, noting that it had done so previously, such as through the Taif Accord.
Bukhari said ֱ was not “at odds with Shiites in Lebanon or elsewhere.”
He added that he trusted the Lebanese leadership in guiding the country toward stability.
“We always count on the leadership to do so. No Lebanese component should be excluded; this is at the core of the Taif Accord,” Bukhari said.
How Neom Nature Reserve is shaping the Kingdom’s biodiversity and ecological restoration strategy/node/2620166/business-economy
How Neom Nature Reserve is shaping the Kingdom’s biodiversity and ecological restoration strategy
Neom has dedicated team of conservations on the project
‘Building legacy of environmental excellence for the future’
Updated 13 sec ago
Haifa Alshammari
Headline: How Neom Nature Reserve is shaping the Kingdom’s biodiversity and ecological restoration strategy
Neom has dedicated team of conservations on the project
‘Building legacy of environmental excellence for the future’
Did you know:
Neom Nature Reserve aims to plant 100 million native trees, shrubs, and grasses to rejuvenate the Kingdom’s natural environment.
The reserve serves as the foundation for Neom’s commitment to protect 95 percent of its area for nature.
The world’s most extensive coral garden is within Neom, a collaboration with KAUST.
Haifa Alshammari
RIYADH: In the Neom Nature Reserve a team of dedicated ֱ conservationists are steadily redefining the future of biodiversity and ecological restoration in the Kingdom.
These experts are safeguarding the area’s distinctive ecosystems and species while leading groundbreaking methods in one of the world’s most visionary environmental conservation initiatives.
Tariq Aljohany, a field restoration specialist at Neom, with experience in flora and fauna studies and familiarity with the local desert landscape, recently told Arab News about the work underway.
“I’m responsible for collecting seeds of native species across Neom. These seeds are then propagated at Neom’s Mneifa Plant Nursery, where we grow plants for active restoration efforts — reintroducing species that should be part of our landscape but have disappeared due to overgrazing and off-road driving.”
Aljohany has a deep connection to the desert and its biodiversity. “Since I was a child, my father would take me to visit these landscapes and teach me about their species and cultural value.
“Realizing that these landscapes and species were under threat made me determined to restore them to their former glory for future generations to enjoy,” he said.
Aljohany shared how he and colleagues rescued four Caralluma petraea plants before development began in Trojena.
“We brought them to the Mneifa Plant Nursery and propagated them by cuttings and seed. Now, we have a healthy population of nearly 100 plants in ex-situ conservation, ready to restore populations in Trojena.”
The reserve serves as the foundation for Neom’s commitment to protect 95 percent of its area for nature.
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Under a larger initiative to restore 1.5 million hectares of habitat and revitalize vital wildlife populations, the reserve aims to plant 100 million native trees, shrubs, and grasses to rejuvenate the natural environment.
The reserve also plans to restore the populations of the Arabian oryx, and mountain and sand gazelles.
In the middle of this year, Neom reintroduced over 1,100 animals across six species to its reserve, a significant milestone in its mission to secure a balanced ecosystem.
Bushra Alabdulhafith, a wildlife conservation science lead at Neom, told Arab News how she was inspired to take up this work.
“Some of my fondest childhood memories are of racing up great sand dunes, visiting wadis during the rainy season, or camping with my family in winter.
“Being in nature brought me peace and a sense of belonging, which fueled my goal to actively protect it,” she said.
“Every animal released, every tree planted, every small change that positively impacts the environment around us has strengthened my inspiration and commitment to this path.”
In her work, Alabdulhafith supports the Rewilding Program’s animal releases and monitoring, including the Arabian oryx, sand gazelles, mountain gazelles, Nubian ibex, and red-neck ostriches.
“I also monitor existing wildlife in Neom through our Long-Term Monitoring Program, setting up camera traps to understand current biodiversity, including Arabian wolves, red foxes, and striped hyenas, and inform future conservation planning,” she said.
Alabdulhafith recounted how excited she was leading Neom’s first raptor-release program.
“Thanks to our partners at the Saudi Falcon Club, the Hadad Program began at the end of 2024 and continues today. We have released Barbary falcons, monitored them, and successfully recorded baby Barbary chicks hatching.”
“This is just the beginning of our work with raptors, and we aim to expand our conservation efforts to other great birds of prey,” she said.
Neom is recognized as an essential sanctuary not only for its terrestrial biodiversity but also marine megafauna, providing refuge in the Red Sea for species including dolphins, turtles, and dugongs.
Last year, the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology announced a collaboration with NEOM, through the KAUST Beacon Development environmental consultancy, to enhance research and protection efforts for these distinctive species.
Environmentalists and researchers are using artificial intelligence to analyze extensive drone footage of key megafauna habitats.
DID YOU KNOW?
• Neom Nature Reserve aims to plant 100 million native trees, shrubs, and grasses to rejuvenate the Kingdom’s natural environment.
• The reserve serves as the foundation for Neom’s commitment to protect 95 percent of its area for nature.
• The world’s most extensive coral garden is within Neom, a collaboration with KAUST.
This technology allows more precise and effective conservation strategies for Neom’s remarkable marine life, including humpback dolphins, dugongs, green and hawksbill turtles, sharks, and rays.
Mishari Alghurair, a marine species conservation manager at Neom, with experience of over a decade, leads a cross-functional team focusing on protecting key species.
The team’s initiatives include satellite tracking of turtles and seabirds, development of conservation plans for marine mammals, and the creation of artificial nesting habitats.
Mishari Alghurair, a marine species conservation manager at Neom, with his team. (Supplied)
“One of our most exciting breakthroughs has been the successful implementation of artificial nesting platforms for sooty falcons and ospreys on the Neom islands.
“These structures have provided safe breeding sites, leading to increased nesting success rates and population growth where natural habitats were under pressure,” he said.
Alghurair has fond memories of family trips to the Red Sea coast which strengthened his love for the environment and taught him to appreciate the Kingdom’s rich land and seas.
“It’s about turning that personal pride into meaningful action — protecting species like the sooty falcon and sea turtles and pushing the boundaries of conservation through innovation and collaboration.
“It’s rewarding to be part of a movement that’s building a legacy of environmental excellence for future generations.”
The threads of life: Syrian artist Hayat Saker’s solo show opens in Dammam
‘The threads, though neatly stitched in parts, poke out seemingly at random, like life itself: a little messy, unexpected, yet still following a certain pattern and path,’ her daughter says
Updated 24 October 2025
Jasmine Bager
DAMMAM: There is something deeply personal and poetic about Syrian artist Hayat Saker’s work: threads stitched into fabric, narratives woven and embedded into memory on acrylic paintings. Each piece has order and balance, yet stray strands burst out like colorful plumes of calm chaos.
Her second solo show, “Untitled,” which is at the ֱn Society for Culture and Arts in Dammam, collects 41 works that were created in two countries over a period of several years.
Saker’s art is not only handmade, it’s “heart-made.”
“I feel like it is my country — I belong here,” she told Arab News. “ֱ is very similar to Syria in that I have peace of mind.
“Some of these works were made in Damascus and I shipped them over for this show. However, the majority of them were made in Saudi during my time here over the last two years.
“The technique is something that has been in our tradition for a long time — my sisters and family members use it — but I like to offer my own signature, my own slice of life, deep in nature, and emote feelings and characters that resonate with me. I consider my works to be my friends.”
Saker’s latest exhibition has been a family affair. Her husband, Nedal Al-Hmeidi, was by her side on opening night, as were their three children: twin daughters Sewar and Emar, who have also exhibited at the space, and son Rami.
The artist with her family. (AN photo)
Sharing her thoughts about her mother’s work, Sewar, who is a pianist, told Arab News: “The threads, though neatly stitched in parts, poke out seemingly at random, like life itself: a little messy, unexpected, yet still following a certain pattern and path.
“They hold their place, reflecting the beauty and complexity within us. It stirs something deep within me, and it’s very important to me. None of these works have titles; she deliberately leaves them open for each person to find their own meaning.”
Son Rami has vivid memories of the creative energy that goes into the works.
“My mother was an artist long before we came into the picture,” he told Arab News. “When she was still living at her family home in Syria, whenever she spotted an empty space on the wall, she would draw on it. She had this passion from the very beginning.
“After she got married, she began teaching art in schools, so it became part of her daily life. Later, she became an art therapist.”
Rami explained that his mother has an interesting relationship with the concept of eyes.
“Usually, eyes are seen as symbols of beauty — windows to the soul — but in her work, they represent surveillance and a cautious, watchful eye. In Syria, we grew up fearing the gaze, the eyes.”
His favorite work by his mother features a scarecrow.
“There’s a lot of symbolism and playfulness in her art,” Rami said. “The scarecrow, for example, is something that frightens birds but a mature viewer could recognize its sense of play.”
Growing up surrounded by his mother’s creativity left its mark on him.
“She tried to teach us that every child is capable of creating art, but one becomes an artist only after working on their craft,” he said.
“I leaned more toward music, like one of my sisters; I played the violin and the viola, elegant and professional instruments. I also explored sound and movement as part of my art, along with tennis and filmmaking.”
Emar highlighted two works, featuring roosters, among the 41 on display that are her favorites. “These roosters stand out,” she said.
The run-up to the exhibition was not easy for Saker. Just five months ago, she was in a horrific car accident that left both of her hands broken.
“Everything she was finishing came to a sudden, brutal halt,” Emar said.
The exhibition had been scheduled to open just days later but had to be delayed as Saker slowly recovered and found her way back to the canvas and threads.
“After the car accident, I was forced to postpone the show to give me time to heal,” she said.
Her resilience and personality shines through in every stitch.
Emar said: “Through these works, you see the true nature and life of the artist, Hayat. Most of the works were created before the accident.”
Each mixed-media piece, made with acrylic paint and thread, also reflects her signature spontaneity.
“She doesn’t sketch,” Emar explained. “She does it directly into the piece and lets the thread decide how it wants to move within the space. Only three women in the world are currently using this technique as their art form; it’s also very contemporary.”
“Untitled” is more than simply an exhibition, according to Emar, it is also an educational experience.
“It’s very important, especially for the children, so they can train their eyes from youth,” she said.
Saker created some of the works on display in just two or three days. Others took as long as three months.
“It looks like a regular, pretty painting but once you move your face closer, you can see the true details,” Emar said. “We are not used to seeing this in Saudi, especially. I am so glad that we have this space in Dammam that supports different ways of creating art.”
She emphasized the value of that support and thanked Yousef Al-Harbi, the director of the ֱn Society for Culture and Arts in Dammam, for providing a space that “allows students and visitors to witness mom’s work, to study it, to let themselves be moved by it, and to carry that vision forward in ways they might never forget.”
Saker’s husband, Nedal, mingled with the guests who stopped by to gaze and reflect on his wife’s works, pausing by one of his favorite pieces, which was also the one used for the event poster.
“These palm trees with their circular blue shapes, it’s familiar but my wife did it with her own twist,” he said with a smile.
“Untitled” is at the Arabian Society for Culture and Arts in Dammam until Oct. 29.
Mauritanian president arrives in Jeddah to perform Umrah
Updated 24 October 2025
SPA
JEDDAH: President of Mauritania Mohamed Ould Cheikh El-Ghazouani and his accompanying delegation arrived in Jeddah on Friday to perform Umrah.
The president was received at King Abdulaziz International Airport by Makkah Region Deputy Gov. Prince Saud bin Mishaal and a number of senior officials.
Earlier this month, Saleh Al-Suhaibani, permanent representative of ֱ to the OIC, met with Ambassador of Mauritania to ֱ Moktar Ould Dahi.
The officials discussed ways to enhance cooperation and assist the OIC in its mission to assist Muslims worldwide, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Discussions focused on avenues for the two missions to ensure prosperity, stability and peace throughout the Islamic world.
Additionally, the officials addressed the organization’s ongoing efforts in various fields.
Saudi Film Confex attracts major Saudi companies and global stars
Hollywood star Johnny Depp took center stage to deliver a masterclass titled “The Genius of Embodying Different Roles”
Updated 24 October 2025
Rahaf Jambi
RIYADH: The Saudi Film Confex, which took place in Riyadh from Oct. 22 to 25, attracted major Saudi companies and global stars, highlighting the Kingdom’s rising influence in the filmmaking industry, as well as its growing creative economy.
Hollywood star Johnny Depp took center stage to deliver a masterclass titled “The Genius of Embodying Different Roles.” Hosted by Saudi actress and filmmaker Fatima Al-Banawi, the session provided attendees with a rare look into Depp’s artistic process, his approach to character building, and the lessons he has learned over his four-decade career.
Now in its third year, the Saudi Film Confex has become a key platform for the Kingdom’s creative industries, uniting local talent, international studios, and investors under one roof. This year’s event featured an expansive exhibition, workshops, panel discussions, and networking opportunities.
Film AlUla’s acting executive director Zaid Shaker described the Kingdom’s filmmaking progress as “nothing short of transformative.”
He said: “Saudi filmmaking is not just advancing but experiencing transformative acceleration. In a few short years, the industry has gone from nascent to dynamic. Storytelling has always been part of Saudi culture — from poetry to oral histories — and film has become the newest chapter of that tradition, especially among the younger generation.”
Film AlUla has emerged as one of the driving forces behind this transformation, providing infrastructure, incentives, and natural backdrops that attract both local and international productions. The destination has hosted several global projects, including “Kandahar” starring Gerard Butler, and is one of the most visually striking filming locations in the Middle East.
Shaker emphasized that the Saudi film industry’s growth is powered by two essential elements: organic creative momentum and strategic national investment.
“The sector has naturally leaned toward quality over quantity, which has ensured its early success,” he said. “Saudi-born auteurs like Shahad Ameen and Tawfik Alzaidi are earning global recognition — “Norah” was selected for the Un Certain Regard section at Cannes, and “Hijra” is the Kingdom’s official submission for the 2026 Academy Awards. These filmmakers are defining a new cinematic identity for ֱ.”
He also credited the government’s deliberate approach to building an integrated ecosystem that nurtures both creativity and professionalism.
“In AlUla alone, we have established world-class infrastructure through partnerships with industry leaders such as MBStudios,” he said. “We offer a competitive 40-percent cash rebate and provide upskilling programs with international partners to cultivate Saudi talent.”
Film AlUla’s collaborations extend across the Kingdom’s creative ecosystem. Shaker highlighted its ongoing partnership with the Red Sea Fund, which supported the co-production of “Hijra,” filmed entirely in AlUla.
“These collaborations are setting the foundations for a new generation of filmmakers who are rooted in the region and inspired by it,” he said. “We are building not only an industry, but also a cultural legacy that reflects ֱ’s landscapes, people, and stories.”
Beyond production, Film AlUla’s vision also encompasses tourism, education, and heritage preservation, positioning AlUla as both a cultural destination and a creative laboratory for the Kingdom’s future storytellers.
“We are seeing a vibrant creative community forming around this ecosystem,” Shaker said. “Film Confex gives us a chance to connect with emerging filmmakers, offer training through workshops, and inspire new storylines. When young Saudis see AlUla’s landscapes on screen, it ignites ideas — they want to tell stories that belong to this land.”
Arabia Pictures, a creative boutique dedicated to transforming ideas into intellectual properties, was participating for the third year in succession. Abdulaziz Nayta, project management and business development lead, described the company as “a one-stop shop for bringing creative visions to life.”
Nayta said: “We offer a unique blend of services — from ideation and concept development to project management and commercial guidance. Our core focus is on content creation, IP ownership, and monetization.”
Arabia Pictures provides both financial backing and industry expertise. The company’s portfolio spans films, series, gaming, and events — adapting Arabic stories for global audiences while also working on international brand collaborations.
“Events like Saudi Film Confex empower the industry’s infrastructure and open new business lines in production and distribution,” Nayta added. “It’s an excellent initiative by the Saudi Film Commission, and we’re confident it will continue to yield great results for the future.”
Making its debut appearance at the event, the Saudi Entertainment Academy — the first accredited entertainment academy in the Middle East — attracted significant interest from visitors and industry professionals alike.
Founded in 2019, SEA provides training programs that lead directly to employment in the entertainment and event management sectors. CEO Eihab AbouRukbah said the event offered valuable opportunities for engagement and collaboration.
“This was our first time participating, and it was amazing,” he said. “So many people came to ask about our programs — how we discover talents, what we teach, and how we can partner with companies to build the sector together.”
He said the academy continues to expand its curriculum to match the rapid growth of ֱ’s entertainment landscape.
“We are still growing, and so is the market,” he said. “There’s a lot of potential for cooperation, innovation, and development within the community.”
The Saudi Film Confex has become a dynamic engine for industry growth — connecting filmmakers, producers, and investors while highlighting ֱ’s potential as a regional hub for cinema. The event’s success reflects the nation’s broader cultural transformation under Vision 2030, in which film and entertainment are central to diversifying the economy and telling authentic Saudi stories to the world.
By fostering collaboration, nurturing local talent, and attracting global expertise, the Saudi Film Confex continues to solidify its place as the Kingdom’s premier film industry event — one that mirrors the ambition and creative energy driving ֱ’s new cultural era.
Zenos Health Summit debuts in Kingdom, helps spotlight Saudi initiatives
Summit focuses on how medtech, biotech are creating opportunities
Updated 24 October 2025
Jasmine Bager
DIRIYAH: The Zenos Health Summit began in historic Diriyah this week, the first event of its kind in the Kingdom.
The event, which ends on Oct. 25, has welcomed more than 50 experts in biohacking, integrative medicine and performance wellness at Bab Samhan Hotel to help explore the cutting edge of human longevity and peak performance.
In alignment with the Health Sector Transformation Program and in partnership with the Quality of Life Program, Shift Clinics, and Karama, the summit has explored how medtech and biotech are creating new opportunities.
One of the summit’s keynote speakers was Gary Brecka, founder of “The Ultimate Human” podcast, who spoke to Arab News.
He said: “This is my first immersive experience in ֱ and it’s been an absolutely unforgettable experience. I feel like there’s a true interest in having their people heal, and not just heal, but thrive.”
He added that the Kingdom has embraced the concept of longevity and bio-optimization, creating a unique environment in which wellness is prioritized over merely managing disease.
Zenos Health, founded in 2024 by brothers Mazen and Marwan Karnaby, grew out of a deeply personal journey.
Mazen’s melanoma diagnosis in 2023 became the spark that ignited their mission: To challenge conventional ideas about aging, experiment with science-backed approaches, and empower individuals to take control of their health.
Both brothers attended the summit and explained that the name Zenos came from the word “zen,” reflecting focus on balance, wellness and mindful living.
Zenos Health Summit also featured booths, with local and international vendors offering insights, products, and samples.
Jeddah-based Saudi entrepreneur Marriam Mossalli, the co-founder of Powder Beauty, said she was keen to bring a Saudi perspective to the summit.
She told Arab News: “I’m the co-founder of Powder Beauty, Saudi’s first dedicated clean beauty and wellness platform, and I’m super excited to be here in Diriyah for the Zenos Health Summit.
“I think what is really exciting about this sector is the fact that we have so much knowledge here that is based on our tradition and our heritage.
“I think we naturally go into wellness — whether it’s grounding ourselves when we pray or by meditating. I think there are a lot of synergies there we could share with the outside world so it’s not just about us importing their knowledge but exporting ours.”
The summit featured a distinguished lineup of international experts in wellness, longevity, and integrative medicine.
Among the speakers was Dr. Mark Hyman, founder of the Cleveland Clinic Center for Functional Medicine, and author of 15 bestsellers. Harvard-trained Saudi physician Dr. Walid Fitaihi, founder of the International Medical Center in Jeddah, was also present.
Other participants included Dr. Vonda Wright, orthopedic surgeon and longevity researcher; Dr. Amy Shah, double board-certified physician and nutrition specialist; and Ben Azadi, wellness coach and advocate for metabolic health.
Nutrition and women’s wellness experts Cynthia Thurlow and Courtney Swan highlighted the role of food and lifestyle in long-term vitality at the event.
The panelists reflected a growing global movement toward holistic, personalized, and preventive health.
