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First Saudi female fencer appointed student sports ambassador

First Saudi female fencer appointed student sports ambassador
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Ruba Mohammed Al-Masri has been appointed as the first female fencer to represent 黑料社区 as a student ambassador for the International University Sport Federation (FISU). (Supplied)
First Saudi female fencer appointed student sports ambassador
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Ruba Mohammed Al-Masri has been appointed as the first female fencer to represent 黑料社区 as a student ambassador for the International University Sport Federation (FISU). (Supplied)
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Updated 20 September 2024

First Saudi female fencer appointed student sports ambassador

First Saudi female fencer appointed student sports ambassador

JEDDAH: The first female fencer has been appointed as 黑料社区鈥檚 student sports ambassador to the International University Sport Federation.

The appointment of Ruba Mohammed Al-Masri to the role highlights the Kingdom鈥檚 empowerment of female athletes in recent years.

The FISU Student Ambassador program aims to promote the development of university sports and support sporting volunteer programs in ambassadors鈥 home countries.

Al-Masri told Arab News: 鈥淚 consider this historic achievement for Saudi sports as a true turning point. It fills me with pride and honor. This success is not just an individual accomplishment; it reflects the tremendous efforts being made by the Kingdom to support women鈥檚 sports and empower youth. Seeing a Saudi girl shine on the international stage represents a dream come true, and it opens new doors for young talents.鈥

Princess Reema bint Bandar, 黑料社区鈥檚 ambassador to the US, highlighted Al-Masri鈥檚 achievement as an example of the Kingdom鈥檚 dedication to advancing women in sports.

She posted on X: 鈥淲omen鈥檚 fencing in 黑料社区 has made great strides from 2016 when Lubna Al-Omair competed in the Olympic Games in Rio to today with athletes like Ruba.鈥

The acknowledgement from Princess Reema was an emotional milestone for Al-Masri. She said: 鈥淚t felt like a validation of all the hard work, dedication and sacrifices I had made throughout my journey as a female athlete.

鈥淗er support and recognition not only inspired me but also underscored the importance of empowering women in sports. Knowing that such a prominent figure believes in my potential is a tremendous honor and a powerful encouragement to keep pushing forward.鈥

Al-Masri鈥檚 fencing journey began in April 2018 and was deeply influenced by her father, a former champion in the Arab region.

鈥淕rowing up, I was always surrounded by his memorabilia 鈥 photos and medals that showcased his accomplishments throughout his athletic career,鈥 she said. 鈥淢oreover, with the recent initiatives led by our Crown Prince to empower women in sports, I felt encouraged to follow in his footsteps.鈥

Support from her family, particularly her parents, was instrumental in shaping her passion and ambition. But there were challenges along the path 鈥 Al-Masri faced several obstacles, including finding suitable training facilities and balancing her academic and professional commitments.

鈥淔inding suitable training facilities and the ability to register female athletes in clubs were significant hurdles,鈥 she said. 鈥淒espite these challenges, I am proud to say that I have persevered and built a name for myself in various fields. I hold a double major in law and aesthetic specialization, and I have simultaneously worked for three different marketing companies while excelling in my sport.鈥

As a student-athlete ambassador, Al-Masri intends to make a real impact on future generations.

鈥淚 aim to inspire young women to pursue their passions in sports while balancing their educational and personal lives,鈥 she said.

鈥淗aving successfully navigated my own journey 鈥 I believe my experiences can serve as a powerful testament to what is achievable.鈥

A defining moment in Al-Masri鈥檚 career came with the challenge of establishing her name on the international stage, overcoming issues such as unfair judging.

鈥淒espite these challenges, my determination only grew stronger,鈥 she said. 鈥淲ith the guidance and expertise of my father, I developed a unique training plan which enabled me to achieve significant milestones, including winning the first Saudi bronze medal in the Under-23 European Championships in 2023. This was a groundbreaking accomplishment for Saudi fencers in Europe.鈥

Looking ahead to the 2024/25 season, Al-Masri is eager to engage with the FISU Student Ambassadors Program.

鈥淚 look forward to collaborating on group proposals, participating in educational webinars, celebrating the International Day of University Sport, and presenting our action plans,鈥 she said. 鈥淭his structured approach will empower me to support female athletes and contribute effectively to the broader student-athlete community.鈥

The support from her community and mentors has been pivotal.

鈥淭he Saudi University Sports Federation, particularly Dr. Professor Khalid Al-Muzaini and Salma Ibrahim, has played a crucial role in my development,鈥 she said. 鈥淚 am also grateful to my coach, Fawad Al-Nasiri, for selecting me as the first Saudi female athlete to represent our country at the 2023 Summer Universiade in China. Their influence has been profound, motivating me to strive for greater heights.鈥

And to young girls in 黑料社区 interested in sports, Al-Masri advised: 鈥淓mbrace every opportunity that comes your way, and don鈥檛 shy away from challenges. Surround yourselves with supportive mentors and friends who believe in you and encourage your growth. Your dreams and aspirations are valid, and you have the potential to achieve greatness in the world of sports.鈥


King Salman appoints Majid Al-Fayyad as advisor to the Saudi Royal Court

King Salman appoints Majid Al-Fayyad as advisor to the Saudi Royal Court
Updated 10 July 2025

King Salman appoints Majid Al-Fayyad as advisor to the Saudi Royal Court

King Salman appoints Majid Al-Fayyad as advisor to the Saudi Royal Court
  • Al-Fayyad has been executive general supervisor at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre since 2017
  • He graduated in 1990 from King Saud University鈥檚 medical school and has amassed decades of clinical, academic and administrative experience

JEDDAH: In a royal order issued on Wednesday, King Salman appointed Majid Al-Fayyad as an advisor to the Saudi Royal Court.

Al-Fayyad is the executive general supervisor at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre, which has facilities in Riyadh, Madinah and Jeddah. He graduated in 1990 from the medical school at King Saud University in Riyadh, and has amassed decades of clinical, academic and administrative experience.

In the US, he undertook specialized training in pediatrics at Tufts University, and in pediatric cardiology at Columbia University. He holds several certifications and degrees, including a master鈥檚 in medical administration awarded by the University of Southern California in 2015.

He was appointed in 2017 to his current position at King Faisal Specialist Hospital, where he has helped spearhead key reforms to the Saudi healthcare sector. He has also played important roles in national healthcare committees and initiatives, earning recognition for his contributions to research and administration.


Saudi deputy FM receives UK ambassador in Riyadh

Saudi deputy FM receives UK ambassador in Riyadh
Updated 09 July 2025

Saudi deputy FM receives UK ambassador in Riyadh

Saudi deputy FM receives UK ambassador in Riyadh

Saudi Deputy Minister for International Multilateral Affairs Abdulrahman Al-Rassi was visited by UK Ambassador to the Kingdom Neil Crompton in Riyadh on Wednesday.

The ambassador visited to bid farewell on the occasion of the end of his tenure in the Kingdom, the Foreign Ministry wrote in a post on X.

Al-Rassi praised the ambassador鈥檚 efforts in strengthening and advancing relations between the two countries.


Riyadh museum to host interactive camp for kids

Riyadh museum to host interactive camp for kids
Updated 09 July 2025

Riyadh museum to host interactive camp for kids

Riyadh museum to host interactive camp for kids

JEDDAH: The National Museum in Riyadh will launch its third interactive summer camp, themed 鈥淢ade in the Museum,鈥 for children aged 10 to 12, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The initiative is part of the 鈥淵ear of Handicrafts,鈥 celebrating 黑料社区鈥檚 cultural heritage and its role in shaping national identity and intergenerational bonds.

The camp has two sessions: July 21-31 and Aug. 4-14, running daily from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., both inside the museum and outdoors.

Designed as an educational and immersive experience, the camp invites participants to explore and revive traditional Saudi crafts, the SPA added.

Children will engage in hands-on activities in four core tracks: clay crafts, textiles, woodworking, and supportive crafts, blending play, learning, and exploration.

This year鈥檚 camp strengthens the museum鈥檚 role as a community hub, providing children with opportunities to develop critical thinking and design skills while inspiring their imagination and showing the cultural and economic importance of handicrafts.

The camp encourages children to make and show their projects at the end of each session, helping them feel confident and encouraging new ideas and creativity.


Riyadh hospital succeeds in rare disease treatment

Riyadh hospital succeeds in rare disease treatment
Updated 09 July 2025

Riyadh hospital succeeds in rare disease treatment

Riyadh hospital succeeds in rare disease treatment
  • The hospital has provided 22 years of care for a patient with a rare genetic blood clotting disorder, culminating in a successful liver transplant 鈥 the first worldwide for this condition

RIYADH: King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center in Riyadh has provided 22 years of care for a patient with a rare genetic blood clotting disorder, culminating in a successful liver transplant 鈥 the first worldwide for this condition.

Diagnosed in infancy with congenital plasminogen deficiency, the patient required ongoing treatment to manage fibrous deposits affecting her tissues and organs, according to a press release.

Over the two decades, a multidisciplinary team including hematology, transplant specialists, nursing, nutrition and IT supported her care, the report said.

The patient鈥檚 father said: 鈥淪he suffered from birth and couldn鈥檛 nurse. We had no clear answers until we found hope through the care provided by the Saudi government. After 22 years of struggle, we witness our daughter鈥檚 recovery.鈥

The treatment involved regular plasminogen infusions and eyedrops to reduce the disease鈥檚 effect on her vision, with annual costs exceeding SR6 million ($1.6 million), fully covered by the government.

Dr. Hazzaa Al-Zahrani, director of the adult hematology and stem-cell transplant division at the center and supervising physician, said that managing the case required a precise and long-term approach to prevent complications and ensure stability.

He said that the decision to proceed with a liver transplant came after careful consideration as an extraordinary therapeutic option for this exceptionally rare case.

The procedure鈥檚 success marked a turning point in her medical journey and was a beacon of hope for patients with similar conditions worldwide, Al-Zahrani added.


Program to boost youth, SME role in Saudi economy

Program to boost youth, SME role in Saudi economy
Updated 09 July 2025

Program to boost youth, SME role in Saudi economy

Program to boost youth, SME role in Saudi economy

RIYADH: The Small and Medium Enterprises Loan Guarantee Program, known as Kafalah, in collaboration with the Riyadh Chamber, will hold interactive sessions on July 15 to mark World Youth Skills Day.

The initiative aims to raise awareness and develop entrepreneurial skills among youth, entrepreneurs and SMEs, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.

The sessions will cover key topics to boost youth contributions to national economic development, in line with the Kingdom鈥檚 Vision 2030 reform plan.

Focus areas include access to finance, building administrative and financial capabilities, enhancing SME sustainability, and turning ideas into viable projects.

These sessions highlight the collaboration between entities supporting the SME sector in the Kingdom, the SPA added.

The Kafalah program and Riyadh Chamber aim to foster youth growth and strengthen their role in the national economy.

Kafalah supports micro, small and medium enterprises by providing financial guarantees, improving their access to financing and reducing lending risks for banks.