MEWA and NCVC launch National Afforestation Season in Riyadh
MEWA and NCVC launch National Afforestation Season in Riyadh/node/2577681/saudi-arabia
MEWA and NCVC launch National Afforestation Season in Riyadh
The initiative marks a new phase in ongoing environmental protection efforts, which have already led to the planting of over 95 million trees across the country through collaborations between public and private sectors. (SPA)
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Updated 01 November 2024
Haifa Alshammari
MEWA and NCVC launch National Afforestation Season in Riyadh
Updated 01 November 2024
Haifa Alshammari
RIYADH: The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, along with the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification, launched the National Afforestation Season for this year on Thursday in Riyadh under the title: “We Plant for Our Future.”
Khalid Al-Abdulqader, CEO of the NCVC, expressed his commitment to raising awareness about the significance of afforestation. He emphasized the need to support efforts to enhance vegetation cover and mitigate land degradation.
Through this season, the CEO aims to promote environmental sustainability and encourage the cultivation of local plants to improve the biodiversity and sustainable ecosystems in the Kingdom.
is taking further steps toward achieving the ultimate goal of the Saudi Green Initiative, SGI, which is to plant 10 billion trees and rehabilitate 40 million hectares.
However, it requires strengthening partnerships with multiple sectors including the public and private sectors, and promoting volunteering among the society to achieve sustainable development goals.
The planting season also seeks to increase “tree planting” culture in , improve vegetation cover, and reduce land degradation by growing more local plants.
This initiative marks a new phase in environmental protection efforts, which have already led to the planting of more than 95 million trees across the country through collaborations between public and private sectors.
Previous partnerships have successfully rehabilitated 118,000 hectares of land and protected more than 4.3 million hectares, while this year, the target is to contribute to the SGI’s goal of planting 10 billion trees.
The Kingdom has been encouraging afforestation recently to tackle several environmental issues such as the rapidly changing climate, through lowering regional temperatures and controlling the severity of drought.
called on the world’s policymakers last month to urgently address land destruction and drought, especially since the country will be hosting the 16th UN Convention to Combat Desertification COP16 in Riyadh in December.
Ithra has unveiled the Khoos Initiative, which is designed to preserve the traditional craft of palm weaving. (Supplied)
Updated 5 sec ago
Waad Hussain
Khoos Initiative reimagines Saudi palm weaving for the future
Cultural program designed to preserve traditional craft
Updated 5 sec ago
Waad Hussain
ALKHOBAR: The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture has launched an ambitious cultural program to transform a centuries-old Saudi craft into a driver for art, design, and innovation.
Ithra has unveiled the Khoos Initiative, which is designed to preserve the traditional craft of palm weaving.
Anchored in Al-Ahsa, home to the world’s largest date palm oasis and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the initiative blends heritage with innovation, positioning Saudi palm weaving as a platform for global creativity.
Palm weaving, or khoos, has long been associated with daily life in , and produces baskets, mats, and functional household objects. Ithra’s initiative reframes the tradition for the 21st century.
Ala’a Al-Qahtani, creative programs specialist at Ithra, said: “The Khoos Initiative was launched to reimagine palm weaving through the lens of contemporary craft, moving it beyond functional objects into new expressions in art, design, fashion, and architecture.
“The goal is not only to preserve heritage but to evolve it into a space where tradition meets innovation.”
Artisans collaborate through the program with designers, architects, and creatives from around the world. Their work explores new forms, pushing palm weaving into contemporary art, fashion, and architecture while retaining its cultural roots.
Al-Ahsa’s significance is central. In addition to being the Kingdom’s palm heartland, it is also a cultural anchor for identity and craftsmanship.
Al-Qahtani told Arab News: “Al-Ahsa is the heart of palm weaving in the Kingdom. By anchoring the initiative here, we support local craftspeople while also positioning Al-Ahsa as a hub of cultural dialogue.”
The initiative highlights palm weaving not only as a Saudi tradition but as part of a global heritage shared across regions with palm ecosystems. This cross-cultural resonance, Al-Qahtani noted, makes the craft “a cultural bridge, strengthening both local identity and global understanding.”
While innovation is key, protecting authenticity was a challenge at the start.
“The main challenge was maintaining the authenticity of palm weaving while bridging it to contemporary practices,” Al-Qahtani said. “We addressed this by engaging traditional artisans alongside contemporary designers, in signature commissions, and through our residency program encouraging dialogue between the two. This ensured that while the roots of the craft remain intact, it can evolve and adapt to new contexts, making it relevant in today’s cultural and creative landscape.”
This approach has produced dynamic exchanges: Artisans safeguard knowledge passed down for generations, while young designers and international creatives introduce fresh perspectives.
The Khoos Initiative also speaks directly to ’s Vision 2030’s goals of expanding the creative economy and strengthening cultural diplomacy.
“The Khoos Initiative is a direct reflection of Vision 2030’s cultural objectives. It protects a unique aspect of Saudi heritage while also transforming it into a driver for creativity, education, and new economic opportunities,” said Al-Qahtani.
“By linking palm weaving to contemporary art, design, and global collaborations, the initiative not only preserves tradition but also contributes to ’s cultural diplomacy and creative economy.”
Palm weaving has traditionally been carried forward by women in local communities, and their expertise remains crucial. But the future lies in dialogue between generations.
Al-Qahtani said: “Women and young creatives are at the core of the Khoos Initiative. Women have traditionally carried the knowledge of palm weaving, and their expertise is essential for keeping the craft authentic. At the same time, young people bring new perspectives and creative energy that help reimagine the craft for contemporary contexts such as fashion, architecture, and design.”
This exchange ensures that palm weaving continues as a vibrant cultural practice, rooted in heritage but alive in new creative spaces.
Running until March 2026, the initiative includes “The Palm Tree Exhibition” at Ithra. The program also extends beyond Saudi borders as Ithra is presenting at UNESCO’s MONDIACULT 2025 in Barcelona and at the ICOM General Conference in Dubai.
With artisans and designers helping to showcase the craft internationally, Ithra positions Saudi palm weaving as both cultural memory and global innovation.
For Al-Qahtani, that is the real success: a craft that once lived quietly in oases now commands a place in the world’s creative conversation.
Jeddah Beauty Week kicked off on Wednesday at Abadi Al-Johar Arena, a six-day event held as part of Jeddah Season 2025.
Updated 02 October 2025
Afshan Aziz
’s talent in cosmetics industry shines at Jeddah Beauty Week
Visitors can enjoy interactive experiences across the exhibition floor, including dedicated spaces for makeup, nails, and live entertainment
For many participants, Jeddah Beauty Week is more than an exhibition, it is an opportunity to share their vision and connect directly with consumers
Updated 02 October 2025
Afshan Aziz
JEDDAH: Jeddah Beauty Week kicked off on Wednesday at Abadi Al-Johar Arena, a six-day event held as part of Jeddah Season 2025.
Bringing together international and local brands, the exhibition offers a comprehensive look at the art and science of beauty, from skincare and makeup to niche perfumes and wellness.
Visitors can enjoy interactive experiences across the exhibition floor, including dedicated spaces for makeup, nails, and live entertainment.
Alongside product displays, it features workshops, panel discussions, and creative spaces designed to engage industry professionals and beauty enthusiasts.
For many participants, Jeddah Beauty Week is more than an exhibition, it is an opportunity to share their vision and connect directly with consumers.
Heba Abdullah Al-Madani, founder and owner of Snow White Natural Products, said of her journey: “I have always been committed to creating products that provide sustainable value and leave a real impact. Before launching my brand, I studied the market carefully to understand what women truly need. I researched deeply, and dedicated myself to developing natural, high-quality ingredients inspired by nature.
“Snow White has been in the market for over 10 years, and our name continues to stand out among natural product brands. Being part of Jeddah Beauty Week allows me to continue that mission by meeting women directly, understanding their needs, and showing how nature-driven solutions can support them,” she added.
Industry leaders highlighted the significance of participating in the beauty exhibition.
Firas Khali, country manager at Nazih, a Saudi company for cosmetics, emphasized their role in providing comprehensive beauty solutions: “We, as Nazih, are the leaders for the beauty industry. We deliver the beauty tools, the beauty products, to the end users.
“We are participating with this Beauty Week as Nazih Online, featuring Milkshake, the Italian brand, and Revlon Professional. Milkshake is one of the best brands for hair care, it’s 100 percent organic, vegan. We felt it was important to be at Jeddah Beauty Week because it brings all beauty needs together under one roof, and it’s the perfect platform to showcase what we offer to both professionals and consumers.”
The beauty week underscores the rapid growth of the beauty market in . According to industry data, the cosmetics market in reached $5.21 billion in 2023, and is expected to grow to $5.64 billion by 2028, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.6 percent.
Emerging Saudi brands are using the platform to raise awareness and connect with new audiences.
Rana Banafa, founder of Mraya Co. in Riyadh, described her brand as “skin conscious.”
She said: “We made a makeup product that’s mixed with the skin routine. Our products mainly have really good ingredients like hyaluronic acid and jojoba oil. It’s more about hydrating your skin at the same time you are making your skin feel healthy and glowy. Because I’m a pharmacist, I really tailored the ingredients in each product.”
Saudi perfumer Sara Dahlawi, founder of Maison Dahlawi, shared her perspective after launching her perfumes in Paris and Milan.
Saudi perfumer Sara Dahlawi, founder of Maison Dahlawi. (AN photo)
“I created my own brand, Maison Dahlawi, about creating emotions in bottles. I have five perfumes, each speaks about special emotions I went through. I also have AlUla perfume inspired by the city.
“Perfume is very connecting, and it helps to express my feelings and through this platform, I’m able to share these personal creations with local and regional audiences. The most unique aspect is putting part of me in the perfumes and touching people’s feelings.”
Renad Kamal, founder of Alkamal Rose, emphasized the cultural and emotional role of fragrance: “Rose and fragrance are the essence of happiness and beauty, as they enhance inner well-being, which naturally reflects outward. The use of perfumes and Taif roses helps balance the mood and boost the body’s energy. By taking part, we want to raise awareness about the significance of the Taif rose through our products, from carefully prepared rose oil to organic soaps with long-lasting effects.”
Ten-year-old entrepreneur Maryam Mohammed, owner of Charm Me Jewelry, also displayed her creations. “I have always been interested in doing business, and this event gave me the opportunity to showcase my jewelry, as beauty is not only about makeup, but also jewelry, (that) makes you look beautiful,” she said.
The event includes spaces for children. Asmaa Hamadah, who runs Kids Spa at Jeddah Beauty Week, said: “We have space for children to enjoy manicures, pedicures, spa massage, art activities, and makeup. When parents are busy wandering around the booths, children can have their own time.”
King Faisal Hospital in Madinah performs pioneering stem cell transplant
Treatment for people ‘close to families’ in Saudi now possible
Replacing diseased bone marrow highly complex, saves lives
Updated 02 October 2025
Arab News
RIYADH: King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre in Madinah has performed the first allogeneic stem cell transplant for a patient diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia.
“This advanced medical step enables patients with complex blood disorders in Madinah and the surrounding areas to receive highly specialized treatment close to their families,” KFSHRC stated in a press release on Thursday.
“The achievement was made possible through the collaboration of multidisciplinary teams across the hospital, who convened from the earliest stages to establish a comprehensive plan.”
The hospital added that the procedure was a result of the collaboration “between clinical, nursing, and laboratory departments to meet the complexity of this procedure.”
These efforts ensured the patient’s stability and safe discharge following the transplant.
The release highlighted that stem cell transplantation is considered one of the most complex and sophisticated medical treatments worldwide.
“It involves replacing a patient’s diseased bone marrow with healthy cells from a matched donor and is used to save the lives of patients with conditions such as leukemia, bone marrow failure, and immune disorders.”
Madinah’s KFSHRC currently operates with 400 beds and delivers specialized services across various fields, including adult and pediatric oncology, ophthalmology, and obstetrics and gynecology.
The hospital has also earned 14 training accreditations across multiple medical and nursing specialties.
KFSHRC has been ranked first in the Middle East and Africa and 15th globally among the world’s top 250 academic medical centers for 2025.
RIYADH: The Kingdom’s Ministry of Health has won a 2025 UN Inter-Agency Task Force Award for its comprehensive and innovative policies to address obesity and noncommunicable diseases, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
The award was given to the MOH by the World Health Organization and the UN Inter-Agency Task Force on the Prevention and Control of Noncommunicable Diseases.
The ceremony took place at the 10th annual Friends of the Task Force Meeting in New York City, held during the recent 80th session of the UN General Assembly.
Mentioned in the award were the MOH’s Sehhaty app, and the Seha Virtual Hospital that is the world’s largest such service.
Also cited were community initiatives including the Healthy Cities Program and Walk 30, which engaged more than 1 million citizens, as well as nutrition policies imposing a sugar-sweetened beverage tax and eliminating industrial trans fats.
The WHO also recognized the MOH for setting up a ministerial committee for Health in All Policies to integrate wellness considerations.
“The recognition underscores rapid progress in the health sector and strengthens ’s role in efforts to prevent NCDs and advance health-related Sustainable Development Goals,” the SPA reported on Wednesday.
’s Seha Virtual Hospital has been recognized by the Guinness World Records as the planet’s largest online medical initiative, leading the way in transforming healthcare accessibility and efficiency through digital innovation.
The facility, linked to over 200 hospitals across the Kingdom, is reshaping patient care by eliminating geographical limitations and integrating advanced artificial intelligence solutions.
Sixteen cities in the Kingdom have been designated as Healthy Cities under WHO criteria. Jeddah and Madinah stand out as the first cities in the Middle East with populations of 2 million or more to receive the WHO accreditation.
The achievement is attributed to continuous improvements in safety, healthcare, infrastructure development and the provision of modern public facilities.
Jeddah’s designation by the WHO as a healthy city is a culmination of the Red Sea coast city’s effort to improves health services and promote a healthy, active lifestyle. (SPA)
Saudi and Syrian foreign ministers hold talks during Munich Leaders Meeting in AlUla
Prince Faisal bin Farhan and Assad Al-Shaibani explore ways to bolster Syria’s security and economy to help fulfill aspirations of its people
Topics of broader panel discussions on day 2 of event include Syria’s transition after fall of Assad, and US President Donald Trump’s Gaza peace plan
Updated 02 October 2025
Arab News
LONDON: The Saudi foreign minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, and his Syrian counterpart, Assad Al-Shaibani, discussed ways in which relations between their countries might be enhanced during talks on Wednesday on the sidelines of the Munich Leaders Meeting in AlUla.
They reviewed relations between Riyadh and Damascus, and discussed ways to bolster Syria’s security and economy to help fulfill the aspirations of its people, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
About 70 high-level participants from around the world have gathered in AlUla this week as hosts a Munich Leaders Meeting for the first time. It is organized by the Munich Security Conference, which was founded in 1963 and meets in February each year in Germany, bringing together senior government officials, security officials and policy experts to discuss international security and foreign policy issues.
Also at the Munich Leaders Meeting on Wednesday, Al-Shaibani took part in a panel discussion on the transition in Syria after the fall of President Bashar Assad, during which participants warned of the risks of foreign meddling and the resurgence of Daesh.
After 14 years of civil war, the Assad regime collapsed in December in the face of an offensive by the group Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham, ending a family dynasty that had ruled the Arab country for five decades. The subsequent appointment of a transitional government in the country was welcomed by other states in the region, in the hope it will bring stability and security to all Syrians.
Meanwhile, the Saudi minister of state for foreign affairs, Adel Al-Jubeir, joined a panel of fellow ministers from the region to discuss US President Donald Trump’s Gaza peace plan, unveiled in Washington on Monday after his meeting at the White House with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. States in the region have backed Trump’s proposal for peace in Gaza after nearly two years of bombardment by Israeli forces.
The Munich Leaders Meeting in AlUla, which began on Tuesday and concludes on Thursday, is focusing on the security situation in the Middle East and its geopolitical implications.
The Munich Security Conference said “sits at the crossroads of many regional and international dynamics,” and so the gathering in AlUla is “timely,” given recent conflicts in the region and the Kingdom’s growing role as peacemaker.
“In recent months and years, () has repeatedly been the scene of different diplomatic mediation efforts or initiatives,” it added.
The Saudi Foreign Ministry said: “The Kingdom’s hosting of the conference underscores its commitment to the principle of international dialogue and to strengthening cooperation on regional and international issues.”
