How is weaving sustainable practices into its fashion industry

Special How  is weaving sustainable practices into its fashion industry
Left to right: A stunning design by Khoja, adorned with intricate, abstract patterns that pay homage to cultural storytelling while exuding modern elegance; a bold and artistic creation by Nasibah Hafiz, showcasing sustainable fashion through a recycled shirt made from various textiles; and Chaldene’s soft yellow two-piece set embodies effortless charm, featuring delicate details like natural buttons and airy fabrics. (Instagram: moekhoja, nasibahafiz and chaldene)
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Updated 18 January 2025

How is weaving sustainable practices into its fashion industry

How  is weaving sustainable practices into its fashion industry
  • Saudi Vision 2030 champions reducing, reusing, recycling, and upcycling clothing, with local designers leading the way
  • Initiatives like Riyadh’s GFX Fashion Swap promote exchanging quality garments to extend wardrobe life and cut waste

RIYADH: Thanks to the mass production and export of cheaply made clothing — a phenomenon of globalization known as “fast fashion” — consumers the world over have gained access to an almost limitless range of affordable outfits.

While this manufacturing and retail boom has stimulated growth, created jobs, and catered to consumer demand, it has also placed an immense strain on the workforces making these garments and on the environment.

In line with the sustainability goals of ’s Vision 2030 reform agenda and its circular economy approach, the Kingdom is encouraging consumers and manufacturers to reduce, reuse, recycle, and upcycle clothing to help ease the environmental burden.

With more than 80 billion garments produced worldwide every year, the industry has contributed to the pollution of the environment, the excessive use of resources, and a throwaway culture that has resulted in towering heaps of waste.

Globally, one garbage truck’s worth of textiles is sent to landfill or incinerated every second, depleting natural resources and increasing greenhouse gas emissions. Experts warn the industry could account for a quarter of the world’s carbon emissions by 2050.




Textile waste account for 10 percent of greenhouse gas emissions, according to UN figures. (AFP)

One of the most polluting industries globally, fast fashion is responsible for 10 percent of greenhouse gas emissions, according to UN figures — surpassing the combined emissions from international flights and maritime shipping.

Compounding the problem, a report by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation reveals that less than 1 percent of used clothing is recycled into new garments, perpetuating a destructive cycle of resource depletion and waste.




A striking design by Khoja, highlighting modern Saudi fashion with a blend of tradition and futurism. (Instagram: moekhoja)

“Sustainability in fashion isn’t just a trend; it’s a necessity,” Mohammed Khoja, founder of Saudi clothing brand Hindamme, told Arab News.

“We focus on creating high-quality, timeless pieces designed to transcend trends. This avoids overproduction and ensures that our garments can become cherished vintage finds for future generations.”

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Khoja’s emphasis on “timeless design” aligns with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals of reducing waste and promoting sustainable consumption.

To address the issue of waste, is investing in circular fashion — a model focused on reusing, recycling, and upcycling clothing to extend its life cycle.

The Fashion Commission, which is part of the Saudi Ministry of Culture, has launched initiatives like the GFX Fashion Swap in Riyadh, which encourages the exchange of high-quality garments while educating participants on the environmental benefits of prolonging wardrobe use.

“We don’t need to keep buying new items,” said Nasiba Hafiz, a Saudi fashion designer. “Why not use the things we already have and repurpose them? This way, we can reduce waste and become more conscious consumers.”




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Hafiz collaborates with Al-Oula Women’s Charitable Society to transform surplus fabrics into new garments, reducing waste while empowering women from underprivileged backgrounds in south Jeddah.

Another significant initiative is the Sustainable Materials Research Center. Established in partnership with King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, the facility develops eco-friendly textiles for traditional garments like abayas and thobes.

By blending innovation with cultural heritage, the Kingdom advances sustainable design solutions.

Fast fashion’s impact extends beyond consumer waste, with a significant yet often overlooked toll on water resources. Factories in developing countries, where most clothing is produced, consume vast amounts of water and energy.




Efforts are being made to develop sustainable textile materials in the Kingdom. (AFP)

For instance, producing a single pair of jeans requires about 3,781 liters of water, according to the UN Environment Programme — enough to meet one person’s hydration needs for more than five years.

Textile factories also release hazardous waste that pollutes rivers and groundwater, with dyeing and treatment processes contributing heavily to water contamination.

The World Bank estimates the fashion industry generates 20 percent of global wastewater, which is often laced with toxic chemicals.




Waste from textile's factories is released to Dravyavati river in Rajasthan, India. Dyeing and treatment processes in textile factories contribute heavily to water contamination. (AFP)

In , where water is scarce, designers like Chaldene are championing sustainability. The brand incorporates eco-friendly materials, such as coconut-shell buttons, to reduce reliance on resource-heavy alternatives.

“Every detail in our collection reflects our commitment to minimizing waste and honoring nature,” Asma Al-Othaimeen and Ghada Al-Majed, the co-founders of Chaldene, told Arab News in a joint statement.

Indeed, Saudi designers are leading the Kingdom’s sustainable fashion movement, pioneering innovative approaches to reduce the industry’s environmental impact.

One such designer, Ghaydaa Majdaly, uses 3D technology to transform recycled plastic bottles into fabric, ensuring a zero-waste approach.




With 3D software programs simplifying the design process and improving product quality while reducing the environmental footprint, fashion designers are changing the way they approach their products, as well as pattern making and fittings.(Supplied)

“Technology allows us to reimagine what’s possible in fashion while addressing the environmental challenges of fast fashion,” said Majdaly.

To the same end, Nasiba Hafiz, in collaboration with Al-Oula, repurposes discarded fabrics into new garments. This partnership not only reduces waste but also provides economic support to women in south Jeddah.

“By reusing and repurposing, we can extend the life of materials and create something beautiful and meaningful,” said Hafiz.

DID YOUKNOW?

Sustainable fashion reduces waste and supports Vision 2030’s circular economy goals.

Brands like Yasmina Q and Al-Oula turn discarded materials into new garments.

Hajj ihrams are recycled into reusable garments through sterilization and repair.

Meanwhile, Hindamme creator Khoja, who focuses on timeless designs over seasonal trends, believes in creating heirloom-quality pieces meant to last generations.

“Sustainability isn’t just about the environment — it’s about preserving our cultural identity while reducing waste,” he said.

However, the shift to sustainable fashion is not just up to brands and designers. Consumers also play a key role in driving demand for eco-conscious products.

Fast fashion thrives on overconsumption, with surveys showing many garments are worn only seven times before being discarded.

Reyouf Madkhali, a Saudi model and sustainable fashion advocate, emphasized the role of consumer behavior. “Sustainable fashion is reshaping the industry by encouraging innovation and responsibility,” she said.

“As a model, I prioritize working with brands that align with these values to promote conscious consumerism to my audience.”




Saudi model and sustainable fashion advocate Reyouf Madkhali. (Supplied)

She also noted the growing interest in sustainable practices among younger generations.

“People are starting to ask questions and take ownership of their choices,” she said. “Supporting local brands is a passion of mine, and I’ve been gradually replacing pieces in my wardrobe with designs from Saudi designers.”

is proving that sustainability and cultural preservation can go hand in hand. By tackling the environmental impact of fast fashion and promoting innovative solutions, the Kingdom is forging a new path.



Saudi crown prince meets Iranian foreign minister amid regional diplomacy push

Saudi crown prince meets Iranian foreign minister amid regional diplomacy push
Updated 08 July 2025

Saudi crown prince meets Iranian foreign minister amid regional diplomacy push

Saudi crown prince meets Iranian foreign minister amid regional diplomacy push
  • Leaders discuss ties and regional stability
  • Prince Mohammed urges dialogue and diplomacy as means of resolving disputes

JEDDAH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and his delegation at Al-Salam Palace in Jeddah on Tuesday, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Their meeting came as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen ties between the two countries and navigate a turbulent regional landscape.

 

 

During the meeting, Prince Mohammed and Araghchi reviewed the state of Saudi-Iranian relations and exchanged views on recent developments across the region.

The crown prince underscored the Kingdom’s hope that the current ceasefire agreement between Iran and Israel would help lay the groundwork for enhanced regional security and stability.

Reaffirming ’s longstanding support for diplomatic solutions, the crown prince stressed the importance of dialogue in resolving regional disputes and reducing tensions.

For his part, Araghchi expressed gratitude for the Kingdom’s stance in condemning Israeli aggression, and praised Prince Mohammed’s personal commitment to promoting peace and stability in the Middle East.

The meeting was attended by several senior Saudi officials, including Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, and National Security Advisor Musaed bin Mohammed Al-Aiban.

Earlier in the day, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan received his Iranian counterpart in Makkah, where the two officials also discussed bilateral relations and explored ways to foster regional cooperation.

Their talks focused on the evolving situation in the region and mutual efforts to safeguard security and stability.


Cabinet commends HRC adoption of resolution to protect children in cyberspace

’s Cabinet held a session on Tuesday. (SPA)
’s Cabinet held a session on Tuesday. (SPA)
Updated 08 July 2025

Cabinet commends HRC adoption of resolution to protect children in cyberspace

’s Cabinet held a session on Tuesday. (SPA)
  • Crown prince briefed the Cabinet on the contents of his discussions with Indonesian president and phone call he received from German Chancellor Friedrich Merz

RIYADH: The Cabinet commended on Tuesday the Human Rights Council’s unanimous adoption of a resolution submitted by the Kingdom to protect children in cyberspace.

The resolution, submitted by , aims to protect children in cyberspace and is rooted in the global initiative “Child Protection in Cyberspace” launched by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in October 2024.

The Cabinet said that maintaining its position as the top-ranked country in global cybersecurity according to this year’s edition of the International Institute for Management Development World Competitiveness Yearbook adds to a series of achievements made by this sector in record time.

Saudi Minister of State and Cabinet member Issam bin Saad bin Saeed said the Kingdom’s first-place ranking globally in the ICT Development Index 2025 issued by the International Telecommunication Union is a confirmation of the strength of the its digital infrastructure.

It was also testament to the attractiveness of its investment environment and the development of the local digital economy, which has reached SR 495 billion ($132 billion) in size, he added.

The Cabinet also discussed the Kingdom’s efforts and contributions at the international level to support multilateral action and enhance global economic growth rates, including continued cooperation with OPEC+ producers to maintain stability in oil markets.

The crown prince also briefed the Cabinet on the contents of his discussions with the President of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto and a phone call he received from German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.

 


Reimagining the road ahead in

As  rethinks how cities function, the role of local digital infrastructure is becoming more central. (Supplied/SPA)
As rethinks how cities function, the role of local digital infrastructure is becoming more central. (Supplied/SPA)
Updated 08 July 2025

Reimagining the road ahead in

As  rethinks how cities function, the role of local digital infrastructure is becoming more central. (Supplied/SPA)
  • A Saudi-developed navigation platform signals a deeper shift in how smart cities are designed

JEDDAH: As cities such as Riyadh and Jeddah grow at an unprecedented pace, they face mounting pressures that come with rapid urban expansion: increased traffic, infrastructure demands, and changing mobility patterns.

These challenges have sparked new conversations — and innovations — to support evolving everyday life.

Among the latest digital tools to emerge is Balady+, a -developed navigation app that is gaining traction with more than 1 million downloads on Google Play according to the app’s listing.

As the country continues its digital transformation, mobility solutions such as Balady+ are becoming a part of the conversation on how to make urban environments more efficient, accessible and responsive. (Supplied)

Launched in May, the app offers a locally tailored alternative to global platforms such as Google Maps and Waze to address navigation needs across Saudi cities.

Developed by Balady, a subsidiary of NHC Innovation, the app’s features include real-time traffic updates, indoor navigation in malls and multistory buildings, and alerts for roadworks and speed bumps with accurate spatial and timing information.

FASTFACT

Balady+, a Saudi-developed navigation app, is gaining traction with more than 1 million downloads on Google Play.

A notable moment for the platform came during this year’s Hajj season, when Balady+ collaborated with the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites to support pilgrims with an interactive mapping system.

Yasser Alobaidan, CEO of Balady+

Over 11,000 key landmarks — including mosque entrances and exits, surrounding streets, hospitals, Red Crescent stations, restrooms, fountains, and more than 160 critical facilities — were updated in real time to ease the flow of people through dense and high-pressure areas.

“Navigation apps aren’t just tools anymore; they’re daily essentials,” said Abdulrahman Al-Babtain, a Riyadh-based commuter who has been using Balady+ for the past two months.

“What makes this app more useful for me is how it reflects the real condition of roads, especially when it comes to closures or construction zones.”

“Navigation apps aren’t just tools anymore; they’re daily essentials,” said Abdulrahman Al-Babtain, a Riyadh-based commuter who has been using Balady+ for the past two months. (SPA)

Built with an artificial intelligence-powered search engine, the app has generated a mix of enthusiasm and thoughtful critique from users on app stores.

Many have praised its realistic 3D mapping, with comments including “extraordinary” and “custom made” to better visualize surroundings.

Some reviews highlight standout features such as the “snap and send” municipal reporting tool, with one user noting that a damaged road was fixed within 12 hours of being reported.

Adel Alzahrani, ROSHN executive director of community development charters

While one review described the app as a “decent alternative to Google Maps,” others note a learning curve for new users and hope for future updates that make the interface more user-friendly and inclusive.

According to Al-Babtain, speed-bump alerts and government data integrations are particularly helpful in avoiding unexpected delays during his daily commute.

“The GPS is smart, but what really matters is having the most current local info — and that’s where Balady+ wins,” he said.

If we design cities for cars, we get traffic. If we design cities for people, we get life.

Adel Alzahrani, ROSHN executive director of community development charters

For Adel Alzahrani, executive director of community development charters at ROSHN, the app is part of a larger conversation about urban design and mobility.

“We’re not just developing real estate — we’re influencing how people move, live, and interact. Mobility behavior starts with design. I often say the cities of the future won’t be shaped by concrete alone — they’ll be sculpted by intelligence, data, and empathy,” he said.

While international apps dominate global markets, Alzahrani — who has used them all — sees Balady+ as an attempt to address local needs through an initiative that is “culturally aware, government-backed, and citizen-focused.”

“If we design cities for cars, we get traffic. If we design cities for people, we get life,” he said.

As Saudi cities are increasingly digitized, apps such as Balady+ represent a broader shift in how people interact with their surroundings, not just as commuters but also data contributors and active participants in shaping smart urban systems.

Yasser Alobaidan, CEO of the app, told Arab News it was built on a combination of local and global technologies.

It was “created through 3D modelling programs for areas like Hajj camps, the Grand Mosque, the Prophet’s Mosque, and key landmarks across cities — and global technologies that convert residential and commercial buildings into 3D visualizations.”

“Work is currently underway to render the main roads across Saudi cities in 3D to provide drivers with a more realistic navigation experience,” he added.

Available on Android, iOS, and Huawei Store, it supports both Arabic and English, and features a voice assistant that guides users in both languages.

Alobaidan explained the technical challenges of rendering 3D environments, such the Grand Mosque and Hajj camps, on users’ mobile devices.

“Managing and optimizing the processing power and battery usage on users’ mobile devices when rendering 3D models was not easy.”

As the country continues its digital transformation, mobility solutions such as Balady+ are becoming a part of the conversation on how to make urban environments more efficient, accessible and responsive.

“ stands at a unique moment. We have the chance to leapfrog the mistakes of car-first urbanism and become a global model of people-centered innovation — where design, policy, and technology converge to create cities that breathe, move, and serve with grace,” Alzahrani explained.

“It’s not just a digital tool, it’s a statement of intent. It tells us that isn’t just building smart cities — we’re designing smarter ways to live in them.”

Looking ahead, he said: “I’d love to see Balady+ connect with multimodal platforms, so users can seamlessly move between metro, bus, walking, or even autonomous shuttles.

“I’d also advocate for opening up APIs (Application Programming Interfaces), so urban developers and municipal agencies can build on top of the platform, creating custom layers for districts or temporary events.”

As the Kingdom rethinks how cities function, the role of local digital infrastructure is becoming more central.

Balady+ may not be the only tool in that transition, but it points to a growing appetite for locally developed, tech-driven solutions to urban challenges.

“It’s not following global models. It’s redefining them through a uniquely Saudi lens. And I think that’s something worth celebrating,” Alzahrani said.

 


Jazan’s stone castles draw travelers into the past

For generations, Jazan’s castles and houses served as vibrant hubs of social and cultural activity. (SPA)
For generations, Jazan’s castles and houses served as vibrant hubs of social and cultural activity. (SPA)
Updated 08 July 2025

Jazan’s stone castles draw travelers into the past

For generations, Jazan’s castles and houses served as vibrant hubs of social and cultural activity. (SPA)
  • Residents ingeniously utilized available resources to create functional homes tailored to the needs and lifestyles of their communities

RIYADH: The stone castles and ancient homes scattered across Jazan stand as silent witnesses to a rich history and architectural legacy spanning generations.

Beyond their aesthetic appeal, the structures play a crucial role in promoting sustainable tourism and form an integral part of Jazan’s tourism and cultural heritage.

For generations, Jazan’s castles and houses served as vibrant hubs of social and cultural activity. (SPA)

The designs of these castles and stone houses vary widely and visitors are invited to gain insight into the traditional building methods and local materials used.

Residents ingeniously utilized available resources to create functional homes tailored to the needs and lifestyles of their communities.

For generations, Jazan’s castles and houses served as vibrant hubs of social and cultural activity. (SPA)

Far from being mere dwellings, these castles and houses served as vibrant hubs of social and cultural activity. They hosted countless family gatherings, celebrations and social events, highlighting the strong cohesion of the local community.

They remain emblematic of regional identity. Today, the castles and stone houses of Jazan draw history buffs and eco-tourists alike, offering a glimpse of the Kingdom’s cultural tapestry and efforts to preserve Jazan’s legacy.

 


HRC adopts Saudi-submitted resolution to protect children in cyberspace

A general view of a session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva. (File/AFP)
A general view of a session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva. (File/AFP)
Updated 08 July 2025

HRC adopts Saudi-submitted resolution to protect children in cyberspace

A general view of a session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva. (File/AFP)
  • Resolution mirrors the key pillars of the crown prince’s initiative, calling for enhanced global cooperation, the exchange of best practices and raising awareness

RIYADH: The Human Rights Council has unanimously adopted a resolution submitted by aimed at protecting children in cyberspace, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

The resolution is rooted in the global initiative “Child Protection in Cyberspace” launched by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in October 2024.

Presented during the council’s 59th session, the draft resolution was introduced by the Kingdom’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations and International Organizations in Geneva, Abdulmohsen bin Khothaila.

The resolution, co-sponsored by Kuwait, Algeria, Pakistan, Azerbaijan, and Vietnam, received unanimous approval, reflecting broad international support.

In his address to the council, the official highlighted the dual nature of the digital space in children’s lives, noting that while it offers valuable opportunities for learning and interaction, it also presents growing risks that demand coordinated international responses.

He emphasized the need for strengthened national frameworks and international cooperation to ensure safety for children online.

The resolution mirrors the key pillars of the crown prince’s initiative, calling for enhanced global cooperation, the exchange of best practices, raising awareness, and the development of skills necessary to foster a safe and empowering digital environment for children.

It further underscores the importance of providing tailored technical assistance to meet each country’s specific needs and priorities, thereby building sustainable national capabilities in digital child protection.

With its unanimous adoption, the resolution underscores the Kingdom’s ongoing leadership in international efforts to create a secure, inclusive cyberspace for children worldwide, SPA said.

It also affirms ’s growing influence in shaping global policy on child protection and cybersecurity.