Celebrations should be about love, not consumption
Hassan bin Youssef Yassin
People visit a Christmas market in Souk Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai on Dec. 22, 2024. (AFP)
Short Url
https://arab.news/5z7gy
We have all heard the term “Hallmark Holidays,” referring to holidays such as Mother’s Day or Valentine’s Day, which were designed to sell cards and flowers. Or perhaps we’ve heard how Coca-Cola popularized the modern image of Santa Claus in the 1930s to sell more sodas. There are so many new holidays to celebrate today, and almost all of them are driven by commercial interests.
Just look at the global expansion of Halloween, Black Friday sales, or even the appropriation of events such as Earth Day or Pride Month by commercial brands with the sole goal of increasing sales.
The adverse consequences of the monetization of holidays are at least twofold. Not only does the proliferation of holidays and spending obligations reduce the meaning of real celebrations, but it also encourages a tremendous amount of waste and unnecessary consumption.
If I try to remember every birthday in my extended family and circle of friends, I would spend most of the year writing cards and buying gifts. This would also diminish the true meaning and significance of those moments — for both me and the people I’m giving to. We should never put a price on relationships in this way. Celebrations should be about love, sincerity and appreciation.
Not only does the proliferation of holidays and spending obligations reduce the meaning of real celebrations, but it also encourages a tremendous amount of waste.
Hassan bin Youssef Yassin
Moreover, we are constantly looking for ways to help preserve our environment, and this is one of many areas where we can make an impactful start. By choosing not to allow corporations, media and advertising to shape our spending and behavior, we can significantly reduce waste and needless consumption. It doesn’t matter where we start; it matters that we start.
When it comes to the environment and sustainability, I often look to the animal world for inspiration, as they have several hundred million years more experience than us. I cannot see any monkeys or elephants sending cards, ordering bouquets or mailing a banana to affirm their relationships. Nothing is wasted in the animal world, and social bonds are affirmed through actual care and attention.
There is much we can learn from our cousins in the animal world, who, despite having been around for tens or even hundreds of millions of years, have never imperiled the planet we all share.
What I am trying to say is that we must all start somewhere. Even if the commercialization of holidays doesn’t seem like the most critical battleground in protecting our environment, it is one of many legitimate starting points to begin making a difference.
By doing so, we can implement some discipline to reduce waste and overconsumption. We have to start somewhere.
•&Բ;Hassan bin Youssef Yassin worked closely with Saudi petroleum ministers Abdullah Tariki and Ahmed Zaki Yamani from 1959 to 1967. He headed the Saudi Information Office in Washington from 1972 to 1981 and served with the Arab League observer delegation to the UN from 1981 to 1983.
Disclaimer: Views expressed by writers in this section are their own and do not necessarily reflect Arab News' point of view
Organizers say last Gaza flotilla boat intercepted by Israel/node/2617649/middle-east
Organizers say last Gaza flotilla boat intercepted by Israel
The organizers of a Gaza-bound aid flotilla said Israel intercepted its last remaining boat on Friday, after the interceptions of its fellow vessels drew protests worldwide
Updated 1 min 2 sec ago
AFP
JERUSALEM: The organizers of a Gaza-bound aid flotilla said Israel intercepted its last remaining boat on Friday, after the interceptions of its fellow vessels drew protests worldwide. “Marinette, the last remaining boat of the Global Sumud Flotilla, was intercepted at 10:29 am (0729 GMT) local time, approximately 42.5 nautical miles from Gaza,” the flotilla said on Telegram, adding that Israeli naval forces had “illegally intercepted all 42 of our vessels — each carrying humanitarian aid, volunteers, and the determination to break Israel’s illegal siege on Gaza.”
AI, digital payments and youth fueling ’s e-commerce boom/node/2617648/business-economy
AI, digital payments and youth fueling ’s e-commerce boom
Updated 10 min 34 sec ago
Miguel Hadchity
RIYADH: ’s e-commerce sector is poised for unprecedented growth, with the market projected to surge to $708.7 billion by 2033, nearly triple its current size..
In its E-commerce Market Report, market research firm IMARC said this remarkable expansion, fueled by artificial intelligence, frictionless digital payments, and a young, tech-savvy population, is transforming how Saudis shop while creating new economic opportunities across the Kingdom.
The convergence of multiple powerful trends is accelerating ’s transition to an e-commerce powerhouse.
Widespread internet access, with over 98 percent of the population now online, combined with one of the world’s highest smartphone penetration rates, has created ideal conditions for digital retail to flourish.
The COVID-19 pandemic served as a catalyst, accelerating the shift to online shopping, but the growth trajectory has only steepened in its aftermath.
Government initiatives under Vision 2030 are providing crucial support, with digital transformation at the heart of the Kingdom’s economic diversification strategy.
This policy backing, coupled with a demographic dividend — more than half of Saudis are under 30 — has created a consumer base that increasingly prefers the convenience and choice of online shopping.
Mohammed Dhedhi, partner at consumer and retail practice at Kearney, highlighted the structural factors driving this growth.
“’s e-commerce surge is underpinned by proactive government support and a tech-savvy infrastructure that outpaces many peers,” he told Arab News.
Dhedhi added that the 2019 e-commerce law and Vision 2030 reforms have boosted online consumer trust and eased digital business.
“In addition, moves across the ecosystem, from widespread digital payments to new fulfillment centers remove friction in online shopping, whereas other emerging markets often grapple with patchy connectivity and cash-heavy systems,” he said.
The Kearney partner highlighted how ’s young savvy population are “enthusiastically embracing online retail,” and noted that the Kingdom’s structural fundamentals are propelling e-commerce growth faster than in many developing markets, “which is why we see the growth forecast for the market at 12-14 percent per year for the next five years.”
Mohammed Dhedhi, partner at consumer and retail practice at Kearney. Supplied
The new retail reality
Mobile commerce now dominates the landscape, according to IMARC, with smartphones becoming the primary shopping device for millions.
Social media platforms have evolved into vibrant marketplaces, where 35.33 million users discover products through influencers and make purchases without leaving their favorite apps.
Mohamed El-Ansari, CEO of Trendyol Gulf, a Turkish e-commerce platform, emphasized the role of social commerce in reshaping shopping habits. “The country has one of the youngest and most connected populations in the world, with nearly 100 percent Internet penetration, and it is increasingly shopping online in a retail market that still has plenty of room for growth.”
He added: “For Gen Z and millennials especially, the shopping journey often starts with a scroll, and inspiration can turn into intent in seconds.”
Live shopping events and instant checkout features are becoming routine parts of the consumer experience. Payment systems have undergone their own revolution. The digital payments market reached $1.16 billion in 2024, with options such as buy now, pay later plans and mobile wallets reducing reliance on cash.
El-Ansari noted the shift in payment preferences: “Cash on delivery still matters in Saudi, but digital payments are growing quickly, especially with younger, digital first shoppers.”
The CEO highlighted the Kingdom’s national payment card system, Mada, saying that it “remains a core local payment method.” He added that Apple Pay has also become extremely popular in the Kingdom and across the region.
Mada supports both debit and prepaid services within its network, the cards utilize near-field communication technology for contactless payments, enabling secure transactions at both physical retailers and online.
In 2024, e-commerce sales using Mada cards in reached SR197.42 billion ($52.64 billion), a year-on-year growth of 25.82 percent, according to data from the Kingdom’s central bank. These figures include payments for online shopping, in-app purchases, and e-wallet transactions, but exclude transactions using credit cards such as Visa and MasterCard.
Enhanced security measures and streamlined checkout processes have helped overcome initial consumer hesitations about online transactions.
Behind the scenes, AI is personalizing the shopping journey like never before. Sophisticated algorithms analyze browsing patterns to serve up tailored recommendations, while chatbots provide instant customer service. Augmented reality allows shoppers to virtually try on clothes or visualize furniture in their homes before purchasing.
Mohamed El-Ansari, CEO of Trendyol Gulf. Supplied
El-Ansari explained Trendyol Gulf’s approach to localization and personalization. “When we entered the Gulf, we avoided a one-size-fits-all strategy,” he said. “We spent time listening to shoppers and sellers, learning what mattered most locally, and building from there.”
He added: “Cultural relevance, from pricing expectations to seasonal product curation, has proven essential to long-term loyalty. This means building local teams, curating region-specific collections, and partnering with Saudi SMEs.”
El-Ansari went on to explain: “It can include modest fashion edits for Ramadan, beauty imagery that reflects diverse skin tones, or packaging that feels premium enough for gifting. These are the kinds of details that make a big difference in creating a trusted, relevant experience.”
Winners and growth sectors
The electronics category continued to lead, with Saudis increasingly turning to online platforms to purchase smartphones, laptops, and accessories. The sector, valued at $13.5 billion in 2024, benefits from detailed product information, user reviews, and competitive pricing available through e-commerce channels.
But the real growth stories are emerging in previously offline sectors. Online grocery shopping has taken off, with consumers appreciating the convenience of doorstep delivery for everyday essentials.
Healthcare e-commerce is expanding rapidly, while fashion retail has found new life through social commerce and virtual fitting technologies.
Small and medium enterprises are proving particularly adept at capitalizing on these trends. The low barriers to entry in digital marketplaces allow SMEs to compete effectively with larger players, often by carving out specialized niches or offering personalized service. Government programs supporting digital entrepreneurship are helping these businesses thrive.
Taking on the giants
Kearney’s Dhedhi added insights on how SMEs can leverage partnerships to compete with global players, saying: “Many local businesses are teaming up with major platforms, for example, e-commerce enabler Zid integrates with Amazon Marketplace, TikTok Shop, and other channels, giving homegrown merchants access to wider customer bases, sophisticated logistics, and marketing tools that the giants provide.”
He added that by co-selling on international marketplaces, joining global fulfillment networks, or co-branding product lines with established retailers, Saudi SMEs can leverage the infrastructure of these marketplaces.
“These collaborations allow small merchants to focus on their niche products and local customer knowledge, essentially turning would-be competitors into growth partners and leveling the playing field with international brands.”
Transforming the Kingdom’s economic future
The implications of this e-commerce boom extend far beyond retail. The sector is creating thousands of jobs, from tech development to last-mile delivery. It’s enabling Saudi entrepreneurs to reach national and regional markets with unprecedented ease. Perhaps most significantly, it’s serving as a cornerstone of the Kingdom’s economic modernization efforts under Vision 2030.
Dhedhi explained the broader economic impact saying that this e-commerce boom is contributing to the non-oil economy.
“Online sales accounted for only about 6 percent of the Kingdom’s $92.6 billion retail market in 2023, but served as an accelerator by invigorating sectors like retail and logistics, retail led non-oil GDP (gross domestic product) growth of 4.2 percent in 2024, and stimulating other industries,” he said.
The Kearney’s partner also explained that this boom can be a strong channel to support and further develop localization initiatives across the Kingdom.
He said that the ecosystem benefits from e-commerce growth, as online shopping boosts demand for warehousing, delivery, digital payments, and tech startups, supporting Vision 2030’s diversification goals.
On the logistics front, El-Ansari addressed concerns about oversupply. “Oversupply isn’t the core issue; it’s smart utilization,” he said, adding: “The real key to speed and reliability is controlling local infrastructure and using it well.”
Dhedhi discussed sustainable solutions for last-mile logistics, pointing to the Kingdom’s goal for 30 percent of all vehicles in Riyadh to be electric by 2030.
He noted that coupled with AI-driven route optimization, these measures significantly shrink the carbon footprint per package. “A blend of electric mobility, smart technology, and new delivery models are being scaled up to make the e-commerce last mile ‘cleaner’ and more sustainable.”
As Saudi consumers grow increasingly comfortable with digital commerce, and as technologies like AI and AR make the experience ever more seamless, the $708 billion projection may prove conservative.
UK police urge cancelation of pro-Palestinian protest following Manchester synagogue attack
UK police urge cancelation of pro-Palestinian protest after Manchester synagogue attack
Updated 7 min 57 sec ago
Reuters
LONDON: British police on Friday urged organizers of a planned pro-Palestinian protest in London this weekend to cancel or postpone the event, following the deadly an attack on a Manchester synagogue.
“The horrific terrorist attack that took place in Manchester yesterday will have caused significant fear and concern in communities across the UK, including here in London,” the Metropolitan Police said on X.
Police said they wanted to deploy every available officer to protect communities but were instead having to prepare for a gathering of more than 1,000 people in London’s Trafalgar Square on Saturday in support of Palestine Action, an organization which was banned under anti-terrorism laws in July.
“By choosing to encourage mass law breaking on this scale, Defend Our Juries (protest organizers) are drawing resources away from the communities of London at a time when they are needed most,” the police said.
Boat from intercepted Gaza aid flotilla docks in Cyprus
The vessel carrying 21 foreigners asked to dock in Larnaca for refueling and humanitarian reasons, a government spokesperson said on X
Updated 17 min 44 sec ago
Reuters
ATHENS: A boat from a flotilla that had been carrying aid to Gaza until it was intercepted by Israel has docked in Cyprus, the Mediterranean island’s government said on Friday.
The vessel carrying 21 foreigners asked to dock in Larnaca for refueling and humanitarian reasons, a government spokesperson said on X.
He did not identify the boat, or say whether it had been among those stopped by the Israeli military.
After registering all the passengers, Cyprus provided for their basic needs and offered consular assistance, he added. Israel faced international condemnation and protest on Thursday after it intercepted most of the 40 or so boats in the flotilla and detained more than 450 activists from Italy, Spain and other countries, including Swedish campaigner Greta Thunberg. It said the activists would be deported.
Italy said on Thursday that the activists were likely to be sent to European capitals on charter flights on Monday and Tuesday. Four Italian parliamentarians were released and due to fly to Rome on Friday.
Strike in Italy over Gaza flotilla strands commuters
A general strike in Italy in support of the Gaza aid flotilla disrupted trains and threatened more commuter chaos Friday in a second day of demonstrations in Rome
Updated 17 min 51 sec ago
AFP
ROME: A general strike in Italy in support of the Gaza aid flotilla disrupted trains and threatened more commuter chaos Friday in a second day of demonstrations in Rome.
The strike, called by the USB and CFIL unions, follows demonstrations Thursday in several cities across the world, including in Milan and Rome, where some 10,000 people marched from the Colosseum.
Protesters began to amass again Friday morning in Rome to march to the vast plaza outside the central train station of Termini, where services were canceled or delayed up to 80 minutes.
“The squares will be packed,” the head of the CGIL union, Maurizio Landini, told Radio Anch’io Friday.
“It shows the humanity and determination of decent people who want to stop genocide and are doing what governments and states have pretended not to see or are even complicit in,” Landini said.
In Milan and other cities, travelers experienced similar delays and cancelations, with national railway Trenitalia warning that the national strike would extend through 20:59 p.m. Friday.
“Today, one million Italians will be left stranded on trains alone,” Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini told the Mattino Cinque television show.
Commercial traffic was blocked at the port of Livorno, local media reported.
The strike began as Italy’s foreign ministry announced that four Italian parliamentarians had been released by Israel after being arrested in the Global Sumud Flotilla, which aims to break Israel’s siege of Gaza.
The two Italian members of parliament and two Italian members of the European Parliament were due to arrive back in Rome Friday, the ministry said.
The flotilla said Friday the Israeli navy had intercepted 42 vessels this week while officials said more than 400 activists were detained. The last ship set sail on Friday.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned the national strike while at an EU meeting in Copenhagen Thursday.
“I would have expected that at least on an issue they considered so important, the unions would not have called a general strike on Friday, because long weekends and revolution do not go together,” said Meloni.
The head of the right-wing government had previously called the flotilla a “dangerous, irresponsible” initiative, even while Italy sent a navy frigate to provide assistance.
Meloni’s reluctance to overtly criticize Israel and her unwillingness to break ranks with US President Donald Trump has encountered increasing resistance in Italy, spurring a wave of protests in recent weeks.
Italy’s strike watchdog has already called Friday’s action illegal, due to unions not having given the necessary 10-day notice.
