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LONDON: Two men have been arrested following the fatal stabbing of a Saudi student in the English city of Cambridge on Friday night.

Police were called to the Mill Park area of the city at 11:27 p.m. on Aug. 1 following reports of violence.

20-year-old Mohammed Al-Qasim was found with serious injuries and was pronounced dead at 12:01 a.m. on Saturday, despite the best effort of paramedics on the scene, a Cambridgeshire Police statement said.

A 21-year-old man from Cambridge has been arrested on suspicion of murder, while a 50-year-old man, also from Cambridge, has been arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender and both remain in police custody, the statement added.

“We would like to thank the public for their support and assistance following our appeal,” said Detective Inspector Dale Mepstead from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit. 

“The investigation remains ongoing, and we continue to urge anyone with information who has not yet come forward to contact us.”

The force said that Al-Qasim had been on a 10-week placement studying in Cambridge. No motive for the attack was given and it was being treated as an “unprovoked attack,” police added.

EF International Language Campuses Cambridge, where the victim was studying, confirmed his death in a statement.

“We are deeply saddened at the death of one of our adult students,” the language school said. “We are working closely with the local police, who are investigating the incident and have confirmed they made arrests.

“At this time, we understand the attack was carried out by a member of the public in an isolated incident.

“The safety and wellbeing of our students is our top priority. We are providing support to all students and staff affected by this tragic event and have organized counselling sessions.

“Our thoughts are with the student’s loved ones during this incredibly difficult time and we have offered our full support. We will not be commenting further while the investigation is ongoing.”

The street where the attack took place consists largely of apartment blocks and student housing, where people have laid floral tributes on the pavement.

A message, on a piece of paper taped to a barrier behind the tributes, said “may your soul be at peace” and had heart shapes drawn on it, according to reports.

It also said “inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un”, which is an Arabic phrase translating to “to God we belong and to Him we return.”

Cambridgeshire Police have asked anyone with information to contact them via the web chat service at or by calling 101 and quoting Operation Brackley.

MAKKAH: As ��������’s fashion sector grows, the Fashion Association is emerging as a key force supporting young creatives through a network of high-impact partnerships.

Rajaa Moumena, a board member of the association and CEO and founder of the Future Institute of Higher Education and Training, told Arab News that these partnerships are more than symbolic — they are practical pipelines toward skills development and empowerment.

She described the partnerships as bridges linking young creatives to an integrated ecosystem, offering them access from training institutes and workshops to branding experts, content creators, and suppliers.

The ecosystem enables emerging designers to gain exposure to a range of experiences, helping them progress more efficiently in their professional journey.

Among the association’s recent partnerships is that with the Future Institute for Higher Education and Training, which offers specialized fashion programs.

Another collaboration with Alem Al-Ahjar (Gemstones of the World) supports entrepreneurship in the jewelry sector.

Additional agreements with factories provide hands-on training to male and female designers to help bridge the gap between theory and practice, strengthening job market readiness.

The partnerships also contribute to connecting young professionals directly with employers and potential collaborators, offering valuable early exposure and building their confidence.

The association’s strategy, which begins with equipping members with foundational knowledge, is followed by practical experience and industry integration.

The broader goal, Moumena said, is to prepare a new generation of creative professionals capable of competing at national and international levels while staying grounded in Saudi culture and identity.

Creativity alone is not enough; you must translate it into real value that touches people and meets their needs.

Rajaa Moumena, Future Institute of Higher Education and Training CEO and founder

While the fashion sector naturally draws a large number of women, particularly in areas such as accessories, perfumes and jewelry, the association’s programs are open to all.

Moumena also acknowledged challenges in aligning partnership goals with the association’s long-term vision and in managing program execution.

Despite these hurdles, she said the association is committed to delivering outcomes that benefit its members.

The growing awareness among designers that global distinction begins with local roots has resulted in creations that embody the beauty of the Saudi region and society, contributing to products that are gaining popularity both inside and outside the Kingdom.

“The market needs more creative minds,” Moumena encouraged young professionals. “Do not rush. Plan, understand your audience, and build your project on a strong foundation.

“Creativity alone is not enough; you must translate it into real value that touches people and meets their needs.”