Latest news with #Al-Khalifa
Arab News
14-04-2025
- Health
- Arab News
A young Saudi's glass universes – and the unbreakable will behind them
RIYADH: In Saudi Arabia's eastern oasis city of Al-Ahsa, Safeya Al-Khalifa, owner of the terrarium store My Garden, crafts miniature worlds inside glass bowls. These self-sustaining terrariums thrive in confinement, echoing Al-Khalifa's resilience in overcoming her physical disability and societal restraints. 'These are tiny, self-sustaining universes nestled within ours,' she told Arab News, cradling a sealed ecosystem where moss blankets the soil and succulents reach toward softened light. 'Terrarium-making isn't just art; it's creating life cycles. Like Earth, these worlds maintain themselves. Some need water just once a month, or even less.' Terrarium globes, shimmering orbs that adorn many homes and offices, harness a delicate balance of biology and physics to sustain miniature ecosystems. Inside their sealed glass walls, a self-regulated water cycle prevails: moisture evaporates from soil and foliage, condenses into droplets on the curved surface, and trickles back to nourish plants — an elegant loop mimicking Earth's natural hydrology. Decades ago, a school refused to enroll Al-Khalifa as a child, saying her wheelchair was a hindrance. The rejection laid bare a truth she vowed to undo. 'This isn't about me — it's about a system that doubts the capabilities of people with disabilities,' she said, her tone unwavering. Society frames disability as a 'sickness' or weight, she argued, a mindset that breeds its limitations. To rewrite that story, Al-Khalifa turned to terrarium-making, a craft demanding meticulous care and unshakable belief. 'It starts with blending soils for the right texture and choosing plants suited to each tiny world,' she said. Her terrariums vary in size and theme, depicting diverse terrains such as misty forests, rugged mountainous landscapes, or serene lakesides. Some pieces take 15 minutes while others can take three days. But the real wonder unfolds as life adjusts. 'When a plant moves from the open air into a closed space, it might wilt or shed leaves. But most survive — even flourish.' For Al-Khalifa, this mirrors her truth: 'We're all shaped to adapt, no matter the odds, if we hold the courage to try.' The school's rejection did not faze her — instead it sparked defiance. 'That day taught me to find strength in struggle,' she said. That resolve carried Al-Khalifa through years of trial and error with plants, soil and glass. Terrarium-making became her stance against prejudice: a space where limits only honed her inventiveness. 'Every step forward is proof I've outgrown another barrier,' she said with a smile. Key to the survival of these terrariums are humidity-tolerant plants such as Fittonia or Pilea, paired with meticulous design. Layers of gravel and activated charcoal act as a filtration system, wicking away excess moisture to prevent root rot, while indirect sunlight sustains photosynthesis without overheating the enclosed environment. Al-Khalifa's vision extends far beyond her studio. 'I started this business in 2019 and now I have a whole team of women managing My Garden,' she said with pride. Together, they have built her passion into a thriving enterprise, collaborating with distribution partners to meet soaring demand. 'From our small to large ones, we've hit around 8,000 terrariums since we've worked with companies that handle orders in the hundreds.' To those sidelined by society, Al-Khalifa offers no empty comfort, only action. 'Awareness must be relentless,' she said. Prejudices, she said, are learned — not innate. Change begins with presence: 'We have to live visibly, so others see we're simply different, not broken.' The work is exhausting, Al-Khalifa admitted, but vital. 'Only then can old ideas fade, making room for a kinder world.' Today, Al-Khalifa's terrariums — sold through her store — grace homes throughout Saudi Arabia, their glass walls misted with the pulse of the life within. As urban dwellers increasingly embrace low-maintenance greenery, these glass ecosystems symbolize a fusion of art and science — proof that even in confined spaces, nature's ingenuity can thrive. Their enduring appeal lies in their simplicity: a self-contained world where life persists, quietly defying the need for constant human intervention. 'This art has no limits,' she said — and neither does she. The plants, Al-Khalifa said, never beg forgiveness for growing where they're planted. Neither does she.
Arab News
16-02-2025
- Business
- Arab News
OPEC Fund in talks with Lebanon to launch key economic support initiative
RIYADH: The OPEC Fund for International Development is currently in talks with Lebanese authorities for a significant intervention, the institution's president announced. In an interview with Arab News on the opening day of the AlUla Conference for Emerging Market Economies, Abdulhamid Al-Khalifa shared that the fund is working with Lebanon to determine the optimal timing and approach to ensure the greatest impact on the country's development. This initiative is in line with the OPEC Fund's ongoing commitment to global development, having already invested around $27 billion in projects across more than 125 countries. It also aligns with the fund's mission to foster development, strengthen communities, and empower individuals. 'As you know, OPEC Fund is, as I said, a development institution and those institutions are created to take additional risks when it comes to development and they are what they call it counter-cyclical, when a country faces major issues, these institutions, intervene with high risk, but their objective is maximizing development impact, not maximizing returns on their assets,' Al-Khalifa said. The president further emphasized that such institutions are not political in nature; instead, their focus is solely on driving development. Al-Khalifa explained that the OPEC Fund has both a public sector arm and a private sector arm. He added that the fund was already involved in investment projects in Lebanon through both arms and windows. However, he noted that the approach depended on the circumstances and the right timing for intervention. He mentioned that the fund was working with the authorities in Lebanon and looked forward to carrying out the intervention in the near future. During the interview, the president also highlighted that while the region as a whole has significant potential, it also faces major risks, including geopolitical ones. Al-Khalifa mentioned that some countries in the region were emerging from such risks, and expressed hope that this would help the region move forward. He added that the future held great potential and significant economic prospects for the region, particularly for the countries emerging from conflicts. He added: 'But also, you have countries that are stable and they are also doing well when it comes to economic development like GCC countries and also some Middle Eastern and North African countries.' Al-Khalifa expressed his optimism about the future of the region but said: 'It depends on many circumstances and depends on many risks that has to be mitigated.' The president also highlighted that the OPEC Fund was established 50 years ago, with Saudi Arabia being one of the most important establishing members. Al-Khalifa stated that the fund was focusing its efforts on development in both middle-income and low-income countries. He noted that Saudi Arabia, as the fund's major shareholder, was supporting these countries through the OPEC Fund platform, which was one of the platforms Saudi Arabia uses to promote global development. 'As you know, Saudi Arabia is one of the major donors around the world when we compare it to GDP and they are processing their assistance through their bilateral institutions, but also they are using multilateral platforms like the World Bank, OPEC Fund, Islamic Development Bank and other regional banks,' he added.
Zawya
29-01-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Unified health data framework for GCC citizens discussed at Arab Health
Sheikh Khalid bin Hamad Ahmed Al-Khalifa, Project Director of the Supreme Council of Health, Bahrain, addressed the topic of a unified health data framework in the GCC at Arab Health this week Celebrating its 50th edition, Arab Health concludes tomorrow with an expected attendance of over 60,000 healthcare visitors Dubai, United Arab Emirates: The opportunities for pioneering a unified health data framework in the GCC were discussed this week at the Digital Health & AI Forum at Arab Health. Advancements in technology have brought healthcare data to the forefront, with a session led by Sheikh Khalid bin Hamad Ahmed Al-Khalifa, Project Director of the Supreme Council of Health, Bahrain, providing key insights into why a framework is needed and how it would benefit citizens and healthcare providers across the Gulf countries. Speaking during the forum, Al-Khalifa said: 'We are witnessing the increased movement of GCC citizens within the region due to significant economic investment. Therefore, having accessible medical data becomes important for GCC citizens wherever they are. Healthcare relies heavily on health information in the provision of care, and having a unified health data framework is the first step to achieving this strategic goal.' While advocating for a unified system, Al-Khalifa addressed the complexities of aligning GCC nations on a standardised framework, highlighting data privacy as a key consideration. He stressed that such a system must be secure and accessible only to authorised parties, ensuring the protection of sensitive health information while enabling seamless access across borders. Themed 'Connected health solutions: Unlocking the AI and digital health potential,' the Digital Health & AI Conference is new to Arab Health this year and proved to be a highly engaging forum for healthcare professionals, technologists and innovators. The one-day event featured high-level keynotes, insightful case studies, interactive panel discussions and TED-style talks centered on the implementation and outcomes of AI-driven solutions. Commenting on the forum, Ross Williams, Senior Exhibition Director at Informa Markets, said: 'The Digital Health & AI Conference at Arab Health has been a fantastic addition to our 50th-anniversary edition as we showcase the transformative health solutions that will define the coming decades. The conference featured a number of respected experts in the field and provided insights into how AI is being used to enhance diagnostics and improve patient outcomes.' The Digital Health & AI Forum sets the stage for an even deeper exploration of AI's transformative role in healthcare at The Future Health Summit, which will take place on the final day of Arab Health (Thursday 30 January) at the Museum of the Future in Dubai. This exclusive event will bring together senior government officials, healthcare executives, and technology leaders from Google, GE HealthCare, Amazon Web Services, and PureHealth, among others, to explore the power of AI in shaping global healthcare systems. The 2025 Future Health Summit will explore the transformation of healthcare delivery in the UAE, addressing key questions, concerns and opportunities surrounding the impact of AI. The international keynote session will be hosted by Dr Scott Penberthy, Senior Director, Applied AI, Office of the CTO, Google USA who will discuss 'How AI links fun to lifesaving discoveries'. Following this, Dr Taha Kass-Hout, Global Chief Science and Technology Officer, GE Healthcare, USA will deliver a keynote speech on 'AI's mega impact on health'. Digital and technology experts and academics from around the world will gather for a panel discussion at the Future Health Summit to discuss the ethical considerations of AI in healthcare, addressing moral responsibility, human-AI collaboration and regulatory challenges, among other key topics, Arab Health's 50th-anniversary celebrations continue until tomorrow at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC). With over 3,800 exhibitors from more than 70 countries and an expected expected attendance of over 60,000 healthcare visitors, the region's largest and most influential healthcare event and congress reinforces its impact on the regional economy and health sector. For more information or to register for the event, please visit -Ends- About Arab Health Arab Health is the largest healthcare event in the Middle East and is organised by Informa Markets. Established 50 years ago, Arab Health provides a platform for the world's leading manufacturers, wholesalers and distributors to meet the medical and scientific community in the Middle East and subcontinent. Arab Health Congress is reputed for delivering the highest quality Continuing Medical Education (CME) Conferences to medical professionals in the region. Arab Health 2025 will take place from 27 - 30 January 2025 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Website: Facebook: Twitter: @Arab_Health #ArabHealth Linkedin: Arab Health Forum Instagram: @arabhealthonline Media contact: JAMES LAKIE General Manager E-mail: Office 3208, Indigo Icon Tower Cluster F, Jumeirah Lakes Towers PO Box 502701 | Dubai, United Arab Emirates Website: A member of the ECCO Communications Network
Arab News
26-01-2025
- General
- Arab News
World Monument Fund to protect historic sites with Bahraini, Saudi, and Gulf partners
MUHARRAQ: On a historical preservation tour around the Arabian Gulf region, the World Monument Fund recently visited the city of Muharraq in Bahrain before visiting Saudi Arabia. A historically rich city with a story that dates to the late 19th century, Muharraq is the cultural heart of Bahrain. Prior to gaining independence from British rule in 1971, Muharraq was Bahrain's capital and center for public and governmental administrative, educational, and planning projects, before being replaced by Manama in 1923. Though the city held many significant historical sites, its residents began to leave soon after and the area was left neglected. Sheikha Mai bint Mohammed Al-Khalifa, president of the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities and chairperson of the Arab Regional Centre for World Heritage, founded the Sheikh Ebrahim bin Mohammed Al-Khalifa Center for Culture and Research in 2002, a non-profit organization, as a form of cultural renaissance. Since its founding, the center's purpose has been to form a space where thinkers could gather and share ideas in philosophy, literature, poetry, art, and culture. In discussion with the Royal Commission of AlUla and the Heritage Commission for future partnerships, the World Monument Fund is visiting AlUla as well as Historic Jeddah for the Islamic Arts Biennale. The most significant aspect of its work, however, has been the house restoration projects in Muharraq and Manama, where 28 historical houses, many of which belonged to prominent Bahraini figures and families, have been brought back to life under the leadership of Al-Khalifa. Over the weekend, a delegation from the World Monument Fund visited the Sheikh Ebrahim Center to see the restored houses firsthand. Celebrating its 60th anniversary, the mission of the World Monuments Fund is to safeguard heritage all around the world, Benedicte de Montlaur, president of the fund, told Arab News. Al-Khalifa was awarded the Watch Award by the World Monument Fund in 2015 and after a few visits to their offices in New York, she was asked to join them as a member of the board of trustees, making her the only Arab on the board. In an interview with Arab News, Al-Khalifa said she felt it was her responsibility to keep them informed about the Arab world and all that it has to offer. 'The picture that travels to the world is not always true or complete, and in our Gulf countries there are many landmarks, monuments, and national identities that we would like to showcase,' she said. The delegation first visited the Abdullah Al-Zayed House for Bahrain Press Heritage, the house of the first journalist to start a daily newspaper in the kingdom and which now hosts local and international speakers from the media sector. Next up was the Kurar House, where Al-Kurar Ladies spend their time embroidering traditional Bahraini thobes and other garments by hand. Like the strings of an instrument, three women work on the thread separately, and one stitches them together simultaneously on the fabric, creating a harmonious rhythm. The delegation also got to see the only room left of Sheikh Ebrahim's original house, a room that dates back around 200 years. Following the tour of the Sheikh Ebrahim restored houses projects, they also visited the houses of the Pearling Path and the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Dilmun Burial Grounds. With over 70 projects in the Arab world including the Louvre, the Smithsonian, and Babylon in Iraq, restoring the Imam Palace in the city of Taizz in Yemen, and Abydos in Egypt, the fund's next mission is to become more active in the Gulf region. 'We see that there is a lot of interest in heritage in countries from the GCC,' de Montlaur said. The first stop was Kuwait, where plans are underway to have Failaka Island added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. After visiting their partners from the UNESCO Regional Center and the Sheikh Ebrahim Center in Bahrain, the delegation's next destination is Saudi Arabia, 'a country that is devoting a lot of time and energy at the moment to heritage,' de Montlaur said. In discussion with the Royal Commission of AlUla and the Heritage Commission for future partnerships, the World Monument Fund is visiting AlUla as well as Historic Jeddah for the Islamic Arts Biennale. 'If you do not know your past, it is very difficult to build a future because you lose your identity,' de Montlaur said. 'Especially in countries like here, that are developing really fast … it is extremely important also to pay attention to heritage places because it is very easy to destroy them, but when they are gone, they're gone. They cannot be rebuilt. 'Once you have lost the spirit of a place and built modern buildings everywhere, then you have lost touch with your past.' Preserving the land's past also draws in crowds of tourists who get to experience each country's distinct identity and history for the first time to learn about the place and its people, de Montlaur added. 'Heritage places represent the pinnacle of human achievements of history.' On how the Arab world can work together to create a stronger stance for historical preservation, de Montlaur said: 'I think it is already happening,' citing the various projects in Iraq, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain, etc. She also added: 'There is a big need for heritage preservation in other countries outside of the GCC, so they could align their forces. 'There is so much need in Egypt, in Gaza … in Syria … and I think what is very much part of the Arab countries is this solidarity, they can all unite around this heritage because this is the heritage of all the Arabs.' Al-Khalifa added: 'In Gaza, many landmarks have been destroyed, part of the upcoming plan is restoring some of those sites. 'It's really a heritage of humanity as a whole and that is why every one of us, whether we are from the region or not, should care about it. But before anything else, it is the history and identity of the Arabs,' de Montlaur noted. Speaking on the shared language and culture that unite Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, Al-Khalifa, who is also a part of the Royal Commission of AlUla, said that emotions and love between peoples are what bond them forever. 'This visit is not only to Bahrain but to our Gulf,' she said. 'We always repeat: our Gulf is one, our goals are one, and our history is shared; so everything that distinguishes us — from identity to monuments — is an extension of civilizations thousands of years old.'
