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Emirates Woman
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Emirates Woman
Saudi Princess Noura bint Faisal's Assouline book lets you bring royal heritage home
Fashion has always been political, but rarely does a coffee table book feel like a revolution. Costumes of Saudi Arabia: A Heritage of Fashion, the lavish new Assouline release by Her Highness Princess Noura bint Faisal Al Saud, is more than a collector's item. It's a tangible piece of royal legacy, designed to take pride of place in the homes of those who appreciate art, history, and the quiet power of cultural reclamation. The book is co-authored with Sian Tichar, features photography by Laziz Haman. Imagine your living room adorned with this weighty, clamshell-cased volume, its pages alive with the rich textiles and intricate embroidery of Saudi Arabia's five regions, each garment a silent storyteller of trade, tribe, and tradition. This is not just decor; it's an heirloom in the making, a conversation starter that speaks to a heritage the world has long misunderstood. Princess Noura, a visionary in Saudi Arabia's fashion renaissance and the architect of Saudi Fashion Week, hasn't just curated a book but has crafted an experience. Flipping through its 192 pages feels like receiving a private audience with history. The heavy matte paper, the arresting photography by Laziz Hamani, the careful documentation of pieces rescued from family archives, and every detail whispers exclusivity. This is the kind of tome you display prominently, the kind that signals to guests that your taste extends beyond the superficial. What makes it extraordinary is its intimacy. Unlike sterile museum catalogs, Costumes of Saudi Arabia thrums with life. The pink and silver bridal ensemble from Makkah, the thick wool coats of the north, the embroidered kohl pouches, these aren't relics behind glass. They're heirlooms pulled from trunks and private collections, many photographed for the first time. To own this book is to possess a fragment of that access, a connection to a narrative that has been meticulously preserved, and now, generously shared. And then there's the subversion. For years, Saudi fashion was flattened into a monochrome cliché. Princess Noura and her co-author, Siân Tichař, dismantle that illusion with every page. The vibrant palettes, the daring silhouettes, the intricate beadwork – they all testify to a culture that has always been dynamic. Assouline's signature gold-embossed spine ensures it will stand out on your shelf, but its true luxury lies in what it represents. It is a rare bridge between royal curation and personal enjoyment. Swipe through to get a glimpse of the book – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram Images & Feature Image: Supplied
Web Release
29-04-2025
- Business
- Web Release
World With Purpose KSA 2025 opens in Riyadh, leading the agenda for global and regional family businesses driving sustainable economic development
The second edition of World With Purpose KSA 2025 , created by Roberta Calarese, Founder and CEO of GHAYA, opened earlier today in Riyadh, under the theme The Purpose Legacy – Where family businesses meet to write the future . GHAYA, the organisation behind World With Purpose, has firmly established the summit as a leading international platform to connect values-led family enterprises, institutions, and innovators committed to building a global impact economy. Over 150 of the most influential local and international family business leaders gathered on the first day to explore strategic investment, sustainable growth, and transformative leadership through high-level, purpose-driven dialogue. With over 95% of Saudi Arabia's businesses being family-owned – contributing 66% of private sector GDP – their foundational role in the local economy is clear. On a global scale, the world's 500 largest family businesses generated US$8.8 trillion in revenue in 2025, equivalent to the third-largest economy after the U.S. and China. Highlights of Day One The exclusive, invitation-only summit took place at Bab Samhan, a Luxury Collection Hotel, nestled in the historic Diriyah district. Opening with the session 'How Family Businesses Can Lead the Way to Global Prosperity', the day featured nine dynamic discussions on topics ranging from geopolitics and the regional investment landscape to intergenerational transition, sustainable business, and investing with purpose. Education and empowerment of future generations were recurring themes, alongside a forward-looking focus on technology and AI for good. These areas were explored as powerful enablers of prosperity and resilience across the family business ecosystem. Delivering the keynote speech, Dr. Ayth Almubarak, CEO of the National Center for Family Business stated, 'Our partnership with World With Purpose KSA 2025 reflects a shared commitment to enabling family businesses to thrive with purpose, resilience and vision. Together, we are building bridges between tradition and transformation. This collaboration supports the goals of Vision 2030 and reinforces our role in advancing the Kingdom's national sustainable development agenda by empowering family enterprises to lead with impact across generations.' A Purpose-Led Global Platform Over 150 participants and speakers convened for World With Purpose KSA 2025 , including: HH Princess Fahda Bander Abdullah Al Saud – Founder, The Traveling Panther – Founder, The Traveling Panther HH Princess Noura bint Faisal Al Saud – Founder, Saudi Fashion Week – Founder, Saudi Fashion Week Ayth Almubarak – CEO, National Center for Family Business – CEO, National Center for Family Business Hossam Radwan – CEO, Mohamed Yousuf Naghi Group – CEO, Mohamed Yousuf Naghi Group Ramzi Abukhadra – Chairman, UBS KSA – Chairman, UBS KSA Bruno Roche – Founder, Economics of Mutuality – Founder, Economics of Mutuality Piers Cumberlege – Chair, Straightview International; Professor, HEC – Chair, Straightview International; Professor, HEC Bolor-Erdene Battsengel – Strategic Advisor, SpaceX – Strategic Advisor, SpaceX Stacey Lawson – Chairwoman, Ygrene Energy Fund – Chairwoman, Ygrene Energy Fund De Kai – The Future Society – The Future Society Dr. Ali Mokdad – University of Washington – University of Washington Sinuhe Arroyo – Founder and CEO, – Founder and CEO, Mohammad Nurunnabi – Prince Sultan University – Prince Sultan University Mark Sanor – CEO, 360 One Firm HH Princess Noura bint Faisal Al Saud shared her vision, 'Fashion is a powerful platform where innovation, design, and culture converge to drive long-term economic and cultural growth. It spans the value chain, creates jobs and fosters global influence.' In the session 'The Future of Venture Capital', ?smail Tekin, Chairperson of The World Impacteurs commented, 'We are honoured to collaborate with World With Purpose KSA 2025 in shaping a global platform for impactful dialogue and innovation. Together, we are building bridges between changemakers across borders.' Mark Sanor, CEO of 360 One Firm added, '361Firm is proud to partner with Roberta Calarese and GHAYA for this incredible summit. We are empowering Saudi and global family businesses to navigate disruption with purpose, optimism and strategic vision.' Commenting after his session 'Aligning AI With Human Values' earlier today, Prof. De Kai, author of Raising AI, pioneer of AI language translation and Board Member of The Future Society said, 'The biggest fear with AI is fear itself. Widespread use of AI is bringing about an automation of thought, which we can avoid. From a wider society perspective, we need to understand and harness the full potential that the technology has to offer, to simplify our lives and bring about positive change.' A Message from GHAYA's Founder As day one concluded, Roberta Calarese, Founder and CEO of GHAYA and Creator of World With Purpose reflected, 'There has been an energetic undercurrent throughout the day, grounded in the pivotal role family businesses play in building economic prosperity and societal value. These businesses go beyond profit – they are anchors of legacy, education, and long-term stability. 'With FDI, tech-driven innovation and sustainability central to our conversations, World With Purpose reflects the ambitions of Vision 2030: a thriving, inclusive economy built on successful domestic champions. 'As the largest and most vibrant family business community in the Middle East, Saudi Arabia is uniquely positioned to lead. We are honoured to partner with the National Center for Family Business in this mission to secure long-term impact.' Looking Ahead: Day Two The second day of the summit will feature investment roundtables, tech showcases and sessions on proptech and real estate innovation. Discussions on decarbonisation and climate-conscious growth will reflect Saudi Arabia's sustainable development priorities. A special highlight will be the Women With Purpose track, with dedicated sessions for female family business leaders. HH Princess Noura bint Faisal Al Saud will return to spotlight fashion as a cultural and economic catalyst, while broader panels will explore empowering women entrepreneurs to unlock regional prosperity. Event Partners Official Endorsing Partner: National Center for Family Business,?Knowledge Partner: BCG,?Event Partner: Enso,?Transport Partner: BMW,?Hospitality Partner: Bab Samhan, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Diriyah and many more regional champions. World With Purpose KSA 2025 is more than a summit.?It is a movement for global prosperity, rooted in legacy, purpose and the power of family business to shape a better future.
