Latest news with #YassminJabri
Bloomberg
28-05-2025
- General
- Bloomberg
Saudis Crack Down on Illegal Hajj Pilgrims After 2024 Fatalities
By , Siraj Datoo, and Yassmin Jabri Save Saudi Arabia is stepping up efforts to curb unauthorized pilgrims from the annual Hajj journey that starts next week, a year after more than 1,300 people died during the gathering amid extreme heat. Illegal pilgrims face arrest, deportation and fines in excess of $5,000, while people found helping them risk penalties of almost $27,000, according to government text messages sent routinely to Saudi residents.
Saudi Gazette
28-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Saudi Gazette
Saudi creatives shine at Jeddah's Fawanees Nights with art, fashion, and storytelling
By Yassmin Jabri JEDDAH — Saudi artists and designers gathered at Jeddah's 'Fawanees Nights' event to showcase their latest works. The exhibition featured various booths with local artists, fashion designers, perfumers, and even cooks. Fantaka Boutique, a home for fashion, art, creativity, and community, had much to offer at the exhibition. 'I don't see Fantaka as just a fashion brand—it's a house, a lifestyle. I sell home decor, jewelry, and other carefully curated pieces,' said Reem Derini, 30, founder of Fantaka Boutique, to Saudi Gazette. The name 'Fantaka' is a combination of the words "fun" and "funky," which reflect the brand's values. The boutique's name is also based on a fictional character created by its founder—she has a diary, friends, and her own personality. 'Fantaka isn't just a concept; she's a real character. On our website, she has a 'diary' where she shares her realizations, adventures, and memories, making her feel like a living personality,' Derini said. 'I refer to my clients as friends because Fantaka is about connection. Every piece she designs and creates by hand, she shares,' she added. Derini has had a passion for art and creativity since childhood. She wanted to share her designs with people but didn't want to limit herself to just art or fashion. Instead, she launched Fantaka—not just as a brand, but as a creative space and a home. 'I won't stick to just abayas, bags, or yoga mats,' she said. 'It's my project, my passion. I love Fantaka, I believe in her, and I adore her personality. I hope to take her to great places,' she added. Fantaka officially launched three months ago, though it had been in the works for years. As a new business, Derini aims to support other small brands and build a community. 'Through Fantaka friends, I offer a platform for small brands, providing them with marketing, videography, and a space on our website to showcase their products under their own names,' Derini said. So far, Fantaka has collaborated with three brands, offering samples and discounts with purchases from each other's stores to help them grow. Beyond being a brand, Derini hopes to grow the boutique's community through 'Fantaka Nights'—a series of events featuring workshops, collaborations, board games, and bazaars. 'I want to build long-lasting connections with people. That's why I focus on creating a brand experience that aligns with Fantaka's spirit,' Derini said. Before sharing any product with her customers, Derini personally tests them at home. 'Even our packaging reflects this—each product comes with a note that says, 'From Fantaka's home to yours.'' The Fawanees Nights event also featured various artists specializing in different forms of art. Saudi seascape artist Kholoud Babkair shared her journey of balancing both art and her career as a medical professional. 'I love the sea; I lose myself in it. I love the sky and the sea just as they are. I feel a deep urge to paint them. That's what moves me—the things I love,' Babkair told Saudi Gazette. Babkair specializes in painting the sea and nothing else. 'As Saudis, we have a deep appreciation for beauty. It's something we naturally cherish,' Babkair said. 'People often ask me, 'Why don't you paint something else?'' she added. For Babkair, focusing on seascapes isn't a limitation; it's an achievement. Many international artists she follows specialize in seascapes, and she aims to perfect her craft. 'I could finish them quickly, but I'm a perfectionist. I work on a piece whenever I feel drawn to it — when it calls to me. My eyes always find the flaws, and I'll never be fully satisfied with my work,' Babkair said. Babkair has participated in two art exhibitions, but never sold any of her paintings. The joy she feels from visitors appreciating her art is enough. 'I never sell my paintings. They're like my daughters — pieces of my emotions and feelings. I once listed a painting for SR1,500 because I had to set a price, but I never sold it. I missed it too much,' Babkair said. Despite her busy schedule, videos on Instagram help keep Babkair motivated to continue painting. 'I am an emergency medicine consultant. I also teach at a university. My schedule is fully booked. The amount of self connection and comfort that I feel like painting makes me feel like I have to make time for it,' she said. At every exhibition, Babkair notices a growing appreciation for art. The 2023 Ehasas exhibition, for instance, welcomed many visitors who were drawn to art. 'With Vision 2030, art is receiving special attention, and I believe artists are being empowered, no matter their specialty,' Babkair said. The Fawanees Nights event also featured another Saudi painter who enjoys creating sea-themed art, Anmar Al-Harbi. The 30-year-old blends abstract art with 3D effects, adding sculptural elements that mirror reality while harmonizing with imagination. She wants her work to be an experience and a journey of self-discovery for every viewer. Al-Harbi's paintings are inspired by her love for the sea and diving. 'As a painter, I enjoy working outdoors, so I took my canvas and painted in front of the ocean, capturing the colors I saw around me,' she told Saudi Gazette. The elements incorporated into her most recent paintings are completely handmade, inspired by the bubbles she sees when diving. Al-Harbi never took formal art lessons but developed her passion independently. With the Fawanees Nights event, she had the chance to connect with people about her work. 'Many were curious about the meaning behind my paintings, which made me really happy,' she said. The artist creates one to two paintings per month, depending on their complexity and client orders. Al-Harbi's Instagram page is reserved exclusively for her own paintings, not commissioned works. 'I only share my own paintings, not commissioned ones. I want my page to reflect my personal taste,' she said. The Fawanees Nights event was the first exhibition Al-Harbi participated in. 'My mother encouraged me to participate in the exhibition because she saw the beauty in what my hands create,' she said. 'Without her, I wouldn't have accomplished anything. My thanks go first to God and then to my dear mother,' she added. The event also welcomed Islamic-themed art. Saudi artist Taghreed Al-Basri showcased a painting featuring a Quranic verse alongside an image of the Holy Quran. 'I believe true peace begins with the Holy Book — if its morals are applied, we would have fairness and harmony. That was the message behind my artwork,' Al-Basri said to Saudi Gazette. The event gave Al-Basri the chance to see how people would respond to her work. As an ongoing event, she enjoyed showcasing her personal effort. The Fawanees Nights exhibition, which began March 1, runs through March 29 at Jeddah's Galleria Hotel. The event features various small business owners and serves as a place for local communities to gather.
Saudi Gazette
13-03-2025
- Politics
- Saudi Gazette
$132.9 billion in Saudi humanitarian aid reaches 171 countries
By Yassmin Jabri RIYADH — Saudi Arabia has contributed $132.9 billion in humanitarian aid to 171 countries, according to an official. The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) has implemented 3,361 projects in 106 countries at a cost of more than $7.3 billion since its establishment in 2015 by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman. Speaking to Saudi Gazette, KSrelief's director of media and public relations, Shalhoub Al-Shalhoub, said the center continues to provide aid in challenging environments across more than 90 countries. The center collaborates with international organizations, including the United Nations, the World Health Organization (WHO), and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), to strengthen its ability to respond quickly and effectively to crises. Despite its widespread impact, KSrelief faces some challenges in delivering aid, particularly in politically unstable regions. Al-Shalhoub outlined key obstacles, including looting and seizure of aid convoys by armed groups, attacks on humanitarian workers, and logistical difficulties such as customs duties and the black-market reselling of relief supplies. To overcome these challenges, KSrelief collaborates with more than 211 organizations worldwide and engages local groups and volunteers to ensure aid is delivered effectively. It also conducts needs assessments and implements training programs to enhance humanitarian response. 'These obstacles make it harder to reach those in need,' he said. Regarding Gaza, KSrelief first sends aid to El-Arish, Egypt, where it is then transported through the Rafah border crossing. In Syria, the center operates both land and air aid bridges, dispatching trucks and planes with relief supplies while working closely with the Syrian Arab Red Crescent to distribute aid within the country. KSrelief also mobilizes volunteers for its humanitarian efforts. 'More than 3,000 Saudi volunteers have applied for the Amal Program to support Syrian relief efforts,' Al-Shalhoub said. 'Additionally, foreign residents in Saudi Arabia are welcomed to participate in our volunteer programs, and the center has special programs to engage with expatriate communities to involve them in humanitarian work.' KSrelief also supports refugees inside Saudi Arabia, who make up 5.5% of the population. 'Saudi Arabia treats refugees as guests and provides them with free healthcare, education, and social services,' Al-Shalhoub added. The organization continues to assist refugees outside the Kingdom, particularly in crisis-affected regions such as Syria, Yemen, and Palestine, through targeted relief programs.
Saudi Gazette
11-03-2025
- Business
- Saudi Gazette
Saudi garments go green with the Sustainable Ihram Initiative
By Yassmin Jabri RIYADH — The Sustainable Ihram Initiative, the first sustainable Ihram product in the Kingdom, has been launched by the Saudi Fashion Commission in collaboration with Tadweem, the Saudi Investment Recycling Company (SIRC), Kidana Development Company, and SANKO Group. Announced at the Islamic Arts Biennale, the initiative aims to recycle used Ihram garments from Hajj into new, high-quality Ihrams, supporting Saudi Vision 2030's environmental sustainability goals. The initiative uses a closed-loop textile recycling system, where Ihram fabrics from the previous Hajj season are collected, sorted, and processed into new garments. The fabric is primarily collected from tents in the Holy Site of Mina and carefully assessed for recyclability. Nawaf Alhaysuni, executive director at Tadweem, said the company collected five tons of Ihram fabric last Hajj season — 95 percent of the fabrics were successfully recycled, and the remaining 5 percent were upcycled into other products. Tadweem worked with SANKO, a Turkish textile factory, to chemically treat and transform the fabrics into fresh, clean Ihram garments. The recycled Ihrams are now available for purchase online and in Makkah, Madinah, and Jeddah, with plans to expand to Jeddah and Riyadh airports. A spokesman for the Saudi Fashion Commission said it has been a long journey to develop the initiative. 'The Fashion Commission is committed to exploring the full potential of innovative solutions that are unique to Saudi Arabia. We value our collaboration on this initiative, which raises awareness about sustainability and promotes advanced recycling methods for Ihram garments. This effort aligns with Vision 2030, where sustainability is a key priority.' While standard Ihram garments cost between SR50 and SR60, the Sustainable Ihram garments are priced at SR98 due to international recycling costs. Alhaysuni said Tadweem's long-term goal is to establish a local recycling facility to bring costs in line with the market. Currently, 97 percent of Ihram fabrics used in Saudi Arabia are imported. Tadweem hopes to create a local circular system where Ihrams are collected, recycled, and resold within the of the biggest challenges has been public perception of recycled textiles. To address concerns about cleanliness and quality, Tadweem integrated a QR code on product packaging that links to a video showing the full recycling process, from collection and cleaning to production. 'Our goal is to address any concerns by providing full transparency. Our videos showcase each step of the process, demonstrating that these recycled Ihrams meet the same high standards of cleanliness and quality as new ones. Raising awareness is essential to the success of this initiative,' Alhaysuni initiative entered the market fewer than three weeks ago, and early feedback has been positive. Tadweem and the Fashion Commission hope this project will lead to a greener Hajj season and increased local textile recycling. 'This is one of the largest sustainability initiatives we have taken as a company. If successful, the next step is to establish a dedicated factory in Saudi Arabia to recycle Ihram fabrics locally,' Alhaysuni Sustainable Ihram garments are available online at and in select stores in Jeddah and Makkah. By setting a precedent in green fashion, the initiative aims to position Saudi Arabia as a leader in sustainable textile innovation and responsible consumption.
Saudi Gazette
07-03-2025
- Sport
- Saudi Gazette
2034 FIFA World Cup: How Saudi Arabia turned an impossible dream into reality
By Yassmin Jabri RIYADH — Saudi Arabia's path to hosting the 2034 FIFA World Cup began as a long shot, with initial estimates giving the Kingdom no more than 1% chance of success. But years of strategic planning, diplomatic engagements, and infrastructure investment transformed that slim probability into a certainty, culminating in Saudi Arabia securing the tournament. The turning point came in 2018, after the FIFA World Cup in Russia, where Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman attended the opening match. It was during this time that he first unveiled to his ministers and advisors his ambition for the Kingdom to host the World Cup. Shortly after, he convened a high-level meeting to assess the feasibility of the bid. At the time, FIFA's rotation policy meant that the earliest realistic opportunity would be in 2042. Officials, speaking on MBC's Hikayat Waad (Promise Story) program in two episodes, recalled the early discussions about the possibility of hosting the tournament, initially considering a joint bid with Egypt and Greece for 2030 before shifting focus to a solo bid for the 2034 World Cup. Minister of State Mohammed Al-Sheikh, who played a key role in the bid, recalled that early discussions focused on the challenges ahead, but the leadership remained committed to overcoming them. 'The challenges made it seem impossible,' Al-Sheikh said. 'But the directive was clear: Find a way to make it happen.' Minister of Sports Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal said Saudi Vision 2030 was instrumental in accelerating preparations, allowing the Kingdom to meet 90% of FIFA's hosting requirements even before launching the bid. 'The projects outlined in Vision 2030 were already building the infrastructure we needed,' he said. 'This gave us a strong foundation to push forward with confidence.' Minister of Media Salman Al-Dosari recalled that in the bid's early stages, international advisors saw Saudi Arabia's chances as minimal. 'At the beginning of our meetings, the estimates were between 1% and 2%,' he said. 'But the Crown Prince was convinced that we can succeed.' Assistant Minister of Sports Adwa Al-Arifi emphasized the extensive coordination that went into the bid. 'More than 200 entities were involved, and we consulted with international experts who had experience organizing past World Cups,' she said. 'From the beginning, the question was never if we could host, but how.' She also revealed that the initial proposal considered a joint bid with other nations. 'At one point, the discussions explored a co-hosted World Cup,' she said. 'But as we assessed our progress, it became evident that Saudi Arabia alone met FIFA's requirements.' A decisive moment came when Saudi Arabia's bid secured overwhelming international support. Within 48 hours of announcing its intention to host the World Cup in October 2023, 100 football federations had pledged their backing. 'The support we received left little room for any competitors,' Al-Arifi said. 'It became clear that any other bid would struggle to match our level of preparation and backing.' Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, who spearheaded the bid's coordination, underscored the importance of early engagement. 'Other countries were interested in hosting, but we had been working on this for six years,' he said. 'By the time the process officially started, we had already secured the necessary support.' Minister Al-Sheikh described the final days before the announcement as a period of intense diplomatic engagement and personal follow-ups. 'There were two days of around-the-clock discussions, but by then, it was clear: Saudi Arabia was the only remaining candidate.' Al-Sheikh pointed to Saudi Arabia's bid for Expo 2030 as a crucial factor in strengthening the Kingdom's credibility on the global stage. 'The experience we gained from the Expo 2030 bid played a huge role,' he said. 'It showed the world that Saudi Arabia is serious about competing on the global stage.' The successful bid goes beyond football. It reflects Saudi Arabia's growing influence on the global stage and its ability to execute large-scale international projects. In December, 2024, the Extraordinary FIFA Congress 2024 announced officially Saudi Arabia as the host of the 2034 World Cup. Saudi Arabia will become the first country in the world hosting the FIFA World Cup in its new format featuring 48 countries, 16 more countries compared to the previous edition of 2022 Qatar World Cup. A FIFA Bid Evaluation Report awarded the Kingdom's bid a rating of 419.8 out of 500, which is the highest technical score awarded by FIFA to any bid to host the World Cup in history.
