Latest from Saudi Gazette
Saudi Gazette
an hour ago
- Health
- Saudi Gazette
The hidden power in your kitchen: Why scientists are studying palm oil's secret vitamin
We all know vitamin E - it's that friendly ingredient found in moisturizers and supplement bottles. But did you know there's a powerful form of vitamin E, tucked away in palm oil, that scientists across the globe have been studying for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties? Meet tocotrienols, a lesser-known form of vitamin E that research from around the world has shown can support brain and heart health and liver function. Vitamin E comes in eight forms, but only two families matter most: tocopherols (the kind you will usually see in supplements) and tocotrienols. They may sound similar, but their effects can be dramatically different. Tocotrienols are up to 40-60 timesmore powerful as antioxidants compared to tocopherols and thanks to their unique molecular shape, tocotrienols are able to travel more quickly and deeply into cell membranes, enabling them to neutralize harmful free radicals more efficiently. Palm oil is especially rich in tocotrienols. The distribution of vitamin E in palm oil is 30% tocopherols and 70% tocotrienols. In contrast, other commonly used dietary vegetable oils, including corn, olive, peanut, sesame, soybean, and sunflower, contain tocopherols exclusively. This explains some of palm oil's health benefits, from neuroprotection against Alzheimer's to supporting cardiovascular health and even exhibiting anti-cancer properties. Tocotrienols act as scavenger molecules, neutralizing harmful free radicals that damage cells5. The natural tocotrienols and beta-carotene6 compounds found in palm oil have been linked to improved cardiovascular health and reducing the risk of age-related neurodegenerative diseases. By incorporating palm oil into a balanced diet, positive strides can be made towards supporting heart health. Leading nutrition experts are taking notice of this established research. Dr. Barrie Tan, a trailblazer and the world's foremost expert on vitamin E, has been researching tocotrienols since the 1990s. His work helped identify sources of this compound in palm oil, rice bran, and annatto seeds. He believes tocotrienols are one of the most exciting discoveries in nutrition science today, especially for their effects in fatty organs like the brain and liver. Closer to home, Dr. Eman Gamal, a Clinical Nutrition Specialist practicing in Riyadh, shares this perspective: "Tocotrienols are an exciting area of nutritional science, especially given their potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Research has linked vitamin E forms like tocotrienols to better heart health, brain function, and protection of liver cells. These compounds also play a role in supporting skin health and may help slow aspects of the aging process. Including natural sources of vitamin E as part of a balanced diet is one way to support overall wellness." Scientific reviews have documented tocotrienols' role in reducing inflammation, an underlying factor in many chronic conditions. A 2022 study published in the Journal of Functional Foods, examined how tocotrienols interact with inflammation pathways. The researchers found that tocotrienols significantly reduced markers of inflammation in preclinical studies. Another comprehensive review, published by researchers in Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, documented tocotrienols' benefits for brain function, cardiovascular health, and even skin aging. Importantly, they noted that tocotrienols showed no recognized adverse effects in the clinical studies they reviewed, making them a safe and promising area for continued research. A particularly revealing Swedish study conducted by the Karolinska Institute4 found that individuals with Alzheimer's disease or mild cognitive impairment had lower levels of tocotrienols and tocopherols in their blood compared to healthy individuals, establishing a clear link between vitamin E forms and cognitive health. The consistent findings demonstrate that tocotrienols deliver measurable health benefits. With documented effects on inflammation, brain health, and cardiovascular wellness, and with no known side effects, tocotrienols have earned their place in serious nutritional research. As research continues to build on these established benefits, it's remarkable to consider how compounds in everyday ingredients can contribute to better health. The growing body of evidence shows that sometimes the most powerful nutrients are hiding in plain sight, quietly supporting our wellbeing through ingredients we use every day. The science is clear: these lesser-known nutrients have been delivering real benefits all along.
Saudi Gazette
an hour ago
- Saudi Gazette
AlUla's families at the heart of Vision 2030: A model for regenerative growth
Culture is a fundamental pillar for understanding the history and identity of peoples. Those who trace the roots of Saudi Arabia's interest in history and culture will find that the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, is the cornerstone upon which the progress we see today across all fields has been built. Saudi Vision 2030 is a natural outcome of King Salman's dedication, guided by the stewardship of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Consequently, the Kingdom's focus on this area led to the establishment of the Ministry of Culture in 2018, marking a qualitative transformation in the cultural sector. In the windswept desert valley of AlUla, Saudi Arabia's plans for cultural reinvention is taking shape. Where millennia-old tombs are etched into sandstone cliffs and fertile oases once served as waystations along the Incense Route, a new vision is transforming this once-quiet town into a global centre of tourism. Central to this 2030 vision is AlUla, a region the size of Belgium with archaeological riches. The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) has been tasked with leading this process. Its remit is vast, combining archaeological conservation with job creation, infrastructure development, education and community empowerment. The target is to attract two million visitors annually by 2035 and creating 38,000 new jobs, all while preserving AlUla's historical integrity and ecological balance. At the heart of AlUla lies Hegra, Saudi Arabia's first UNESCO World Heritage Site. Carved by the Nabataeans in the first century CE. Its monumental tombs lie largely undisturbed, offering an archaeological time capsule of ancient Arabia. French archaeologists, Saudi researchers, and international heritage experts have joined forces to map and protect over 200,000 years of human history in the region. Indeed, culture is the fulcrum on which AlUla's future pivots. Prince Badr bin Farhan, Minister of Culture and the leader of the cultural file in Saudi Arabia, champions an approach grounded in tangible achievements in AlUla and across the Kingdom. Indeed, the Ministry has achieved remarkable figures within just seven years of its inception, whether in cultural tourism or through the accomplishments of the various bodies operating under the Ministry's umbrella. The realisation of the leadership's vision and the directives of the Minister of Culture is driven by young men and women, deeply immersed in the cultural vision and its objectives, working tirelessly in teams with ongoing dedication, propelled by the guidance of his deputy, Hamed Fayez. In this research, the stories and interview of locals provide a vivid window into how government policy and deep-rooted heritage combine to create a new model for regional development in the Kingdom. The RCU's vision extends to education as well. In collaboration with the University of Paris and other international institutions, AlUla has launched archaeology and heritage management programmes for Saudi students. Young people are being trained as conservators and cultural managers, ensuring that the knowledge transfer is both international and locally embedded. This commitment to inclusivity is also reflected in the architecture and urban planning. Designs by studios such as Atelier Jean Nouvel and Foster + Partners who employ modern aesthetics with the natural contours of the desert. The Sharaan Nature Reserve, for instance, integrates eco-tourism with conservation, protecting native wildlife while creating jobs in biodiversity research and sustainable hospitality. Under the RCU's AlUla Inclusive Community Development Framework, local residents are being integrated into every phase of the transformation. This includes targeted skills training in areas like hospitality and eco-tourism with financial support for SMEs and new roles in cultural production. One striking example is the revival of traditional crafts. With support from international NGOs such as Turquoise Mountain and The King's Foundation (formerly The Prince's Foundation), AlUla's artisans are reclaiming heritage techniques in weaving, and palm frond basketry. These crafts are being preserved and also redeveloped for contemporary markets. Artisans receive training in design and business management, creating new income streams and promoting a sense of pride in cultural identity. The RCU's tourism development follows a circular economy approach, aligning with Saudi Arabia's Green Initiative and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. In 2024, AlUla launched the AlUla Sustainability Charter, a regulatory framework that governs land use and waste management among other variables. Developers must adhere to strict guidelines that prioritise renewable energy and minimal ecological disruption. The goal is to protect AlUla's ecosystem and set a benchmark for sustainable tourism in the Middle East. AlUla is becoming a soft power asset for Saudi Arabia. Cultural diplomacy initiatives such as international artist residencies, archaeological missions, and partnerships with institutions like the Louvre and the British Museum connect the Kingdom further on the cultural world stage. Tourism, of course, is an important part of the economic engine of the AlUla. Events such as Winter at Tantora, Desert X AlUla, and the AlUla Arts Festival draw visitors from across the globe. In 2023 alone, AlUla hosted over 200 cultural events, including concerts by Andrea Bocelli, exhibitions curated by Saudi and international artists, and culinary experiences with Michelin-starred chefs. Each event serves a dual purpose: to elevate the region's profile and to support cross-cultural exchange. The role of women in AlUla's transformation is emblematic of broader social changes in the Kingdom. From artisan cooperatives to executive roles in the RCU, women are increasingly visible in all sectors. Government scholarships and training programmes have accelerated this shift, as have changes in public perception. While conducting interviews in AlUla a young craftswoman from AlUla shared how she now runs a workshop that employs women. "Before this, I never thought our traditions could become a successful profession," she says. "Now, I feel we are part of something bigger". One of the most prominent themes emerging from interviews with AlUla's residents is the pride they take in promoting their role 'We used to come back only for special occasions,' explained one cultural entrepreneur whose family recently moved back to their ancestral home. 'Now half the family has relocated here so we can oversee the thriving businesses we are establishing.' Families that had moved away for education or work are now returning, often reviving farms and old homes. The types of businesses range widely from hospitality and artisanal food production to agriculture, health, sports, and local art. Another interviewee highlighted the appeal of cultural tourism: 'We enjoy welcoming international tourists to our farm and sharing the story of our town and its history.' Repurposing land and assets The innovative use of land and natural resources mean that many entrepreneurs are utilizing inherited family farms as the foundation of their new ventures. This continuity of ownership has alleviated startup costs and created deep emotional ties to their businesses, which is seen as vital to the town's long-term economic resilience. 'This farm belonged to our father and now to us,' said a resident whose family has farmed the area for generations. 'We know all the stories here, and we want to share that with visitors' The RCU also emphasizes commercialization with authenticity. 'The women in our family have been making natural products for generations,' said a local entrepreneur. 'I took courses through the RCU and started a soap business from natural resources' New career paths and economic opportunities At the heart of AlUla's development is the RCU's inclusive development model, focused on investing in human capital and creating a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem. Education and innovation are prioritized alongside tourism development to ensure the benefits reach the local community. Since its inception, the RCU has facilitated overseas scholarships for over 1,000 AlUla residents, supporting studies in cultural tourism, heritage management among other fields. Meanwhile, employment opportunities in ongoing projects and events further anchor locals in the economic uplift. The results are visible: unemployment in AlUla dropped to a rare negative rate of 2% in under three years. The creation of 'Vibes AlUla,' an entrepreneurship platform supported by the RCU, provides mentorship and business services, critical support for small businesses and startups. Access to legal guidance and scholarships has also empowered local entrepreneurs. 'The rules are clear now, and our society embraces the changes,' noted one female business owner. 'We are supported in education and entrepreneurship thanks to recent reforms. There is a Scenes of collective optimism' The new opportunities have altered residents' career plans and lifestyles. One young man explained how his original plan to become a car mechanic changed after the RCU's announcements, instead, his family started multiple businesses together. 'I work with the RCU and run my own businesses,' said another. 'The support, especially through scholarships and training, is unparalleled.' Community engagement and development A hallmark of the RCU's approach is deep engagement with the local community. Before launching projects, the RCU routinely holds focus groups, surveys and participatory activities to gather input. 'We were asked to recall old smells, sounds, and shops during the rejuvenation of the old town,' recalled a resident. 'This allowed our stories to be woven into the plans.' The RCU also invites locals to tour heritage sites and participate in preservation efforts. Tourism projects generate a virtuous cycle, with events such as the AlUla Dates Festival supporting local farmers and businesses. The festival, located near the iconic Elephant Rock, includes organized transportation and online registration to maximize accessibility. The broader impact has been significant, locals express pride and optimism. 'Everything changes overnight,' one respondent said. 'The RCU prepares sites quickly, activates them, and people are excited. Families are changing plans to seize these new opportunities'. A Microcosm of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 The experiences of AlUla's residents illuminate how Vision 2030's goals play out on the ground, through cultural entrepreneurship and sustainable development. Four key facets emerged from the interviews: Locals are actively preserving heritage and revitalizing the town's legacy. Repurposing land and natural resources promotes resilient businesses rooted in tradition. Access to education and training enables local entrepreneurship and attracts investment. Continuous engagement between the RCU and residents ensured a community-centred growth. AlUla offers a model of how heritage-led regeneration can drive inclusive economic development. Its trajectory under Vision 2030 demonstrates the power of investing in local capacity and place. By embedding sustainability and community engagement at its core it sets a clear benchmark for long-term national progress and for other regions seeking resilient, locally rooted transformation.— Dr. Ghadah W. Alharthi is an international cultural adviser and an associate professor specializing in culture and innovation at Central Saint Martins, University of the Arts London. X: @GhadahWA
Saudi Gazette
2 hours ago
- Business
- Saudi Gazette
Zelensky names Yulia Svyrydenko as Ukraine's new PM
KYIV — Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky says he has invited the country's deputy prime minister Yulia Svyrydenko to be prime minister. "We are launching a transformation of the executive branch in Ukraine. I have invited Yulia Svyrydenko to head the government of Ukraine and to significantly upgrade its work," he said in a post on X. "I look forward to presenting the new government's action program in the near future." Svyrydenko has a background as an economist and has held several positions in the Ukrainian government, including minister of economic development and trade and deputy head of the office of the president. — Euronews
Saudi Gazette
4 hours ago
- Business
- Saudi Gazette
SFDA suspends European pharmaceutical factory over critical GMP violations
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) has suspended the registration of a European pharmaceutical factory following the discovery of serious violations of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) during an external inspection. The decision came after SFDA inspectors identified fundamental lapses in the factory's manufacturing procedures and internal quality systems, posing a direct risk to the safety of pharmaceutical products intended for export to Saudi Arabia. The suspension was enacted as a precautionary measure to prevent the distribution of potentially unsafe medicines in the Kingdom. The inspection, conducted under the SFDA's foreign factory oversight program, aligns with international regulatory standards and involved a comprehensive review of the facility's manufacturing operations, quality controls, and distribution protocols. Several European regulatory agencies have since reached out to the SFDA to examine its technical findings and take further actions, reflecting growing international recognition of the SFDA's regulatory rigor and global role in pharmaceutical safety. The Authority stressed that the monitoring of overseas manufacturing sites is a key pillar of its regulatory framework and is carried out independently using scientific and technical data. It reaffirmed its commitment to consumer safety and pledged to continue taking decisive action against any manufacturer found to be in violation of safety protocols.
Saudi Gazette
4 hours ago
- Business
- Saudi Gazette
Saudi Arabia operates 10 renewable energy projects with SR19.8 billion in investment by end of 2024
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — Saudi Arabia operated five new solar energy projects in 2024 with a combined capacity of 3,751 megawatts, bringing the total number of operational renewable energy projects in the Kingdom to 10, according to the General Authority for Statistics' Renewable Energy Statistics Bulletin 2024 released on Sunday. The cumulative projects include nine solar energy plants with a total capacity of 6,151 megawatts and one wind energy project with a capacity of 400 megawatts. The report revealed that total investments in these projects reached SR19.839 billion by the end of 2024, with SR18.264 billion allocated to solar energy projects and SR1.575 billion to wind energy. The projects are expected to supply electricity to approximately 1,140,800 residential units across the Kingdom. Among the findings, the Shuaibah 1 solar project registered the lowest energy purchase cost in Saudi Arabia at 3.9 halalas per kilowatt-hour, compared to other renewable projects where the cost ranged from 3.9 to 11.18 halalas per kilowatt-hour. The bulletin, based on data from the Ministry of Energy, includes time-series statistics on renewable energy developments in the Kingdom from 2019 to 2024.
