Instagram is a photo-sharing application that has grown to capture 150 million active users from all around the world.
Though Instagram has not enabled sales of advertisements yet, many companies and individuals already use it as a means to promote their services. It is not used for displaying pictures or expanding social circles only anymore.
Actually, Instagram is the prime tool for marketing products. Saudi users are no exception and exhibit various items on Instagram.
They include cosmetics, food and clothes for kids and adults and many others. Young Saudi female graduates who have not found a suitable job find it an ideal pastime.
Besides its financial returns, creating network connections that outlast the purchase is what makes working online a fulfilling experience.
Amjad Zarihan (known on Instagram as Fancyboutiqe) has over 2,780 followers. She is a recent pharmacy graduate who couldn’t find a job. Instead of staying home waiting for a job to come, she created her own. Amjad mainly trades in cosmetics but she also does business in other items.
“The products are displayed in my account on Instagram, but to place an order and agree on the best method of payment and time of delivery, I communicate with the customer on Whatsapp. It shows more seriousness and willingness on the part of the customer to purchase the item.”
“I am passionate about make-up, and I try most of the products myself before I sell them to the customers,” Amjad says. “Of course my work in trading through Instagram does not substitute a full-time job in a private or government sector. However, I am not planning to give up on it after I find a full-time job.” Commenting on how secure her work on Instagram is, Amjad says, “It is financially and socially rewarding. I now know a lot of people I would not have known had I not been on Instagram.”
Reem Al-Driwish, (known on Instagram as Make_for_beauty) has over 17,000 followers. She is a young Saudi business owner who is also interested in make-up products. She has a diploma in computer and interior design.
She says, “Most customers are interested in products which have famous brand names and are commercially known.”
“There are many replicas of make-up products that are sold as original. It is my responsibility as an owner of my business to gain the trust of my clients by selling them the original brands of products. Therefore, the websites I order from have to be trustworthy,” she says.
Saudi customers share various experiences about their “Instagram shopping.” AlaaManie, a health education coordinator in a government hospital says, “I had only one experience of buying from Instagram and that was not very encouraging. The product was different from the picture displayed. Now, if I need to buy anything online, I do it myself.”
On the other hand, Roqayah, a King Saud University faculty member, had a different experience to relate. “I had a wonderful experience shopping with Instagram. The product reached on time and the price was cheaper than the products online. I shall definitely do it again. However, you need to be careful about choosing a trustworthy salesperson on Instagram,” she cautioned.
‘Instagram shopping’ a hit with young Saudi entrepreneurs
‘Instagram shopping’ a hit with young Saudi entrepreneurs
Japan looks forward to strengthening relations with ‘major power’ Saudi Arabia as 70th anniversary nears
DUBAI: Japan Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya told a press conference on Friday that Saudi Arabia is a “major power” in the Middle East and plays a significant role in peace and stability in the region.
“Saudi Arabia is an important country for Japan, especially when it comes to energy and security. The country is an important partner,” he said.
Responding to a question about next year’s 70th anniversary celebrations between the two countries, Iwaya explained that Japan, on a broader and deeper scope, wants to “promote cooperation and understanding” with Saudi Arabia.
Iwaya said that Japan was soliciting public proposals for commemorative events between the two countries. “Between the governments, we are moving forward with certain plans,” he added.
In October, a commemorative logo was released, which features a combination of a palm tree, a symbol of Saudi Arabia, and cherry blossoms, a flower synonymous with Japan.
The foreign minister also spoke about Japanese boxing champion Naoya Inoue’s sponsorship contract with Riyadh Season.
“(The contract) is something that we should be very happy about, we are proud of this super champion. So, we hope that he will be very active and successful in Saudi Arabia as well. We welcome this,” he told the press conference.
Inoue announced the sponsorship deal in November, which is reported to be worth about $20 million. The boxing champion will have the Riyadh Season logo displayed on the branding for his fights.
During the press conference, Iwaya also announced newly designed Japanese passports in 2025 as well as Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru’s potential meeting with US president-elect Donald Trump.
Diriyah Season 24/25 launches celebration of history, culture and arts
- Diriyah Season 24/25 will kick off with the Enduring Resilience Exhibition
RIYADH: The Diriyah Company has announced the launch of Diriyah Season 24/25, which begins on Friday, Dec. 20 with a display of Diriyah’s heritage, hospitality, and immersive cultural experiences through various programs.
Jerry Inzerillo, CEO of the Diriyah Company, said: “We anticipate welcoming three million visitors to At-Turaif district, the birthplace of the Kingdom, by Founding Day on Feb. 22, 2025.
“We are breaking records in visitor numbers and forming numerous partnerships for ground and tour operations, with new flights already arriving from countries like China. The international presence in Bujairi is evident every night, making it one of the world’s premier gathering spots.”
Under the theme “Entertain Your Cultural Curiosity,” Diriyah Season 24/25 will kick off with the Enduring Resilience Exhibition, honoring the legacy of Imam Turki bin Abdullah, who founded the Second Saudi State 200 years ago. The much-anticipated Layali Diriyah returns with innovative experiences, while Minzal invites visitors to appreciate the natural beauty and heritage of Diriyah in a winter wonderland.
Guests can engage with the “850” interactive experience, immersing themselves in the narratives of significant historical figures. The Diriyah Storytelling Festival will celebrate literature and promote cultural exchange. Additionally, the Tyn Festival will bring together architects, academics and enthusiasts to celebrate the region’s tradition of mud architecture.
In the historic At-Turaif district and Bujairi Terrace, visitors will embark on a journey filled with cultural and artistic expression. The Souq program combines performing arts with a heritage backdrop enriched by modern elements. Lastly, the Samri Art Activities will offer interactive performances of Samri folk music and dance at various locations in Diriyah throughout the season.
UN Internet Governance Forum concludes in Riyadh
- Event witnessed launch of Riyadh Declaration to help strengthen international partnerships in AI
- Forum featured experts from 170 countries
RIYADH: The UN Internet Governance Forum concluded its 19th edition on Thursday at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center in Riyadh.
The forum’s organizers said that the global event had focused on internet governance policies and emerging digital challenges. It had achieved the highest attendance in the history of the forum, surpassing 11,000 participants.
The forum also witnessed the launch of the Riyadh Declaration, a document which aims at strengthening international partnerships in artificial intelligence and digital technologies to serve humanity.
The event featured experts and specialists in internet technology and policy from 170 countries, with more than 1,000 international speakers contributing to over 300 sessions and workshops, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
It revolved around four main topics: innovation and risk in the digital space; development and sustainability; promoting human rights and inclusiveness; and improving the digital governance of the internet, the SPA added.
King Abdulaziz Falconry Festival concludes with record-breaking prize pool
- The 17-day event featured 1,032 falconers from nine countries, 3,322 birds and a total prize pool of $9.6 million
The 2024 King Abdulaziz Falconry Festival, which featured a prize pool of more than SR36 million ($9.6 million), the largest in the history of the event, concluded on Thursday.
The festival, which began on Dec. 3 and was organized by the The Saudi Falcons Club at its headquarters in Malham, north of Riyadh, featured 1,032 falconers, of whom 160 came from outside the Kingdom. They represented nine countries — Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, the UAE, Oman, Qatar, Syria, Italy and Ireland — and brought with them 3,322 birds. A youth section included 49 young falconers.
The festival culminated in two rounds of the King’s Sword, the toughest and most lucrative section of the Melwah competition, with total prize pools of SR925,000 for each round.
Barghash Al-Mansouri, who won the first round in the Shaheen and Hur categories, said his falcon SH13 had performed exceptionally well to clinch first place. He said the bird has great strength but can be affected by adverse wind conditions. On the day, however, conditions were favorable and it was able to maintain stability and perform at its best.
He added that he had expected Shama, a falcon owned by Fahd Al-Mansouri, to take the top spot but instead it finished second. He thanked the club for its exceptional efforts in organizing the festival and congratulated all the winners, noting that the competition grows stronger each year.
Talal Al-Shumaisi, CEO of the Saudi Falcons Club, thanked the Kingdom’s leaders for their support of falconry and its heritage, in particular Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who is the club’s general supervisor. He also thanked Minister of Interior Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif, the chairman of the board of directors of the club, for his support.
Princess Nourah University launches ‘Itar’ exhibition to highlight student filmmaking projects
- The exhibition features seven short films, each with distinct themes drawn from the cultural identity of the Kingdom
RIYADH: Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, represented by the College of Design and Arts, has launched the “Itar Exhibition 2024” to feature the graduation projects of 26 students from the film production and animation program.
The exhibition, which is part of the Department of Film and Theater Arts’ graduation project course, features seven short films, each with distinct themes drawn from the cultural identity of the Kingdom.
The exhibition highlights the cognitive, technical, and creative skills developed by the graduates through their film projects, demonstrating their proficiency in applying creative and critical thinking methodologies.
The exhibition provides a platform for interaction and collaboration among graduates, university students, employers, industry professionals, researchers, partners, the business sector, and the broader community. It also prepares graduates to compete in the job market and venture into entrepreneurship.
Haya Al-Rashoud, head of the Department of Film and Theater Arts at PNU, said that the exhibition is part of the College of Design and Arts’ commitment to developing national talent. It aims to foster a supportive and inspiring environment for creativity, expertise, and specialized scientific skills, while aligning with the evolving demands of the labor market, particularly in the film industry.
The “Itar Exhibition 2024” at the College of Design and Arts reflects the objectives of PNU’s 2025 strategic plan, aiming to cultivate competitive talent and empower female students. It creates an educational environment that inspires creativity, enriches cultural and artistic expression, and promotes learning, research, and innovation.
Additionally, it underscores the university’s commitment to advancing women’s leadership in driving development and progress.
