On Jan. 4, 2013, as the newspaper was being put to bed, the newly-appointed editor in chief scrutinized the Front Page. The lead story was about Iraq, another on the Palestinian issue, and an anchor about American employment data. The rest of the Front Page was taken up by stories about Patriot missiles in Turkey and Haj and Umrah revenues.
Editor in Chief Mohammed Fahad Al-Harthi was visibly unhappy. He called in all the senior editors and reporters and issued a sharp diktat: “We need to focus on what’s happening here and now, in this country. We are this country’s window to the world. We want the Arab News Front Page to reflect on events happening in Saudi Arabia.”
That was the start of what we now call in the newsroom the “new look, new direction.” That was the last day we had a Front Page dominated by international stories. Since then, as a rule, the Arab News Front Page has had mostly local stories, a decision warmly welcomed by our readers and begrudgingly followed by our competitors.
The reasoning is simple. If an Indian reader wants to know what is happening in his country, he would not wait for Arab News to tell him. He would instead log on to an Indian newspaper’s website or tune into Indian television channels.
This applies to Pakistani, Sri Lankan, Bangladeshi, and all other expatriates. When they open an edition of Arab News, they want to have news about what is happening around them, how the new labor laws are going to affect them and their families, and information on inflation and the impact on their finances. And most important, they want to know what Saudi men, women and young people think about events and issues in the own country and abroad.
There are several important areas all expatriates want to know about: What kind of developments are taking place inside Saudi Arabia? How will those massive projects in Makkah and Madinah make life easier for Umrah and Haj pilgrims? When will the trains start running between the various cities? They want to know about laws and regulations affecting the education of their children at community schools, and how teachers can hold onto their jobs in the face of the new Nitaqat rules.
Arab News had to reorient its thinking. In the past, we took ourselves very seriously as an international newspaper. Our local coverage was confined to Page 2, or at the most Page 3. The primary focus was on stories generated by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the country’s official news agency. There was all the news about ministries and government departments. And then we had news about community events: Filipinos and Sri Lankans had their own labor and other issues, while Pakistanis and Indians had their poetry gatherings and reports about school management committees. This all changed drastically under the new philosophy of thinking globally and focusing locally.
Under this new orientation, the newspaper expanded its local coverage. The number of pages was justifiably increased. More reporters were hired. More translators and copy editors were pressed into service to get the most out of what the local Arabic newspapers were reporting. There was a constant effort to get follow-up stories being reported in local media.
Increasingly, Arab News started competing with local Arabic newspapers. As a result of this sustained focus on local issues, Arab News remained the benchmark for Nitaqat stories. There was nothing that we did not cover. The issues that diplomats faced at the Passport Department to get their nationals fingerprinted were reported on our Front Page. The problems that illegal workers faced on their way back home were widely highlighted. The response from the government and other agencies was also highlighted with a view to keeping our expatriate readers informed about the latest rules and regulations.
At a meeting in Jeddah of various diplomats at the height of the Nitaqat campaign, the one common refrain about all the issues under discussion was: “This has been reported by Arab News, that was reported by Arab News.” We remained the primary source of news for diplomats and ordinary readers alike. During the period covering the Nitaqat system’s enforcement, our sales jumped dramatically, because people wanted to know. If there was a rumor circulating in the community, our readers would come to us for clarification. And Arab News was there, acting as a bridge between the English-speaking expatriate communities and government departments.
In the newsroom, the whole reporting dynamic has changed. In the past, we could sit on a story forever. We would take our time in confirming it by trying to contact officials. However, with Facebook and Twitter, journalists came under intense pressure to deliver news in real-time. News as it broke. The challenge for Arab News was to maintain its credibility and deliver authentic information. Information that our readers have come to expect from us. The new tools of information dissemination were like a double-edged sword. We had instant reactions to stories but at the same time, the challenge was to verify if the accounts were genuine. There is so much false and uncorroborated information on the Internet.
The advantage of Twitter and Facebook is that we instantly know about the breaking stories, and what people are thinking about them. In the past, reporters had a hard time getting the contact details of experts. Now, it is just a matter of searching for the Twitter handle or the Facebook page of the right person and you can have his reaction in no time.
At Arab News, there is now robust local coverage. Crime stories, social events, campus developments, community events, diplomatic activities, and business dealings. Everything is covered in an in-depth way. In this day and age, we have ensured that the language is simple, so that there is no room for misunderstandings.
The new elements that you will come across in this newspaper in the coming days will give you an idea of what direction we have taken, and why. It is simply an attempt, backed by much planning and thought, to provide a window into the heart of Saudi Arabia.
Window into the heart of Saudi Arabia
Window into the heart of Saudi Arabia
KAUST conducts research study on microbiomes in glacier-fed streams
- Collaboration with scientists from Swiss Federal Technology Institute of Lausanne
RIYADH: The King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, in collaboration with scientists from the Swiss Federal Technology Institute of Lausanne, has conducted an unprecedented, in-depth study on microbiomes — microorganisms that live symbiotically with humans or other organisms — in glacier-fed streams.
These streams, originating from glaciers atop the Earth’s highest mountains, harbor a wealth of unique microorganisms.
The research team collected and analyzed samples from 170 glacier-fed streams over five years across regions including New Zealand, the Himalayas, the Russian Caucasus, the Tien Shan and Pamir Mountains, the European Alps, the Scandinavian Alps, Greenland, Alaska, the Rwenzori Mountains in Uganda, and the Ecuadorian and Chilean Andes, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The findings, published in the renowned scientific journal Nature, represent the first global reference for microbiomes in glacier-fed streams.
These streams, which are among the most extreme natural freshwater ecosystems in the world, are located at mountain summits and are characterized by near-freezing temperatures and low nutrient levels.
They also serve as the origin for many of the world’s largest rivers, functioning as vital water reservoirs for the planet.
KAUST researcher Dr. Ramona Marasco emphasized that glacier-fed streams were highly vulnerable to climate change.
She spoke of the importance of establishing a baseline for their microbiomes to better understand the rate of ecological change, while highlighting KAUST’s extensive genetic sequencing efforts, which have significantly contributed to creating a comprehensive picture of these endangered microbiomes.
The researchers successfully developed the first global atlas of microorganisms in glacier-fed streams.
Their work revealed that these streams harbor a unique microbiome distinct from other cryospheric systems, such as glaciers, frozen soils, and ice-covered lakes.
About half of the bacterial species in these streams are endemic to specific mountain ranges. The scientists attribute this phenomenon to the geographical isolation of mountain ranges, similar to islands, and to the powerful natural selection exerted by the harsh conditions in glacier-fed streams.
Saudi swimmer’s remarkable 30km swim from Alkhobar to Bahrain
- Mariam Binladen’s feat of endurance and grit completed in over 11 hours
JEDDAH: In a remarkable feat of endurance and determination, Saudi Arabia’s Dr. Mariam Binladen recently completed the Khalid bin Hamad Swimming Challenge, covering a distance of 30km from Alkhobar, Saudi Arabia, to Salman City, Bahrain.
Binladen achieved this incredible feat in 11 hours, 25 minutes and 47 seconds.
Among her achievements, the open-water swimmer became the first Arab woman to cross the Red Sea to Egypt in October 2022, and the first to traverse Dubai Creek with a swim of 24 km in 2017.
In addition, she was the first woman from the Gulf to swim across the English Channel, covering 33.5 km in August 2016.
Speaking to Arab News about her feat on Dec. 26, Binladen said: “This swim was on my radar for 7 years.
“Unfortunately it was difficult to find an optimum window to do the challenge, primarily because weather conditions in the Gulf of Bahrain are incredibly difficult to predict.
“I had to study the sea very well taking into account the tides, wind speed, wave patterns, swells, water temperature and marine life cycles in order to minimize risk and achieve this goal.”
She added: “Amongst the many challenges of this event was swimming at night in the dark, in fluctuating cold-to-warm water temperatures, with the added complexity of tidal changes.
“As a way of mitigating the hazardous conditions the swim started at the Water Tower at Alkhobar at 1:50 a.m. Visibility was zero so I was swimming blind coupled with water temperatures ranging from 17 to 22 degrees.
“Instead of feeding every 30 minutes I fed every 15 minutes to avoid hypothermia and to maintain my body heat until sunrise, which was half-way through the swim.
“The tide in this area shifts every six hours which meant swimming part of the way against the tide which requires a huge amount of stamina and mental agility in order not to become exhausted.”
She added: “Each challenge poses its own distinct difficulties and unique set of conditions; during the Red Sea swim it was how to maneuver around sharks and avoid their feeding times.
“The English Channel, for example, was freezing cold and it is a busy shipping lane so it was necessary to address those concerns and plan accordingly.
“The Bahrain swim was undoubtedly hazardous and posed many issues, the distance being one of them. Before any swim I undertake area studies, conditions, risks and train to mitigate risks and for the conditions that I will face. Of course there are always some surprises.”
She has faced other challenges during her career. “My most unusual swim was in an ice glacier in Switzerland, this challenge was to swim in (minus) 2 degrees for 85 meters.
“I undertook extensive physical and cognitive training in order to prepare for this unique challenge. The burn of the ice-cold water will remain with me forever.”
In addition to being an athlete and dentist, Binladen also helps refugees and creates awareness through her platform, which has been acknowledged by organizations worldwide.
In 2016, she opened the first free medical facility of its kind for dental treatment in a Syrian refugee camp in Azraq, Jordan.
“Of course it is rewarding to treat any patients, I love to help people in any capacity I can, whether through treatment, inspiring them in sport or supporting them to swim gives me enormous satisfaction.”
As the Kingdom empowers women, Binladen said that she is delighted to be living at a time when Saudi women can pursue their ambitions in the workplace, sports and business.
“My advice to Saudi women is to never give up on your dream, with hard work and dedication you can fulfill your goals.”
On her future, she said: “It’s a common question, everybody is interested to know what’s next. All I can say is that I have a few possibilities in the pipeline and am carrying out area studies at the moment.”
“My ambition is to lead a fulfilling life in which I am constantly learning, developing, growing and making a positive impact on those around me, through my career, relationships or personal endeavors.
“I strive to pursue excellence and leave a lasting legacy that inspires others.”
Authority warns against overuse of ginseng by pregnant women, says no proof of safety
- Adverse effects of the plant-based supplement include insomnia or high blood pressure when used in large doses, warns SFDA
- It stressed that stressed that herbal supplements should be used with caution, like any other medicine
RIYADH: The Saudi Food and Drug Authority has warned against overuse of the herb ginseng due to possible negative side-effects and the lack of evidence of its safety for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
Adverse effects of the plant-based supplement include insomnia or high blood pressure when used in large doses, and the SFDA warned that there was no proof of it being safe to use during pregnancy, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
In addition, the herb may interfere with medicines for blood thinners, diabetes, heart conditions, insomnia and schizophrenia, and can interact negatively with caffeine, it said.
Ginseng, known by its scientific name Panax ginseng, is used in alternative medicine for its purported effects on energy levels, concentration and mood.
The recommended average dose is between one and two grams of the root, taken three to four times a day, for between three and four weeks, according to the report.
SFDA further stressed that herbal supplements should be used with caution, like any other medicine.
It added that claims about the safety of such supplements not supported by evidence should be handled with caution, and advised consulting a doctor before using them.
Herbal supplements can also interfere with certain foods, as well as medication, the authority added.
SFDA provides a list of prohibited medicinal plants and cosmetic products on its official website: https://www.sfda.gov.sa/ar/informationlist/66327.
KACST graduates 46 deep-tech startups from Venture Program
- Scheme turns research into marketable products
- Energy, healthcare, renewables sectors represented
RIYADH: Forty-six deep-tech startups graduated from the King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology’s Venture Program in a recent ceremony.
The graduating startups come from a diverse range of sectors, including energy, healthcare, renewable resources and emerging technologies.
Notable participants included Glass Earth KSA, which specializes in geospatial technology solutions for environmental monitoring; PainTech Solutions, a company developing innovative approaches to pain management and medical treatments; and EA Systems, focused on advanced engineering solutions for industrial automation and efficiency.
The KACST Venture Program is an initiative designed to support deep-tech startups by providing resources, mentorship, and strategic partnerships to transform research into marketable products and services.
The program was supported by the National Technology Development Program, which also granted technology licenses to a number of private sector firms.
Held at KACST’s The Garage startup incubator in Riyadh, the graduation ceremony brought together key stakeholders, including government officials, researchers and private investors.
Among the dignitaries in attendance was Munir El-Desouki, president of KACST, who praised the initiative’s role in advancing Saudi Arabia’s economic transformation.
Khalid Al-Dakkan, senior vice president of innovation at KACST, said: “At KACST, we worked to connect emerging companies with the government and private sectors, and investors to develop ideas and innovations, and transform them into marketable products and services to support the national economy.”
Al-Dakkan also pointed to the inclusion of strategic partners in the program’s next phase. “The KVP program, in its new version, includes the inclusion of a number of strategic partners to strengthen the innovation system and support the economy,” he said.
The new iteration will involve partnerships with four Saudi universities to foster a vibrant entrepreneurial culture while targeting fields such as clean energy, artificial intelligence and health technologies.
Ibrahim Neyaz, CEO of NTDP, underscored the program’s importance in driving growth in emerging sectors.
“The KACST program for creating emerging companies aims to support and empower owners of innovative technology projects and encourage national companies to invest in emerging technologies to raise their share in the local market, and provide initiatives that help in developing technologies,” he said.
Saudi Arabia’s King Salman receives written message from Senegal president
- The message related to Saudi-Senegalese relations, and was received by the Kingdom’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s King Salman received a written message from the President of Senegal Bassirou Diomaye Faye, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Thursday.
The message related to Saudi-Senegalese relations, and was received by the Kingdom’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan during a meeting with Senegal’s Minister of Armed Forces Gen. Birame Diop in Riyadh.
During the meeting, Prince Faisal and Diop discussed topics of common interest and ways to enhance relations between their countries.
