NEW HAMPSHIRE: From 4,000 miles away, Saudi students in the US have been watching a political transformation unfold in their homeland with a renewed sense of hope for their own futures — and for the future of a country in a region beset by turmoil.
Since becoming crown prince in June, Mohammed bin Salman has embarked on a series of bold policies designed to curb corruption, push back against religious extremism and confront an expansionist Iran.
Domestically, social reforms have been high on the agenda, including the headline-grabbing decision to allow women to drive. Prohibitions on women driving had consistently been invoked by Saudi Arabia’s overseas friends and critics alike as an unacceptable restriction on civil rights.
“When I came to the US, the first thing I did was get my driving license and get my own car to drive,” said Siham Karkaah, a 33-year-old Saudi student from Riyadh. She arrived in the US in August, and is studying for a master’s degree in education at Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU).
A month after she arrived, the crown prince issued a decree that means she will be able to drive when she returns to Saudi Arabia after completing her studies, something she plans to do.
“I have always been supportive of women’s rights, and I definitely believe in that and women’s freedom, and doing what you want to do as a woman.
“I fully support the changes that have been made. When I do go home, it will be to a different country,” she said.
Karkaah’s enthusiasm was echoed by other young Saudis studying in the US, who believe the crown prince understands their dreams and aspirations far better than previous leaders.
“It’s really important that the crown prince is close to our age; it means he understands our generation. We have a new way of thinking, and he does, too,” said Abdullah Al-Mutairi, 26, another SNHU student from the Kingdom.
He also supported the crown prince’s anti-corruption drive, which included seizing assets from some wealthy members of the Saudi royal family and prominent businessmen.
The crown prince’s methods have provoked concern in the US about respect for property rights and due process, although there is a widespread belief among US experts and Saudi expats that serious action against financial corruption was needed.
“I wasn’t expecting the crown prince to do what he did, but I’m glad he chose to,” Al-Mutairi, a business studies student, said.
Although supportive of the decision to let Saudi women drive, Al-Mutairi said the measure would run up against a strong strand of conservatism in Saudi society.
“Women may now be legally allowed to drive, but if there are men in their family who don’t want them to, that is a real barrier. The women could go to court, and they could win, but it might mean breaking ties with their family, which would be a huge sacrifice,” he said.
Saudi students typically come to the US to benefit from a learning environment they say is more open, supportive and of higher quality than they are able to get at home. Fees are usually paid by a Saudi government-funded scholarship fund, which also covers living costs.
SNHU, in the New Hampshire city of Manchester, is considered one of the most innovative higher education establishments in the US and has long been popular with Saudi students.
Another SNHU student, Hussam Samir Al-Deen, said he had longed to visit the US and had learned a great deal from his time there. He hopes to find work in the US after graduating, but expects to return home one day.
The 28-year-old from Jeddah said he tried to be a good ambassador for his nation. “Most Americans I’ve met have been very nice, but some have the wrong impression about Saudi Arabia and about Islam. I hope I have helped to improve their view,” he said.
Al-Deen said he and friends had suffered isolated cases of racism, or had been called terrorists by people in the street.
“I just ignore them, they don’t really understand what they are saying — most people are very kind,” he said.
His years studying in the US had changed him and some of his views on culture, he said. If there was one social reform that could be added to the list of those underway in Saudi, he hoped it would be a shift in the nature of personal relationships.
“In Saudi Arabia, it is more difficult to be friends with women, or to work alongside women, and it is not always accepted that you get to marry the woman you love. Instead you are supposed to marry and hope you fall in love with your wife afterwards. I would like to see those things change one day,” he said.
Saudi students abroad are watching in hope as dramatic reforms in the Kingdom promise a new era of optimism
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Saudi students abroad are watching in hope as dramatic reforms in the Kingdom promise a new era of optimism
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Diriyah Gate chief highlights city’s vision as a global blueprint for urban and social development
- Talal Kansara said Davos presence focused on showcasing Diriyah’s role in urban development intertwined with authenticity and tradition
DAVOS: Diriyah Gate Development Authority’s Chief Strategic Management Officer Talal Kansara has outlined the city’s ambition to become a model for urban and social transformation, offering a new way of living while preserving Saudi Arabia’s cultural heritage.
Speaking to Arab News on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Kansara emphasized Diriyah’s role in showcasing urban development intertwined with authenticity and tradition.
“I think we have a unique story when it comes to urban transformation, to share with the world and (also) to learn from the rest of the world,” he said. “The area 20 years from now would be one of the best gathering places in the world, something where people can come and be immersed in a different experience, an experience that touches their souls, touches their heart, by providing them something that is authentic.”
Located on the northwestern outskirts of Riyadh, Diriyah has undergone significant redevelopment, carefully restoring its mud-brick structures that reflect the Najdi architectural style. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2010, Diriyah is seen as the birthplace of the Kingdom and a living example of the region’s architectural and cultural heritage.
Marking its WEF debut, Kansara said that Diriyah’s participation at Davos aims to showcase the project’s holistic approach, spanning tourism, hospitality, culture and real estate.
“People would see beyond Diriyah as one of the Kingdom’s giga project, they would see elements of Diriyah that that is part of its DNA,” Kansara said.
With a $50 billion development plan in motion, the project seeks to transform Diriyah into a global hub for history, culture and lifestyle while setting new standards for urban planning.
“We have a case that we want to present to the world when it comes to urban transformation,” Kansara said, “and we (want to) foster the dialog between us and people who have urban transformation and urban economy as one of their priorities.”
He added that Diriyah’s practices can serve as a guide for other cities to design spaces catering to human needs, including both locals and visitors.
“People need to walk, they need to interact, they need to socialize,” Kansara said, “also building an infrastructure and building cities where they are welcoming visitors. The infrastructure is not only meant for the (local) community, (but) also for the visitors, because you don’t want the visitors and the tourists to overrun the infrastructure.”
He said that the world is full of examples “where overtourism is somehow jeopardizing and decreasing the quality of the city, and you can see the community bothered from that in different places.”
Central to Saudi Arabia’s national tourism strategy, Diriyah is projected to attract 15 million visitors by 2030 and create more than 250,000 jobs. Kansara said that sustainability is integral to the development plan, ensuring the project meets the needs of a growing population and an influx of visitors.
“Sustainability is not an afterthought. Sustainability has been in the (project) DNA since the master plan,” he said.
Kansara also stressed the importance of preserving both the tangible and intangible elements of Saudi heritage, creating a living, organic space rather than a static museum.
“Diriyah is a place where people can live, walk, dine, play, have fun and learn. You would come in a place that’s not a theme park. This is more of an organic place. You’ll see people living as a visitor. You would interact with people who are living, you would interact with people who are studying, interact with people who are working. And that’s a great opportunity for the visitors to have a real touch, the real exposure to the history of the country of Saudi Arabia.”
Visitors to Diriyah’s pavilion at the Saudi House in Davos have been captivated by its unconventional real-estate approach.
“The thing that people admired and that captured their attention is that usually with a conventional real-estate project, you would see skyscrapers, you would see big buildings, you would see metal and glass. And when they came here, they say, ‘OK, we are not seeing this,’” Kansara said.
“We’re using mud bricks for the entire city, the way that we preserve our architectural language, the way we preserve different social and cultural practices and bring it back to life. So it’s not a museum where you see things, but that’s part of the past. No, this is really bringing things from the past and making something that people really engage with for now and in the future.”
Human resource ministry completes rollout of ‘Professional Verification’ service for expat workers in 160 countries
- Service aims to give expat workers reliable academic qualifications, experience and skills required by Saudi labor market
- Ministry of Human Resources has covered 1,007 professions as part of implementing ‘Professional Verification’ service
RIYADH: The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development has completed the final phase of covering all targeted countries that export labor through the “Professional Verification” service within the “Professional Accreditation” program. This initiative aims to enhance the skill levels of the expatriate workforce. The target was achieved by covering 160 countries, in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
This service is in line with Cabinet Resolution No. 195, which aims to ensure that expatriate workers possess reliable academic qualifications, as well as the practical experience and skills required by the Saudi labor market before entering the Kingdom.
The “Professional Verification” service focuses on the competence of workers in high-skill professions, as well as verifying the alignment of academic qualifications with the appropriate level and field of study. This is done in accordance with approved standards, such as the Saudi Unified Classification of Professions and the Saudi Unified Classification of Educational Levels and Specializations. The service is fully automated and is provided through a unified platform for professional verification, following simplified and fast procedures.
The Ministry of Human Resources has covered 1,007 professions as part of the implementation phases of the “Professional Verification” service, targeting all labor-exporting countries worldwide. The Ministry will continue to cover all high-skill professions, which fall within groups 1-3 according to the Saudi Unified Classification of Professions, including engineering and health professions, in coordination with the relevant government authorities.
It is worth noting the fact that the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development aims, through this service, to regulate the labor market, improve the quality of jobs and services within the labor market, and enhance productivity levels.
Saudi FM Prince Faisal bin Farhan arrives in Lebanon for first visit in 15 years
- This one-day trip marks the first high-ranking Saudi visit to Lebanon since 2015
DUBAI: Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, arrived in Lebanon on Thursday for the first visit to Beirut by Riyadh’s top diplomat in 15 years.
Announced earlier this week at the World Economic Forum in Davos, this one-day trip marks the first high-ranking Saudi visit to Lebanon since 2015, after years of strained ties over Lebanon’s perceived alignment with Iran, its role in drug smuggling to Gulf countries, and persistent instability.
Prince Faisal welcomed Lebanon’s recent election of a president, following a prolonged political vacuum, calling it a positive development. He expressed the Kingdom's support for the potential formation of a new government but stressed that Lebanon must pursue real reforms and take a forward-looking approach for sustainable progress.
He underscored that Lebanon's future is in the hands of its people and called on them to make decisions that would steer the country toward a new direction.
Saudi authorities warn of heavy rain, thunderstorms until Monday
- The Saudi capital region will experience moderate to heavy rain on Saturday and Sunday
- It will rain on Thursday in southern and northwestern regions, and on Friday in northern and southern regions
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s meteorology authorities have forecast moderate to heavy rain and thunderstorms across the Kingdom with the inclement weather to continue until Monday.
The National Center for Meteorology said in its forecast: “There are chances of moderate to heavy rain in most areas of the Kingdom starting Thursday. Cloudy weather will continue until Monday.”
It will rain on Thursday in southern and northwestern regions, and on Friday in northern and southern regions, the NCM said.
The Saudi capital region will experience moderate to heavy rain on Saturday and Sunday, it added.
The General Directorate of Civil Defense also issued a weather warning for most regions of the Kingdom, with heavy thunderstorms expected to continue until Monday.
The Makkah and Riyadh regions may experience moderate to heavy rainfall, hailstorms and dust-stirring winds, it said.
Moderate to heavy rain is also forecast for Al-Baha, Asir, Jazan, the Eastern Region, Qassim, Hail, Al-Jouf and the Northern Borders.
Light to moderate rain may fall in Madinah. Najran and Tabuk may experience light rain showers, it added.
The Civil Defense urged all residents to take necessary precautions and avoid areas prone to flash flooding, such as valleys.
“During rain, stay away from low-lying areas, water pools and deep valleys,” it said.
It also called on the public to stay informed about the latest weather updates through Civil Defense channels as well as the NCM.
Meanwhile, in preparation for the upcoming holy month of Ramadan and Hajj seasons, the NCM launched training programs for employees of the Presidency for Religious Affairs at the Two Holy Mosques to enhance precautions against extreme weather phenomena.
Saudi artist brings themes of prayer and spirituality to life in Bahrain exhibition
- Artist’s late father inspired the display
- Photographs, digital art and videos portray scenes of prayer
RIYADH: An exhibition in Bahrain by Saudi artist Emtethal Al-Awami’s explored themes of memory, nostalgia, and the intersection of past and present.
“101 Hymns” featured photographs, digital art and videos portraying scenes of prayer, providing a rich and visually engaging experience.
Al-Awami, from Qatif, told Arab News the idea for the exhibition was inspired by her late father, whose actions and movements during prayer and tasbih she had observed throughout her life.
“The movement of his fingers between the beads of the prayer rosary and the sound of his voice reflected moments of serenity and reassurance, embodying feelings of forgiveness and harmony,” she said.
“The scene represents a deep connection with the self, offering a person the time to reflect and return to their true essence.”
The prayer rosary, a symbol of spirituality used across different religions and cultures for over 3,000 years, served as a tool to restore calm amidst the chaos and speed of everyday life, added Al-Awami.
“101 Hymns” sought to show how prayer and tasbih become a sanctuary in a world of pressures and challenges, opening the door to tranquility.
“By observing my father, I realized that these moments provide valuable lessons on patience and serenity, as the soft sound of the prayer beads soothes the soul and offers a deep sense of security,” she said.
After taking time to mourn and reflect following her father’s death around 18 months ago, the Saudi artist said she was determined to complete the project and present it in his honor.
“He was my inspiration and my first supporter, and this idea reflects my love and pride for his spiritual journey, which I aspire to share with others through this exhibit,” she told Arab News.
Al-Awami’s journey as an artist began at an early age with a deep fascination for art and its vast possibilities in various forms of expression. She studied art education at King Saud University in Riyadh, graduating in 1996.
“The initial spark of my artistic journey can be traced back to a specific moment of introspection as I observed the world around me — seeing the beauty in everyday life and realizing the power of visual storytelling,” she said.
She added she was inspired to commit to the pursuit of art as a form of synthesis between individual experiences and broader societal themes.
During her journey to becoming a professional artist, Al-Awami experimented with different styles and mediums which allowed her to progress and refine her voice, establishing her own artistic identity.
“I have learned to weave cultural narratives into my work, and my experiments with different styles and ideas enrich my artistic practice, allowing me to tell diverse stories through my art,” she explained.
As a Saudi artist, Al-Awami often highlights cultural narratives shaped by her own experiences. Arabian art is distinguished by its unique disposition, rooted in a rich history of spiritual, cultural and social chronicles, she said: “It embodies a fusion of traditional techniques with contemporary themes, continually reflecting the dynamic nature of Arab identity, resilience, and creativity across generations.”
Al-Awami emphasized the significant development the artistic community has seen in the Arab world, especially in Saudi Arabia.
Marked by increased recognition of contemporary artists and openness to diverse forms of expression, the Kingdom’s art scene is strongly supported by the government under the Ministry of Culture.
“The emergence of new platforms for showcasing art has revitalized the art scene, fostering collaborations that transcend geographical boundaries,” Al-Awami said.
“As a Saudi woman and artist, I feel a deep sense of responsibility to authentically represent my community. This journey requires overcoming challenges, yet it is rewarding to shed light on the arts and demonstrate that creativity and expression are equally important (as STEM) in enriching society.”
