FaceOf: Michael Richard Pompeo, the 70th US Secretary of State
America's new top diplomat is one of the opponents of the Iran nuclear deal and supports surveillance programs
One week before he was confirmed as secretary of state, Pompeo had a one-to-one secret meeting with Kim Jong-un in Pyongyang
Updated 29 April 2018
Arab News
Michael Richard Pompeo is an American politician, diplomat, lawyer, and former army officer. He was nominated as the new US secretary of state by President Donald Trump on March 13, 2018.
Pompeo was confirmed by the Senate on Thursday and sworn-in shortly afterwards as the 70th US Secretary of State. Pompeo is a former three-term US congressman from Kansas. He became director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and then US secretary of state under Trump. Pompeo is the first CIA director to lead the State Department.
He was born on Dec. 30, 1963, and raised in Southern California, Orange. In 1986, he graduated first in his class from the US Military Academy at West Point, where he studied engineering management. He had also earned a law degree from Harvard Law School and was an editor of the Harvard Law Review.
During his time as an officer in the US Army from 1986 to 1991, he served as a cavalry officer.
In 1996 he founded Thayer Aerospace in his hometown of Kansas along with three partners. The company expanded to more than 400 employees within a decade.
Pompeo sold his interest in Thayer Aerospace in 2006, and became president of an independent oilfield equipment business, Sentry International.
He earned election to the first of three House terms in 2010 in the US House of Representatives, representing the 4th congressional district of Kansas from January 2011 to January 2017.
The conservative Pompeo became known for his tough stances on national security. He is one of the opponents of the Iran nuclear deal and supports surveillance programs.
One week before he was confirmed as secretary of state, Pompeo had a one-to-one secret meeting with Kim Jong-un in Pyongyang, to discuss preparations for Kim’s summit with Trump in May or early June.
Saudi authority expands effort to track food waste
Updated 4 sec ago
Arab News
RIYADH: The General Food Security Authority has launched a second field survey to measure food loss and waste rates in Saudi Arabia.
The initiative is part of the National Program to Reduce Food Loss and Waste and aligns with efforts to promote food sustainability and support Vision 2030 objectives, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The authority’s governor, Ahmed Al-Faris, said that the second survey builds on the 2019 study, which established a baseline for the Food Loss and Waste Index.
The effort follows successful awareness campaigns in collaboration with key stakeholders that engaged public participation, the SPA added.
The new survey aims to analyze food loss and waste at all stages of the food supply chain, including production, importation, transportation, storage, distribution and consumption.
The authority will use the findings to develop solutions to improve food security, reduce environmental and economic impacts, and align the Kingdom’s practices with global sustainability standards.
This initiative is expected to provide more precise, updated data to create targeted strategies for reducing food loss and waste.
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Public Prosecution and the Heritage Commission have signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen their collaborative efforts when it comes to protecting and preserving the Kingdom’s identity.
The MoU includes exchanging information on protecting national heritage and combating violations of archaeological sites, reported the Saudi Press Agency on Wednesday.
The deal was signed by Turki Al-Dosari, assistant public prosecutor for investigation, and Jasser Al-Harbash, commission CEO, in the presence of officials and experts in the heritage sector and cultural property protection.
It also involves organizing awareness programs to educate the community about the importance of heritage preservation and the penalties for related offenses.
The partnership marks a strategic step toward establishing a comprehensive framework for protecting heritage sites. It seeks to enhance the Kingdom’s global status as a cultural heritage destination and reinforce its leadership in preserving national identity and history.
The authority’s programs focus on increasing community awareness, supporting biodiversity protection, and fostering a sustainable environment for wildlife reproduction and conservation
Updated 43 min 38 sec ago
Arab News
RIYADH: The Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Nature Reserve Development Authority, in partnership with the National Center for Wildlife, has reintroduced endangered species by releasing 30 Arabian oryx, 10 Arabian gazelles, 50 sand gazelles, and five red-necked ostriches into their natural habitats.
The initiative aims to promote environmental sustainability, restore ecological balance within the reserve, enhance the role of these species in their ecosystems, and raise awareness about protecting endangered wildlife.
The authority’s programs focus on increasing community awareness, supporting biodiversity protection, and fostering a sustainable environment for wildlife reproduction and conservation, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Spanning 91,500 sq. km, the Imam Turki reserve is the Kingdom’s second-largest royal reserve. It hosts diverse wildlife and plant species, making it ideal for hiking, wilderness adventures, camping, and sustainable hunting.
Its vegetation cover provides a haven for various bird species, crucial for maintaining ecosystem balance by controlling insects, small rodents, and carrion.
Saudi women embrace natural beauty: a fresh take on changing standards
Trend focuses on simplicity over perfection
Consumers take more mindful approach
Updated 07 January 2025
Waad Hussain
RIYADH: Women in Saudi Arabia have been embracing a more natural approach to their beauty routines in recent years, focusing on sustainability, health and authenticity over heavy makeup and curated perfection.
Arab News spoke to several women who described how this trend reflects a deep alignment with personal and societal values — prioritizing routines that enhance their natural features while promoting overall well-being and environmental sustainability.
For Laila Al-Ghamdi, this change is personal. “A few years ago, I would say natural beauty was everything to me. As a young teenager, my whole world used to revolve around the epitome of beauty,” she said. “Nowadays, healthier choices are influencing my decisions, and ironically, they’re the ones that make me prettier.”
LOCA focuses on ‘natural ingredients and sustainable packaging.’ (Instagram/locabeautysa)
This shift is supported by local brands that cater to these changing standards. One standout is LOCA Beauty, a Saudi brand with a focus on sustainability that was founded in 2018.
“LOCA Beauty was born out of a desire to provide innovative solutions that align with the Saudi lifestyle,” said Mai Al-Mohaimeed, marketing director of LOCA. “We focus on natural ingredients and sustainable packaging, which resonates deeply with our customers.”
Similarly, Asteri, another brand, empowers women with vegan products that withstand harsh weather conditions while celebrating the region’s natural beauty.
Beauty is no longer about fitting into a mold. It’s about feeling good in your own skin and celebrating who you are.
Munira Al-Ahmad, Local
Sustainability is central to the natural beauty movement in Saudi Arabia. Consumers are increasingly conscious of the environmental and health effects of their purchases. Local brands are rising to meet this demand with eco-friendly materials and safe ingredients.
Glossig, inspired by Saudi Arabia’s desert landscapes, combines cultural storytelling with artistic innovation to enhance individuality. Meanwhile, Mai Ward and Jayla emphasize sustainability and luxury — Mai Ward celebrates Saudi heritage through handcrafted, sustainable products, while Ladeena focuses on organic solutions, delivering skin-friendly products infused with natural oils and butters.
Glossig is inspired by Saudi Arabia’s desert landscapes. (Instagram/glossigcosmetic)
For women like Rawan Al-Zahrani and Munira Al-Ahmad, these brands have become trusted choices.
“I love how LOCA products feel luxurious yet sustainable. Their makeup products are my go-to because they offer such an amazing glow to my skin,” Al-Zahrani said.
Al-Ahmad, meanwhile, praised Asteri for its innovative solutions. “Asteri’s products feel like they’re made for me — lightweight but effective, perfect for our environment,” she said.
Saudi women are increasingly embracing a more natural approach to their beauty routines. (@locabeautysa)
Social media has also played a transformative role in this cultural shift. Platforms such as Instagram have become spaces for clean beauty enthusiasts to share tips and inspire others. Influencers highlight natural products and promote mindful consumerism.
“I follow several Saudi influencers who promote natural beauty and share tips on skincare and makeup,” Al-Zahrani said. “Their advice has helped me simplify my routine and focus on products that work for me.”
While local brands are thriving, they face significant challenges in competing with international giants. In a market saturated with global names it is difficult for smaller brands to stand out.
Asteri Beauty is a Saudi brand that offers vegan products. (Supplied)
“Being a local beauty brand presents both opportunities and challenges,” Al-Mohaimeed said. “This also provides us with an opportunity to emphasize what sets us apart — our deep understanding of the Saudi market and the cultural nuances that shape our consumers’ needs.”
Changing beauty standards also reflect a generational change. Younger Saudis are more open to challenging traditional norms and exploring new ideas, driving innovation in the beauty industry. Natural beauty is becoming more about celebrating individuality and authenticity.
“Beauty is no longer about fitting into a mold,” Al-Ahmad said. “It’s about feeling good in your own skin and celebrating who you are.”
By choosing products and routines that align with their values, Saudi women are redefining the beauty industry, shaping a more sustainable future one natural step at a time.
GCC secretary general receives British ambassador to Saudi Arabia
Albudaiwi emphasized the importance of strengthening relations between the GCC and the UK within the framework of their strategic partnership
Updated 07 January 2025
Arab News
RIYADH: Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council Jasem Albudaiwi received UK Ambassador to the Kingdom Neil Crompton at the GCC Secretariat headquarters in Riyadh on Tuesday.
During the meeting, they discussed the progress of negotiations on the free trade agreement signed between the GCC and the UK and reviewed the latest regional and international developments, the General Secretariat wrote in a statement.
Albudaiwi emphasized the importance of strengthening relations between the GCC and the UK within the framework of their strategic partnership, serving the aspirations and mutual interests of both sides.
