A yoga journey from illness to happiness

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A woman in one of her yoga poses. (Shutterstock)
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Saudi Arabia has approved Yoga as a sporting activity. (Shutterstock)
Updated 29 July 2018
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A yoga journey from illness to happiness

  • Nouf Marwaai’s health was one of the keys for entering the yoga world
  • Marwaai, an entrepreneur, is also the founder of the Arab Yoga Foundation

“Yoga is just a well-being system that has a traditional background. The values of the yoga tradition are not different from our culture’s values,” said the first Saudi certified yoga instructor, Nouf Marwaai.

Marwaai, who enhanced awareness of yoga in the Kingdom, was awarded the Padma Shri award, India’s fourth highest civilian award, by President Ram Nath Kovind in March this year. She was given the award, which is rarely given to foreigners, because of her efforts to make yoga accepted as a sports activity in Saudi Arabia and to popularize it. The event was held in New Delhi at the president’s house.

“The celebrations we had on the yoga day this year and previous years were organized by the Consulate General of India in cooperation with us, the Arab Yoga Foundation group. We started in 2015, when the UN approved the international day of yoga based on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He is the greatest promoter of yoga and wellness for the welfare of people and society. I and the entire yoga community are very thankful to him for this initiative, as the whole world celebrated yoga on that day,” she said.

Marwaai is an entrepreneur who has lived between Saudi Arabia and India for almost 11 years and has some businesses in both countries. She is also the founder of the Arab Yoga Foundation.

After practicing yoga for seven years and being certified, she started teaching it and founded SAY school, which became the Arab Yoga Foundation by 2010. She has been practicing yoga now for two decades.

Her health was one of the key reasons for entering the yoga world. Since her birth Marwaai has suffered from many health issues and was not diagnosed properly until she was 17. During that year she was diagnosed with undifferentiated connective tissue disease and possibly rheumatic disease.

She said: “I was underweight, tired, and suffered from malnutrition due to the extreme diets they put me on for my allergies and digestive problems. Symptoms that I had suffered from were joint pain, weakness, chronic fatigue, skin rash, allergies, loss of focus, sleeping problems and stiffness.”

Marwaai had to leave school because of her constant fainting and illness. She decided to search for a sport that fitted in with her health condition.

She found one of her father’s books which talked about yoga. Her father was founder of the Arab Martial Arts Federation in the Kingdom, Tunisia and Egypt from the late 1960s. She continued her yoga learning process by buying books as well as DVDs.

“I also started a vegetarian organic diet. I was anyways vegetarian due to my severe allergies. I went back to finish high school in 1999, then went to university and graduated with high honors,” Marwaai said.

Her college years were a turning point for her while she was studying psychology and learning more about yoga.

“I could see a lot of connections between sports and well-being. Mental and physical health connections, the effect of gentle exercises and breathing control while performing exercises and relaxation. I understood the effect of stress on the health development of diseases, especially immunity and psychosomatic diseases. I decided then to study yoga, not only to read and practice,” she added.

Marwaai traveled to India for treatment and study. Today, she has a master’s degree in psychotherapy from India and a bachelor’s in psychology from King Saud University.

She said: ”The kindness of people in India impressed me. I felt at home. I also studied Ayurvedic medicine there while getting treatment for my disease. I was diagnosed with (lupus) finally after a septic shock in 2001, when I was admitted to hospital and my survival was at risk. I learned yoga and fell in love with the Indian culture. Living in Kerala taught me how to take care of my health. The culture is somehow similar to Saudi culture in family aspects and values. I felt at home and I can easily say that India is my second country.”

When Marwaai was asked about the struggles she faced during her journey of discovering yoga, she said it was difficult to find a yoga teacher or a center, so she decided to make people aware of yoga.

“Another struggle that I faced was the confusion of what license I can apply for to open a yoga center. But luckily now things have changed a lot when it comes to women’s sport, and thanks to Princess Reema bin Bandar, the president of community sports federations, who guided me and helped my initiative,” she added.


Elyanna hypes up Coldplay show in Abu Dhabi

Updated 08 January 2025
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Elyanna hypes up Coldplay show in Abu Dhabi

DUBAI: Palestinian Chilean singer Elyanna is excited to open for British rockers Coldplay as they get ready to take to the stage in Abu Dhabi, on Jan. 9, 11, 12 and 14 at Zayed Sports City Stadium.

“Still can’t believe I’m opening for @coldplay’s Music of The Spheres tour. Abu Dhabi,” she posted on Instagram.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Elyanna (@elyanna)

“Yanna Merch coming your way soon,” she added, crediting artists Nadine Ghannoum and Fairdose.

Elyanna’s formal introduction to Coldplay took place when she was invited to collaborate on their track, “We Pray.”

Elyanna also released her own Arabic-language version of the track on Sept. 20 last year.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Elyanna (@elyanna)

Elyanna is set to perform live with Coldplay again when the band heads to Abu Dhabi for four shows in the UAE capital. The band will perform as part of the “Music of the Spheres World Tour” on Jan. 9, 11, 12 and 14.


Georgina Rodriguez promotes collaboration with Saudi perfume label Laverne

Updated 08 January 2025
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Georgina Rodriguez promotes collaboration with Saudi perfume label Laverne

DUBAI: Argentinian model and reality TV star Georgina Rodriguez took to Instagram to announce that her debut fragrance collaboration with Saudi perfume label Laverne is back in stock.

“SENSE my new perfume with Laverne is back in stock,” she posted, alongside a photo of herself – dressed in an eye-catching red dress while holding the fragrance bottle.

On the official website, the label describes Sense as the result of a collaboration between Dalia Eisem and Rodriguez that lasted more than a year and included the creation of more than 740 samples.

“Finally, Georgina chose the perfect combination that embodies all her feelings in a perfume bottle,” it said, noting that the fragrance included notes of blackcurrant, mandarin, jasmine, cashmere and orange blossom.

In March 2023, Rodriguez – the longtime partner of legendary footballer Cristiano Ronaldo – collaborated with Laverne to become the face of their new fragrance, Blue Laverne.


Saudi star Model Roz makes guest appearance on Netflix’s ‘Dubai Bling’

Updated 08 January 2025
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Saudi star Model Roz makes guest appearance on Netflix’s ‘Dubai Bling’

DUBAI: Los Angeles-based Saudi influencer Model Roz made a surprise appearance in season three of Netflix’s gossip-filled drama show “Dubai Bling,” which premiered on Jan. 8.

The model, who boasts 15.2 million Instagram followers, shared a short clip of her cameo on social media.

In the video, Mahira Abdel Aziz, the Emirati Egyptian newcomer to the show, introduced Roz to the cast, saying” “Ladies and gentlemen, all the way from LA... Roz. We are happy to have her here in Dubai.” Roz responded by bowing gracefully and thanking the cast for their warm welcome.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Netflix MENA (@netflixmena)

“Welcome to Dubai,” added Zeina Khoury, a real estate agent and founder of the fashion brand I Am The Company.

“It’s my first time in Dubai, so all of you need to show me around,” Roz replied with a smile.

The scene then shifted to Roz sitting with Loujain Adada as they got their makeup touched up. 

Roz seized the moment to ask, “What happened the other day in the fitting? I heard your voices and sensed some stress.”

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Netflix MENA (@netflixmena)

Adada brushed off the question, saying: “Stress? Nothing happened. I don’t think it concerns you in any way, so don’t worry.”

Roz responded quickly, “Yes, I stay away from these things.” 

“I’m telling you now, don’t be a gossip. I really hate that kind of stuff,” Adada cautioned.

Roz clarified: “It’s not my thing. I just wanted to make sure everything is okay.”

The program has been praised by critics for its ability to attract a multicultural audience due to its diverse cast, as well as merging English and Arabic dialogue, often in the same sentence.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by(@model_roz)

Season three of “Dubai Bling” features a mix of returning cast members, new faces and notable departures. Familiar faces such as Adada, Khoury, Mona Kattan, Ebraheem Al-Samadi, Safa and Fahad Siddiqui, Farhana Bodi, Marwan Al-Awadhi (DJ Bliss), and Danya Mohammed return to share their glamorous lives. 

Joining the cast are media personality Abdel Aziz and Iraqi singer and actress Jwana Karim.

Saudi TV presenter Lojain Omran, along with radio host Kris Fade and his wife Brianna Fade, have exited the show.

Roz shot to fame in 2019 when she modelled for a Victoria’s Secret’s Pink campaign.

The model’s Instagram feed is littered with photographs of her various advertising campaigns, as well as visits to many a product launch party — from NYX Cosmetics events to TikTok gatherings. 


Zuma Riyadh ‘feels like a homecoming,’ says Azumi Group CEO

Updated 08 January 2025
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Zuma Riyadh ‘feels like a homecoming,’ says Azumi Group CEO

DUBAI: Born in London, coveted Japanese restaurant Zuma opened its doors in Riyadh’s King Abdullah Financial District mere weeks ago, with Azumi Group CEO Sven Koch telling Arab News that Saudi Arabia’s capital city was chosen “because of its cultural importance to the Kingdom.”

With 15 locations across the world, this marks Zuma’s first outpost in the Kingdom — but Saudi foodies are familiar with the luxury brand, Koch said.

“Since its inception in London in 2002, guests from Saudi Arabia have been one of the most loyal Zuma demographics from around the world. Bringing the Zuma experience to the Kingdom feels like a homecoming,” he said.

With interactive sushi and robata counters offering a front-row view of the artistry and precision of Zuma’s chefs, the Izakaya-style restaurant serves traditional Japanese dishes with a modern twist.

There are a few Riyadh-exclusive items on the menu. The Ajwa Date and Miso Toffee Cake dessert comes with ginger crumble, poached pears, and sweet corn mochi ice cream.

It is “a creation that combines the essence of the region’s flavors with Zuma’s renowned techniques,” Koch said.

Koch described Zuma Riyadh as a space that blends Middle Eastern influences and classic Japanese designs.

“Designed by renowned architect Noriyoshi Muramatsu, the space is a blend of Middle Eastern influences and Japanese design, creating an ambiance that is both locally inspired and globally sophisticated,” he explained.

Zuma’s launch in Riyadh was inspired by the cultural and economic transformations that the Kingdom has been undergoing over the past few years, especially in the food and beverage sector.

In 2025, Riyadh will have several new glittering international restaurants including Latin hotspot Amazonico, Japanese-Peruvian eatery Chotto Matte and Italian dessert cafe Cipriani Dolci.

“This transformation has focused on fostering a more vibrant lifestyle, creating a bigger demand for world-class dining and flavors … Zuma Riyadh’s debut in the Kingdom is a testament to the growing demand for exceptional dining experiences while also catering to a clientele that values both tradition and innovation,” said Koch.

 


International Prize for Arabic Fiction announces 2025 longlist

Updated 07 January 2025
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International Prize for Arabic Fiction announces 2025 longlist

DUBAI: The longlist for the 2025 International Prize for Arabic Fiction has been revealed, with 16 novels in the running for the $50,000 award, sponsored by the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre.

While works from Bahrain and Mauritania have made the list for the first time, other nominated novels come from Egypt, Syria, Lebanon, Algeria, Iraq and the UAE.

The longlist has been chosen from a total of 124 submissions by a panel of five judges chaired by Egyptian academic Mona Baker. Joining her on the panel are Moroccan academic and critic Said Bengrad, Emirati critic and academic Maryam Al-Hashimi, Lebanese researcher and academic Bilal Orfali, and Finnish translator Sampsa Peltonen.

In a statement, Baker said, “This year’s longlist is remarkable in its diversity of both theme and literary form. Some novels address women’s struggles to achieve their dreams in a patriarchal society that prevents them from living fulfilled lives. Others offer a nuanced portrait of religious and sectarian worlds, where extremism and dogma contrast with human empathy and understanding.

“There are a number of historical novels on the list which deal with both the recent and more distant past, such as the Abbasid era, or the Inquisition and persecution of Muslims in Andalusia. There are also semi-autobiographical books, and others which read like detective stories.

“Repressive regimes and their power to crush the hopes and lives of ordinary people are also explored; some novelists paint a stark picture of this reality, while others employ sarcasm and humour, rendering these difficult topics more accessible for the reader.”

The 2025 International Prize for Arabic Fiction longlist:
Aqeel Almusawi’s “The Weepers” (Bahrain)
Inam Bioud’s “Houwariya” (Algeria)
Rashid Al-Daif’s “What Zeina Saw and What She Didn’t” (Lebanon)
Ahmed Fal Al-Din’s “Danshmand” (Mauritania)
Jan Dost’s “The French Prisoner” (Syria)
Sausan Jamil Hasan’s “Heiress of the Keys” (Syria)
Iman Humaydan’s “Songs for the Darkness” (Lebanon)
Azher Jirjees “The Valley of the Butterflies” (Iraq)
Hasan Kamal’s “The Stolen Novel” (Egypt)
Taissier Khalaf’s “The Andalusian Messiah” (Syria)
Ahmed Al-Malawany’s “Happy Dreams” (Egypt)
Mohamed Samir Nada’s “The Prayer of Anxiety” (Egypt)
Nadia Najar’s “The Touch of Light” (United Arab Emirates)
Haneen Al-Sayegh’s “The Women’s Charter” (Lebanon)
Sumar Shihada’s “My Life Has Just Begun” (Syria)
Ayman Ragab Taher’s “The Lamplighter” (Egypt)