Ihram of the future: Why this bacteria-killing cloth could have global health consequences

Hamad Al-Yami believes the new Ihram could have substantial health implications for pilgrims. (AN photo by Ziyad Alarfaj)
Updated 29 August 2018
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Ihram of the future: Why this bacteria-killing cloth could have global health consequences

  • The Ihram that bacteria hate could be what all pilgrims will wear by 2030
  • Saudi entrepreneur Hamad Al-Yami’s nanotech-developed cloth could have far-reaching health implications

MAKKAH: While perusing one of the many daily papers in Saudi Arabia, Hamad Al-Yami’s interest was piqued by a story about rugs. These weren’t any ordinary rugs. These were the carpets of the Grand Mosque in Makkah, the holiest site in Islam.
A team of researchers at Umm Al-Qura University in the holy city were using nanotechnology to coat the surfaces of the large, flowery carpets used by millions of worshippers who come to the mosque.
The use of silver as an anti-microbial agent goes back to antiquity and the researchers’ use of the element’s nanoparticles on the mats made it harder for bacteria to grow.
Al-Yami was intrigued by the idea and set out to learn everything he could about the technology.
Nanotech is the study and application of extremely small things — one nanometer is a billionth of a meter.
Practitioners have realized a number of beneficial uses, including medicine, food and clothing.
The confident Jazani’s journey would take him as far as Pakistan’s Punjab region and convince investors in and out of the country of his business venture.
Thinking about what the researchers were doing, Al-Yami felt that if the technology could be used to keep the carpets bacteria-free, it would also be prudent to use it for the Ihram, the two cloths Muslims wear during pilgrimage.
The implications for having an Ihram that is resistant to bacteria are huge. With millions coming to the Kingdom each year and performing the prescribed lesser pilgrimage, called Umrah, and the annual Hajj, maintaining a healthy environment for worshippers is a key consideration for authorities. “This is why the project is important,” Al-Yami said. And as pilgrims arrive from almost every continent on earth, ensuring their health has global consequences.
The Saudi set out to find a maker for his product. Using social media, he met a Dubai-based German fashion designer, who produced his first pieces of cloth. “I had to explain that it was not just a normal towel, but what pilgrims wear,” recalled Al-Yami, and with that, he saw his idea come to life.




With thousands of the Ihrams manufactured, the entrepreneur began selling this new type of Ihram during the Hajj of 2017.

The enterprising Saudi believed that it could be done more cheaply and researched alternatives.
He arrived in Faisalabad, a bustling metropolis in Pakistan’s richest province. There he found a manufacturer who was able to produce the Ihram to the quality he wanted, and at a viable cost.
Excited by this development, Al-Yami returned to the Kingdom and took his idea to Makkah Gov. Prince Khaled Al-Faisal, who found the idea interesting enough to send the Saudi to a research institute in the holy city. When the institute reported that the idea was useful, the governor directed the city’s chamber of commerce and the ministry of commerce to help the 35-year-old with his project.
With thousands of the Ihrams manufactured, the entrepreneur began selling this new type of Ihram during the Hajj of 2017.
Within a year of launching, he had sold 100,000 pieces, which he named Eliaa — the Hebrew name for Al-Aqsa mosque.
Al-Yami’s marketing background certainly helped secure a SR750,000 ($199,939) investment from an intrigued businessman on a domestic flight, followed by a multimillion-dollar stake from a foreign investor.
Saudi Vision 2030, the Kingdom’s strategy to diversify the economy, has helped entrepreneurs such as Al-Yami. He said he received great support from the ministries who have the platform he needs to raise awareness of his business.
He talked fondly of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who is behind the reform drive in the country, and said he is close to us in age and understands us.
But Al-Yami insisted that the bigger goal for him is a religious one. “I am doing this to earn good deeds,” he said. He only wants to improve the conditions for the many millions of pilgrims that come to the Kingdom to fulfill their rites. “I want to do something that I am proud of during my life, and after death,” he said. “I also want to be part of the efforts of my country in helping the pilgrims.”
Within three years he predicts five million of them will be wearing his technologically enhanced Ihram.


Saudi crown prince receives UAE national security advisor

Updated 04 July 2025
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Saudi crown prince receives UAE national security advisor

RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received UAE National Security Advisor Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan at Salam Palace in Jeddah, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The crown prince and Shiekh Tahnoun, who is also the deputy ruler of Abu Dhabi, discussed relations between the Kingdom and the UAE and ways to enhance them.


Saudi authorities close 996 establishments over health violations 

Updated 03 July 2025
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Saudi authorities close 996 establishments over health violations 

RIYADH: A total of 5,912 inspections covering 4,307 establishments were carried out across the Kingdom by the Saudi Food and Drug Authority in April and May.

A total of 996 were shut down due to various violations, while 136 were closed for operating without required licenses and for product safety breaches.

Additionally, production lines at 127 establishments were halted and 1,750 types of products were seized.

The initiative is part of the SFDA’s efforts to ensure compliance with approved regulations and to uphold high quality standards.

At one food establishment, inspectors found raw materials of an unknown origin, employees without health certificates, the absence of a tracking system and inadequate measures being taken to prevent cross-contamination. These led to the closure of the business and the implementation of necessary legal measures.
 


Need for global collaboration to fight drought stressed

Updated 03 July 2025
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Need for global collaboration to fight drought stressed

  • Saudi Arabia, along with partners, launched the Riyadh Global Drought Resilience Partnership on the first day of the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development

RIYADH: As part of the Kingdom’s efforts to mitigate the impacts of desertification, improve air quality and achieve its sustainable development goals, Saudi Arabia, along with partners, launched the Riyadh Global Drought Resilience Partnership on the first day of the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development.

Held in Seville, Spain, from June 30 to July 3, the four-day event saw the participation of 70 countries, including attendance by local and international ministers, environmental organizations and financial development entities.

Among the participants was Saudi Deputy Minister for Environment, Water and Agriculture Osama Faqeeha.

Faqeeha, who is also the adviser to the 16th session of the Conference of the Parties Presidency, emphasized the significance of collaborative efforts and innovation to address the escalating threat of climate change that resulted in complicated and devastating environmental issues such as drought.

Faqeeha said: “The Riyadh Drought Resilience Partnership will serve as a global facilitator, a ‘one-stop shop’ for drought resilience, promoting the shift from reactive relief response after drought hits to proactive preparedness.

“We also seek to amplify global resources to save lives and livelihoods around the world.”

The deputy minister said that solutions should be applied through strategies and mechanisms to ensure enhanced resilience in the areas that were mostly affected by drought and climate change globally.

He praised the partnership with the International Drought Resilience Alliance, a global coalition that aims to build resilience against droughts and climate change. 

He said it was fundamental to bridging the gap between the political and financial aspects to ensure the achievement of long-term sustainable development objectives.

The discussion highlighted some of the national efforts and strategies for environmental sustainability, including efforts by the OPEC Fund for International Development, the Islamic Development Bank and the CAF Development Bank of Latin America.


Saudi Shoura Council members visit Turkish parliament

Updated 03 July 2025
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Saudi Shoura Council members visit Turkish parliament

ANKARA: Members of the Saudi-Turkish Parliamentary Friendship Committee of the Saudi Shoura Council met with their counterparts from Turkiye during a visit to the country.

During the meeting, held in Ankara, the two sides reviewed ways to further boost their relations and discussed other topics of common interest.

The Saudi delegation also met with Numan Kurtulmus, president of the Turkish Grand National Assembly.
 


How AI is transforming Saudi businesses, from homegrown startups to global creative agencies

Updated 03 July 2025
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How AI is transforming Saudi businesses, from homegrown startups to global creative agencies

  • Small business owners are using smart tools to automate tasks like bookkeeping, customer service, and content creation with minimal resources
  • Platforms like Salla and QuickBooks help entrepreneurs manage online stores, financials, and logistics, saving time and boosting efficiency

RIYADH: Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing the landscape for small businesses, offering innovative solutions that enhance efficiency, creativity, and competitiveness. As technology evolves, many entrepreneurs are leveraging AI tools to streamline operations and drive growth.

One of the most significant advantages of AI is its ability to automate repetitive tasks. Tools like chatbots can handle customer inquiries around the clock, freeing up valuable time for business owners to focus on strategic initiatives.

This not only improves customer service but also enhances overall efficiency.

AI-powered analytics platforms can process vast amounts of data, providing actionable insights that help businesses make informed decisions based on market trends and consumer behavior. 

In this dynamic environment, AI is transforming small business operations.

A notable example is Hams Nabeel, a working mother who founded her business, Thikra, to preserve cherished memories for families.

“There was a clear need for my business idea,” she told Arab News. “Since I had my daughter, I wanted to preserve her hospital items — like her hat, blanket, and hand bracelet — all in one place.”

AI has become crucial in Nabeel’s entrepreneurial journey, streamlining various aspects of her operations. “ChatGPT helped me expand my business by crafting a clear structural plan,” she said.

What typically took weeks can now be accomplished in minutes, providing clarity when she faced uncertainties.

AI also assisted Nabeel in comparing 3D printers and defining her business’s vision. “AI guided me in crafting my mission and vision and even generated social media posts,” she said.

For financial management, she relies on QuickBooks, which automates tasks and offers valuable insights. Furthermore, Nabeel uses Salla, a website creation tool that simplifies online store management.

“Creating a business is so easy with Salla,” she said, allowing her to focus on creativity rather than technical details.

Screenshot of a page in the AI-enabled powered Salla platform.

In creative sectors, AI tools are essential for content creation and design. From generating social media posts to developing marketing materials, AI helps small business owners maintain a robust online presence without extensive resources.

“We have traditionally always been creatives before tech developers, but with AI it is now enabling us to combine both,” Denis Bodart, who operates a creative animation agency called Feed Me Light in London and Riyadh, told Arab News.

“We are now building more creative tools and AI products, including a new SaaS (Software as a Service) platform focused on the out-of-home advertising sector, which allows us to dynamically display content on various screens at once.

“Imagine walking through a city filled with screens that communicate and showcase engaging, interactive content. For example, the displays can respond to the latest football or esports results, presenting teams in an exciting manner.

“They can also adapt to weather conditions and customize their content based on audience presence in events, venues, and shops.”

Bodart highlighted how AI agents support his team. “By training AI agents to understand our business more, we can use these agents to help support our teams, providing a helping hand with more repetitive tasks such as receipts, bookings, data fetching, or even helping enhance our marketing and sales teams, amplifying our business’s online presence.”

He added: “For Saudi Arabia, the strategic integration of AI holds immense potential to create a truly transformative and positive impact on how they approach upcoming global events such as the Winter Olympics, Asian Cup, and World Cup events.

“This technology can significantly elevate fan engagement, optimize operations, and craft unparalleled experiences, setting new benchmarks for global sporting events hosted in the Kingdom.”

Denis Bodart, who runs a creative animation agency called Feed Me Light in London and Riyadh, says AI helps small business owners maintain a robust online presence without extensive resources. (Supplied)

Integrating AI allows small businesses to provide seamless customer experiences. Automating processes like order management and payment processing enhances customer satisfaction and loyalty.

“AI has completely changed the game for small creators like me,” Salwa Beauty, a prominent social media influencer in Saudi Arabia, told Arab News. “It’s like having a full creative team in your pocket.”

Salwa utilizes AI to generate content ideas, animate scenes, write captions, and redesign photos — tasks that once required extensive time and resources.

For her fitness content, Salwa has eliminated the need for models or physical products. “I can animate people, create scenes, and even showcase products being used — all without hiring anyone or incurring upfront costs,” she said.

This capability allows her to build a complete brand presence independently, showcasing the democratizing power of AI.

The freedom AI provides is substantial for small businesses. By enabling entrepreneurs to launch ideas, test visuals, and create professional content quickly and affordably, AI empowers them to stand out in a crowded market.

“AI is literally my assistant now,” said Salwa.

AI also reduces costs associated with traditional modeling. Additionally, AI facilitates content creation and scheduling, allowing businesses to maintain a consistent online presence effortlessly.

Platforms like Salla and Zid are enhancing the landscape for small businesses in Saudi Arabia. These platforms leverage AI to optimize customer interactions, enabling efficient order scheduling, carrier connections, and targeted marketing messages based on customer data.

Screenshot of a page in the AI-enabled Zid platform.

Such features not only save time but also enhance the overall customer experience.

AI has emerged as an invaluable asset for small businesses, offering innovative solutions that enhance productivity, creativity, and financial management. Integrating AI tools can significantly transform the entrepreneurial journey, enabling working mothers and small creators to thrive in today’s competitive market.

With AI as a partner, the possibilities for growth and success are limitless. As small businesses in Saudi Arabia continue to embrace these technologies, they open the door to a future where creativity and efficiency flourish, paving the way for new ideas and opportunities.

AI is a powerful ally for small businesses, empowering them to optimize operations, enhance marketing efforts, and improve customer experiences. As more entrepreneurs embrace these technologies, the potential for growth and innovation continues to expand.