TheFace: Nouf Altoaimi, Saudi Arabia’s first woman to be accredited as business valuer

Nouf Altoaimi pursued a career in medicine but soon realized it was not for her. (AN photo by Ziyad Alarfaj)
Updated 30 November 2018
Follow

TheFace: Nouf Altoaimi, Saudi Arabia’s first woman to be accredited as business valuer

  • Altoaimi started out pursuing a career in medicine but soon realized it was not for her.
  • The young business executive says she discovered she had a love of public speaking after joining the Toastmasters club

“Ever since I was a child, my parents made me feel that nothing is impossible,” said Altoaimi, the first woman to become an officially accredited business valuer in Saudi Arabia. “I grew up within an ambitious family, as my mother created her own small business while my father excelled in his career. I grew up with the idea that success comes to those who work hard and chase it.”

Altoaimi started out pursuing a career in medicine but soon realized it was not for her.

“During my high school years I was made to believe that medicine is ‘The Choice,’ otherwise you didn’t succeed in life,” she said. “So I studied, applied and got in (to medical school). But for some reason it felt completely wrong. With the advice of the people closest to me, I realized that I should do what I wanted and what would make me feel happy and satisfied, regardless of what others say or think. This was a huge turning point in my life.”

She decided to study finance at Prince Sultan University and graduated in 2016 with first-class honors. 

“Throughout my journey at PSU I was a very active student, the annoying type you’ll see at every event the university is hosting,” said Altoaimi. “I had a desire to say ‘yes’ to every chance I got, and because of this I got the chance to travel, explore and be who I am today. Saying yes introduced me to a side of myself I didn’t realize I had. For instance, I only realized I had a love of public speaking after joining the Toastmasters club, which helped me shape the young leader in me.”

After graduating, Altoaimi joined the company EY as a trainee in its transactions team.

“While rotating between subservice lines, valuations appealed the most to me,” she said. “Valuation is an art and that is what makes it unique in the world of numbers and structured processes. It is all about subjectivity and uncertainty; there is no one right answer as your intuition and understanding are the keys. Every case is different so you learn new things every day as you’re exposed to various sectors, economies and practices.”

With the help of her colleagues and family Altoaimi started to study for accreditation in the field of business valuation.

“After completing the exams, I officially became the first female accredited business valuer (Taqeem) in Saudi Arabia,” she said. “In all my courses, except for one, I was the only woman in the room but it never felt wrong or awkward. I was never shy to ask questions and participate. I gained a great network and knowledge.

“Our voice is a gift that we should embrace and use. It will take us all the way if we stand up and let it be heard.” 


Program assists female visitors at Grand Mosque

Updated 5 sec ago
Follow

Program assists female visitors at Grand Mosque

MAKKAH: The Presidency of Religious Affairs at the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque, through the Women’s Affairs Agency, has launched a program to answer visitors’ questions about rituals during Ramadan, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.

The “Answering and Guiding Female Inquirers” program at the Grand Mosque in Makkah was introduced to accommodate the expected rise in attendance during the last 10 days of the holy month.

Sheikh Abdulrahman Al-Sudais, head of the presidency, emphasized the agency’s commitment to the initiative, highlighting its role in providing guidance to female visitors.

The program aims to enrich their experience by promoting authentic Islamic knowledge, offering reliable religious guidance and fostering greater awareness in a supportive environment, the SPA reported.

To facilitate inquiries, two dedicated locations have been designated: Women’s Prayer Area 74 on the ground floor and Women’s Prayer Area 84 on the first floor.


King Salman reserve records Nubian ibex birth

Updated 2 min 36 sec ago
Follow

King Salman reserve records Nubian ibex birth

  • The King Salman bin Abdulaziz Royal Natural Reserve is the largest terrestrial nature reserve in the Middle East

RIYADH: The field team at the King Salman bin Abdulaziz Royal Natural Reserve recorded the birth of a Nubian ibex in March, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.

The reserve’s development authority said that over time, more than 81 mountain ibexes have been reintroduced across various areas of the reserve.

This effort aligns with its commitment to protecting wildlife, including endangered species, and providing a thriving environment for their growth and reproduction, the SPA reported.

The authority added that the reproduction of animals within the reserve reflects the quality and suitability of its natural habitats for wildlife.

The reserve has recorded over 120 mammal births, including the Arabian oryx, sand gazelle, Nubian ibex, and Arabian gazelle, across its designated areas.

As the largest terrestrial nature reserve in the Middle East, the reserve spans 130,700 sq. km across four administrative regions: Jouf, Hail, Northern Borders, and Tabuk. The reserve features diverse habitats, terrains, and unique geographic formations.


Ramadan iftar in Al-Baha’s heritage homes: A tapestry of tradition and taste

Updated 17 March 2025
Follow

Ramadan iftar in Al-Baha’s heritage homes: A tapestry of tradition and taste

  • These heritage houses, architectural emblems of Al-Baha’s rich cultural identity, are silent witnesses to the region’s history

RIYADH: In Al-Aqiq Governorate, Al-Baha, Ramadan is celebrated with warmth and community spirit. Families gather in beautiful heritage homes for iftar, transforming the breaking of the fast into an experience that weaves together living traditions and authentic regional flavors. This practice imbues Ramadan with a unique character.

These heritage houses, architectural emblems of Al-Baha’s rich cultural identity, are silent witnesses to the region’s history, the Saudi Press Agency reported. At these houses, families and friends convene around iftar tables, enveloped by an atmosphere of ancestral stories, fostering a sense of belonging and connection to the past. More than just a meal, iftar becomes an opportunity to strengthen family and social bonds.

Residents chat and share stories, reminiscing about Ramadans past and reinforcing community solidarity and the bonds of affection that unite them.

Awadah Al-Ghamdi told the SPA that this is the third consecutive year his family are breaking their fast at their traditional home, built in 1386 AH. He fondly recalled the Ramadans of his youth, when a fire was lit in the courtyard before the Maghrib call to prayer to prepare traditional fare: fresh bread, aromatic coffee, and marisa, a refreshing blend of water and dates, often infused with lemon or ginger. He emphasized that iftar is a communal affair, with neighbors joining together to share the meal and pray.

The experience of breaking the fast in Al-Baha’s traditional homes is a powerful symbol of the enduring customs that bridge generations. With each iftar, residents revive these cherished practices, ensuring they resonate with future generations and preserve the authentic spirit of Al-Baha throughout every Ramadan.

 


Crown prince launches Saudi Architecture Characters Map to celebrate architectural heritage

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. (File/SPA)
Updated 17 March 2025
Follow

Crown prince launches Saudi Architecture Characters Map to celebrate architectural heritage

  • Saudi Architecture aims to enrich the urban architectural diversity of the Kingdom, elevate urban landscape in cities and empower local talent

RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has officially launched the Saudi Architecture Characters Map, featuring 19 distinct architectural styles inspired by the Kingdom’s diverse geographical and cultural characteristics.

The map highlights Saudi Arabia’s commitment to celebrating the Kingdom’s architectural heritage, enhancing quality of life and modernizing the urban landscape in Saudi cities as part of Vision 2030, Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.

The crown prince emphasized that Saudi Architecture would reflect the cultural and geographical diversity of the Kingdom.

He further highlighted the importance of sustainable urban planning that harmonized with the local environment and integrates traditional architectural elements into modern designs.

“Saudi Architecture blends our rich heritage with contemporary design thinking. We are enhancing urban landscapes and quality of life as well as building an architectural framework that balances the past and the present. This model will serve as a global source of inspiration for innovation in architectural design,” the crown prince said.

Prince Mohammed continued: “Saudi Architecture will indirectly contribute to economic growth by making our cities more attractive to visitors and tourists, which will stimulate sectors such as tourism, hospitality and construction. It also envisions a future where our cities and communities thrive.”

Saudi Architecture aims to enrich the urban architectural diversity of the Kingdom, elevate urban landscape in cities and empower local talent.

By 2030, it is expected to contribute over SR8 billion ($2.13 billion) to the Kingdom’s cumulative gross domestic product and create more than 34,000 direct and indirect job opportunities across the engineering, construction, and urban development sectors.

Saudi Architecture provides developers with guidelines that allow for modern building materials without imposing additional financial burdens. Each of the 19 architectural styles offers three design typographies: traditional, transitional, and contemporary – encouraging creative expression while preserving the authenticity of local architecture.

The implementation of Saudi Architecture will unfold in a phased manner. The first phase will focus on Al-Ahsa, Taif, Makkah, and Abha, where initial applications will target major projects, government buildings, and commercial structures.

The Saudi Architecture Characters Map highlights 19 architectural styles inspired by geographical, natural and cultural characteristics, derived from urban and historical studies of building traditions passed down through generations.

These styles include Central Najdi, Northern Najdi, Tabuk Coast, Madinah Rural, Inner Madinah, Hejazi Coast, Taif Highlands, Sarawat Mountains, Aseer Escarpment, Tuhama Foothills, Tuhama Coast, Farasan Islands, Abha Highlands, Bisha Desert, Najran, Al-Ahsa Oasis, Al-Qatif Oasis, East Coast, and Eastern Najdi.

Efforts to implement Saudi Architecture are driven by partnerships across government agencies, engineering firms and real estate developers.

Architectural design studios will support engineers and designers through engineering guidelines, training workshops, and skill development programs to ensure the highest standards of sustainability and quality.


Jeddah fitness buffs break sweat before and after iftar

Updated 16 March 2025
Follow

Jeddah fitness buffs break sweat before and after iftar

  • Fasting residents are staying committed to their fitness regimes during holy month

JEDDAH: Ramadan provides a tough test for many, with iftar spreads of sugary, calorie-packed, and fried food being quite a temptation — but fitness enthusiasts in Jeddah are not letting that slow them down.

Many fasting residents are staying committed to their fitness regimes, hitting the gyms and cycling, jogging, paddling, running, boxing, and tackling other high-energy activities to keep their health on track during the holy month.

Fitting in a workout before iftar has become a popular trend this Ramadan among men and women, with many taking to the open spaces to reap its health benefits.

Fitting in a workout before iftar has become a popular trend this Ramadan among men and women, with many taking to the open spaces to reap its health benefits. (SPA)

Tariq Abdulmajeed, 42, who walks daily before iftar on the Tahlia pathway, told Arab News: “One of the effective ways to exercise in Ramadan is to walk before breaking the fast. It is the right period to obtain fitness.

“It really can improve physical and muscular capacity and enhance overall body fitness.”

Fitness expert Nasser Al-Saadi told Arab News that Ramadan was not the time to push your limits or set personal records, and added: “You should treat it as a time to maintain (your health). People should take it easy and not have hard workouts because that could affect their health.”

One of the effective ways to exercise in Ramadan is to walk before breaking the fast. It is the right period to obtain fitness.

Tariq Abdulmajeed, Jeddah resident

He explained that exercising before iftar can help burn fat, as the body relies on stored energy. But it may also lead to dehydration.

Al-Saadi recommends light exercises such as walking, stretching, or low-intensity activities, ideally 30 to 60 minutes before breaking the fast. He added: “Exercising after iftar is the ideal time because the body is replenished with nutrients and fluids.”

With more people training in the hours just before and after iftar, gyms across Jeddah are seeing more members attending during the holy month.

Fitting in a workout before iftar has become a popular trend this Ramadan among men and women, with many taking to the open spaces to reap its health benefits. (SPA)

Mahmoud Abdul Raziq, a coach at Ultimate Power Gym, told Arab News: “Many people intend to maintain their health during Ramadan but they should be committed all year long, not only for one month.”

He has been impressed by the discipline he has seen in his fasting clients, and added: “I think they are at full power and most of them seem very determined to make a change. They want to challenge themselves physically, mentally and spiritually and that’s the reason we have seen more members signing up.

“Group classes are scheduled two hours before and two hours after iftar, which has been advised as the best timeline for results geared towards losing fat and gaining muscle.”

Arab News caught up with a few people in the gym, and all of them had goals: losing excess body fat, maintaining muscle mass, and toning the body.

Most of them have their workout just before their fast ends. They get home just in time for iftar or end their fast in the gym with a single date and water.

Rayan Abu Hamza, 34, said his fitness goal was to maintain muscle mass and tone his body, and added: “Since the beginning of Ramadan I have been coming to the gym before iftar because it is much better than coming at night when the gym gets crowded and most of the exercising machines are busy.”

When asked if it was better to exercise before or after iftar, Saad Al-Zahrani said: “For me it is before iftar. I don’t feel lazy and it gives me more strength.”

Another member, Tawfiq Hamawi, a Syrian expat, said he preferred later in the day, adding: “Due to my working hours, it is impossible to come before iftar. This would be ideally two hours after eating because it allows the body to replenish nutrients and fluids before physical exertion.”

Whether it is walking outdoors, joining group classes, or hitting the gym alone, residents in Jeddah are finding ways to balance health and tradition.

Ramadan is no excuse for these committed locals to pause their fitness journey, but a period to adapt and push forward.