RIYADH: The healing and relaxing powers of nature are at the heart of Coco Sabon’s philosophy.
Launched by Dr. Cynthia Mosher — an American living in Riyadh — the skincare firm is committed to sourcing high-quality, natural oriental ingredients that provide the skin with gentle care and nourishment.
“I launched Coco Sabon in November 2015 at Alfaisal University’s first bazaar,” she said.
Mosher, who completed a bachelor of science in natural health sciences, said she hoped to do something more than simply diagnose illnesses and prescribe treatments. She also wanted to have time for other important things and people, so now she is working as an educator, training a new generation of medical students.
She encourages people to make healthy choices when it comes to ingredients they use on their bodies.
“I fell in love with formulating and creating beautiful, natural skincare products. I continued my creative journey while pursuing my medical degree, which deepened my commitment to develop ‘do no harm’ skincare based on natural ingredients,” she said.
“Layered with my admiration of Arabian culture, the rich regional ingredients, and my passion for integrative medicine, I developed a deep sense of holistic self-care that guides my formulations. My love for the fragrances, natural remedies and skincare routines of the Middle East are the heart and soul of Coco Sabon.”
There is a growing demand for Coco Sabon products. “After years of requests from family and friends to make and sell my products, I tested the waters, so to speak. We sold out of everything that day.”
She added: “About six weeks later we were invited to participate at the Gathering in Al-Bujairi in January 2016. We had a crowd of customers nonstop for three days and again sold out of everything. It was a decisive weekend. Coco Sabon was born and we have not looked back since.”
Mosher’s family and friends offered encouragement, but one of her strongest supporters was her best friend, Audrey Wilkinson. She said: “Audrey was my supporter, helper and adviser. She now works with me, formulating and producing our candles, cremes and face care line.”
Coco Sabon’s customers are mostly Arab women aged between 20 and 40, “though we have many loyal fans that span different age groups and come from all over the world.”
The brand offers a wide range of products, including soap, bath bombs, scrubs, cremes, face and body oils, perfumes and candles.
“Everything is produced by hand in small batches here in Riyadh using natural, safe and organic ingredients, sourced locally wherever possible,” Mosher said.
Coco Sabon believes in supporting local businesses and in sourcing the best ingredients possible. The store also designs its packaging and hand packages, labels and wraps each item, selling through an online store (cocosabon.com), Instagram, WhatsApp, and local popup shop events.
Mosher has also started offering workshops on making her products.
“Some might think that to be unwise because I could very well teach a future competitor,” she said. “Well, that’s true for the medical students I teach now. Should I withhold my knowledge for fear of them becoming better doctors and doing better? Of course not. The more knowledge we put out there, the better our society will be. The workshops also help build community.
“I connect with people who are curious, who want to learn how to create and how to make good choices for their health. I welcome workshop students young and older (my youngest so far was just 6 years old), and I encourage them to take what they learn and use it to improve their lives and that of others around them. If they make a business out of doing so, then good for them. We all have something to offer the world,” she said.
Mosher is happy that she created a job she loves. “Sometimes I miss practicing clinical medicine, but I remind myself that I am helping people make healthier choices for their bodies, their minds, their souls and the planet,” she said.
“That’s a special kind of medicine that I believe can help heal the world.”
Startup of the Week: Coco Sabon’s natural skincare
Startup of the Week: Coco Sabon’s natural skincare
- Coco Sabon’s customers are mostly Arab women aged between 20 and 40, “though we have many loyal fans that span different age groups and come from all over the world”
Future Minerals Forum in Riyadh looks to bolster global links
- Mining leaders from 85 countries gather next week to discuss challenges, outlook
RIYADH: Leading mining representatives from more than 85 countries will meet in Riyadh next week as the Future Minerals Forum discusses challenges and developments in the global mineral industries.
Key stakeholders, including governments, international organizations, business federations, investors, and sector leaders, will take part in the forum from Jan. 14-16 at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center.
The event is being organized by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources under the patronage of King Salman.
According to the ministry, the fourth annual international ministerial meeting of mining ministers, due to take place on Jan. 14 as part of the forum, will feature its largest-ever number of government representatives and topics to be discussed.
Among the 85 countries represented will be 16 nations from the G20. At least 50 ministers and 13 deputy ministers are taking part, the ministry said.
The ministry said that over 50 official and nongovernmental organizations, along with trade unions and leading figures in the global mining industry, will attend the event, reflecting the significance of the gathering as a global platform to discuss mining and mineral industry affairs, ways to meet the growing demand for strategic and critical minerals, and new opportunities for development in mineral-producing and processing countries.
The meeting will focus on several issues, including progress made during the previous year concerning the three ministerial meeting initiatives, which include developing a strategic framework for critical minerals increasing value-added processing in mineral-producing countries, producing green minerals using modern technologies and renewable energy, and ensuring sustainability and transparency in supply chains.
Discussions will also focus on the establishment of centers of excellence in major mining regions to enable investment, build capabilities, and develop human resources.
Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Alkhorayef will chair the meeting and deliver the opening address, highlighting Saudi Arabia’s commitment to sustainable mineral development and emphasizing its leadership role in advancing the sector’s future.
He will also discuss opportunities for global cooperation to face challenges and invest in the vast potential offered by the mineral sector.
Among the ministers attending the meeting are Italian Minister for the Environment and Energy Security Gilberto Pichetto Fratin; UK Secretary of State for Business and Trade Jonathan Reynolds; Brazilian Minister of Mines and Energy Alexandre Silveira; Indian Minister of Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy; South African Minister of Trade, Industry, and Competition Parks Tau; Democratic Republic of Congo Minister of Mines Kizito Pakabomba; Egyptian Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Karim Badawi; Nigerian Minister of Solid Minerals Development Henry Dele Alake; and Moroccan Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development Leila Benali.
Vice Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources for Mining Affairs Khalid bin Saleh Al-Mudaifer said that the meeting represents an important step toward achieving sustainable development in the global mining and minerals sector.
He said that the international ministerial meeting provides an ideal platform for finding solutions and developing legislation on best practices in sustainable mining, exploring ways to invest in mining projects to achieve economic and social development in producing countries.
Future Minerals Forum in Riyadh looks to bolster global links
- Mining leaders from 85 countries gather next week to discuss challenges, outlook
- The event is being organized by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources under the patronage of King Salman
RIYADH: Leading mining representatives from more than 85 countries will meet in Riyadh next week as the Future Minerals Forum discusses challenges and developments in the global mineral industries.
Key stakeholders, including governments, international organizations, business federations, investors, and sector leaders, will take part in the forum from Jan. 14-16 at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center.
The event is being organized by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources under the patronage of King Salman.
According to the ministry, the fourth annual international ministerial meeting of mining ministers, due to take place on Jan. 14 as part of the forum, will feature its largest-ever number of government representatives and topics to be discussed.
Among the 85 countries represented will be 16 nations from the G20. At least 50 ministers and 13 deputy ministers are taking part, the ministry said.
The ministry said that over 50 official and nongovernmental organizations, along with trade unions and leading figures in the global mining industry, will attend the event, reflecting the significance of the gathering as a global platform to discuss mining and mineral industry affairs, ways to meet the growing demand for strategic and critical minerals, and new opportunities for development in mineral-producing and processing countries.
The meeting will focus on several issues, including progress made during the previous year concerning the three ministerial meeting initiatives, which include developing a strategic framework for critical minerals increasing value-added processing in mineral-producing countries, producing green minerals using modern technologies and renewable energy, and ensuring sustainability and transparency in supply chains.
Discussions will also focus on the establishment of centers of excellence in major mining regions to enable investment, build capabilities, and develop human resources.
Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Alkhorayef will chair the meeting and deliver the opening address, highlighting Saudi Arabia’s commitment to sustainable mineral development and emphasizing its leadership role in advancing the sector’s future.
He will also discuss opportunities for global cooperation to face challenges and invest in the vast potential offered by the mineral sector.
Among the ministers attending the meeting are Italian Minister for the Environment and Energy Security Gilberto Pichetto Fratin; UK Secretary of State for Business and Trade Jonathan Reynolds; Brazilian Minister of Mines and Energy Alexandre Silveira; Indian Minister of Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy; South African Minister of Trade, Industry, and Competition Parks Tau; Democratic Republic of Congo Minister of Mines Kizito Pakabomba; Egyptian Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Karim Badawi; Nigerian Minister of Solid Minerals Development Henry Dele Alake; and Moroccan Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development Leila Benali.
Vice Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources for Mining Affairs Khalid bin Saleh Al-Mudaifer said that the meeting represents an important step toward achieving sustainable development in the global mining and minerals sector.
He said that the international ministerial meeting provides an ideal platform for finding solutions and developing legislation on best practices in sustainable mining, exploring ways to invest in mining projects to achieve economic and social development in producing countries.
NEXTG3N Hackathon: Shaping future skills through Web3, gaming
- Event gathered international, Saudi innovators in Riyadh
- The event was spearheaded by Princess Nourah Al-Faisal, founder and CEO of Adhlal, in collaboration with W3 ff Venture Builder
RIYADH: As the world rapidly evolves, projections indicate that 65 percent of future jobs are yet to be created. Hence, Saudi Arabia is proactively preparing its youth for this dynamic landscape.
The NEXTG3N Hackathon, which started Jan. 9 and ends Jan. 11 at Princess Nourah University in Riyadh, gathered international innovators alongside Saudi talent to develop groundbreaking solutions at the crossroads of Web3 and gaming.
The event was spearheaded by Princess Nourah Al-Faisal, founder and CEO of Adhlal, in collaboration with W3 ff Venture Builder.
Participants were invited to create practical solutions that addressed critical areas such as education, digital inclusion, and emerging technologies.
This initiative aimed at empowering the next generation with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in a world increasingly influenced by technological advances.
The hackathon leveraged Web3’s decentralized framework and gaming’s engaging approach to address the critical challenge of preparing the next generation for an uncertain job market.
Selected innovations from the hackathon will be showcased at the World Economic Forum in Davos, highlighting Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in the global digital and creative landscape.
This initiative aligns with Saudi Vision 2030’s goals, creating a platform from which Saudi youngsters collaborate with global innovators to tackle shared challenges and shape the future of work.
The first day of the event featured an impressive lineup of speakers who are pioneers in their respective fields. Among them were Princess Nourah; Hamad Al-Owaishiq, founder and CEO of the Saudi Youth Society; Tanja Ludwig from W3 ff Venture Builder in Germany; Dalia Samra-Rohte from the Algemeine Handels Kamer; and Xavier Prost from Veridos UAE, one of the event’s sponsors.
Princess Nourah spoke of the importance of creating a safe online environment for children through Web3 technology. She highlighted how blockchain can provide a secure space for young users, fostering their engagement with digital platforms. She introduced Adhlal as a research-based community and design consultancy focused on innovation and creativity in design.
Princess Nourah remarked on the significance of soft skills in preparing the youth for future challenges, and added: “When we think about the evolving landscape over the next few years, we must consider how to foster innovation and creativity among youth.”
Al-Owaishiq said: “Web3 is the focus of the current global discourse, and it’s crucial for young people to be aware of this paradigm shift. They need to develop skills that allow them to engage with Web3 technology creatively and innovatively.”
His emphasis on youth empowerment underscored the hackathon’s goal of equipping participants with the tools to navigate and lead within the new digital landscape.
Sabrina Goerlich, a Web3 consultant, emphasized the vision behind NEXTG3N, saying: “Our objective is to create a safe, hybrid space that utilizes technologies like blockchain and Web3 to empower the younger generation. We aim to cultivate tomorrow’s architects of change.”
She noted that the collaboration with W3 ff Venture Builder brought both technological and business perspectives, enhancing the overall impact of the initiative.
The NEXTG3N Hackathon represented a strategic effort to harness creativity and technology for the betterment of society. By bringing together diverse talents, the event sought to inspire participants to develop solutions that addressed real-world challenges, while fostering a culture of innovation.
As Saudi Arabia continues to invest in the future of its youngsters, events like the NEXTG3N Hackathon highlight the nation’s commitment to preparing its workforce for the jobs of tomorrow.
By focusing on Web3 and gaming, the hackathon aimed to equip participants with essential skills, ensuring they are not only consumers of technology but also innovators and leaders in the digital economy.
Tuwaiq Academy opens registration for cybersecurity bootcamp
- Scheduled to begin on Feb. 16, 2025, the five-month bootcamp will be held at the academy’s headquarters in Riyadh
- The program aims to cultivate exceptional national talent in diverse cybersecurity domains
RIYADH: Tuwaiq Academy has opened registration for the Tuwaiq Cybersecurity Bootcamp, a program offering employment opportunities to top-performing participants.
Scheduled to begin on Feb. 16, 2025, the five-month bootcamp will be held at the academy’s headquarters in Riyadh.
The program aims to cultivate exceptional national talent in diverse cybersecurity domains, providing participants with the opportunity to earn professional certifications in collaboration with OffSec.
The Tuwaiq Cybersecurity Bootcamp provides participants with the opportunity to earn the Security Operations Center-200 professional certification, which equips them with critical skills for SOC operations, including advanced system defense techniques and strategies to mitigate cyber threats.
The program also offers a chance to obtain the PEN-200 professional certification, focused on building expertise in advanced penetration testing.
The academy has opened registration for the Tuwaiq Cybersecurity Bootcamp, along with over 150 professional camps and programs, available through its website: https://tuwaiq.edu.sa
Tuwaiq Academy CEO Abdulaziz Al-Hammadi highlighted the academy’s dedication to cultivating outstanding national talent in cybersecurity.
This commitment is reflected in its professional boot camps and programs conducted in collaboration with leading international organizations.
Additionally, the academy partners with government and private sector entities to create job opportunities for its graduates. Ninety percent of participants in previous Tuwaiq Cybersecurity Bootcamp were employed within three months of graduation.
Tuwaiq Academy is the first specialized institution dedicated to cultivating national talent in advanced technology.
Through partnerships with global companies such as Apple, Meta, Microsoft, Google, IBM, and Amazon, the academy offers a range of professional boot camps.
The initiative is designed to bridge the gap between the rapid evolution of modern technologies and the needs of the labor market.
Parliamentary Foreign Vice-Minister Matsumoto to visit Saudi Arabia, Jordan
TOKYO: Japan’s Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Matsumoto Hisashi will visit the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Jordan from Jan. 11 to 15, the foreign ministry said on Friday.
During the visit, Matsumoto is scheduled to exchange views with government officials of Saudi Arabia and Jordan on bilateral relations as well as regional and international situations.
Matsumoto is scheduled to arrive in Riyadh on Jan. 12, according to the ministry.
A version of this article appeared on Arab News Japan.
