TheFace: Shahd Attar, Saudi digital transformation consultant

Shahd Attar with her husband and children. (AN photo by Ziyad Alarfaj)
Updated 08 November 2019
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TheFace: Shahd Attar, Saudi digital transformation consultant

I remember exactly the moment I decided to pursue a career in technology. I was born into a home where there were hundreds of computers and devices lying around. My father is an electrical engineer who founded a software company and then went on to run several other IT companies. He was a CEO by day and a gamer by night. Technology was a way of life for us and our house was a perpetual computer lab. Whenever he would dismantle a PC to install a new graphics card, he would use my small hands to hold the tiny screws for him, and I knew then as I stared in fascination at my dad whilst he operated on the mysterious green board, shiny interior and intertwined highway looking cables, that I would be hooked for life.

My career formally started at Cisco, a global leader in networking solutions. It was a dream come true to me. Reality hit me very quickly when there were not many other women around, especially after graduating from an all-girls school. I realized then that a noble higher calling would be to play an active role in bringing more women into the workforce and collectively working with everyone on creating a positive environment that celebrates diversity. However, after many years of dealing through the various challenging and rewarding situations, those colleagues became my friends, supporters and mentors. It was the growing pains that we, as a society, had to go through to transform, to find the right balance and the right culture that defines the new Saudi Arabia.

As our country marches into the future, global markets and technology will undoubtedly be the underlying enabler for many years to come. That is how I got to where I am today as a consultant in digital transformation with Accenture. I work with many clients everyday on leveraging technologies such as big data, the Internet of Things and Cloud Computing to change the way they do business and to enable them to innovate and deliver new digital experiences that are memorable and customer-centric. Change is happening quickly, and I am fortunate to be part of this positive momentum.

"There are so many wonderfully talented professional women in the market, but many employers have difficulty finding them. This invisible cultural barrier is slowly disappearing."

Talent shortage in technology is no joke, we are racing against time to fill the jobs required to execute all the digital transformation initiatives. Employing women is no longer optional, it is mandated by the government. I cofounded a nonprofit called “CellA,” which means “connection” in Arabic, in order to promote women’s economic participation in Saudi Arabia, supported by Al-Nahda Foundation. Professional women needed a platform in Saudi Arabia to connect to find jobs and to grow their careers through inspiration, mentoring and personal development. We held regular meetings and ran many events where great female role models spoke about their journey and the challenges they faced. I am so proud of the incredibly positive force of energy we created for women in Saudi Arabia.

There are so many wonderfully talented professional women in the market, but many employers have difficulty finding them. This invisible cultural barrier is slowly disappearing. However, over the years I have met and spoken with hundreds of women and I understand many of the problems and challenges they face. I continue to speak up and advocate for them and be personally inspired by their achievements and stories.

Recently, we held the largest meetup for women in technology in Riyadh, at the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology. 1,500 women attended all-female technical panels and workshops. Today, no one can say that there are no women in cybersecurity, data science or any field of technology. It has been a great and rewarding personal journey, from feeling lonely to seeing hundreds like me, sharing the same passion and aspirations and realizing great career heights.

Like my father, my mother also influenced my personality and brought me balance. She is the reason I look up from the screen of my computer and to try to connect to people. She taught me kindness, empathy and positivity. She taught me to how to love life and give love. I have been blessed with a son and a daughter and a wonderful husband. It is for my family that I work and hope for a brighter and better future. I am blessed to be in a professional position that sets the foundations for the future of my country. 

 


Saudi FM holds calls with Kuwaiti, Palestinian and Norwegian counterparts on regional tensions

Updated 9 sec ago
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Saudi FM holds calls with Kuwaiti, Palestinian and Norwegian counterparts on regional tensions

  • Calls came amid rising tensions between Israel and Iran

RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan on Friday held a series of phone calls with regional and international counterparts to discuss the escalating situation in the Middle East, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

In a call with Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya, the two sides reviewed the recent Israeli strike on Iran, its regional repercussions, and stressed the importance of de-escalation and safeguarding regional security, SPA added.

Prince Faisal also spoke with Palestinian Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Mustafa, with discussions also focused on the latest developments in the region and their wider implications.

In a separate call, the Saudi minister discussed regional and international issues of common interest with Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide.


Saudi airports issue travel alert after airspace closures amid Israel-Iran tension

Updated 7 min 48 sec ago
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Saudi airports issue travel alert after airspace closures amid Israel-Iran tension

  • Major airports authorities in the Kingdom have advised those traveling to check with their airlines before heading to the airport to avoid delays or flight changes

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia on Friday issued a travel alert for citizens and residents after airspace closures following the Israeli attacks on Iran ramping up tensions between the regional rivals.

Increased tensions in the region could pose security risks and several countries in the Middle East closed their airspace, resulting in travel disruptions, including flight cancellations.

Major airports authorities in the Kingdom have advised those traveling to check with their airlines before heading to the airport to avoid delays or flight changes.

In advisories on social media, King Khalid International Airport Riyadh, King Abdulaziz International Airport, Jeddah, King Fahd International Airport, Dammam and Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport, Madinah, said: “In the interest of your safety and comfort and due to the current developments in some countries in the region, travelers heading to destinations affected by airspace closures are kindly advised to contact their respective airlines directly before proceeding to the airport.

“This is to confirm the latest updates on their flights and to avoid any unexpected delays or changes. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation, and we are always pleased to serve you.”

After Israel attacked Iran early on Friday, airlines diverted flights affected by airspace closures.

Airlines cleared out of the airspace over Israel, Iran and Iraq, Flightradar24 data showed, with carriers scrambling to divert and cancel flights to keep passengers and crew safe.

Joanne Serrieh, a journalist working with Alarabiya, on Friday afternoon posted on X: “Currently on Emirates flight EK216 from LAX to DXB. We’re being diverted to avoid closed Iranian airspace. We’ll be landing in Jeddah to refuel then will hopefully be able to continue to Dubai.”

Shamim Akhter, an Indian expat who worked in Riyadh for decades and is flying back home tonight on final exit, told Arab News: “After learning about airspace closure and flight diversion from Arab News, I contacted my airline, so far, the flight is expected to depart as scheduled. There is no change in timing, so I will proceed on time.

“If there is a change, I will be informed by the airline,” he said, adding: “The heightened tension following the Israeli attack on Iran has created unnecessary chaos. I hope and pray things return to normal soon.”

Due to the heightened tension Iranian airspace has been closed until further notice, state media reported. Jordan also closed its airspace to all flights.

Israel has suspended flights to and from Israel, its flag carrier El Al Airlines said. Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport was closed until further notice.

Conflict zones around the world are becoming an increasing burden on airline operations. Six commercial aircraft have been shot down unintentionally and three endured near misses since 2001, according to aviation risk consultancy Osprey Flight Solutions.


Saudi and UK foreign ministers discuss regional developments

Updated 13 June 2025
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Saudi and UK foreign ministers discuss regional developments

LONDON: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan met in London with UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy on Friday to discuss ties and regional developments, the foreign ministry announced.

The meeting touched on areas of joint cooperation and ongoing efforts to address regional challenges, the ministry added.

Prince Musab bin Mohammed Al-Farhan, advisor to the Minister of Foreign Affairs for Political Affairs, was also present.

The talks come ahead of next week’s Saudi-French conference on Palestine in New York, where international officials will seek to revive momentum for a two-state solution and outline steps toward Palestinian statehood.


Palestinian child arrives in Saudi Arabia for treatment under King Salman’s directives

Updated 13 June 2025
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Palestinian child arrives in Saudi Arabia for treatment under King Salman’s directives

RIYADH: Palestinian Mohammed Khaled Hijazi, 7, arrived in the Kingdom on Thursday with his parents to receive medical care and was immediately transferred to the King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital and Research Center in Riyadh.

The supervisor general at the Saudi aid agency KSrelief, Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, thanked King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for the humanitarian initiative to treat the Palestinian boy in the Kingdom.

Al-Rabeeah said that Hijazi lost his right eye while his left eye was severely damaged by an explosion while he was playing with friends near their house, which was completely destroyed, in the Jabalia camp, north of Gaza, last month.

The supervisor general prayed for the boy’s speedy recovery and for the Palestinian people to be relieved of their suffering.

He clarified that this initiative is a continuation of the relief and humanitarian efforts provided by the Kingdom to the Palestinian people in times of crisis and adversity, particularly the most vulnerable categories, such as children, who innocently pay the price of conflicts.

Al-Rabeeah also saidthat the initiative is part of the humanitarian approach adopted by the Kingdom toward needy peoples through KSrelief, which does not discriminate based on gender, race, or religion, and is fundamentally rooted in noble human principles of compassion and human solidarity.

The Palestinian boy’s parents expressed their appreciation and gratitude to the Kingdom for treating their son, affirming that this brotherly gesture is not unusual from the Kingdom’s leadership, which has always been known for its honorable stance in support of the Palestinian people.


Wrapped in gratitude: How Saudi women are redefining post-Hajj gift culture

Updated 13 June 2025
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Wrapped in gratitude: How Saudi women are redefining post-Hajj gift culture

RIYADH: In Saudi Arabia, the end of Hajj doesn’t simply mark the conclusion of a sacred pilgrimage — it opens the door to another cherished tradition.

Gift-giving, known locally as hadiyat al-hajj or “the pilgrim’s gift,” is a gesture that turns a personal journey into a shared blessing. For many, it is an expression of faith, gratitude and love.

While classics like Zamzam water and dates still hold their place, a new generation of Saudi women is redefining this tradition, infusing it with creative spirit, personal stories and intentional detail. From custom packaging to symbolic items and handwritten notes, Hajj gifts today are becoming more than a token — they’re a continuation of the spiritual journey itself.

“I didn’t want to just hand someone a plastic bottle and say, ‘I went’,” said Nawal Al-Subaie, aged 30. “So I put together small bundles with Zamzam water, engraved tasbeeh and handwritten du’a cards for each friend. It was my way of letting them in on the experience.”

The gifts now often carry symbolic meaning — a fragrance that evokes the air of Arafat, prayer cards reflecting moments of silence in Muzdalifah, or a simple stamped tag reading “Hajj Mabroor” in hand-drawn calligraphy. The items are chosen with care, often representing moments that shaped the pilgrim’s heart.

For Dana Al-Hamdan, 26, the most powerful way to preserve the feeling of Hajj was through images. Instead of giving traditional gifts, she printed instant film photographs she took throughout her pilgrimage, labeled with the exact date and time.

“I gave them to my twin sister,” she said. “One was from Arafat just before Maghrib, another from the moment I arrived in Mina. They weren’t staged — they were raw and personal.”

The emotional weight of that gesture lingered far beyond the exchange.

“She kept one photo in her wallet and the other on her desk.” Al-Hamdan said.

This new take on hadiyat al-hajj is trending on social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok. Videos show everything from Hajj-themed gift boxes and laser-cut Qur’anic bookmarks to handmade pouches, scented oils and memory tokens.

But it isn’t about luxury or performance; it’s about thoughtfulness. Many women prepare the gifts in quiet, reflective settings. Some add prayers or verses. Others prepare items based on personal meaning, such as a prayer for healing, a verse for patience, or an object that symbolizes strength.

Latifa Al-Dossari, 27, created sets of prayer beads and placed them inside tiny velvet bags, along with notes describing what that day of Hajj felt like.

“It was like writing someone a letter from Mina,” she said.

What’s happening with these gifts is part of a larger movement, a shift toward a more expressive, emotionally honest form of spirituality. For many Saudi women, especially younger ones, Hajj is not only a rite to fulfill, but a memory to share, a testimony that invites others in.

Some see hadiyat al-hajj as souvenirs, others see them as silent declarations. “I remembered you,” they say. “I carried your name. This was not a journey I took alone.”

The true beauty of this tradition lies in the unspoken energy that surrounds it. These are not mass-produced tokens; they are gifts that hold time, intention, and prayer.

For the women crafting them, the act is a final ritual, a quiet bridge from the pilgrim’s journey back to daily life, but built with du’a, thought and love rather than stone or scripture.

Because, in the end, the real gift isn’t the Zamzam or the photograph or the beads. It’s the sincerity that comes with it — the kind that says: “You were with me, even when I was away.”