Lulwa Al-Soudairy has been the head of strategic development and a board member of Mansour Al Mosaid Group since June 2017. She is also the co-founder and CEO of Artistia since February 2016.
Al-Soudairy attained her bachelor’s degree in management information systems from Dar Al-Hekma University, Jeddah, in 2011 and her MBA from Babson College’s F.W. Olin Graduate School of Business, Wellesley, Massachusetts in 2015.
Prior to her current position, she worked as a social responsibly coordinator at BMG Financial Group from November 2011 to September 2012, was a business development intern at Harvard Medical School from January to August 2013, and graduate assistant at Babson College’s Center for Engaged Learning & Teaching from January 2014 to May 2014.
When Al-Soudairy watched designers in the region spread their resources too thin, she realised that despite the large number of artisans in the Kingdom there was a lack of openings for selling wares.
“My mother is the owner of Liyano, a local production house that produces Saudi handcrafted souvenirs and gifts,” Al-Soudairy said.
Taking inspiration from her mother’s entrepreneurship ventures, Al-Soudairy decided to create an e-commerce platform that operates as a virtual mall, where users can share administrative task services and access the global marketplace. In 2016, her dream came true when Al-Soudairy launched Artistia with her co-founder Leena Alaufi.
According to Al-Soudairy, through the management of administrative functions the company is able to reduce an artisan’s overhead costs by as much as 33 percent.
Since its launch, the site’s network has expanded from 60 to 400 artisanal brands across the Gulf, including in Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Bahrain. The platform registers around 15,000 visits per month.
How Saudi Arabia’s healthcare sector is tackling medical waste to align with the Kingdom’s green vision
Private medical facilities in Saudi Arabia are adopting sustainable waste management practices to minimize their environmental impact
Efforts to reduce, reuse, and responsibly dispose of medical waste are essential for achieving the Kingdom’s sustainability goals
Updated 07 September 2024
Hebshi Alshammari
RIYADH: When one imagines the worst culprits for commercial waste, many would rightly think of fast fashion, obsolete technology, and food retail. However, one surprisingly prolific offender is the medical community — responsible for vast amounts of non-biodegradable and often hazardous waste.
Mindful of their environmental footprint, private medical facilities in Saudi Arabia are doing their bit to help cut waste by encouraging the reduction, reuse, and recycling of packaging, using materials that are biodegradable, and responsibly disposing of dangerous substances.
Furthermore, many medical facilities are adopting technologies to improve energy efficiency and conserve water in line with the Kingdom’s promotion of corporate social responsibility and its commitment to sustainable development.
Dr. Rosanna Cavalletto. (Supplied)
Dr. Rosanna Cavalletto, who heads the Strategic Development Department at the Sijam Dental Clinic in Riyadh, became aware of the issue when she noticed the huge amount of waste produced by her profession.
“General waste dumpsters were filled with various types of possible recycling materials, such as plastic bottles, coffee cups, and disposable items used in our everyday practice,” Cavalletto told Arab News.
However, she was also aware that medical waste was not always being disposed of properly, including “specific types of hazardous wastes, such as dental amalgam,” she said.
Indeed, dental amalgam — a material used to fill cavities caused by tooth decay — consists of a powdered alloy made up of silver, tin, and copper, combined with liquid mercury.
“We cannot forget that mercury is one of the most toxic global non-radioactive pollutants worldwide,” said Cavalletto. “All amalgam waste must be properly disposed of to avoid air, water and soil pollution thereafter.
“Dental practices generate large quantities of waste, including household (non-food) waste, improper hygiene, clinical, hazardous, and food waste, which should be managed appropriately.”
Cavalletto, who authored the book “Save Your Health, Save the Planet: Dentistry for a Bright, Green Future,” launched the “non-medical waste separation” initiative in 2022 to encourage environmental responsibility among medical and cosmetic practitioners.
By mid-2023, the initiative had succeeded in getting new bins installed at Cavalletto’s dental practice, providing different compartments to separate different kinds of waste. But the waste management firm that collected them had another trick up its sleeve.
“The contractor for Sijam Clinics collects our waste full of recyclables weekly and provides us with data to measure the quality of our initiative, which drives us towards reducing environmental pollution,” said Cavalletto.
DID YOUKNOW?
• Medical facilities generate large amounts of non-biodegradable and hazardous waste, which are harmful to the environment.
• The Kingdom’s clinics are embracing waste reduction, reuse, and recycling, aligning with the Saudi Green Initiative.
• Financial incentives and awareness campaigns are crucial for improving waste management in the medical sector.
The transition to better waste management among clinics has not been easy, however. “It was a difficult process with slow steps,” said Cavalletto.
“The truth is there is not enough knowledge about waste separation in dentistry. Making waste separation more convenient and accessible at clinics can encourage proper disposal habits and create a culture of environmental awareness.”
The picture is similar elsewhere in the Saudi medical sector. Abdulrahman Al-Rifai, an environmental engineer at the King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve Development Authority, said clinics are gradually improving their sustainability practices.
Abdulrahman Al-Rifai. (Supplied)
“In line with the Saudi Green Initiative, which focuses on reducing emissions, the sector can contribute significantly by adopting environmentally friendly technologies and waste management strategies,” Al-Rifai told Arab News.
“In recent times, companies have increasingly cooperated in the recycling process within the Kingdom to promote efficiency and resource recovery. However, coordination and infrastructure development remain critical for optimal performance.”
The Saudi Green Initiative, launched by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in 2021, pays close attention to circular economy principles, promoting partnerships and innovation in the recycling industry.
Integrating recycling into waste management systems, boosting research and development, and encouraging public participation are essential steps to achieving the goals of the Saudi Green Initiative, says Abdulrahman Al-Rifai, an environmental engineer. (Shutterstock)
Al-Rifai, who worked in environmental engineering at Panasonic for four years, believes the medical sector requires strong government support, including financial incentives and awareness campaigns, if it is to improve its waste management.
He believes integrating recycling into waste management systems, boosting research and development, and encouraging public participation are essential steps. The Saudi Green Initiative provides a clear road map for achieving a more sustainable economy, he added.
Abdullah Aljumah, general manager at the Riyadh-based First Saudi Contracting Co., says environmental initiatives in the medical sector are integral to sustainable development and social responsibility.
The use of environmentally friendly materials, especially those that are biodegradable and low-toxic, also contributes to reducing negative environmental impacts, he told Arab News.
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Aljumah wants to see more support for research aimed at improving medical technologies and reducing their environmental impacts. Such initiatives, he says, are critical to balancing effective healthcare and environmental conservation.
To make these ambitions a reality, however, waste management firms will require sufficient investment and proper regulation.
Sultan Al-Harthi, executive director of corporate communications at Saudi Arabia’s National Center for Waste Management, known as MWAN, said that the center is promoting investment opportunities in the waste management sector.
Sultan Al-Harthi. (Supplied)
“MWAN aims to enable investors to access hundreds of lucrative investment opportunities in the waste management sector and to familiarize them with the regulatory and economic enablers provided by MWAN and other stakeholders to support the feasibility and success of these projects,” Al-Harthi told Arab News.
Over the past three years, MWAN has developed a comprehensive strategic master plan for the waste sector to build the required infrastructure based on fundamental circular economy principles.
“We’re encouraging innovative initiatives and building the necessary capacities to achieve the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 objectives,” said Al-Harthi.
Caption
“This is accomplished through extensive training programs, awareness campaigns, and initiatives promoting sustainable and circular waste management practices.”
He added: “We’ve focused on capacity building for workers across the waste management system in all sectors — government, private, and non-profit. Simultaneously, we’re increasing public awareness to achieve the sector’s objectives.
“We’re working side by side with our partners to offer integrated waste management solutions. Our goal is to enhance the capacity of private sector companies to channel investments towards environmental, economic, and social sustainability.”
From thin to thriving: Saudi content creator shares health tips to thousands
Ibrahim Al-Dosaimani’s health transformation has inspired 227,000 of his followers on Instagram
Updated 6 min 51 sec ago
Rahaf Jambi
RIYADH: Saudi nutrition and culinary content creator Ibrahim Al-Dosaimani’s health transformation has inspired 227,000 of his followers on Instagram who struggle with being underweight.
Known online as Heem Fit, Al-Dosaimani transformed his life through the power of weight training and healthy cooking.
“All of my recipes are healthy and without deprivation. The basic idea of all my recipes is to maintain the beautiful flavor and increase the nutritional value, and my followers love them,” he told Arab News.
“Learn the right way to gain weight and increase your knowledge about nutrition,” says Ibrahim Al-Dosaimani. (Supplied)
The 27-year-old computer engineer began with a struggle against extreme thinness, leading him to discover not only the importance of nutrition, but also his love for creating delicious meals.
“I never expected that one day I would practice weight training and be in the field of cooking,” he added.
His transformation started when he faced a significant challenge: Despite trying a range of methods, he struggled to gain weight. Growing up, Al-Dosaimani often cooked alongside his mother, who encouraged him to eat more. “I would tell her I wanted to gain weight, and she’d say I had to eat a lot, but I didn’t quite understand what that meant.”
HIGHLIGHTS
• In 2017, Al-Dosaimani took the plunge into weight training while gradually honing his culinary skills.
• The combination of exercise and cooking paid off; he began to gain weight, although it fluctuated over time.
In 2017, he took the plunge into weight training while gradually honing his culinary skills. “I found joy in cooking and could spend hours in the kitchen without noticing the time fly by.”
The combination of exercise and cooking paid off; he began to gain weight, although it fluctuated over time. Realizing that he was not eating as much as he thought, Al-Dosaimani delved into the world of nutrition.
“I started learning about calories, macronutrients and how to meet my dietary needs effectively,” he said.
Known online as Heem Fit, Ibrahim Al-Dosaimani transformed his life through the power of weight training and healthy cooking. (Supplied)
By early 2021, Al-Dosaimani decided to share his journey and knowledge with a broader audience. “I wanted to change people’s perceptions of healthy eating.”
He started creating content and, to date, has filmed more than 250 recipes across various social media platforms, reaching thousands of viewers. His primary goal is to raise awareness about healthy eating and reshape how people perceive it.
“At first, appearing in front of the camera was difficult for me, and I did not like to show my face. Of course, the editing and the way of filming were a challenge, but with time, I was able to develop myself and present the recipe better, and I showed my face,” Al-Dosaimani added.
Throughout his journey, he has faced several challenges, including a lack of nutritional knowledge that delayed his progress. “Not being fully versed in nutrition led to delayed results,” he said. He also encountered misconceptions about healthy eating resulting in bland food that lacks flavor, which he combats by creating delicious recipes that mirror fast food favorites. “I love making burger recipes because I’m a burger lover,” he added.
For those looking to gain weight and be healthy, Al-Dosaimani highlights the importance of a structured meal plan alongside a resistance training regimen to build muscle mass.
“It’s essential to eat high-calorie, low-volume foods that provide the necessary nutrients without overwhelming you,” he said.
Understanding calories and macronutrients has been crucial in Al-Dosaimani’s journey. “Once you grasp these concepts, you can enjoy your food without feeling deprived or restricted. That mindset shift is vital,” he said.
The most rewarding aspect of his work is the positive feedback he receives from those who have benefited from his recipes. “I love hearing from people who have changed their bodies because of my recipes,” he added.
Looking ahead, Al-Dosaimani is excited about an upcoming project: “I’m working on an e-book dedicated to healthy recipes, which will also have educational content to enhance nutrition awareness.”
Reflecting on his transformation, Al-Dosaimani said he would advise his younger self to seek out the right methods to gain weight and to deepen his understanding of nutrition. “Learn the right way to gain weight and increase your knowledge about nutrition,” he said.
His passion for cooking and helping others continues to drive him as he evolves in his fitness and culinary pursuits.
“Through my journey, I not only changed my life, but also hope to inspire countless others to embrace healthy eating and a balanced lifestyle.”
Saudi Arabia takes major strides in cloud seeding to combat water scarcity
Plan for more aircraft and local pilots for cloud-seeding operations
Need better ‘quantity and quality’ rainfall, says meteorology official
Updated 06 September 2024
Arab News
RIYADH: The Kingdom has taken significant strides in its cloud-seeding program to increase rainfall, expand green areas, and combat desertification across the Kingdom, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
Ayman Al-Bar, executive director of the Regional Cloud Seeding Program, told the SPA on Thursday that the process involves aircraft and drones dispersing environmentally safe materials into clouds over carefully selected areas.
The process involves aircraft and drones dispersing environmentally safe materials into clouds over carefully selected areas, official said. (SPA)
By targeting specific areas, a single cloud can increase its rainfall by up to 20 percent under ideal conditions, said Al-Bar.
In 2023, the program targeted six regions in Saudi Arabia, conducting 415 cloud-seeding flights, and dispersing 7,876 flares with four aircraft for over 1,300 hours.
Research on the operations was conducted by a separate aircraft for over 110 hours.
FASTFACTS
• Plan for more aircraft and local pilots for cloud-seeding operations.
• Need better ‘quantity and quality’ rainfall, says meteorology official.
Al-Bar added: “The initiative has now entered its fifth phase, marking a new milestone in the country’s efforts to enhance water security. Our approach is tailored to enhance both the quantity and quality of rainfall from specific cloud types.”
Hussein bin Mohammed Al-Qahtani, spokesperson for the National Center of Meteorology, told the SPA that last year’s total rainfall was an estimated 4 billion cubic millimeters.
Al-Qahtani also highlighted the center’s efforts to localize cloud-seeding expertise, with 18 Saudi Arabia pilots joining the program.
According to the SPA, Saudi Arabia began its cloud-seeding initiative in 2004 and partnered with Weather Modification Inc. under the scientific oversight of the National Center for Atmospheric Research.
This collaboration focused on conducting cloud-seeding experiments in the Asir region, coupled with a comprehensive feasibility study.
Building on its initial findings, the Kingdom expanded its efforts in 2006-2007. During this period, a six-month cloud-seeding trial was conducted across central Saudi Arabia, encompassing the regions of Riyadh, Qassim, and Hail.
The program reached a new milestone in 2009 with a contract involving the WMI. This phase saw the deployment of 10 specialized aircraft for cloud-seeding operations, involving several elite Saudi Arabia scientists.
It takes about 30 minutes for the effects of cloud seeding to be seen, depending on the delivery method, which includes direct injection at the cloud top, base seeding or releasing the agent in the updraft below the cloud base.
Materials used vary based on temperature conditions, including solid carbon dioxide, or dry ice, used at low temperatures, and calcium chloride particles used at higher temperatures to form condensation nuclei.
Saudi industry minister meets heads of Chinese lithium, copper mining firms
Updated 06 September 2024
SPA
RIYADH: Saudi Industry and Mineral Resources Minister Bandar Alkhorayef on Friday met representatives of Chinese mining companies to discuss cooperation and investment opportunities in the mining industry.
The talks centered on the processing and production of lithium, which is used in electric vehicle batteries, and the processing and refining of copper.
Alkhorayef spoke to the chairman of General Lithium Corp. about the Kingdom’s goals in the electric vehicle industry and discussed investment opportunities, cooperation and knowledge sharing.
The meeting was also attended by Industry and Mineral Resources Assistant Minister for Planning and Development Abdullah Al-Ahmari, National Industrial Development Center CEO Saleh Al-Sulami and Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones CEO Majed Rafed Al-Argoubi.
Saudi Tourism Ministry wins communication award at SGCA 2024
The award in its 11th year had the most significant number of participants since its inception, with more than 3,800 Arab and international submissions from 44 countries, an increase of 230 percent compared with the previous year
Updated 06 September 2024
Arab News
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Tourism, represented by the General Administration of Institutional Communication, won the Sharjah Government Communication Award 2024 for the best integrated communication system at the 13th International Government Communication Forum, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The award recognises the ministry’s media campaign, which coincided with Saudi Arabia’s achievement of welcoming more than 100 million domestic and foreign tourists in 2023, as certified by the United Nations World Tourism Organization and the World Travel and Tourism Council.
The award in its 11th year had the most significant number of participants since its inception, with more than 3,800 Arab and international submissions from 44 countries, an increase of 230 percent compared with the previous year.
HIGHLIGHT
The media campaign launched by the Ministry of Tourism contributed to enhancing international interest in the Kingdom as a global tourist destination.
There were 1,129 files accepted and the shortlist featured 46 nominees.
The media campaign launched by the Ministry of Tourism contributed to enhancing international interest in the Kingdom as a global tourist destination.
It highlighted its cultural significance, geographical diversity and natural beauty and confirmed its readiness to receive tourists in record numbers.
The campaign results position the Kingdom as being open to the world and a primary destination for tourists and investors.
Majed Al-Hamdan, director-general of institutional communication at the Ministry of Tourism, said: “This campaign is not just about announcing numbers. It aims to tell stories about our culture and heritage and show that we are ready to welcome the world. With millions of tourists visiting, this award is a testament to our growth and remarkable progress in the tourism sector and our emergence as a key player on the global stage.”
He pointed out that the support of Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb significantly influenced the implementation of a comprehensive communication campaign that highlighted Saudi capabilities in mobilizing major local, regional and international media to convey that the Kingdom welcomes tourists from all over the world.
The media campaign achieved great success with a total reach of nearly 80 million across social media platforms, in addition to high views and interactions and widespread circulation in international media.
It also succeeded in highlighting the economic and social returns generated by tourism, such as creating jobs, cultural exchange and economic diversification as envisioned in Vision 2030.
SGCA recognizes innovative and effective communication strategies that promote transparency, trust and positive societal outcomes.
