TheFace: Fatmah Al-Rashed, Saudi architect

Fatmah Al-Rashed and her family. ( AN photo by Ziyad Alarfaj)
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Updated 10 March 2020
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TheFace: Fatmah Al-Rashed, Saudi architect

  • "Ithra was a wonderful opportunity and a joyful experience that added so much value to my life."

Early on in life I learned that there is no one way to happiness, no one stereotype for accomplishment or self-satisfaction. This belief has been a drive for me to achieve more. I was born and raised in Alkhobar city; my father was a businessman and my mother was a housewife.

My life is rich with love provided by my family, my siblings, nieces and nephews and I’m enjoying motherhood and my family through nonconventional means.

My parents raised us as equals, they supported us, thought very highly of us and believed that we could excel in anything that we did. Our opinions were highly respected, but there were high expectations to be upheld.

My father once told me after finishing a novel on Marie Curie, “you know you’re no less than she is, you can be the Marie Curie in your own field. You have all it takes.”

I enrolled in the Imam Abdulrahman Al-Faisal University as I’ve always wanted to become a pediatrician. My parents raised my siblings and I with one motto in mind: “It’s not about you, it’s about how you can give back to your community.” My mother was not in favor of my chosen vocation. This is not to say that she went against me; in fact, I was given the freedom to decide my life path and my parents were supportive.

In those days, you had to apply to the university by physically providing all the necessary paperwork. As I stood in line to apply for medical school, I saw another queue. Inquisitive by nature, I went to ask what it was for. The administrators told me it was for the department of architecture and planning. Upon hearing that the course was just 5 years, I remembered my mother’s words, and within a minute, I decided to enroll in the department.

Two steps is all it took, stepping into the queue to the right and that decision changed my life’s path and helped make me who I am today. After graduating, I was hunting for jobs with no luck.

As I am not the type to lay back and do nothing, I volunteered to teach English at a local charity. One day, my father surprised me and said I had a job interview in Aramco.

I was shocked since I never applied and because it’s my father, he simply said that I applied for you because it’s time for you to give back. He told me: “The country invested in you, you are smart and you can take whatever job they give you. Who’s going to build the country but you and your generation?” Doors were opened.

I worked in my field for a while and that led me to the King Abdul Aziz Center for World Culture, also known as Ithra.

Twenty-five years later, I’m a still proud employee at Saudi Aramco and one of the first to bring the concept of Ithra to life. My role in Ithra began as an architect and was extended to be part of the creative team responsible for managing the creative program, its concept, and established the first Fablab at the King Fahad University for Petroleum and Minerals — the first in the Eastern Province. Building the concept of Ithra, or as I prefer to call it “the land of dreams,” was a group effort.

I joined with a dream and it was fate that we, the dreamers, were able to gather and meet at the right time and place, and most importantly we were given the opportunity to build something amazing.

This was a selfless act from our end because we wanted to see it come alive, to ensure that we played our part in giving back to a community that helped us grow to who we are today.

Ithra was a wonderful opportunity and a joyful experience that added so much value to my life. What comes next is going to also be part of my journey of growth, to explore our identity.

My life has been a whirlwind of opportunities. One lesson I learned was to never underestimate an opportunity no matter how small it was. You never know what you’ll get out of it.


Osaka Expo pavilion celebrates 70 years of Japan-Saudi relations

Updated 4 sec ago
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Osaka Expo pavilion celebrates 70 years of Japan-Saudi relations

OSAKA: Saudi Arabia’s pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka is celebrating the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and the Kingdom — the two countries first established their partnership on June 7, 1955.

“The relations go beyond a mere economic partnership to reflect the depth and diversity of our ties,” said Ghazi Faisal Binzagr, Saudi ambassador to Japan and the pavilion’s commissioner-general.

“Today, we build on the strength of the past and harness the momentum of the present to jointly shape a new vision for the future. With Expo 2025 taking place in Osaka and Saudi Arabia hosting Expo 2030 in Riyadh, our two countries stand at the forefront of global exchange, showcasing the latest innovations and sustainable technologies, and contributing to shaping an inclusive future for all.”

The Saudi Pavilion has hosted various business events and highlighted trade opportunities offered by Saudi Vision 2030, strengthening economic ties between the two countries. 

Additionally, it highlights the Kingdom’s role in bringing Japanese culture to the Middle East through local manga studios, whose works will be featured in August.

The pavilion aims to draw more Japanese tourists to Saudi Arabia, targeting 30,000 visitors annually before Expo 2030 Riyadh. 

Saudi Arabia’s participation in Expo 2025 Osaka is part of the Saudi-Japan Vision 2030 strategy, which includes more than 80 projects across industries including culture, food, media and entertainment, energy, and education.

The pavilion, which offers more than 700 diverse and engaging events such as daily shows and live performances, has attracted more than half a million visitors since it opened in April.


More than 5,000 volunteers support pilgrim healthcare

Updated 08 June 2025
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More than 5,000 volunteers support pilgrim healthcare

  • The initiative aligns with the goals of the Health Sector Transformation Program and the Pilgrim Experience Program

MAKKAH: More than 5,000 healthcare volunteers are participating in this year’s Hajj season, the Ministry of Health said, as part of efforts to enhance the quality of services for pilgrims.

The initiative aligns with the goals of the Health Sector Transformation Program and the Pilgrim Experience Program, aiming to increase volunteer participation and strengthen their role in serving pilgrims.

Volunteers support healthcare services in three main areas: preventive, curative, and support, the ministry said.

Their efforts cover various locations within the holy sites, including Makkah, Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah, as well as hospitals and healthcare centers.

According to a report, more than 147,000 medical services have been provided to pilgrims so far.

Healthcare data shows that 80,603 pilgrims benefited from primary care centers, while emergency departments received 35,176 cases.

Outpatient clinics treated 7,541 patients, and 5,619 cases were admitted to hospitals, including 2,626 in intensive care.

Additionally, 248 cardiac catheterizations and 18 open-heart surgeries were performed.


Arab Parliament congratulates Saudi leadership on managing Hajj season

Updated 08 June 2025
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Arab Parliament congratulates Saudi leadership on managing Hajj season

  • Mohammed Al-Yamahi, the speaker of the Arab Parliament, congratulated King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman
  • He said that Saudi Arabia’s use of the latest technologies and innovative services has contributed to safeguarding pilgrims during Hajj

LONDON: The Arab Parliament congratulated the Saudi leadership and the Kingdom for organizing and managing the Hajj season, which nearly 1.4 million Muslim pilgrims undertook from Wednesday.

Mohammed Al-Yamahi, the speaker of the Arab Parliament, congratulated King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on their great success in managing the pilgrimage this year, the Kuwait News Agency reported.

Saudi Arabia has employed artificial intelligence and advanced technologies to manage the Hajj pilgrimage and provide the 1.4 million pilgrims with water, food, accommodation, as well as transportation and health services in various holy sites in Makkah and Madinah.

Al-Yamahi added that the use of the latest technologies and innovative services has contributed to safeguarding pilgrims and creating an environment for performing rituals in a safe and comfortable manner.

He mentioned that the integration of advanced technologies in the Muslim holy sites in Saudi Arabia has greatly enhanced comfort, security, and safety for pilgrims and the approach serves as a model for effectively managing one of the largest annual gatherings of people in the world, the KUNA added.


Veteran Mutawwif on serving pilgrims: ‘A privilege, not a duty’

Updated 08 June 2025
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Veteran Mutawwif on serving pilgrims: ‘A privilege, not a duty’

MAKKAH: For more than 30 years, Mohammed Sabgha has witnessed the evolution of one of Islam’s most sacred professions — serving as a “Mutawwif,” or official Hajj guide, a hereditary calling that has shaped Makkah families for centuries.

The Tawafa profession is one of the oldest Hajj-related occupations, practiced exclusively by Makkah residents devoted to welcoming, hosting and guiding pilgrims through their sacred journey.

These guides coordinate every aspect of the pilgrimage — from airport reception and accommodation, to healthcare and ritual guidance — according to a Saudi Press Agency report.

Sabgha described it as a sacred inheritance: “This work passes from fathers to sons through generations. Serving Allah’s guests is a privilege, not a duty.”

Throughout his career, Sabgha has witnessed remarkable changes to Hajj, especially the rapid improvements of recent years.

“The pilgrim service system is enhanced every year — from crowd management and group coordination to medical care, ritual facilitation and overall experience,” he said.

The transformation reflects Saudi Arabia’s systematic approach to service excellence. The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah works with government agencies, private companies and nonprofit organizations in year-round planning cycles that begin immediately after each Hajj concludes.

“Every service is measured and evaluated. We identify areas for improvement and implement changes — all aimed at better serving pilgrims,” Sabgha said.

“The Kingdom invests enormous resources and spares no expense in fulfilling this sacred mission.”

He highlighted the Nusuk digital platform as particularly revolutionary, calling it “the foundation stone for delivering every service pilgrims need, regardless of type.”

Among countless pilgrim encounters, one story deeply moved Sabgha. “A few years ago, I served a man who had converted to Islam just months before his Hajj. He said his conversion was inspired by a specific Qur’anic verse.”

The pilgrim had been profoundly affected by verse 70 of Surat Al-Isra: “And We have certainly honored the children of Adam and carried them on the land and sea and provided for them of the good things and preferred them over much of what We have created.”

Sabgha said: “He reflected deeply on the verse’s meaning — that Allah, the One God, honored humanity with intellect to distinguish good from evil and benefit from harm, in both worldly and spiritual matters.”


Saudi youth volunteers shine in Hajj

Updated 08 June 2025
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Saudi youth volunteers shine in Hajj

MAKKAH: Saudi youth from across the Kingdom have made significant contributions to serving pilgrims through volunteer work during this year’s Hajj season.

Their initiatives included providing medical care in collaboration with service providers, managing crowds at the Grand Mosque and holy sites, and directing pilgrims to ensure smooth ritual performance.

Volunteers exemplify generosity and support various sectors serving pilgrims, while also developing their skills and capabilities, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Meanwhile, the Technical and Vocational Training Corp. is participating with 1,068 male and female volunteer trainees this year in Makkah, Madinah, and the holy sites.

Abdullah Al-Duhailan, the corporation’s director general of activities, said the number of volunteers has increased by over 60 percent in four years, from 655 in 2022 to 1,068 this year.

Volunteers join public service camps organized by the Saudi Arabian Scouts Association, in cooperation with government and civil society organizations.

Their roles include guiding lost pilgrims, assisting patients at clinics and hospitals, transporting those in need with hospital vehicles, and supporting tasks alongside the Ministry of Commerce and Makkah municipality.

Volunteers also identify lost pilgrims’ nationalities and service office numbers by scanning barcodes on Nusuk cards and guide them to accommodations via the shortest routes under field scout leaders’ supervision.

Scout teams are also stationed at more than 180 mobile guidance points across Mina, providing rapid support and enhancing service quality to facilitate pilgrims’ smooth Hajj rituals.