RIYADH: Snapchat users in Saudi Arabia feel more prepared to help prevent the spread of coronavirus, according to a survey from the social media firm.
Four in five of those who took part in the survey said they were in a better position than they were a month ago to combat the global health emergency.
Other findings from the survey showed that the app’s users were also aware of avoiding misinformation and fake news about the pandemic, with 67 percent of those surveyed turning to official government sources for information on the outbreak, 26 percent tuning into TV news and 30 percent using general online news sources.
A lockdown was imposed last month in Saudi Arabia, with people only allowed to leave their homes for essential purposes such as accessing health care or buying groceries.
The curfew, which is in place until further notice, has seen Snapchat users spending the time at home for personal growth.
Almost half said they were looking after themselves through self-care activities, 36 percent were working on their physical fitness, while 33 percent said they were using the curfew period to learn a new skill.
Snapchat has millions of active users in the Kingdom and is reported to be more popular than Instagram or Twitter.
Abdulla Alhammadi, MENA business lead of Snap Inc., said that people in Saudi Arabia were spending more time to connect with their close friends, families and loved ones because of the impact the outbreak was having on daily life.
“Shedding light on how the community is facing the current situation has helped us to provide people with creative ways and tools to interact with their family members or co-workers in a fun and engaging way, while ensuring they have access to credible, fact-based information about coronavirus,” he said.
People were finding ways to maintain their mental well-being despite the disruption of COVID-19, according to the survey’s findings which said that 44 percent of participants were spending time with family and friends to keep calm during the upheaval. Video games and fitness were also given as examples of relieving stress.
Some Saudis believed the pandemic and curfew would give people pause for thought about future lifestyles.
“Coronavirus was not a barrier for many Saudis but, during this pandemic, there is an opportunity to reconsider our daily lifestyle and find useful ways to build family and social relations,” Dr. Majed Abdullah Al-Hedayan, a senior legal consultant and analyst, told Arab News.
He said there was time to explore the role of technology in helping students complete their formal education and the development of their personal skills through virtual classes. The rise in remote working would also have benefits for the community, he added, while quarantine had revealed the ability of citizens to invest their time positively, citing reading, cooking, exercise and playing traditional games as proof of how Saudis were discovering new talents and interests.
Zafar Hasan, an electronic learning consultant at the King Saud University, said the survey painted a reliable picture of peoples’ activities given how extensively the app was used in the country.
“I agree with the fact that people are spending time on personal development and fitness, and the survey seems to project a current reflection of peoples’ activities during this time,” he told Arab News.
Snapchat has in recent weeks rolled out new features and content to help Saudis deal with the challenges of the pandemic.
Saudis feel more prepared to prevent coronavirus spread, says Snapchat survey
https://arab.news/vkeg8
Saudis feel more prepared to prevent coronavirus spread, says Snapchat survey
- Some Saudis believed the pandemic and curfew would give people pause for thought about future lifestyles
Shattering expectations: Saudi artist’s journey into glass art
- Aseel Al-Maghlouth breaks glass to break through in the local art scene
RIYADH: Saudi artist Aseel Al-Maghlouth is hammering a niche for himself by using glass as his canvas.
He stumbled upon the technique while working on his graduation project in mechanical engineering. “I discovered the potential to employ broken glass to create distinctive artistic designs,” he told Arab News.
The intricate details that appear when glass breaks inspired him to create shapes and visuals and developed a technique that reflected his artistic vision.
Al-Maghlouth had a love for drawing from a young age, but it was not until he discovered his ability to express ideas in unconventional ways that his true passion for art crystallized.
“I have always drawn inspiration from the surrounding nature and the intricate details of daily life,” he said. This connection to his environment, combined with his experiences in exploring artworks, helped shape his unique style.
He finds beauty in the mundane and translates that into his creations, often using glass to convey emotions and narratives that might resonate with viewers.
HIGHLIGHT
By embracing the fragility of glass and transforming it into something beautiful, Saudi artist Aseel Al-Maghlouth challenges perceptions of what art can be.
Al-Maghlouth has gained significant recognition on social media, where his works are widely admired.
This newfound fame has allowed him to sell his works and create custom pieces for clients, including various artists and celebrities. “Creating for such esteemed individuals is an honor, and it motivates me to push my artistic boundaries,” he said.
“The best work I own is the painting of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Frankly, I consider it the most valuable painting I have ever owned, but I refuse to sell it because it was a special gift from me to the crown prince,” he said.
“I have received many offers but I refuse to sell it. As for the rest of my paintings, I prefer not to mention the prices because the value of art for me is not limited to a number. Each painting has its own place and story that distinguishes it.”
One of the greatest challenges Al-Maghlouth faced as an artist was transforming his creations into messages that resonated with his audience. “The biggest challenge was ensuring that my art conveyed a clear idea,” he said.
I want to highlight the beauty of arts in our Saudi culture and connect it with Saudi Vision 2030.
Aseel Al-Maghlouth, Saudi artist
Through experimentation with the nature of glass fractures and the control of his technique, he minimized errors and created pieces that told meaningful stories.
Each strike of the hammer is deliberate, aimed at producing not just a fragment but a narrative that can be interpreted and appreciated by those who view it.
“I want to highlight the beauty of arts in our Saudi culture and connect it with Saudi Vision 2030,” he added, emphasizing the importance of cultural representation in his work.
Al-Maghlouth’s vision for the future is ambitious. He aspires to participate in international exhibitions, representing Saudi Arabia on a global stage. “I dream of organizing a personal exhibition in Riyadh to showcase my works and exchange inspiration with other artists,” he said.
For emerging artists, Al-Maghlouth has simple yet profound advice: “Don’t be afraid of trial and error. Each piece of art reflects a part of you.”
He encourages newcomers to continue developing and learning from every experience, and emphasizes the importance of perseverance in the face of challenges.
His journey is testament to the idea that creativity flourishes in an environment where risks are taken and failures viewed as stepping stones rather than obstacles.
Al-Maghlouth’s work serves as a reminder that art can emerge from the most unexpected materials and methods, encouraging others to explore their creativity without constraints.
By embracing the fragility of glass and transforming it into something beautiful, he challenges perceptions of what art can be.
Al-Maghlouth remains committed to honoring the stories behind each piece, proving that even the most broken fragments can come together to create something truly extraordinary.
Saudi Joint Forces commander meets Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council member for security cooperation talks
- Meeting focused on strengthening cooperation between Joint Forces Command and Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council
RIYADH: Lieut. Gen. Fahd bin Hamad Al-Salman, commander of the Joint Forces, met with Faraj Salmeen Al-Bahsani, member of the Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council, at the Joint Forces Command headquarters in Riyadh on Sunday.
The meeting focused on strengthening cooperation between the Joint Forces Command and the Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Discussions also centered on enhancing the ongoing support provided by Saudi Arabia through the Joint Forces to promote security and stability in Yemen.
During the reception, Al-Bahsani commended the Kingdom’s role in supporting Yemen’s efforts to achieve stability.
He emphasized the importance of continuing strategic cooperation between the two countries to address the challenges currently facing Yemen.
Al-Bahsani thanked the Saudi leadership for their unwavering support across various fields, noting that this collaboration plays a vital role in advancing stability in Yemen and the wider region, SPA reported.
The meeting underscored the Kingdom’s commitment to fostering peace and stability in Yemen as part of its broader efforts to address regional security challenges, SPA added.
Saudi justice minister announces comprehensive legal system development project
- The minister highlighted a range of training programs offered by the Judicial Training Center and Saudi Bar Association, targeting law graduates and practicing lawyers
RIYADH: The Ministry of Justice, in collaboration with the Saudi Bar Association, has announced the launch of a comprehensive project to review and develop the lawyers’ system, according to Saudi Justice Minister Walid Al-Samaani.
The project aims to strengthen the legal profession by empowering practitioners, improving access to legal services, and keeping up with the Kingdom’s legal, social and developmental advances, Al-Samaani, also chairman of the association, said.
On Sunday, Al-Samaani inaugurated the first Saudi Lawyers Conference in Riyadh, themed “Developments in the Lawyers and Legal Consultations Sector.”
With participation from government and private entities, the two-day conference focuses on the future of the legal profession within the Kingdom’s evolving legislative landscape.
It also highlights the significant impact of professional and educational developments on enhancing the local legal environment and fostering a vibrant business and investment climate.
About 30 experts and specialists are participating, leading discussions on various aspects of the profession. On Monday, 19 workshops will be held, led by specialists to enrich attendees’ knowledge and professional experience.
Al-Samaani said that the renewal of law licenses will be processed automatically and completed within 15 days of a complete application, aiming to empower and support lawyers.
He said that the demand for lawyers had grown significantly and would likely continue with the Kingdom’s expanding business landscape and ongoing developments.
“This growth is tied to strengthening institutional work, enhancing legal foundations, and developing model contracts, documentation systems and legislative tools,” he said.
The minister highlighted a range of training programs offered by the Judicial Training Center and Saudi Bar Association, targeting law graduates and practicing lawyers.
These programs combine practical and theoretical training, including the Lawyer Qualification Program, Lawyer Development Program, Saudi Professional Accreditation for Legal Practitioners, and Cooperative Training Program for university students, among others.
Saudi deputy FM meets Sudan’s army chief
- Saudi Ambassador to Sudan Ali Jaafar and Sudan’s Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Youssef Al-Sharif were among the officials in attendance
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Elkhereiji met with Gen. Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, president of the Transitional Sovereignty Council of Sudan, in Port Sudan on Sunday.
Elkhereiji conveyed the greetings of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to Al-Burhan and emphasized the Kingdom’s commitment to supporting security and stability in Sudan, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
They also discussed issues of mutual interest.
Saudi Ambassador to Sudan Ali Jaafar and Sudan’s Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Youssef Al-Sharif were among the officials in attendance.
Diriyah Co. partners with Saudi cybersecurity federation to bolster digital infrastructure
- Under the agreement, Diriyah Co. will join BugBounty, the Middle East’s first cybersecurity research platform
RIYADH: The Diriyah Co. signed a memorandum of understanding with the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming, and Drones, known as SAFCSP, on Sunday to strengthen the digital security of Diriyah city, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The partnership will enhance cybersecurity measures and safeguard the city’s digital infrastructure as it continues to evolve into a modern hub of culture and heritage, SPA added.
Under the agreement, Diriyah Co. will join BugBounty, the Middle East’s first cybersecurity research platform.
BugBounty uses the expertise of cybersecurity specialists to identify and address software vulnerabilities, which will allow Diriyah Co. and SAFCSP to implement strategies to mitigate potential digital threats.
To further support this, SAFCSP will provide specialized training programs to Diriyah Co. employees, equipping them with cybersecurity skills and raising awareness about the importance of digital security.
The MoU will grant the company access to SAFCSP’s database of professionals, facilitating the recruitment of cybersecurity talent. The partnership also enables the design of tailored assessments to evaluate candidates’ suitability for cybersecurity roles. In addition, outstanding students with relevant certifications will be identified for potential training opportunities.
Speaking about the collaboration, Jerry Inzerillo, group CEO of Diriyah Co., said:
“This MoU aligns with Diriyah’s commitment to realizing Saudi Vision 2030, marking a crucial step toward creating a secure and sustainable digital future for Diriyah. Our collaboration with government and private sectors, especially the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming, and Drones, is essential for empowering the next generation in advanced technology, driving cultural and economic growth.”
The partnership will also involve joint cybersecurity projects, including conferences, workshops, and public awareness initiatives aimed at fostering a culture of digital security.
