How Saudi women’s organizations have risen to the coronavirus challenge

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Aloula CEO Dania Al-Maeena is working with Saudi volunteer groups to support distance learning and develop community awareness campaigns such as 'Alnas Liba'ad.' (Supplied)
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Updated 01 August 2020
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How Saudi women’s organizations have risen to the coronavirus challenge

  • From Jeddah to AlKhobar, underprivileged families are benefiting from public-spirited initiatives
  • Organizations like Aloula and Alnahda are doing everything to alleviate coronavirus-related stress

DUBAI: They were told to stay at home and begin remote learning like everyone else. But they had no laptops. How could they participate in their school’s online classes without computers?

This is the kind of dilemma underprivileged families in south Jeddah are facing as Saudi Arabia is compelled to enforce lockdowns on public life to stop the spread of the deadly coronavirus.

The situation is going to be even more challenging with the start of Ramadan, when Muslims are obligated to fast from dawn to sunset.

But help is at hand. Saudi women’s empowerment organizations, both long-time established and recently formed, have risen to the challenge with public-spirited initiatives.

“The families in south Jeddah were the first to be under the 24-hour lockdown in Saudi Arabia because they live closely to each other in a high-risk area,” said Dania Al-Maeena, CEO of Aloula, a Saudi non-profit organization.

“We collaborated with a volunteer group called Khadoum that provides distance learning. Hundreds of individuals across Saudi Arabia supported the campaign, and over 15 companies donated laptops, food and games for the children.”

In one of the campaign’s pictures, a young boy smiles as he holds up the box of his new laptop.

The pain of the COVID-19 pandemic is rippling through almost every segment of society, causing social and economic turbulence in addition to exacting a heavy human toll.

While the virus punishes all, regardless of status, wealth, race and creed, it is almost programmed to hit the weakest and the poorest most.

As in other parts of the world, the pandemic has forced Gulf Cooperation Council member states to throw all their resources at slowing the spread of the virus and take care of the infected.

Before the coronavirus storm hit, these governments were seeking, for a variety of reasons, to boost the share of women in the workforce across both the public and private sectors.

Now, according to World Health Organization (WHO) estimates, 70 percent of global coronavirus frontline workers are women.

“Women are the caregivers, and so women are bearing the brunt of the adverse effects of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Rasha Alturki, CEO of Riyadh-based Alnahda Society for Women, which has provided assistance since 1962 to women who are at risk or belong to socioeconomically disadvantaged households.

Women are still the caregivers, and we have a large role to play at home, in the workplace and in the medical field.

Rasha Alturki, CEO of Riyadh-based Alnahda Society for Women

“While Saudi Arabia’s percentage (of female frontline workers) may be slightly different, we’re still the caregivers and we have a large role to play at home, in the workplace and in the medical field.”

This year, as part of Saudi Arabia’s G20 presidency, Alnahda was entrusted by a royal decree with leading the W20, an official G20 engagement group dedicated to women’s issues.

The W20 started its activities under Saudi leadership in January, and has conducted meetings and interventions throughout this year. These events will culminate in the W20 Summit in Riyadh in October, said Alturki.

At the outset of the COVID-19 outbreak in Saudi Arabia, Aloula staged a campaign entitled “Alnass Libaed” (“People Are for Each Other”), said Al-Maeena.

“We placed a new target to help 800 families and 4,000 beneficiaries, providing them with food baskets, including water, dates, canned foods and food donated by restaurants, as well as toys for children,” she told Arab News.

“We also started online courses to teach hygiene techniques to curb the spread of the virus.”

Established in 1962 by a group of women to support families in south Jeddah and registered with the Ministry of Labor and Social Development, Aloula’s founders have banded together for humanitarian work whenever the need arises. The same kind of intervention is visible during the coronavirus pandemic.

The founders of Aloula “had no phones back then. They’d meet and decide how they’d best help the suffering,” said Al-Maeena.

This time, as the Kingdom confronts one of the biggest public-health challenges since its founding, Aloula has managed to help 4,000 people and more than 1,000 families in need.

“Women are by nature caregivers, so this period of upheaval and distress has prompted women in Saudi Arabia to come together more than ever to help those suffering,” said Honayda Serafi, a fashion designer who serves on the board of the Saudi ADHD Society.

She knows the stress being experienced by women all too well, being the owner of an eponymous fashion brand in Lebanon, a country that is facing a trifecta of challenges: A coronavirus outbreak on top of an economic meltdown and political instability since October last year.

Serafi said she is providing meals for 100 families in Lebanon during the coronavirus crisis. “We want to give a sense of hope and positivity during this period to everyone in need,” she told Arab News.

The Saudi ADHD Society, chaired by Princess Nouf bint Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Saud, has tailored its ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) programs for online platforms in light of the current situation.




A boy holds up his new laptop provided to him by Saudi NPO Aloula. (Supplied)

The organization has created a specialized lecture series focused on different ways young men and women with ADHD can deal with the current situation.

“We’ve provided close to 100 free online counseling sessions,” said Serafi, adding that the society has been receiving many calls for help.

Female staff at Alnahda faced a similar situation during the initial weeks of the lockdowns. “Our social workers were getting calls at 11 p.m. and throughout the night,” said Alturki.

“Women are struggling with marital and sleep problems, legal and rent problems, loss of income, challenges accessing food and water, and home schooling their children.”

Alturki said the socioeconomic impact of the coronavirus crisis cannot be overstated. “Imagine if you had to take care of four children and elderly parents, and also a husband at home who’s out of work,” she added. “It’s a lot of pressure for these women.”

Alturki said all three activities in which Alnahda specializes — grassroots assistance, research and fieldwork, and advocacy — are key to understanding how the situation is affecting women.

In addition, the organization has overseen the distribution of more than 600 laptops among children in need, and connected women in need of masks, sanitizers and financial assistance with charities.




 A poster for Aloula’s community-awareness campaign 'Alnass Libaed'. (Supplied)

In Alkhobar, Saudi Arabia, social services of a similar nature are being provided by Fatat Alkhaleej, a charity founded in 1968.

“We’ve sourced and distributed protective baskets among beneficiaries of our programs,” said Ebtisam Abdullah Al-Jubair, CEO of Fatat Alkhaleej. “We’re also transferring SR200 ($53.19) to 173 families as part our orphan-sponsorship program.”

She said Fatat Alkhaleej is handing out food baskets to 1,000 families daily and providing online services.

With the start of Ramadan — a month of fasting, prayer, reflection and community — non-profit organizations and charities usually ramp up their activities across Saudi Arabia.

This year, the fallout from the coronavirus outbreak has posed an unexpected — and unprecedented — challenge to organizations such as Fatat Alkhaleej, Aloula and Alnahda.

But if their track record is any indication, they have proved up to the task, from providing assistance to the elderly and arranging for groceries to be delivered, to lending psychological support.

“While it’s hard to stop the spread of coronavirus, it will happen one day,” Serafi said. “One thing that will never stop is the art of giving, sharing love and support to those in need.”


Saudi authorities warn of inclement weather as country braces for heavy rainfall

National Center for Meteorology forecast moderate to heavy rainfall, accompanied by thunderstorms, hail and strong winds in part
Updated 07 January 2025
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Saudi authorities warn of inclement weather as country braces for heavy rainfall

  • Riyadh received the season’s first rainfall with an umbrella of cloud enveloping the city skyline on Tuesday
  • Makkah, Madinah and Jeddah received heavy rainfall on Monday with floods in low lying areas

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s meteorology authorities have forecast more rain accompanied by thunderstorms across several regions, with a red alert in Makkah, Asir and Baha regions due to the inclement weather.

The National Center for Meteorology forecast moderate to heavy rainfall, accompanied by thunderstorms, hail and strong winds in parts of Asir, Al-Baha and Makkah.

Fog may form in some areas of these regions, it added.

Temperatures will drop and frost may form in the northern parts of the Kingdom, according to the NCM.

It added that dust-stirring winds will blow and rain may fall in parts of Riyadh, Qassim, the Eastern Region and Jazan regions.

Meanwhile, Riyadh received the season’s first rainfall with an umbrella of cloud enveloping the city skyline on Tuesday. Some areas in the capital also were lashed by hail.

Makkah, Madinah and Jeddah received heavy rainfall on Monday with floods in low lying areas, forcing the Civil Defense to warn against venturing into flooded areas and valleys.

The General Directorate of Civil Defense has issued warnings and safety instructions, as the country braces for heavy rainfall, urging the public to stay at home, avoid valleys and waterlogged areas, and adhere to all safety directives.

“We follow the weather conditions in some areas of the Kingdom, and call for staying away from valleys and water bodies,” the Civil Defense posted on X.

“During rain, stay away from low-lying areas, water pools and deep valleys,” it added.

Makkah Governorate on X posted several videos of heavy rains, thunderstorm and waterspouts.

Social media is filled with videos from the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah, and the Red Sea City of Jeddah, showing streets and city roads flooded, and cars submerged as result of heavy rainfall.

According to the NCM, winds over the Red Sea will be northeasterly to northerly in the northern and central parts, and southeasterly to southwesterly in the southern part at speeds of 20-50 km per hour. Waves may range from one meter and a half to more than two meters, and the sea will be relatively calm to choppy.


KSrelief delivers critical food, shelter aid to Syrian families

KSrelief distributes food and shelter aid to 200 families in the city of Douma, in coordination with Syrian Arab Red Crescent.
Updated 07 January 2025
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KSrelief delivers critical food, shelter aid to Syrian families

  • Saudi aid agency also launches voluntary program to support Syrian healthcare sector

RIYADH: Saudi aid agency KSrelief on Tuesday distributed food and shelter aid to 200 families in the city of Douma, in the Rif Dimashq governorate of Syria, in coordination with the Syrian Arab Red Crescent.

Also on Tuesday, KSrelief distributed food and shelter aid in the village of Nasib, in the Daraa governorate, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

To date, seven planes carrying food, medical supplies, and shelter materials have arrived at Damascus International Airport as part of a Saudi relief airlift.

Additionally, 60 Saudi trucks containing essential supplies, including food, shelter materials, and medical supplies crossed the Nasib Border Crossing into Syria as part of a Saudi relief land bridge operated by KSrelief.

On Jan. 1, Saudi Arabia launched an initiative to provide essential aid to Syria, supporting efforts under the country’s new leadership to rebuild after years of civil war.

According to KSrelief, the Kingdom’s total aid to the Syrian people from 2011 to the end of 2024 exceeds $856 million.

Recently, Syrian Minister of Social Affairs and Labor Fadi Al-Qassem met with the KSrelief team in Damascus, where they discussed ways to deliver aid to the Syrian people and coordination between the Saudi aid agency and civil society organizations in the country.

Al-Qassem commended the support provided by Saudi Arabia through KSrelief and praised the Kingdom’s prompt response to the humanitarian situation in Syria.

Syrian Minister of Health Dr. Maher Al-Sharaa also met with the KSrelief team and discussed ways to contribute to addressing the needs of the Syrian healthcare sector.

Meanwhile, in Lebanon, KSrelief continues implementing its project to enhance healthcare services for Syrian refugees and the host community in the town of Arsal.

In one month, the Arsal Primary Health Care Center received 12,676 patients and provided 23,386 services across various departments.

The initiative is part of Saudi Arabia’s ongoing humanitarian efforts to alleviate the suffering of those in need, particularly Syrian refugees affected by the ongoing humanitarian crisis.

KSrelief also announced the opening of registration for the Saudi Voluntary Program for Syrians. The program aims to support the Kingdom’s humanitarian efforts by providing critical emergency and medical services to Syrians in need.

The initiative covers surgery, psychological support, gynecology and obstetrics, orthopedics, internal medicine, pediatrics, physiotherapy, speech and communication therapy, and prosthetics, among other treatments.

Registration is available here.


Al-Ahsa’s bishts are exquisitely tailored, rich cultural symbols

Al-Ahsa is known for its diverse industries and handicrafts, particularly the Hasawi bishts. (SPA)
Updated 07 January 2025
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Al-Ahsa’s bishts are exquisitely tailored, rich cultural symbols

  • Known across the Arab world for their elegance, quality and intricate embroidery 

RIYADH: Al-Ahsa is known for its diverse industries and handicrafts, particularly the Hasawi bishts, which are sought-after across the Arab world for their exquisite tailoring, quality and intricate embroidery. 

The Hasawi bisht is favored by dignitaries, officials and businesspeople for its aesthetics as well as the rich culture it represents, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently. 

They come in dark or light fabrics depending on taste, the occasion and season.

These garments are often adorned with silk thread, as well as golden and silver zari embroidery in shades of yellow, reddish hues, and white, the SPA reported.

Handmade bishts continue to be in demand despite machine-made options.

Certain families in Al-Ahsa and elsewhere in the Kingdom are renowned for their expertise in crafting handmade and artisanal bishts, with meticulous attention to design, shape and embroidery. 

Prices vary based on craftsmanship, fabric quality, and the type of zari used. Fabrics from Japan or Kashmir, along with German zari, are factors in determining cost. 

Winter bishts, woven from camel hair, come in varying quality and are distinguished by their thickness and weight compared to those made for summer.

Bisht fabrics are woven in Saudi Arabia, Syria and Jordan, with China and India offering similar manufactured options, the SPA added.

The embellishment of the winter Hasawi bisht initially had silk thread, and later incorporated golden and silver. 

Stitching the karmuk, the wide section adorned with zari, can take 14 days by hand, while a machine can complete the task in two hours.


Riyadh to host Saudi orchestra concert

Saudi Arabia’s Music Commission is to host the “Marvels of Saudi Orchestra” concert in Riyadh for the first time. (Supplied)
Updated 07 January 2025
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Riyadh to host Saudi orchestra concert

  • Starting on Jan. 16 at the King Fahd Cultural Center, the three-day event is part of efforts to promote Saudi music to local audiences
  • Concert marks the sixth stop on the Saudi National Orchestra and Choir’s global tour

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Music Commission is to host the “Marvels of Saudi Orchestra” concert in Riyadh for the first time.

Starting on Jan. 16 at the King Fahd Cultural Center, the three-day event is part of efforts to promote Saudi music to local audiences.

It will be held under the patronage of Culture Minister and Music Commission Chairman Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan.

The concert marks the sixth stop on the Saudi National Orchestra and Choir’s global tour, reports the Saudi Press Agency.

The orchestra and choir have brought Saudi heritage to prestigious stages worldwide, beginning in Paris at the Theatre du Chatelet and followed by performances at the National Theatre in Mexico, New York’s Metropolitan Opera House, Central Hall Westminster in London, and Tokyo Opera City Concert Hall.

The Riyadh concert promises a captivating musical experience, with timeless melodies that guide the audience through the Kingdom’s heritage and highlight its cultural legacy and artistic depth.


Historic exhibit in Makkah spotlights Prophet Muhammad’s journey

Hira Cultural District in Makkah is alive with activities as part of the Hira Winter events.
Updated 07 January 2025
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Historic exhibit in Makkah spotlights Prophet Muhammad’s journey

  • At the heart of these events is the Revelation Exhibition, which tells the powerful story of the honorable prophets, from Adam to Prophet Muhammad

RIYADH: The Hira Cultural District in Makkah is alive with activities as part of the Hira Winter events, coinciding with the mid-year vacation.

A variety of attractions and services are being offered to visitors until Jan. 10, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

At the heart of these events is the Revelation Exhibition, which tells the powerful story of the honorable prophets, from Adam to Prophet Muhammad.

The exhibition focuses on the first revelation to Prophet Muhammad, immersing visitors in the pivotal moment of his life, the SPA added.

Guests can explore the revelation story, the Cave of Hira and learn about Khadija bint Khuwaylid, the Mother of Believers, and the angel Gabriel through interactive museum displays.

Using cutting-edge technology like interactive screens and realistic simulations, the exhibition offers an immersive experience for visitors.

Historical artifacts are also on display, including a photocopy of the Qur’an attributed to Uthman bin Affan, one of the oldest surviving mushafs, highlighting Muslims’ dedication to preserving the holy book.

The exhibition also showcases ancient stone inscriptions with Qur’anic verses, reflecting Muslim efforts to safeguard sacred texts.

The district also offers a unique shopping experience, with handicrafts and traditional products. It is located near the Cave of Hira and the iconic Jabal Al-Nour.