Second batch of Saudi citizens departs Karachi for home
Second batch of Saudi citizens departs Karachi for home/node/1677851/saudi-arabia
Second batch of Saudi citizens departs Karachi for home
A second batch of stranded Saudi citizens departed Pakistan from Karachi on May 20, 2020 via a special relief flight organized by Consul General Bandar Fahad Al Dayel. (Photo courtesy: Consulate General of Saudi Arabia in Karachi)
ISLAMABAD: Another group of Saudi nationals stranded in Pakistan due to flight suspension over global health crisis left for the Kingdom on Wednesday, according to the Saudi Consulate in Karachi.
Pakistan suspended all flights operations and closed its borders on March 15 to curb coronavirus spread. However, the Saudi Ambassador to Islamabad, Nawaf bin Saeed Al-Malki, said the Saudi embassy was in touch with its nationals across Pakistan to facilitate their return home.
A second batch of stranded Saudi citizens departed Pakistan from Karachi on May 20, 2020 via a special relief flight organized by Consul General Bandar Fahad Al Dayel. (Photo courtesy: Consulate General of Saudi Arabia in Karachi)
“The Second batch of stranded Saudi citizens departed Pakistan from Karachi on Wednesday via a special relief flight organized by Consul General Bandar Fahad Al Dayel on the order of King Salman,” consulate confirmed in a statement.
The embassy did not share the exact number of Saudi nationals residing in Pakistan.
The Kingdom has thus far reported over 62,000 coronavirus cases and 339 deaths.
The government of Pakistan has also started a series of special flights to repatriate its nationals from Saudi Arabia.
Many Pakistanis in the Kingdom either on short-term visa, awaiting final exit or classified as medical emergencies, have been waiting for the opportunity to return home from Saudi Arabia after the suspension of international flights due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Pakistani Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate General in Jeddah are coordinating arrangements for special PIA (Pakistani International Airlines) flights in their respective regions.
Jeddah’s Homegrown Festival highlights diverse local talent
Updated 5 sec ago
Afshan Aziz
Jeddah: The Homegrown Festival, recently held at Hayy Jameel, celebrated the 11th anniversary of the Homegrown Market, a platform supporting creative talent in Jeddah.
The three-day event highlighted Arab creativity and culture, featuring emerging brands in fashion, jewelry and beauty.
In addition to the marketplace, the festival included wellness and fitness activities by Lululemon, live DJ performances by MDLBEAST Radio, and a selection of local food and beverages.
Tamara Abu Khadra, CEO and founder of Homegrown Market, told Arab News: “We wanted to create an event that showcases local talent and brings the community together.”
Homegrown Market has supported Middle Eastern talent for more than a decade, growing from 15 brands to more than 250 across three branches and an online presence.
Abu Khadra said: “Homegrown is a space for creatives, from fashion designers to beauty brands. Our goal is to help those who started on platforms like Instagram connect with a broader audience.”
The festival also reflected Homegrown’s growing inclusivity, with Abu Khadra adding: “We have always supported women, but now we are expanding into menswear and male designers.”
The event attracted a diverse crowd, offering a range of abayas, dresses, artworks and gifts, providing an opportunity for local entrepreneurs to connect with new customers. It also featured activities like a fitness session focused on health.
Abeer Sinder, founder of SNDR Hair Care, said: “I want kids to love their natural hair. The Homegrown Market has always been one of my favorite concepts, and I am excited to be part of it.”
She added: “My advice to entrepreneurs is to stay focused on your goals — you can achieve anything. I started with nothing, and now we have a thriving team. If I can do it, so can you.”
Traveling from Jordan to attend the festival, Basma Abdul Hadi, creative director and co-founder of Basma Collection, said: “We use recycled materials that are hand-woven on wooden looms. It is our first time in Jeddah, and we are excited to be here. This festival provides a great platform, and we look forward to connecting with new customers.”
Saudi designer Nasiba Hafiz said: “With this collection, I wanted to create versatile pieces suitable for Ramadan and beyond. We pride ourselves on being a sustainable brand, and I enjoy designing items that can be worn more than once.
“Our pieces are made to be worn year-round and mixed and matched to create various outfits. The Homegrown Festival is vibrant and full of new brands. The most important thing is to support each other and local businesses. It is wonderful to see everyone come together.”
Joana Hakki, a Saudi-Syrian designer, shared her connection to both her heritage and the festival: “My designs are influenced by both Jeddah and Syria. For example, I use saya fabric, typical of Syria, and shemagh fabric, a traditional Saudi material. I blend both heritages to create contemporary designs. I also work with high-end fabrics like brocade, finishing my pieces with feathers and embroidery.
“These kaftans are not just for everyday wear, but perfect for weddings and ceremonies. They are timeless pieces, built to last for generations. I carefully select fabrics of the highest quality, ensuring they are pieces you will cherish forever.”
Anoud Mirdan, founder of Bare and Buff, a body care brand, shared the story behind her venture: “We are based in Riyadh, and it is a mom-and-daughter duo — my mom and I. We both have a passion for fragrances and body care. We wanted to create an affordable, accessible product that’s perfect for everyday use. Our scents are powdery and versatile, so they can be layered with anything. We are part of the Homegrown Festival because we love the vibe here and feel our brand connects well with this audience.”
Sakina Rehman, founder of Serene Art, known for her hand-painted floral and Islamic art, shared her creative passion: “I have always loved art, especially combining flowers and calligraphy. I work with watercolors and acrylics to create unique frames and Qur’ans, with laminated designs and matching bookmarks. Since it is Ramadan, people are looking for special gifts, and I specialize in creating customized, meaningful items tailored to individual preferences. It is a beautiful way to blend art with spirituality, and I am happy to bring this to the festival.”
The festival highlighted the rich variety of local craftsmanship, creating an atmosphere of support for the community and showcasing the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit of the Kingdom.
Ahmed Khaberi, founder of Khaberi Leather Goods, spoke about the craftsmanship behind his products: “All of our items are handmade by me using saddle stitching, a technique that can’t be replicated by machines, ensuring durability. We import the finest leathers from Italy, France and the US, using full-grain leather, the highest quality available. It doesn’t peel because it’s not coated with paint.
“We also use vegetable-tanned leather, which takes up to six months to process, ensuring excellent quality for years to come. This is our first bazaar participation, and we are a young brand, having started just four months ago. We are excited to be here and introduce our products to the market.”
French expert explores ornamentation as a cultural bridge in Jeddah lecture
Updated 4 min 56 sec ago
Afshan Aziz
Jeddah: Pierre Caye, head of the French Institute of Islamology, recently gave a lecture titled “Ornament at the Service of Cultural Dialogue” at Hayy Jameel in Jeddah.
The lecture was organized by the Alliance Francaise Saudi Arabia, in collaboration with the Consulate General of France and the French Research Centre of the Arabian Peninsula in Jeddah.
In his talk, Caye explored the role of ornamental art — from both Eastern and Western traditions — in bridging cultures and societies.
“Through ornamental art, which circulates quickly, fluidly, and in a very present manner, we witness a natural revival, one in which modern art connects with the past,” Caye told Arab News. “It is an incredibly stimulating and exciting process.
“Ornamentation is a universal form of art. From ancient times to today, it has been present across all cultures, both East and West. Ornament is found everywhere —whether in music, architecture, calligraphy, rhetoric, or decorative arts, even in religious and sacred arts,” he continued. “In fact, no artistic activity is exempt from ornamentation. It is a privileged means of dialogue between cultures.”
Caye also shared his admiration for Jeddah’s historical charm. “I was amazed by the restoration in Al-Balad. It was a perfect introduction to my lecture, an entry point that allowed me to explore my journey with wooden ornaments and the intricate wooden craftsmanship seen in Roshan windows,” he said.
Caye is also the director of research at the French National Centre for Scientific Research, and has devoted much of his career to exploring the sources of European artistic and moral culture.
He has directed international research groups on topics including “Artistic knowledge and art treatises from the Renaissance to the Enlightenment,” and has published several books and articles on the subject.
His current role at the French Institute of Islamology allows him to continue exploring the intersection of art and culture.
During the lecture, an interesting exchange arose regarding the religious significance of ornamental art. Caye reflected on this dialogue, saying, “In Europe, religious art was traditionally associated with painting and grand works of art. But for Islam, ornamental art holds great religious importance. I was told that these patterns carry high religious significance; they serve as a way to connect with divinity, with infinity.
“This theological approach presents challenges for me. The link between art and theology is a complex issue, one that’s difficult to interpret, as these connections vary across religions and societies.”
Caye’s lecture provided insights into how ornamental art serves not only as aesthetic expression but also as a cultural and spiritual bridge between civilizations. He highlighted the rich, multifaceted nature of art and its profound ability to connect people across time, space, and belief systems.
Larry Lamartiniere, managing director of Alliance Francaise in Jeddah, said: “Pierre Caye was able to engage our audience in Jeddah on the cultural significance of ornamental art across societies. We are proud to welcome such esteemed experts in their field to Saudi Arabia for the first time.”
RIYADH: Saudi authorities arrested 17,389 people in one week for breaching residency, work and border security regulations, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.
A total of 10,397 people were arrested for violations of residency laws, while 4,128 were held over illegal border crossing attempts, and a further 2,864 for labor-related issues.
The report showed that among the 1,483 people arrested for trying to enter the Kingdom illegally, 56 percent were Ethiopian, 41 percent Yemeni, and 3 percent were of other nationalities.
A further 104 people were caught trying to cross into neighboring countries, and 15 were held for involvement in transporting and harboring violators, the SPA reported.
The Ministry of Interior said that anyone found to be facilitating illegal entry to the Kingdom could face imprisonment for a maximum of 15 years and a fine of up to SR1 million ($260,000).
Suspected violations can be reported on the toll-free number 911 in the Makkah and Riyadh regions, and 999 or 996 in other regions of the Kingdom.
Islamic coalition training tackles terrorism financing
Updated 01 March 2025
Arab News
RIYADH: The Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition has launched a training program in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire, titled “Countering Terrorism Financing and Money Laundering,” aimed at curbing terrorism financing operations.
Cote d’Ivoire’s Minister of Digital Transition and Digitalization Ibrahim Kalil Konate and the coalition’s secretary-general, Maj. Gen. Mohammed Al-Moghedi, attended the event, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
This strategic initiative, the first of its kind in Abidjan, seeks to enhance the capabilities of participants from relevant institutions in addressing terrorism financing and money-laundering challenges.
The program features intensive courses and workshops led by international experts, covering international laws on combating money laundering and terrorism financing, the SPA reported.
Earlier, Brig. Gen. Alah Kouame Joseph, commander of the International Academy for Counter-Terrorism, welcomed Al-Moghedi and his delegation in Abidjan.
Both sides discussed areas of mutual cooperation in counterterrorism, the SPA said.
Al-Moghedi was briefed on the academy’s training capabilities, educational resources and technical expertise in providing a high-level response to terrorist threats.
Fashion enthusiasts take creative approach to modest Ramadan designs
Updated 58 min 56 sec ago
Jasmine Bager & Nada Alturki & Sulafa Alkhunaizi
RIYADH/ABU DHABI: Fashion designers and enthusiasts in Saudi Arabia are championing modest Ramadan-themed collections that aim to reflect the spirituality of the holy month.
Sarah Albedair, Saudi designer and founder of Voula Collection, told Arab News that her Ramadan collection “combines modesty, elegance and cultural significance.”
“Modest clothing that can be worn year-round, including during Ramadan, aligns well with the spirit of practicality and simplicity which aligns with affordable cost … Over the past decade, there has been a notable shift in the fashion world as modest fashion moves from niche to mainstream, and Ramadan plays a pivotal role in this evolution,” she said.
Albedair’s collection blends Saudi and Greek symbols in her colorful and expressive designs.
Voula Collection’s abayas and dresses use a range of materials and fabrics, mostly sourced from Europe, including linen, crape, organza, denim, poplin and cotton.
Farah Hammad’s Ramadan collection “reflects the harmony between organic forms.” (SUPPLIED)
Fashion-lover Zainab Mamdooh predicts that the fashion trend this Ramadan will include winter heavy fabrics and darker colors.
Mamdooh prefers to wear jalabiyas, a flowy and modest dress worn by women from Middle Eastern countries, styled with statement gold jewelry.
“During the holy month, I love wearing jalabiyas made from linen and velvet, especially those embroidered in gold,” she said.
“I find that traditional adds a touch of elegance and reflects cultural authenticity ... I also love pairing my jalabiyas with jewelry, incorporating gold and diamond pieces to complete my look.”
Deciding to add a fresh touch to her wardrobe, Mamdooh purchased a jalabiya from Souq Manama, a market located in Bahrain.
“I wanted to break the traditional association of jalabiyas with gold embroidery only, so I opted for silver detailing to showcase a different, yet equally elegant aesthetic.”
Saudi designer Farah Hammad has launched her latest Ramadan drop, “The Botanical Collection,” inspired by the beauty of nature and the fluid elegance of marble. The pieces merge organic floral patterns with structured artistry.
“The collection reflects the harmony between organic forms and structured artistry,” Hammad told Arab News. “It’s about celebrating femininity, strength and the beauty of contrast — delicate yet bold, soft, yet powerful.”
Featuring about 40 curated pieces, the collection is designed for versatility. The color palette is drawn from nature, incorporating earthy tones, deep blues and greens, muted pastels and rich jewel hues.
“The cuts are flowy yet tailored, incorporating layering and intricate embellishments that enhance the botanical and marble-inspired aesthetic,” she said.
Gilded Aura by Nour Al-Dhahri. (SUPPLIED)
“What makes ‘The Botanical Collection’ even more special is that I sourced the fabric locally this time,” Hammad said. “It was important for me to support locals and ensure the materials reflect the authenticity and richness of the collection’s inspiration.”
The collection was designed to align with Ramadan, a time of renewal and reflection. “Ramadan is one of my favorite months,” she said. “It’s about growth, transformation and beauty in every stage. The collection embodies that spirit, embracing contrast and balance, just like Ramadan itself.”
The Botanical Collection is available online and at Hammad’s studio. At the end of February, select pieces will also be showcased at Homegrown Market in Hay Jameel in Jeddah, her hometown, as a limited-edition release.
A portion of proceeds from the collection will also be donated to various charities.
Nour Al-Dhahri’s Ramadan 2025 collection is an ode to the spiritual serenity and luminous beauty of Ramadan days and nights.
Al-Dhahri told Arab News: “Although I have warm feelings for all of my collections, Ramadan always has a more intimate quality. Stories, tradition and passion are at the heart of this collection, not merely the clothes.
“To me, it’s a celebration of the women who are proud of their ancestry and who aren’t afraid to embrace modern elegance.
“During this sacred month, every aspect, from the hand-embroidered details to the meticulously selected materials, was created with the purpose of empowering women to feel beautiful and certain.”
The collection of kaftans boasts a soft pastel and neutral tone palette.
Pieces were crafted from luxury fabrics, including pure linen, tulle, French crepe, Indian linen, chiffon and organza.
“In keeping with the spiritual quest of the holy month, the embroidery stands for tradition while the contemporary cuts and pastel colors provide a feeling of levity and rebirth.
“The enduring allure of Ramadan is celebrated in each item through the incorporation of modern elegance,” she said.
The Noor Eclipse piece is a sophisticated tulle design with delicate sequin shoulder and asymmetrical neckline embellishments.
Sundown Veil combines organza and chiffon, mirroring the warm hues of a Ramadan sunset, while the Gilded Aura is a wearable symbol of nature’s beauty with its hand-embroidered leaf motifs.
“It is our responsibility as a Saudi label to pay homage to our heritage via clothing, making items that speak to the women of the Middle East and beyond ... to keep inventing while maintaining the spirit of the kaftan, which is an essential component of Ramadan apparel,” Al-Dhahri said.
Since Ramadan generally encourages a more meaningful lifestyle, AMUSED is a platform that promotes and sells previously owned, authenticated accessory items in Saudi Arabia. Mindful that fashion is the second-largest polluting industry in the world, it aims to create a more circular economy to break away from the make-use-dispose model that has dominated fashion culture.
Voula Collection’s Ramadan line “combines modesty, elegance and cultural significance.” (SUPPLIED)
Sara Teymoor, CEO and cofounder of AMUSED, told Arab News: “Ramadan is a time of reflection, connection, and celebration — one of our busiest shopping seasons, with buyers often purchasing higher value and multiple pieces.
“The right accessories elevate every occasion, from elegant iftar gatherings to intimate late-night suhoor outings.
“Mindfulness, generosity, and sustainability define Ramadan — values at the core of AMUSED’s mission.”
Items from the platform have been sported by several online personalities, including the Saudi chef and travel content creator Nihal Felemban, fashion and travel influencer Sausan AlKadi, and style and beauty influencer Asma AlMalki.
Customer experience executive, Maryam Yusuf, shared some of AMUSED’s most requested pieces year after year for their timelessness: the Chanel Classic Flap Small is a daytime essential for their buyers for its compact and elegant design, perfect for running errands during the day.
A discontinued yet sought-after gem, particularly in metallic versions that remain a collector’s favorite, is the Diorama, while the Hermes Picotin 18 seems to be a popular mini tote for cozy evenings out.
To add to the festive spirit of the month, the platform is sharing exclusive styling tips to elevate the Ramadan wardrobe, special recipes from their team, live Instagram drops featuring next-day shipping finds, guest interviews, fashion trends, and more, on their blog.
