Walking in the footsteps of the Saudi founding fathers at Salwa Palace
This treasure trove of history offers a glimpse into the daily lives of leaders centuries ago, along with the decisions and achievements that paved the way for the modern-day Kingdom
Home of Mohammed ibn Saud, founder of the first Saudi state, it was known as ‘the ruling palace’ because leaders gathered there to discuss business, politics, and social events
Updated 22 September 2021
Lama Alhamawi
RIYADH: If the walls of Salwa Palace could speak, what a thrilling tale of secrets, integrity and valor they could tell.
Exploring the narrow hallways of what was once home to the Kingdom’s early leaders, who paved the way for modern-day Saudi Arabia, is like wandering through a maze of historic wonders.
The palace is not only a part of the historic At-Turaif UNESCO World Heritage site in Diriyah, it is also a symbol of the enduring spirit and culture of the people of Saudi Arabia.
Part of the defenses that protected the first Saudi state from a 193-day attack by the Ottoman army in 1818, the palace continues to stands tall. While the walls were battered by the assault, many parts remained intact and their resilience came to be seen as a reflection of the spirit of the Saudi people.
The Arabic word “salwa” translates as “joy and comfort.” Visitors get a sense of why this is such an appropriate name for the palace as they are engulfed with a sense of peace and serenity as they walk through its different sections.
Salwa was the home of Mohammed ibn Saud, considered the founder of the first Saudi state. It was referred to as the ruling palace because it is where state leaders gathered to discuss business, politics, and social events — essentially the administrative hub of the time.
Built in 1776 by Imam Abdulaziz ibn Mohammed ibn Saud, the palace remains the largest standing structure in Diriyah. It covers an area of 10,000 square meters and includes seven sections, including a reception area, majlis, administrative units, a school, a mosque and a public meeting space.
During the palace’s heyday, guests were greeted in the reception area before being taken to the majlis or the mukhtasar, depending on the nature of the meeting. A very exclusive part of the palace, the mukhtasar is where private issues were addressed by the leaders of the Kingdom. Only the imam and his councilors were permitted to enter this room to discuss and resolve the important matters that arose.
The private school within the palace is where the members of the royal family were tutored in Islamic subjects, mathematics and the Qur’an. When Diriyah opens to the public, visitors can see the remains of the original pillars, which are all that remain the school building.
However, many historical treasures and artifacts have survived that offer insights into the daily lives of Saudis hundreds of years ago. A well, for example, where people could drink and perform ablutions before prayer, is almost untouched.
The palace was built from stone, mud-bricks and straw. Wood from tamarisk trees served as the foundations to support doors and walls. The mud-bricks were made from a mixture of mud and silt that was poured into a 20cm-by-40cm wooden frame, pressed and then laid out in the sun to dry. The bricks were layered, one by one to create the walls of the palace.
History is etched in every detail of its construction. The personal touches of the workers who built the structures, including unique variations in the alignment of the mud-bricks, transport visitors back in time to the days of the forebears of modern-day Saudis. As such it is an enduring representation of the heart and soul of the Kingdom through the ages.
Salwa Palace serves as an important symbol of the country’s history, heritage and culture. Walking through its narrow pathways in the footsteps of leaders from centuries ago, visitors cannot help but feel a sense of empowerment, pride and honor, knowing that this was where the fates aligned and decisions and achievements were made that paved the way for the modern nation the world knows today.
Diriyah, past, present and future
On Saudi Arabia’s 91st National Day, the birthplace of the Kingdom continues to make history
An evening of fine dining hosted by the French consulate general takes place in Jeddah
French chef Jacques Rolancy is joined by Saudi chef Asma Al-Khan, a graduate of Le Cordon Bleu in Paris
Updated 11 April 2025
Nada Hameed
JEDDAH: Gastronomy met diplomacy in Jeddah on Thursday with an evening of fine dining hosted by the French consulate general.
The event, held at the consulate, was part of this year’s Gout de/Good France. The initiative, launched in 2015 by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs and renowned chef Alain Ducasse, aims to promote French cuisine — recognized by UNESCO in 2010 as part of the world’s intangible cultural heritage.
Consul General of France in Jeddah Mohammed Nehad opened the evening with a speech that highlighted the role of gastronomy in fostering cultural cooperation between his country and Saudi Arabia.
The dinner was prepared by chef Jacques Rolancy, a “Meilleur Ouvrier de France” — the title translates as “best craftsman.”
Rolancy has worked in several Michelin-starred restaurants and is a member of the French Culinary Academy and Association of Master Chefs of France. He is committed to sharing his expertise and preserving the French culinary heritage.
He was assisted by Saudi chef Asma Al-Khan, a graduate of Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, who helped prepare the special menu.
Al-Khan told Arab News: “I was observing how the chef worked and honestly, he was impressively fast and precise. I assisted with various tasks in the kitchen and took part in preparing and plating the dishes.”
She also explained why she continued to learn about French cuisine.
“I love how they use very minimal spices — often just salt and black pepper. That allows the original flavors of the ingredients, like meat or vegetables, to shine without being overwhelmed by seasoning. You get to taste the true flavor of the food,” she said.
The dinner menu featured foie gras escalope, marinated salmon, white radish and candied ginger with a soy vinaigrette.
Rolancy told Arab News: “This dish is one I created 10 years ago. It’s one of my signature dishes. I love to travel, discover new ingredients and experiment with how different products can complement each other.”
Also served was a traditional French dish of roasted veal fillet with green pea puree, figs, red peppers, strawberries and a touch of wasabi, as well as sliced Camembert — either plain or paired with mashed banana and a sprinkle of cinnamon in a delicate sauce. For dessert, there was a chocolate and coffee tartlet.
The event marked Rolancy’s second visit to the Kingdom. “I really enjoyed it. It’s a country full of culinary expression and creativity,” he said. “I tried different Saudi dishes when I was in Riyadh. Some of the spices felt familiar, like cardamom and clove. We use those in French cooking too.”
The evening highlighted the excellence of French culinary expertise and strengthened cultural and professional ties with Saudi partners.
Sandstorm clouds Riyadh skyline reducing visibility on roads
Authorities warn motorists to take precautions during storm
Updated 11 April 2025
Rashid Hassan
RIYADH: An enormous sandstorm enveloped the city skyline when dust-stirring winds hit Riyadh and its outskirts on Friday, covering the capital region with heavy dust.
As the sandstorm enveloped the skyline in dust clouds, hampering visibility, the road safety authority and Saudi Highway Security warned motorists to exercise caution due to poor visibility caused by the storm.
The General Directorate of Civil Defense advised residents to avoid going to sandy outskirts to avoid accidents during the sandstorm, calling for caution and for people to follow instructions issued because of the weather.
Mohammed Serajuddin, a Riyadh resident, told Arab News: “Since it was a week off, we have planned for an outing with family in the evening, but due to the sandstorm we have decided to remain indoors. It’s not good to venture out in such inclement weather. The local civic bodies have also advised people to avoid going out amid the dust storm.”
Basheer Saleh, another Riyadh resident, agreed, saying the local authorities have warned of inclement weather in various regions and advised residents to avoid going to picnic spots at the weekend because of the possibility of the inclement weather continuing.
“It’s good to take precautions amid such inclement weather,” he said.
Because sandstorms can cause breathing ailments, people with respiratory problems were advised to avoid going outside where possible, he added.
Widespread dust storms were predicted in several parts of the Kingdom. The National Center for Meteorology forecast on Friday said thunderstorms accompanied by hail and dust-stirring winds were expected in parts of Makkah, Riyadh, Qassim, Hail, Eastern, and Northern Borders regions.
The NCM expects lower temperatures in northern parts of the Kingdom.
Although not infrequent at this time of the year, the sandstorm created warm conditions, with the maximum temperature recorded in the capital at 35 degrees Celsius and minimum of 26 degrees Celsius.
As per the forecast, wind over the Red Sea will be northwesterly to northerly at speeds of 25-50 km per hour in the northern and central parts, and southeasterly to southwesterly at speeds of 20-40 kph in the south.
Waves may reach from 1.5 m to 3 m; the sea will be calm to choppy, the NCM said.
In the Arabian Gulf, winds will be northeasterly to northwesterly at speeds of 15-30 kph, with waves ranging from 0.5 m to 1.5 m, while the sea will be relatively calm, it added.
Saudi Foreign Minister says aid entry to Gaza cannot be linked to ceasefire
Prince Faisal bin Farhan said international community must pressure Israel to allow aid deliveries
Rejected any proposal related to the displacement of Palestinians from their land
Updated 11 April 2025
Arab News
ANTALYA: Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan said on Friday aid entry to Gaza cannot be linked to a ceasefire.
Prince Faisal also said the international community must pressure the Israeli government to allow aid deliveries to Gaza.
The Saudi minister was speaking at a joint press conference in Antalya following a meeting of the Arab-Islamic Ministerial Committee on a Gaza ceasefire, which discussed developments in the enclave, as well as efforts to achieve an immediate and sustainable ceasefire.
The meeting also emphasized the need for efforts to continue to enable the Palestinian people to exercise their inherent rights.
Prince Faisal said any displacement of Palestinians was categorically rejected. He added that the Kingdom appreciated the efforts of Egypt and Qatar in the ceasefire negotiations.
“We categorically reject any proposal related to the displacement of Palestinians from their land, this applies to all forms of displacement, he said.
“There are some who attempt to describe certain types of Palestinian departures as "voluntary," but you cannot speak of voluntary departure while Palestinians in Gaza are being deprived of the most basic necessities of life.
“If aid is not getting in, if people are unable to find food, water, or electricity, and if they are under constant threat of military bombardment — then even if someone is forced to leave, this is not a voluntary departure. This is a form of coercion,” he added.
He also said that any proposal that tried to frame the departure of Palestinians — or what is called “allowing the opportunity” for voluntary departure under these circumstances — was “simply a distortion of the truth.”
He continued: “The reality is that Palestinians in Gaza are being deprived of the most basic requirements for life. That’s why we must continue to clarify this reality, work consistently, and we hope this message is clear to everyone, especially within the framework of the action plan we agreed upon today in the committee.”
The minister also condemned Israeli violations of international law in the West Bank, including settlement expansion, home demolitions, and land seizures.
Reseda alba, an aromatic herb found across Saudi Arabia, plays vital role in fighting desertification
Known by the common name white mignonette, it thrives in both sandy and clay soils
The plant blooms in spring, attracting bees and pollinators to enhance ecological balance
Updated 11 April 2025
Arab News
ARAR: Reseda alba, a flowering aromatic herb, is found naturally in several regions of Saudi Arabia and is a key part of local vegetation in the Northern Borders.
Known by its common names of white mignonette or white upright mignonette, the plant has small, white, fragrant flowers and is also cultivated as an ornamental. It blooms in spring, attracting bees and other pollinators, enhancing the ecological balance and supporting biodiversity.
Thriving in both sandy and clay soils, the plant is well suited to the desert climate of the Northern Borders region. It also plays a vital role in combating desertification by stabilizing the soil.
Reseda alba flowers in springtime, attracting bees and other pollinators, thereby enhancing ecological balance. (SPA)
A perennial plant that grows up to 1 meter high, reseda alba is also native to Europe, Asia and North Africa. It can be found in other parts of the world as an introduced species.
Nasser Al-Mujlad, chair of the Aman Environmental Association, said the expanding growth of reseda alba was a key element of the region’s natural botanical heritage.
The plant’s aesthetic appeal added significant value to the region’s tourism and environmental significance, he added.
Al-Mujlad pointed out that many plants previously at risk of extinction have made a comeback, thanks to the establishment of reserves and the implementation of new regulations and laws aimed at protecting the environment and conserving its natural resources.
How Saudi Arabia is protecting users’ privacy and data from harmful AI
AI technologies often collect sensitive personal data, raising concerns over consent, surveillance, and potential misuse
Saudi Arabia is leading AI regulation in the region with ethical principles and a personal data protection law
Updated 10 April 2025
Sulafa Alkhunaizi
RIYADH: As artificial intelligence seeps deeper into everyday life — from smart assistants and facial recognition to online shopping and AI-generated selfies — so too do the threats to personal data and privacy.
The dazzling capabilities of AI come at a cost many users do not fully grasp: exposure to data collection, surveillance, and potential misuse. And in a world where convenience often trumps caution, experts are urging users and organizations alike to slow down and scrutinize the digital tools they engage with.
“AI systems often depend on vast amounts of data, including sensitive personal information, which raises significant privacy issues,” Osama El-Masry, who leads data protection and privacy practice delivery for the Middle East region at the IT consulting firm Cognizant, told Arab News.
“Many users are unaware of how their data is collected, stored, and utilized, leading to fears of unauthorized access or misuse. For example, technologies like facial recognition can infringe on individual privacy without consent, posing risks of surveillance and tracking.”
This warning comes amid growing concerns about how AI software processes user data — especially in apps and platforms that seem harmless at first glance.
While regulation and ethical oversight are often viewed as a government or corporate responsibility, El-Masry stresses that users must also play an active role.
“This means reading privacy policies and being aware of what personal information is collected and how it may be used or shared,” he said.
“A critical aspect of this responsibility is limiting the sharing of personal data when using AI tools. Users should strive to provide only the minimum necessary information required to achieve their desired outcomes, avoiding unnecessary disclosure of sensitive data.”
In short, treat AI tools like you would any new technology: with a mix of curiosity and caution. The onus is on users to learn how their data is handled and to be wary of oversharing. On the flip side, organizations must prioritize privacy from the very beginning of product design.
“This involves implementing strong data protection measures, ensuring transparency and explainability in data usage, and adhering to AI and privacy regulations/principles,” El-Masry said. “Organizations should also clearly communicate their data practices to users, fostering an environment of trust.
“Ultimately, a collaborative approach, where both parties understand their roles and responsibilities regarding privacy, is essential for protecting personal information in the age of AI.
“By working together, users and organizations can create a more secure digital landscape that respects privacy rights.”
Take the current obsession with AI art filters, for instance. Millions of users upload their photos to apps that transform them into anime characters or classic oil paintings. But what happens to those original images?
“Many users may not realize that while the effect is fun, their original images are still being processed and may be retained by the app,” said El-Masry.
“This underscores the importance of being mindful about which platforms and applications are trusted with personal images and data. By taking these steps, users can harness AI’s potential while safeguarding their personal information against misuse.”
It’s a simple but powerful reminder: Just because something looks like harmless fun, doesn’t mean it’s risk-free. Every interaction with AI — no matter how trivial it seems — carries data implications.
As AI becomes more sophisticated and integrated into business, healthcare, finance, education, and government systems, the implications for misuse — whether accidental or malicious — become more severe. (Pexels illustration image)
Users are also advised to challenge the information they receive from AI platforms. While many tools promise personalization and convenience, they can just as easily perpetuate bias or inaccuracies.
“Continuous education about AI ethics and privacy implications empowers users to make informed choices about their interactions with these technologies,” said El-Masry. “Users should also advocate for ethical data practices within their communities, promoting accountability among developers and organizations.
“It’s important to recognize that AI applications vary widely, with some being non-privacy-related, such as telecom network enhancements and medical diagnostics, and others being privacy-sensitive, like marketing profiling and predictive analysis.
“Users should be particularly cautious when interacting with AI technologies in privacy-sensitive fields, as these applications often involve the handling of personal data that can impact privacy rights.”
There are ways to navigate the AI landscape safely. One approach is to seek out AI tools that prioritize user privacy through transparent practices and robust protection measures.
“By taking these steps, users can harness AI’s potential while safeguarding their personal information against misuse,” said El-Masry.
The stakes are higher than many realize. As AI becomes more sophisticated and integrated into business, healthcare, finance, education, and government systems, the implications for misuse — whether accidental or malicious — become more severe.
El-Masry lists several privacy threats tied to AI applications, including “unintended biased decisions, unethical AI use cases, data leaks, decisions ambiguity, and the use of AI with vulnerable data subjects.
“This is becoming a global concern and the driver for the issuance of the different ethical AI regulations/principles by many policymakers across different regions and countries to mitigate the above risks associated with the use of AI.
Osama El-Masry. (Supplied)
While much of the world is still struggling to keep pace with innovation, Saudi Arabia has moved to regulate and promote the ethical use of data and AI.
“The Kingdom introduced the Personal Data Protection Law, which establishes clear guidelines for data collection, processing, and sharing, ensuring that individuals’ privacy rights are protected,” said El-Masry.
“This framework aligns with international standards, signaling a commitment to responsible data management.”
The country’s National Strategy for Data and Artificial Intelligence is another critical piece of its governance efforts. It aims to build a culture of innovation without compromising ethical boundaries.
“Notably, SDAIA has issued a set of ethical AI principles that emphasize fairness, accountability, transparency, and privacy,” said El-Masry. “These principles guide the development and deployment of AI technologies, ensuring they are used responsibly and ethically.”
Despite Saudi Arabia’s leadership, data privacy in the broader Middle East remains patchy. Many countries still lack comprehensive legal frameworks to protect users’ rights.
El-Masry believes that’s an area ripe for action. “Governments should establish comprehensive AI and data privacy laws and regulations that align with international standards, providing clear guidelines for data processing.”
DID YOU KNOW?
• Saudi Arabia has introduced the Personal Data Protection Law to safeguard user privacy and regulate data use responsibly.
• The Kingdom’s National Strategy for Data and AI promotes innovation while ensuring ethical, transparent, and accountable AI practices.
• SDAIA’s ethical AI principles emphasize fairness, privacy, and governance, guiding responsible development and deployment of AI technologies.
He also advocates for coordinated public-private collaboration to raise the bar for compliance and innovation across the region.
“Organizations must prioritize compliance and even go beyond compliance and acknowledge the value of investing in implementing data responsibility practices and technologies that ensure robust privacy compliance and AI governance in conducting business, which has a direct impact on their revenues and sustainability. There are clear examples of private organizations who adopted this approach and (have) proven to be competitive and successful.
“Organizations should communicate their data practices clearly to build public trust. Additionally, mandating that organizations document AI use cases involving personal data and ensuring periodic reviews of AI algorithms can help maintain compliance with privacy regulations.
“Governments can support this by providing resources, consultation, and training to enhance organizations’ privacy and AI governance capabilities.”
While legislation and corporate responsibility are critical, El-Masry says individuals must also be empowered to take charge of their own digital lives. He calls for greater awareness and education around data privacy.
“By adopting a proactive and unified approach, both organizations and governments can create a safer digital environment that prioritizes privacy for all,” he said.
As AI becomes increasingly entangled in the infrastructure of modern life, protecting privacy is no longer a niche concern — it’s a collective responsibility. From the laws that govern AI to the choices we make about which apps to trust, the future of digital safety depends on everyone playing their part.
As El-Masry puts it: “By working together, users and organizations can create a more secure digital landscape that respects privacy rights.”
