The inside story of Saudi Arabia’s Founding Day, celebrating the year it all began

A 1946 photograph of Shada Palace in Abha, built in 1820.
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Updated 23 February 2022
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The inside story of Saudi Arabia’s Founding Day, celebrating the year it all began

  • The Kingdom’s new Founding Day celebrates the true birthday of the First Saudi State in 1727

RIYADH: For generations, historians and writers have unwittingly perpetuated the myth that the First Saudi State, forerunner of the modern-day Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, was founded in the year 1744.

In fact, as a new reappraisal of the origins of the Kingdom reveals, they were 17 years out.

There is no doubt that the events of 1744, the year in which Imam Mohammed ibn Saud of Diriyah offered sanctuary to the religious reformer Sheikh Mohammed ibn Abdulwahhab, were hugely significant. 




In this ‘Carte de Dreiye,’ the oldest-known map of Diriyah, drawn by a French diplomat in 1808, the historic UNESCO-listed district of At-Turaif on the Wadi Hanifah is recorded as ‘El Tereif.’

But over time the importance of that admittedly historic moment of common cause between state and faith came to obscure the far more complex and deeper-rooted origins of the First Saudi State.

It is to correct this neglect of the Kingdom’s crucial embryonic years that Founding Day has been created, to celebrate 1727 as the true moment of birth and to give Saudis a deeper appreciation of a past far richer than many realize. 




The original Makkah Gate in Jeddah.

It was in 1727 that Imam Mohammed ibn Saud came to the throne, carrying with him the dream of transforming the city state founded by his forebears three centuries earlier into the capital of a nation which, at its height, would bring peace and stability to most of the Arabian Peninsula.

This resetting of the clock from 1744 to 1727 is the outcome of extensive historical research that has been carried out studying the historical resources held by the new Saudi Historical School. 




Ibn Saud’s warriors on the move in the early 20th century as the future founder of Saudi Arabia fought to bring the Najd and the Hejaz together.

“Many historians have linked the rise of the state to the arrival of Sheikh Mohammed ibn Abdul Wahab, and have neglected the initial period of Imam Mohammed ibn Saud’s rule and the preceding era, even though this was the foundational period of the state,” said Dr. Badran Al Honaihen, associate director of historical research and studies at Diriyah Gate Development Authority.

“The revision and reinterpretation of historical events is an intellectual phenomenon found in every part of the world. Previous writings can be considered judgments and opinions that do not prevent revisions or the reaching of new conclusions.” 




It was in 1727 that Imam Mohammed ibn Saud came to the throne, carrying with him the dream of transforming the city state founded by his forebears three centuries earlier into the capital of a nation which, at its height, would bring peace and stability to most of the Arabian Peninsula. (Supplied)

Today, no one can pinpoint exactly when the long journey toward statehood began. The first certain waypoint on the path is the year 430 when the Banu Hanifah tribe migrated to Al-Yamamah in the lower Najd from their home in the Hejaz on the Red Sea coast.

Here, at the junction of several important caravan routes, the tribe to which the ruling house of Al-Saud belongs settled and thrived, founding Hajr — modern-day Riyadh — trading, and growing crops in the fertile valley that in time would take their name — Wadi Hanifah.

With the coming of Islam the Banu Hanifah stepped on to the stage of world history for the first time. 




It was in 1727 that Imam Mohammed ibn Saud came to the throne, carrying with him the dream of transforming the city state founded by his forebears three centuries earlier into the capital of a nation which, at its height, would bring peace and stability to most of the Arabian Peninsula. (Supplied)

In 628, six years after the hijra, the flight of Mohammed and his persecuted followers from Makkah to Madinah, the Prophet sent letters to various Arabian rulers, inviting them to embrace “Islam,” submission to the will of God.

The ruler of the Banu Hanifah at this time was Thumamah ibn Uthal, whose spiritual journey from initial rejection to heartfelt acceptance of Islam is celebrated in the Hadiths.

IMAM MOHAMMED IBN SAUD’S MOST SIGNIFICANT ACHIEVEMENTS

• Unified Diriyah under his rule and contributed to its stability.

• Managed internal affairs and strengthened Diriyah’s community.

• Ensured regional stability.

• Built the Diriyah wall to counter external attacks.

• Began unification campaigns.

• Political independence from any external influence.

• Organized the country’s resources.

• Unified the majority of Najd.

• Secured Hajj and trade routes.

In Hadith number 189, he is recorded as telling Mohammed: “There was no face on the face of the Earth that was more hateful to me than your face, but now your face has become the most beloved of all faces to me.”

In historical terms, Al-Yamamah would lay dormant for much of the next 800 years. This was a dark age of neglect and widespread emigration to escape the economic hardship endured under the oppressive Ukhaidhir dynasty, which rose to temporary prominence in the Najd in the ninth century. 

Destiny, however, is a patient force, and by the 15th century the stage was finally set for the return to influence of the Banu Hanifah. 

Generations earlier, part of the tribe had migrated eastwards to settle on the shores of the Arabian Gulf. But in 1446, Manaa’ Al-Muraide, leader of the Marada clan of the Al-Duru tribe of the Banu Hanifah, led his people back to the heart of Arabia, at the invitation of his cousin, Ibn Dira’, the ruler of Hajr.

The settlement they had founded on the coast they had named Diriyah after their tribal name, Al-Duru. Now they established a new Diriyah on the fertile banks of the Wadi Hanifah.

In the words of historian Dr. Badran Al-Honaihen, Al-Muraide’s arrival “laid the building blocks for the establishment of the greatest state in the history of the Arabian Peninsula, after the Prophetic State and the Rashidun Caliphate.” 




It was in 1727 that Imam Mohammed ibn Saud came to the throne, carrying with him the dream of transforming the city state founded by his forebears three centuries earlier into the capital of a nation which, at its height, would bring peace and stability to most of the Arabian Peninsula. (Supplied)

Another 300 years would pass before the next momentous steps were taken. In 1720, Saud ibn Mohammed assumed the leadership of Diriyah, who the Saudi Royal Family named after him.

Today, historians date the origin of the First Saudi State to 1727, when Saud’s son, Mohammed, became the ruler of the city state.

He had, said Al-Honaihen, “assumed power in exceptional circumstances.” Diriyah had been rent by internal divisions, and a plague that had spread throughout the Arabian Peninsula had claimed many lives in the Najd. Nevertheless, “Imam Mohammed was able to unite Diriyah under his rule, and to contribute to the spread of security and peace at the regional level and on the level of the Arabian Peninsula.

“The project of the first Saudi state began in 1727, and then his sons took it on after him. What we need to remember from this story is unity, security and peace after centuries of lack of unity.” 




It was in 1727 that Imam Mohammed ibn Saud came to the throne, carrying with him the dream of transforming the city state founded by his forebears three centuries earlier into the capital of a nation which, at its height, would bring peace and stability to most of the Arabian Peninsula. (Supplied)

At last, here was a leader with a vision that extended beyond his immediate horizon, and who was determined to found a new state, based on education, culture and security and allegiance to the true faith of Islam.

It was to this dynamic and politically and economically increasingly powerful new state that the religious reformer Sheikh Mohammed ibn Abdul Wahab was drawn.

The sheikh, a religious scholar from the nearby village of Al-Uyayna, had become increasingly concerned that many in the Arab world were forsaking the teachings of the Prophet and returning to heretical pre-Islamic ways. His attempts to introduce reforms were met with hostility in Al-Uyayna, but he would find sanctuary in Diriyah.

“The migration to Diriyah of Sheikh Mohammed ibn Abdul Wahab came as a natural result of Imam Mohammed ibn  Saud’s policies,” said Al-Honaihen. “The Imam was known to be religious, and his two brothers, Thunayan and Mishari, and his son Abdulaziz were among those in contact with Sheikh Mohammed ibn Abdulwahhab in Al-Uyayna. 

“Sheikh Mohammed did not leave al-Uyayna until after Imam Mohammed invited him to come to Diriyah, and there was a state capable of protecting the Sheikh’s religious mission.”

For his part, “in supporting this reformist mission, Imam Mohammed saw that it was in agreement with the principles of the state he was working to establish, especially its religious aspect.”

In short, it was not the alliance of Sheikh and Imam that made possible the foundation of the First Saudi State, but rather it was the existence of that state, already politically and economically strong, that made possible the spread of the message of reform. 




It was in 1727 that Imam Mohammed ibn Saud came to the throne, carrying with him the dream of transforming the city state founded by his forebears three centuries earlier into the capital of a nation which, at its height, would bring peace and stability to most of the Arabian Peninsula. (Supplied)

Al-Honaihen stressed that the decision to officially recognize 1727 as the year of founding should in no way be interpreted as undermining religion as the cornerstone of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

“That’s not correct,” he said. “The objective is merely to put a precise political date to the founding of the state, namely Imam Mohammed ibn Saud’s accession to power in Diriyah, since a number of erroneous policies and opinions had arisen concerning the rise and establishment of the state.

“Moreover, the state in its constitution stipulates that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is an Arab Islamic state whose religion is Islam and whose constitution is the Book of God and the Sunna of His Prophet.” 




It was in 1727 that Imam Mohammed ibn Saud came to the throne, carrying with him the dream of transforming the city state founded by his forebears three centuries earlier into the capital of a nation which, at its height, would bring peace and stability to most of the Arabian Peninsula. (Supplied)

He is also clear that Founding Day is not an alternative to National Day, celebrated on Sept. 23, but complementary to it.

“Founding Day is not intended to replace Saudi National Day, which celebrates the unification of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 1932, but rather to recognize the beginning of the Saudi state’s history with a new event that celebrates the deep historical roots of the Kingdom.”

Although there is no doubt about the year, 1727, the precise date of the start of Imam Mohammed’s reign is lost to history, according to Al-Honaihen.

Feb. 22 was selected as Founding Day simply because a number of important events are known to have taken place in the first months of Imam Mohammed’s reign, at the start of 1727.


Kingdom arrests 19,328 illegals in one week

Updated 26 April 2025
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Kingdom arrests 19,328 illegals in one week

RIYADH: Saudi authorities arrested 19,328 people in one week for breaching residency, work and border security regulations, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

A total of 11,245 people were arrested for violations of residency laws, while 4,297 were held over illegal border crossing attempts, and a further 3,786 for labor-related issues.

The report showed that among the 1,360 people arrested for trying to enter the Kingdom illegally, 54 percent were Ethiopian, 44 percent Yemeni, and 2 percent were of other nationalities.

A further 79 people were caught trying to cross into neighboring countries, and 22 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, including providing transportation and shelter, could face imprisonment for a maximum of 15 years, a fine of up to SR1 million ($260,000), as well as confiscation of vehicles and property.

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.


How Saudi forestry supports biodiversity and mitigates the effects of climate change

Updated 26 April 2025
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How Saudi forestry supports biodiversity and mitigates the effects of climate change

  • Despite its arid climate, Saudi Arabia is home to diverse forest types, from mountain woodlands to coastal mangroves
  • The Kingdom is expanding its green cover by planting millions of trees and restoring degraded forest areas

RIYADH: It is easy to think of Saudi Arabia as a land dominated by endless dunes and sun-scorched plains. But beyond the sweeping deserts lies an unexpectedly rich tapestry of ecosystems — forests that climb mountains, shade winding valleys, and line the coastal edges of the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf.

While forests cover just 1.1 percent of the Kingdom’s landmass, they play an outsized role in preserving biodiversity, storing carbon, and improving food security. Their ecological importance — and their fragility — has placed them at the heart of Saudi Arabia’s green transformation.

“The forest area in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is estimated to 2.7 million hectares, representing 1.1 percent of the Kingdom’s area,” Najeeb Alsubhi, head of the Valley Forests Department at the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification, told Arab News.

“This includes mountain forests spread across the southern and southwestern parts of the Kingdom, distinguished by juniper trees, as well as the atam (wild olive) tree, in addition to groups of acacia trees.”

Mountain forests trace the high ridgelines from Taif down to Jazan, while valley forests — dotted with sidr and acacia — stretch through much of the country’s interior. Along the coastlines, clusters of mangroves thrive in tidal wetlands, providing critical habitat and natural coastal defenses.

Despite their modest footprint, these forests are ecological powerhouses. Globally, forests are known to contribute more than 80 percent of biodiversity, regulate climate, limit desertification, and provide essential products from honey to medicinal plants.

In Saudi Arabia, they are also a buffer against desert creep and climate shocks — an increasingly vital role as the Kingdom confronts environmental challenges.

Among the plant species that are found in the Kingdom's valley forests are Acacia and Sidr trees. (NCVC photo)

To protect and expand this natural wealth, Saudi Arabia has launched a forest conservation and rehabilitation drive, led by the NCVC. The center is planting more than 3.5 million trees and working to protect native species by mapping and restoring perennial tree habitats.

Recognizing the growing threat of wildfires, the NCVC has also established dedicated forest and fire monitoring systems, alongside research centers and public education initiatives aimed at long-term forest sustainability.

Among the most significant of these efforts is a new project to assess the health and changes in forest cover across five key regions: Al-Bahah, Jazan, Asir, Najran, and Taif.

DID YOU KNOW?

• Saudi forests are home to 97 species of tree and cover 2.7 million hectares of the Kingdom’s territory.

• Healthy forests contribute more than 80 percent of the biodiversity found in the natural environment.

• Although predominantly desert, Saudi Arabia also has mountain forests, valley forests, and mangroves.

This initiative, part of the National Forest Inventory Program, is a collaboration between the NCVC and the UN Food and Agriculture Organization. The project is designed to support sustainable forest management while meeting international environmental reporting obligations related to biodiversity, climate change, and land use.

Strategies include data collection, identifying key forest locations, and using precision tools like digital hypsometers to measure tree height and forest structure.

Strategies by NCVC to conserve plantation areas in Saudi Arabia included determining confinement points, collecting data, and using a digital hypsometer to measure the height of trees. (NCVC photo)

Together, these efforts reflect a growing awareness of the vital role Saudi Arabia’s forests play — not only as ecological assets but as symbols of renewal in a land long known for its arid extremes.

As the Kingdom pushes ahead with its broader climate and environmental goals, these green sanctuaries, hidden among the peaks and valleys, may prove to be among its most valuable treasures.
 

 


Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 enters final phase with strong momentum

Updated 26 April 2025
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Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 enters final phase with strong momentum

  • Kingdom achieves 93 percent of key performance indicators — fully or partially — in nine years

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative has seen remarkable progress, with 93 percent of its key performance indicators either fully or partially met since its launch nine years ago, according to the latest official assessment.

The Vision 2030 program, which aims to diversify the economy, empower citizens, and foster a vibrant environment for both local and international investors, is evaluated through the performance of its Vision Realization Programs and national strategies.

These tools are central to the initiative’s execution and are assessed based on two main criteria: the advancement of initiatives and the performance of measurable indicators.

The latest annual report for 2024 reveals that of the 374 key performance indicators at the third level, 299 were fully achieved, with 257 of these surpassing their original targets. Another 49 indicators came close to full achievement, reaching between 85 and 99 percent of their goals.

Saudi Arabia's King Salman lays the foundation stone at the Qiddiya entertainment park near Riyadh on April 28, 2018. (SPA/File)

This progress demonstrates the effectiveness of long-term planning combined with strategic execution, contributing to transformative changes across the country. The success of Vision 2030’s Level-3 indicators indicates strong alignment between national planning and real-world implementation in various sectors.

Detailed metrics also capture tangible outcomes, such as increased hospital capacity, the rollout of digital services, and the issuance of tourism licenses. To ensure continued success, corrective actions are being taken to adjust both initiatives and performance metrics, with a focus on accelerating implementation and keeping the Vision’s objectives firmly within reach.

Strong delivery across initiatives

This performance aligns with strong delivery across Vision 2030’s portfolio of initiatives. As of 2024, 85 percent of all initiatives were either completed or progressing on track.

Out of 1,502 total initiatives launched under the Vision, 674 were completed and another 596 were advancing as scheduled.

This translates to an unusually high success rate for a transformation effort of this scale and complexity.

Saudi Arabia Formula One Grand Prix at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit on April 19, 2025. (AFP)

Each of these initiatives contributes to larger national priorities, ranging from housing and healthcare to digital innovation, clean energy, and cultural development.

Their successful implementation reflects years of investment in institutional capacity, coordination frameworks, and performance monitoring systems, much of which was built during the vision’s first and second phases.

A decade of economic reforms

These latest achievements are rooted in nearly a decade of groundwork, reforms, and phased rollouts that began in 2016 when Vision 2030 was first unveiled.

The first five years focused on stabilizing the macroeconomic base and introducing structural reforms, while the second phase emphasized scaling and acceleration.

The result is a development model that is now attracting international attention for its consistency and ambition.

The private sector’s role in the economy has also continued to expand. (AFP/File)

Between 2016 and 2024, Saudi Arabia undertook sweeping structural reforms to reduce its oil dependency, boost private sector engagement, and unlock new economic engines.

This included targeted policy interventions in tourism, logistics, mining, and tech — areas now becoming core drivers of non-oil growth.

The private sector’s role in the economy has also continued to expand, with its contribution to GDP reaching 47 percent in 2024, exceeding the year’s target of 46 percent.

In 2024, real non-oil GDP grew by 3.9 percent compared to 2023, driven by continued investment expansion in non-oil sectors, which saw a 4.3 percent increase in activity.

By the fourth quarter of 2024, the unemployment rate among Saudis dropped to 7 percent — meeting the Vision 2030 target six years ahead of schedule. This milestone marks an improvement from 12.3 percent at the end of 2016. At the same time, average annual inflation remained low at 1.7 percent, ranking among the lowest in G20 economies.


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This is a result of the efforts made to achieve an economic policy that balances growth with healthy inflation rates.

Foreign direct investment inflows reached SR77.6 billion in 2024, signaling growing international confidence in the Saudi market.

Optimism in the non-oil private sector was also reflected in the Purchasing Managers’ Index, which stood at 58.1 in the fourth quarter of 2024. This was a result of developments throughout the year and was driven by an increase in new orders.

Global recognition

Global institutions such as the International Monetary Fund, Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, and World Bank have revised Saudi growth forecasts upward, and all three major credit rating agencies — Moody’s, Fitch, and S&P — affirmed the Kingdom’s sovereign strength with stable outlooks.

The Public Investment Fund has continued to play a central role in financing and driving large-scale development.  

Its assets under management have reached SR3.53 trillion by the end of 2024 — more than tripled since the launch of Vision 2030 — exceeding their annual target.

The fund’s assets have made remarkable progress, growing by more than 390 percent from 2016 to 2024, with a compound annual growth rate of 22 percent, exceeding its annual target. This increase is primarily attributed to the fund’s proactive investment strategy across various sectors.

Detailed metrics also capture tangible outcomes, such as increased hospital capacity, the rollout of digital services, and the issuance of tourism licenses. (SPA)

In parallel, the value of Saudi Arabia’s discovered mineral resources has soared to SR9.4 trillion, a 92 percent increase from 2016 estimates, which stood at SR4.9 trillion.

By the end of 2024, the number of achieved investment opportunities surged to 1,865, surpassing the year’s target of 1,197.

Globally, Saudi Arabia has improved its standing in multiple international benchmarks.

It now ranks 16th in the International Institute for Management Development’s World Competitiveness Index, up 20 places since 2017.

The Kingdom has also made progress in digital governance, climbing 25 positions in the UN E-Government Development Index since 2016 to secure 6th place globally — bringing it within reach of its Vision 2030 goal to be among the top five nations.

These rankings highlight the Kingdom’s efforts to digitize services, modernize institutions, and improve public sector performance.

Social and sectoral progress

Social indicators have also advanced steadily. The homeownership rate climbed to 65.4 percent in 2024, exceeding the target of 64 percent for that year.

As part of the long-term goal to plant 10 billion trees, environmental programs have exceeded expectations. Around 115 million trees were planted as of 2024, while 188,000 hectares of degraded land were successfully rehabilitated.

The number of volunteers exceeded 1.2 million by the end of 2024, surpassing the 2030 target of 1 million.

Pilgrims arriving at Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz Airport for the annual Hajj. (AN photo by Nada Hameed)

The Kingdom’s expanded e-visa systems and upgraded infrastructure helped drive a historic rise in international pilgrim numbers.

Saudi Arabia recorded 16.92 million foreign Umrah pilgrims in 2024 — its highest ever, far exceeding the annual target of 11.3 million.

Adding to the momentum, Saudi Arabia is set to welcome the premier competition of the world’s most popular sport as the official host of the 2034 FIFA World Cup.

Looking ahead

Much of this progress was supported by the evolution of Vision Realization Programs, which were introduced in the early phase of Vision 2030 as medium-term delivery mechanisms.

Over time, these programs enhanced cross-government coordination, accelerated execution, and helped exceed multiple national targets.

Today, there are 10 VRPs operating across strategic sectors such as health, digital transformation, and tourism, as well as financial services and sustainability, each contributing to the delivery of Vision 2030’s core pillars of a vibrant society, a thriving economy, and an ambitious nation.

The next five years will be critical not only in achieving remaining goals but in sustaining the momentum well beyond the 2030 horizon. (SPA)

As the final stretch of Vision 2030 approaches, the Kingdom’s focus remains on institutional resilience, measurable outcomes, and global competitiveness.

While challenges remain in some areas, the combination of high delivery rates, adaptive governance, and strong financial management has positioned Saudi Arabia as a case study in long-term national transformation.

The next five years will be critical not only in achieving remaining goals but in sustaining the momentum well beyond the 2030 horizon.

 


The female-only wellness spaces in Riyadh that aim to empower women

Wateen Al-Tuwaijri opened Sunsets Yoga, a serene environment dedicated solely to women. (Photos Instagram: @sunsets_yoga)
Updated 25 April 2025
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The female-only wellness spaces in Riyadh that aim to empower women

  • Yoga, Pilates studios provide safe, calm environment
  • ‘I have met some pretty incredible women,’ Australian customer says

RIYADH: A number of female-only wellness spaces in Riyadh are aiming to provide empowering communities for women, driven by the desire for privacy and comfort.

Locations like gyms, pools and even some theme parks have created safe spaces exclusively for women on designated days.

This allows women to dress freely and engage in activities that foster a sense of community.

"Yoga by Sunset", a serene environment dedicated solely to women. (Supplied)

One such place is Sunsets Yoga, a serene studio environment dedicated solely to women.

It offers an array of classes and programs focused on health and wellness and also has an entertainment center where women can unwind and connect.

“Sunsets Yoga was born out of my passion for yoga and my deep desire to help people,” owner Wateen Al-Tuwaijri told Arab News.

Since moving to Saudi I have really noticed the benefits of going to a female-friendly Pilates studio. Not only is it comfortable but I feel confident in my own skin and body. The highlight for me has to be the networking. I have met some pretty incredible women who are not only inspiring but are like-minded.

Emma Shirley

“I opened this space because I believe in the transformative power of yoga — not just for the body, but for the mind and soul as well.

“My goal for Sunsets Yoga is to create a welcoming, peaceful environment where individuals can escape the stresses of daily life, reconnect with themselves and grow both physically and mentally.”

“Yoga is a universal tool for balance and I wanted to ensure that women here have access to a space where they can focus on their health and well-being without any barriers. (Supplied)

Al-Tuwaijri said it was “especially important” to have places in Riyadh that cater exclusively to women.

“Yoga is a universal tool for balance and I wanted to ensure that women here have access to a space where they can focus on their health and well-being without any barriers.

“It’s about supporting their journey of self-discovery and personal growth in a place where they can feel free, strong and inspired.”

The studio offered a range of regular, pre/post-natal and customized private training sessions. (Supplied)

Al-Tuwaijri said she wanted to build “a community that supports, encourages and nurtures” people.

Another prominent female-only space is the reformer Pilates studio Bdn in Al-Rayyan District.

“I’ve been practicing reformer Pilates for over 15 years now and swear by it,” owner Najd Al-Hatlani said.

Another prominent female-only space is "Bdn", a Pilates studio designed specifically for women. (Supplied)

“It has given me impeccable self-awareness regarding my body and how the smallest muscles move to support the larger ones … it has completely changed my perspective regarding all workouts.

She said she opened the studio to serve an untapped market in the east of Riyadh.

“Female-oriented spaces have always been part of our cultural heritage and experience. I think it’s important to continue to offer these safe haven spaces for women in order to maximize their well-being.

“As kind as many people want to be, we as women have shared far too many similar experiences through life which makes it comforting to be in the same room as that unspoken supportive energy.”

The studio offered a range of regular, pre/post-natal and customized private training sessions, Al-Hatlani said.

Emma Shirley, an Australia living in Riyadh, is a regular at Bdn.

“Since moving to Saudi I have really noticed the benefits of going to a female-friendly Pilates studio. My go-to Pilates studio in Riyadh is Bdn. I have been going there for a few months.

“Not only is it comfortable but I feel confident in my own skin and body. The highlight for me has to be the networking. I have met some pretty incredible women who are not only inspiring but are like-minded.”

 

 


Saudi Arabia takes part in European Economic Congress

Updated 25 April 2025
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Saudi Arabia takes part in European Economic Congress

  • The Saudi delegation met with the Poland’s deputy minister of Economic Development and Technology to discuss economic relations between Saudi Arabia and Poland

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia participated in the 17th edition of the European Economic Congress, held in Katowice, Poland, from April 23-25.

The Saudi delegation consisted of Ambassador to Poland Saad bin Saleh Al-Saleh; Undersecretary of the Ministry of Investment for International Relations Sara Al-Sayed; Deputy Governor of the Saudi General Authority of Foreign Trade Abdulaziz Al-Sakran; and representatives from the Federation of Saudi Chambers of Commerce, specifically the Saudi-Polish Business Council.

The Saudi delegation met with the Poland’s deputy minister of Economic Development and Technology to discuss economic relations between Saudi Arabia and Poland and strategies to improve investment and trade exchange, as well as taking part in a dialogue session focused on the same topics and including a review of the economic transformations occurring in the Kingdom in light of Saudi Vision 2030.

The delegation also conducted meetings and workshops with several representatives from companies attending the congress to present investment opportunities in the Kingdom.