Arab achievement award winner hails Saudi royal for championing women’s rights

1 / 3
Egyptian actress Yasmine Sabri, who has been chosen as the ambassador of the “Unlock Her Future” campaign, speaks during the ceremony. (AN Photo/Sarah Glubb)
2 / 3
The award recognizes Arab women and provides the opportunity to celebrate the incredible achievements they have made across the globe. (AN Photo/Sarah Glubb)
3 / 3
Omar Bdour, chief executive officer of London Arabia, speaks during the ceremony. (AN Photo/Sarah Glubb)
Short Url
Updated 24 March 2022
Follow

Arab achievement award winner hails Saudi royal for championing women’s rights

  • Nine Arab women were recognized for their diverse achievements in London
  • This year’s awards ceremony was titled ‘Unlock Her Future,’ a new initiative launched by event organizer London Arabia

LONDON: A 20-year-old recipient of an Arab Women of the Year award has hailed Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for championing women’s rights.
Yemeni human rights activist Nada Al-Ahdal, who escaped two different child marriages by the age of 10, dedicated her achievement in social awareness award to the crown prince who she lauded for having helped bring about great changes over a short period of time.
“As influencers, we’ve been working on spreading awareness for years, and he made it in one decision. That’s one decision only, he saved millions of lives in Saudi Arabia, and that’s what we really need,” Al-Ahdal told Arab News.
She said that after running away from her family at the age of 11, she had been fortunate that a video she posted on social media had gone viral and pushed on the Yemeni government to protect her.




The award recognizes Arab women and provides the opportunity to celebrate the incredible achievements they have made across the globe. (AN Photo/Sarah Glubb)

“You don’t have to be on the big screen to influence people or change their minds. Just the phone now, the impact is not local anymore, it’s international. So, a video saved my life, and we need to talk about the victims in our countries, about violations, child marriage, and everything women suffer from.
“Believe me, we will find soldiers that can protect women and help us to build a better generation,” she added.
Al-Ahdal noted that there were no laws in Yemen protecting girls from child marriages but after her case spread online the Yemeni government introduced legislation to protect girls under the age of 18.
She pointed out that exposure of her ordeal on social media platforms had helped to raise awareness about the issue and she urged Arab women to reveal their experiences too.




The guest of honor Sophie, Countess of Wessex, poses with Omar Bdour, chief executive officer of London Arabia. (AN Photo/Sarah Glubb)

“Even though there is a gap between men and women in the Arab world, we need to show that as women we can do it, we can still be leaders, and can change in our society and empower ourselves by ourselves,” she said.
This year’s awards ceremony, held at the Carlton Tower Jumeirah Hotel in London, was titled “Unlock Her Future,” a new initiative launched by event organizer London Arabia.
Omar Bdour, chief executive officer of London Arabia, said: “We believe by unlocking futures for young girls in the Arab world, we can unlock futures for every man and woman in the Arab world. We can’t think of a better future if young girls can’t find their way.”




Jordanian Caroline Faraj was recognized for her achievements in media. (AN Photo/Sarah Glubb)

He added that the organization would be working with institutions, universities, individuals, businesses, and parents to unlock futures, with Egyptian actress Yasmine Sabri helping to further raise awareness as the campaign’s ambassador.
This year’s awards, which celebrate the achievements of Arab women around the world, were unique due to the diversity of winners, Bdour said.
Among those recognized for their work was Egyptian Magi Gobran in community service, Qatari Sheikha Alanoud Al-Thani in financial services, Omani Areej Mohsin Darwish in business, Bahraini Sheikha Rana Al-Khalifa for social leadership, Jordanian Caroline Faraj in media, Emirati Sheikha Fatima bint Hazza Al-Nahyan in culture, Moroccan Leila Benali in sustainable development leadership, and Kuwaiti Fatemah Al-Zelzela for youth achievement in environmental impact.
Al-Zelzela said: “An international award like that means that we’re going to deliver our messages to other parts of the world, and we need international voices to raise awareness and collaborate about the environmental impacts that the whole world is facing.




Journalist and writer Baria Alamuddin, who was on the award’s advisory board for 2022, speaks during the ceremony. (AN Photo/Sarah Glubb)

“So, this is something that might be helpful for Kuwaiti citizens to overcome the challenges that we are facing with regard to recycling and waste management.”
The 25-year-old environmentalist founded EcoStar, an initiative that recycles waste in exchange for trees and plants, and in 2020 she was named a Young Champion of the Earth by the UN Environment Program.
Kuwaiti ambassador to the UK and dean of the Diplomatic Corps in London, Khaled Al-Duwaisan, said the awards showed how Arab women had achieved their goals in competing in a range of fields.
“Fatemah did a wonderful job as a representative of the UN and here when she won the women’s prize. I am very proud of her, and we are proud as Kuwaitis of her achievement,” he added.


Sofia Carson flaunts Lebanese labels at New York performance with Andrea Bocelli

Updated 22 December 2024
Follow

Sofia Carson flaunts Lebanese labels at New York performance with Andrea Bocelli

DUBAI: Singer and actress Sofia Carson continued her love affair with powerhouse Lebanese designers at two shows in New York this week, after showing off looks by Elie Saab and Zuhair Murad at promotional events on numerous occasions this year.

Carson performed at New York’s Madison Square Garden alongside legendary Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli this weekend in a scarlet gown from Elie Saab’s Autum/ Winter Couture 2022 line. One day later, she hit the stage for part two of the event in a black, off-the-shoulder taffeta dress from Zuhair Murad’s ready-to-wear pre-Fall 2024 collection.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Sofia Carson (@sofiacarson)

“As I stepped off stage, my mom, my dream maker, held my hand and asked me what I felt. . . I said ‘I feel elated,’” Carson captioned a carousel of behind-the-scenes shots on Instagram, in which she is wearing Murad’s creation.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Sofia Carson (@sofiacarson)

In October, the singer and “Purple Hearts” actress was spotted in New York in a caped Elie Saab couture look from the maison’s Spring/Summer 2024 collection, while earlier that month she hit the red carpet in Rome in another gown by the designer.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Sofia Carson (@sofiacarson)

Carson showed off a sea green gown from Elie Saab’s Fall/Winter 2023 couture collection at the “Andrea Bocelli 30 - The Celebration” premiere in Rome.

The A-symmetrical neckline and sweeping ballgown skirt brought a dose of glamor to the red carpet, with Carson opting for a sleek up-do and diamond-and-emerald earrings.

“Honored to have been by your side as we premiered your film,” the actress posted on Instagram alongside a photo in which she is seen posing with Bocelli.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Sofia Carson (@sofiacarson)

The film chronicles Bocelli's three-day July concert event in Italy honoring his 30th anniversary in the music industry.

Rewind to May and Carson was seen in the French Riviera as she walked the Cannes Film Festival red carpet in yet another look by Saab. The star opted for an olive-toned ensemble from the designer’s Spring/ Summer 2024 couture collection.

Carson is something of a fan of Lebanon’s couturiers — in 2022 the actress attended the Global Citizen Festival in New York a coordinating look from Zuhair Murad’s Resort 2023 collection, while in late 2023, the actress cut an elegant figure in a Zuhair Murad gown at the second annual Cam for a Cause event in memory of her former co-star Cameron Boyce.


Georgina Rodriguez visits Dior exhibition in Riyadh

Updated 22 December 2024
Follow

Georgina Rodriguez visits Dior exhibition in Riyadh

DUBAI: Argentine model Georgina Rodriguez visited an exhibition celebrating the life and work of fashion designer Christian Dior at the National Museum of Saudi Arabia in Riyadh this weekend.

The Riyadh-based model, who is the long-term partner of football star Cristiano Ronaldo, took to Instagram to share insights about the exhibit, which is running as part of this year’s Riyadh Season.

“Highly recommend to immerse yourself in the ‘Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams’ exhibition in Riyadh. A magical journey through the history of haute couture, showcasing the works of art by visionary designers for 75 years (sic),” Rodriguez captioned a short clip on Instagram.

“Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams” is a collaboration between the French fashion house and Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority.

The event, which runs until April 2, explores the legacy of Dior and his successors through a fresh narrative specially curated for the show by art historian Florence Muller and scenographer Nathalie Criniere.

Highlights include tributes to some of Dior’s classic designs, such as Miss Dior and J’adore, and an homage to the Lady Dior bag in the form of the Dior Lady Art project.

British milliner Stephen Jones, one of Dior’s master creators, was heavily involved in the creation of the exhibition.

“When we were installing the hats, some of the looks I remembered, some I didn't. But many have never been shown before, so it sometimes feels like I’m seeing them for the first time,” Jones told Arab News earlier this month.


Bella Hadid promotes Orabella for festive season

Updated 21 December 2024
Follow

Bella Hadid promotes Orabella for festive season

DUBAI: US Palestinian Dutch supermodel Bella Hadid took to Instagram to thank her team and customers for the success of her fragrance label Orabella’s festive Alchemy Library pop-up in New York City.

“The best night at our @orebella Alchemy Library pop-up in NYC! So much love and gratitude to my team & the beautiful humans who showed up to transform @thenednomad into such a warm & intimate space to celebrate the holidays, each other and my favorite sets to date: Our holiday gift boxes,” she wrote on Instagram, along with a carousel of photos from the pop-up.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Bella (@bellahadid)

In a bid to look the part, Hadid traded in her cowboy Western aesthetic to adopt a more festive look and was photographed outside the pop-up in a red and white ensemble.

The retro look featured a two-toned red cardigan, straight leg blue jeans and a luxe white wool coat. Hadid glammed up the look with strappy red Valentino Garavani Ladycrush heels and statement gold earrings.

The model finished the look with her favorite choice of eyewear, a pair of Bayonetta glasses.

The alcohol-free scents of Orabella, which launched on May 2 this year, were Hadid’s answer to traditional perfumes.

Hadid wrote on her website: “For me, fragrance has always been at the center of my life — helping me feel in charge of who I am and my surroundings,” she said. “From my home to nostalgic memories, to my own energy and connection with others, scent has been an outlet for me. It made me feel safe in my own world.

“Through my healing journey, I found that I was extremely sensitive to the alcohol in traditional perfumes — both physically and mentally — it became something that was more overwhelming than calming to me,” she added. “That is the main reason I wanted to find an alternative, so essential oils became an artistic and experimental process for me.”

She started growing lavender on her farm, walking through the garden every morning and learning about her family’s tradition of making homemade scents. “I realized I might have a calling in this. I found healing, joy and love within nature’s scents,” she said.

“This is why I am so proud of Orebella. It was truly a dream and a passion, that through the universe and authentic dedication, was able to become this brand,” Hadid wrote.


Saudi designer Honayda Serafi shares holiday greeting card from Jordan’s Crown Prince Hussein and Princess Rajwa

Updated 21 December 2024
Follow

Saudi designer Honayda Serafi shares holiday greeting card from Jordan’s Crown Prince Hussein and Princess Rajwa

DUBAI: Saudi designer Honayda Serafi has revealed a holiday greeting card from Jordan’s Crown Prince Hussein bin Abdullah and Princess Rajwa Al-Hussein, which features a family photo of the royal couple and their newborn daughter, Princess Iman.

 “Immensely thankful for God’s many blessings. From our small family that has grown to yours, best wishes for a blessed New Year,” the card reads.

Last year, Serafi designed Saudi-born Princess Rajwa’s pre-wedding henna night gown. For the gown, Serafi took inspiration from the Al-Shaby thobe of the Najd region in Saudi Arabia, where Princess Rajwa’s family is from.  

“The thobe is known for its long sleeves. They’re so long, the sleeves become the veil of the bride’s dress,” said Serafi of the ethereal white gown.

Earlier this month, the couple visited the Seeds of Hope Center in Amman, which specializes in treating speech and language disorders in children and adults.

The royal couple, who welcomed their first child this year, toured the facility, which houses Jordan’s only space designed to provide multi-sensory experiences aimed at promoting relaxation and sensory integration. The visit also included a look at the center’s gym, which is tailored to improve therapy outcomes for patients, the Jordan News Agency reported.

Aya Al-Jazi, the center’s director, briefed the couple on the facility’s services, which include evaluation and treatment of speech, language and voice disorders, as well as support for swallowing difficulties.
 


Sister act: Saudi sibling filmmakers Raneem and Dana Almohandes talk musicals, inspiration and telepathy 

Updated 20 December 2024
Follow

Sister act: Saudi sibling filmmakers Raneem and Dana Almohandes talk musicals, inspiration and telepathy 

JEDDAH: A trip to Saudi Arabia’s AlUla, a chance encounter with a persistent mosquito on the streets of New York and an enduring love for musicals inspired Saudi filmmaking sisters Dana and Raneem Almohandes to create their animated short film “A Mosquito,” which screened at the recently concluded Red Sea International Film Festival in Jeddah. 

“We were walking in New York, having a good time, and there was this mosquito who kept coming back to me,” explained older sister Raneem. “This is how it all started, with one question: ‘What does this mosquito want?’ We thought, ‘She wants to talk to us, but we’re not giving her the chance.’ So, that’s where the story was born.” 

Set in 1969, “A Mosquito” follows Zozo — a tiny mosquito with big dreams. While her peers are content with ordinary life in the majestic landscapes of AlUla, Zozo dares to dream of becoming a famous singer — heading to Egypt to sing before the legendary Umm Kulthum. 

“A Mosquito” began life as a two-minute short — part of Raneem’s university project. It turned into its fully realized version after they took their idea to the AlUla Creates program, a local initiative that provides funding, mentorship and networking opportunities for Saudi filmmakers and fashion designers. 

“When AlUla invited us to apply, we had this idea already, and we wanted to expand on it, because, you know, university projects are victims of time and resources. We developed the story with the AlUla Creates team,” said Raneem.  

“We went to AlUla earlier, and we captured the aesthetics from there. The frames that you see in the film are identical to the pictures we took during our trip,” added Dana. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Raneem (@ralmohandes)

Raneem graduated from New York University in musical theater writing (Dana, the younger of the two, is studying filmmaking at Princess Nourah Bint Abdul Rahman University in Riyadh). “We grew up watching musicals, but we felt like we don’t have any that are in the Saudi dialect, so we wanted to create (them),” said Raneem. “That’s why I studied musical theater writing. 

“We’ve always loved expressing ourselves through art. For example, Dana will do a dance whenever she wants to express how she feels about someone. Like, for my birthday, she would do a choreographed dance. I used to do small videos for our family — sometimes they’re music videos, sometimes short films … this is how we started. And then I started an Instagram page for DIY videos, and we worked together on it. It was one of the first (Instagram accounts) to reach 1 million followers in the Middle East,” said Raneem. “Dana was, like, 10 years old back then.” 

Before they had received any formal training, the duo were chosen as For Change Ambassadors of Saudi Arabia. The screenplay for their first musical feature (“Dandana”) was shortlisted in the second round of Sundance’s Screenwriters Lab 2020. Their first short, “A Human,” was funded by Google and premiered in Riyadh. 

The sisters reiterate that their filmmaking career is closely tied to the history of cinema in the Kingdom. 

“We put ‘A Human’ up on YouTube in parallel with Saudi Arabia opening its cinemas again,” Raneem said. It went on to become one of the first 100 films to be shown in cinemas after they reopened in the country and, according to Raneem, the very first short film. 

In 2022, the pair wrote and directed the musical short “A Swing,” which was selected for the official competition at the Saudi Film Festival and was screened as part of the Kingdom’s participation at Cannes in 2022. 

Despite the eight-year age gap between the two sisters, the duo say they have a seamless working relationship. 

“We sometimes fight, as all sisters do, but we have telepathy most of the time,” said Raneem. “We are in sync in terms of ideas. Filmmaking is all about communication.” 

Working as two young women in the Saudi film industry is, Dana said, “magical.” Raneem agreed.  

“It’s overwhelmingly beautiful, because the support is magnificent,” she said. “Each and every project and idea that we’ve had, we knew for a fact that if we approached the right decision maker, it would happen.”