RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan on Wednesday participated in the work of the 154th session of the preparatory ministerial council for the 43rd session of the Supreme Council of the Gulf Cooperation Council, which was held at the headquarters of the GCC General Secretariat in Riyadh.
The meeting was chaired by Oman’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Sayyid Badr Albusaidi, who is also president of the council’s current session, with the participation of Gulf foreign ministers, and GCC Secretary-General Dr. Nayef Al-Hajraf.
During the meeting, the ministers discussed ways of enhancing the process of joint cooperation and coordination between the GCC countries, and the developments of the situation in the region.
They also discussed the latest regional and international developments, and the schedule of the work of the Chinese-Gulf Summit for Cooperation and Development that will be attended by Chinese President Xi Jinping and GCC leaders.
Saudi FM attends GCC preparatory session ahead of summit
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Saudi FM attends GCC preparatory session ahead of summit
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Women work to redefine leadership strategies in Middle East entertainment industry
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- Women increasingly taking on leadership roles
- Rapidly expanding industry offers new opportunities
RIYADH: Women are increasingly taking on leadership roles in the region’s entertainment industry, in operations, strategy and risk management.
At the IAAPA Middle East Trade Summit 2025 in Riyadh on Tuesday, female executives shared how they are adapting leadership strategies to meet the sector’s rapid evolution.
For many professionals in the region, careers in entertainment were not an obvious choice. Nada Radwan, business development manager at Adirondack Studios, spoke about her transition from interior design to themed entertainment.
“In the Arab world, family plays a big role in career choices, and medicine and engineering are often seen as the safest options,” she said. “For me, I knew that math and chemistry were not for me, so I chose interior design — something creative yet practical.”
She described how her fascination with how spaces evoke emotions led her into the entertainment industry. “I had no plan of becoming anywhere close to this industry. I just followed what excited me,” she said. “My advice to those considering a career shift? Go for it. Build on what sparks joy for you, be open to learning, and move forward with no regrets.”
With the industry rapidly expanding, a new challenge has emerged — managing a younger workforce with different priorities. Hind Galadari, deputy general manager at Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, highlighted the evolving expectations of Gen Z employees.
“They don’t care about job security the way previous generations did,” she said. “They care about their well-being, their purpose, and what they can contribute to the world.”
Moderated by author and development coach Maya Mattar, the session, “Women Transforming the Middle East’s Entertainment Industry,” set a bold tone.
“This is not your typical women’s empowerment session,” Mattar said. “We are not here to preach or hand out badges of honor. In this room, we have a seat at the table, and let’s be honest — it’s a pretty good seat.”
Lina El-Deek, partner at PwC Middle East, emphasized that the success of entertainment projects depends on balancing customer experience, financial sustainability and data security.
“We have an existential risk in driving the right customer experience,” she said. “It’s all about how people feel when they visit our attractions. Will they come back? Will they recommend it to others? If we don’t get this right, we fail.”
She also stressed the importance of building inclusive workplaces. “This business is all about diversity. We bring people from across the world, and we need to manage that properly,” she said. “Leadership must set the right tone, create clear cultural policies, and engage employees through active inclusion.”
Galadari emphasized the need for adaptability when improving workforce culture. “The culture doesn’t change overnight,” she said. “The park opens in an instant, but the team takes time to transition. That’s why hiring the right mindset, not just skills, is essential.”
Digital economy must include all communities, says Digital Cooperation Organization’s secretary-general
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- Over a third of world lacks access to internet, says Deemah Al-Yahya
- Tech leaders must develop ‘responsibly, transparently’ for ‘everyone’
AMMAN:More than one third of the world’s population still lacks access to the internet, said Deemah Al-Yahya, secretary-general of the Digital Cooperation Organization, who stressed that underserved communities must be included in the digital economy.
Al-Yahya highlighted the current status of digital transformation during the multilateral organization’s 4th General Assembly meeting in Amman on Wednesday.
Although the digital economy is expected to hit $16.5 trillion by 2028, accounting for 17 percent of the globe’s gross domestic product, the divide in digital exclusivity remains deep despite this rapid progress, Al-Yahya said.
“This gathering is the beginning of a new era for a global collaboration … in today’s world digital transformation is no longer a choice, it is imperative.”
Speaking on artificial intelligence, Al-Yahya said the global market value of AI is expected to exceed $800 billion by 2030, yet it is available in only a handful of countries.
Al-Yahya asked the question: “Will AI (deepen) existing divides or will it be a force for inclusion and prosperity?”
“Leaders in technology must ensure that AI and developing technologies are developed responsibly, transparently, and for the benefit for everyone and all.
“The voices of young people, women, and underserved communities must not just be included, but must be given the power to shape policies, lead initiatives and build the digital economy of the future.”
As a part of the event, a Digital Prosperity Awards ceremony celebrated the achievements of international and regional companies.
This included Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development which won an award for “Digital Transformation: Decision Making” and Tuwaiq Academy for “Digital Transformation: Cooperation.”
Sami Smeirat, Jordan’s minister of digital economy and entrepreneurship, spoke about the power of the event: “Together we can shape the future where digital cooperation unlocks new opportunities and creates lasting prosperity for all.”
The event features panels and discussions with leading experts from across the world.
The DCO was founded in November 2020 and currently has 16 nations as members including Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Pakistan, Bahrain, Bangladesh and Oman. It also has 39 observer partner organizations.
The DCO member states have a collective GDP of $3.5 trillion and serve a combined market of nearly 800 million people, more than 70 percent of whom are under the age of 35.
Saudi, Japan officials discuss relations in Tokyo
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TOKYO: Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Hisashi Matsumoto met with Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador Ghazi Faisal S. Binzagr on Wednesday to discuss various issues, including the two nations’ recently launched Strategic Partnership Council.
Matsumoto highlighted that this year marks the 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries, and expressed hope relations would continue to develop in various fields.
Binzagr echoed Matsumoto’s sentiments and thanked him for attending the recent Japan-Saudi Vision 2030 Ministerial Roundtable in Riyadh.
KSrelief organizes training in Aden on cholera, infection controls
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- 170 doctors, nurses and healthcare workers from across Yemen receive training
RIYADH: The Kingdom’s aid agency KSrelief recently held a training course in Aden governorate for healthcare personnel to treat cholera patients and institute infection controls, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.
The course was held in partnership with the World Health Organization and the Ministry of Health, as a part of the cholera-prevention project in Yemen.
A total of 170 doctors, nurses, and healthcare workers from across Yemen received training on Feb. 12 and 13.
The course covered epidemiological definitions, transmission methods, risk factors, clinical manifestations, dehydration assessment, cholera management during pregnancy, and treatment of malnourished children.
The initiative is a part of Saudi Arabia’s efforts, through KSrelief, to enhance Yemen’s healthcare system, particularly the management of infectious diseases.
MWL hosts forum to foster dialogue, promote Islamic unity
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- Makkah conference will feature senior figures from various sects, denominations
- Guide to common Islamic principles to be launched during forum
RIYADH: The Muslim World League will host the second edition of the Global Conference for Building Bridges Between Islamic Schools of Thought and Sects on March 6-7 in Makkah, Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.
The conference will bring together leading muftis, scholars, intellectuals, and representatives from senior Islamic councils, jurisprudential academies, and religious institutions across different sects and denominations.
It will serve as a unified platform for fostering constructive dialogue among diverse Islamic traditions as well as coordinating efforts and resources to strengthen Islamic unity, while ensuring mutual respect for doctrinal diversity.
The forum also aims to overcome sectarian disputes that have historically led to division and conflict, and promote fraternity and cohesion through practical initiatives.
This year’s conference marks a critical step in transforming the principles outlined in the inaugural conference into actionable programs, SPA said.
Discussions will address issues such as enhancing intra-Islamic dialogue and cooperation.
A highlight of the conference will be the launch of the encyclopedia of Islamic intellectual convergence, prepared by the Center for Safeguarding Intellect.
The encyclopedia, developed with contributions from 60 Islamic scholars and thinkers, aims to serve as a comprehensive guide to common Islamic principles.