Saudi designer Mona Al-Furayan launches Founding Day collection

Al-Furayan started her fashion line in 2014 after people became interested in her clothes (Supplied)
Short Url
Updated 20 February 2023
Follow

Saudi designer Mona Al-Furayan launches Founding Day collection

  • The Jelbab brand has now collaborated with Harvey Nichols to display the collection in Riyadh
  • Founding Day is commemorated annually in the Kingdom on Feb. 22 to mark the establishment of the first Saudi state.

Riyadh: Saudi designer Mona Al-Furayan has launched a new Founding Day collection of her brand clothing brand, Jelbab. 

Founding Day is commemorated annually in the Kingdom on Feb. 22 to mark the establishment of the first Saudi state. 

The brand used two primary materials for the Founding Day collection: For men, a gold and black headband, known as Eqal Al-Moqassab, and for women an enormous dress that covers the body, known as the Jelbab, in tulle fabric. 

“In the Founding Day collection, we relied on the two most important materials that I see as the basis of our heritage, which is the tulle fabric and the Eqal Al-Moqassab headband for men. We used it in a new way … as the material is elegant and has become popular even though it is old in the Saudi heritage,” Al-Furayan told Arab News.

“We used the headband in a way that it is worn on a kaftan. We tried to develop it without losing its identity and giving the piece an extraordinary value.” 

Al-Furayan started her fashion line in 2014 after people became interested in her clothes. The company first made kaftans, but then moved on to evening attire.

“The demand … is what made me decide to start. I wanted to build a brand that represented myself,” Al-Furayan said.

“Four years ago, we were invited to participate in the Mercedes Fashion Show in Qatar — the biggest fashion show in the Middle East — to showcase the inaugural evening wear collection, and that was a turning point for our brand because it was a huge success.”

Quality and consistency are essential for the designer, and she takes time to carefully select the best materials and fabrics when creating her pieces. 

“One of our most distinguishable qualities is that we design our fabrics with … specifications unique to Jelbab. Since our inception, this is a step we have proudly adopted to create pieces worthy of a Saudi brand that inspires the world.” 

The Jelbab brand has now collaborated with Harvey Nichols to display the collection in Riyadh.  

“Jelbab is associated with (the) Harvey Nichols name because the brand is one of the first Saudi brands that was displayed there (from) 2015 until today. I am very proud of that,” Al-Furayan added. 

“This year our ambition is to be a global Saudi brand.” 


King Faisal Prize to announce 2025 winners on Wednesday

King Faisal Prize was established by the King Faisal Foundation in 1977 and was granted for the first time in 1979. (Supplied)
Updated 06 January 2025
Follow

King Faisal Prize to announce 2025 winners on Wednesday

  • Selection committees start meetings to select winners in Islamic studies, Arabic language & literature, medicine and science

RIYADH: The names of the King Faisal Prize winners for 2025 will be announced on Jan. 8 in Riyadh.

Ahead of the event, specialized selection committees for the prize’s four categories — Islamic studies, Arabic language and literature, medicine and science — convened at the prize’s headquarters starting Monday, the General Secretariat of King Faisal Prize said.

Deliberations will continue through Jan. 8, it added.

The General Secretariat had previously announced the themes for the KFP 2025: Islamic studies focuses on Studies of Archaeology in the Arabian Peninsula, Arabic language and literature explores Studies of Identity in Arabic Literature, medicine highlights Cellular Therapy and Science centers on Physics.

Nominations for the prize are accepted by universities, research centers and scientific institutions, ensuring that nominees meet rigorous criteria.

Candidates must be living, and their work must already be published, intellectually impactful and beneficial to humanity’s progress. Nominations from individuals or political groups are not accepted, the secretariat said.

This year, the selection committees include prominent experts, scholars and specialists from 16 different countries. The evaluation process adheres to the highest standards of integrity.

The announcement of the winners will be made by the General Secretariat on Jan. 8 at 8:00 p.m. during a ceremony at the Prince Sultan Grand Hall in the Al-Faisaliah Center, Riyadh.

The KFP was established by the King Faisal Foundation in 1977 and was granted for the first time in 1979.


Saudi FM discusses regional developments with Blinken during call

Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Monday. (File/AFP)
Updated 06 January 2025
Follow

Saudi FM discusses regional developments with Blinken during call

  • Blinken called for a final push for a Gaza ceasefire before President Joe Biden leaves office during a visit to South Korea on Monday

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan discussed regional developments and efforts made with regard to them during a call with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Monday.

Blinken called for a final push for a Gaza ceasefire before President Joe Biden leaves office during a visit to South Korea on Monday.

“We very much want to bring this over the finish line in the next two weeks, the time we have remaining,” Blinken told a news conference.


Saudi minister of Islamic affairs meets Palestinian ambassador to the Kingdom

Updated 06 January 2025
Follow

Saudi minister of Islamic affairs meets Palestinian ambassador to the Kingdom

  • Mazen Ghoneim praised Saudi authorities for their services to Muslims worldwide

RIYADH: Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs Abdullatif bin Abdulaziz Al-Sheikh received the newly appointed Palestinian Ambassador to the Kingdom Mazen Ghoneim in his office on Monday in Riyadh, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Al-Sheikh discussed the ministry’s programs in service of Palestinian pilgrims performing Hajj and Umrah.

Ghoneim praised the Saudi authorities for their services to all Muslims worldwide.

He highlighted the generous program that hosts the family members of Palestinian martyrs, enabling them to perform Hajj with ease.


Al-Jouf olive festival boosts economy, tourism

The 18th Al-Jouf International Olive Festival highlights the journey of olives from cultivation to the final product. (SPA)
Updated 06 January 2025
Follow

Al-Jouf olive festival boosts economy, tourism

  • Event showcases Al-Jouf region’s olive production, which includes over 23 million trees yielding more than 150,000 tonnes of table olives annually

RIYADH: The 18th Al-Jouf International Olive Festival offers an engaging experience, highlighting the journey of olives from cultivation to the final product.

Held at the Prince Abdullah Cultural Center in Sakaka until Jan. 12, the event showcases the Al-Jouf region’s olive production, which includes over 23 million trees yielding more than 150,000 tonnes of table olives annually.

The festival features 43 local farmers and five agricultural companies offering high-quality olive oil, table olives, and related products, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

In addition to competitive pricing, all products meet strict food safety standards, having undergone rigorous testing at Al-Jouf’s municipal laboratory.

Seven analyses — acidity, rancidity, moisture, chemical content, oil blending, taste, and authenticity — ensure the products’ quality. Those that pass receive a certification label for consumer confidence, the SPA added.

The festival has also become a key tourism and economic event for both the Kingdom and Al-Jouf region, attracting significant interest, visitors, and investment.

It also supports families in cottage industries, entrepreneurs, and small businesses by offering spaces to showcase their products, fostering growth and expanding their consumer reach.

Additionally, the festival celebrates Saudi heritage through folk art performances, the Saudi Ardah, traditional fashion, Sadu weaving, plastic arts, poetry, and cultural evenings.


Makkah authorities on high alert amid heavy rains

Updated 06 January 2025
Follow

Makkah authorities on high alert amid heavy rains

JEDDAH: The Saudi Red Crescent Authority’s Makkah branch has increased its readiness in response to warnings of heavy rain issued by the National Center for Meteorology.

On Monday, several regions of the Kingdom, including Makkah and Madinah, experienced heavy rain and thunderstorms, with the Civil Defense expecting the weather to continue until Wednesday, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The authority stated that its command-and-control room, ambulance stations, rapid response teams, and volunteer ambulance units in Makkah are fully operational.

The Makkah region has on standby teams of doctors, specialists, and emergency medical technicians, the authority said.

A total of 1,420 staff members are ready to respond, supported by 149 vehicles. This includes advanced ambulances, disaster response vehicles, and an air ambulance for critical situations, the SPA added.

The authority urged citizens and residents to follow official instructions, exercise caution, and prioritize road safety during heavy rainfall.

The public was also asked to cooperate with ambulance teams by clearing the way for them on the roads, the SPA reported.

The authority operates 24/7, and individuals can request ambulance services by calling 997 or through the Asefne app in emergencies.