Who’s Who: Muna AbuSulayman, a philanthropist and international development leader

Muna AbuSulayman
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Updated 15 June 2023
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Who’s Who: Muna AbuSulayman, a philanthropist and international development leader

Muna AbuSulayman, a philanthropist and international development leader with diverse cross-sector work experience spanning over 25 years, is partner at Transform VC that focuses on untapped talent.

Since 2020, AbuSulayman has been a member of Gucci’s Global Equity Board where she is an adviser to the CEO.

A serial entrepreneur, AbuSulayman co-founded several tech companies including Healthkey Tech in 2020 in Luxembourg where its blockchain Health Passport app and medical verification network enables safe travel and facilitates events worldwide.

In 2018, she co-founded the ‏Arabic Digital Research Institute based in New Zealand and Bahrain and was the lead investor until 2022 where she facilitated effective implementation and distribution of using artificial intelligence and machine learning in translation and publishing academic Arabic content.

AbuSulayman launched Niya in 2017, a phone application that aims to support CSR fundraising through an innovative embedded Arabic social media engagement interface.

Prior to that, AbuSulayman co-founded Meedan Labs, assisting a global team of technologists aimed at improving tools used to create and share meaning over the internet to bridge ideas between different language communities.

She was an adviser at Misk Foundation from 2017 to 2019, where she supported in restructuring, transforming, relaunching, and guiding a nonprofit foundation devoted to cultivating learning and leadership in youth. She has been advising global philanthropists and foundations since 2011.

In 2001, AbuSulayman founded and co-hosted the famous MBC TV female-led roundtable discussion show “Kalam Nawaem” until 2018.

She was the secretary-general at Alwaleed Philanthropies until 2011, overseeing grant-making processes and managing all public- and private-sector partnerships.

In this post, AbuSulayman worked on economic and community development, women’s empowerment, interfaith dialogue, and natural disaster aid, where she directed a charitable initiatives portfolio exceeding $1 billion for one of the largest global philanthropic grant-giving foundations.

She holds both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree from George Mason University in Virginia, US and is a World Economic Forum young global leader and Yale University Fellow.


Saudi aid agency helps crisis-hit people worldwide 

KSrelief continues to make a significant global impact by providing critical assistance to some of the world’s most vulnerable.
Updated 12 sec ago
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Saudi aid agency helps crisis-hit people worldwide 

  • The agency distributed 500 food baskets to families returning from displacement in Sudan’s Al-Jazirah state
  • In Pakistan, the agency distributed 2,167 food baskets in Muzaffarabad, Kotli, and Bhimber in Jammu and Kashmir, as well as in Rajanpur in the Punjab province

RIYADH: Saudi aid agency KSrelief continues to make a significant global impact by providing critical assistance to some of the world’s most vulnerable communities.

The agency distributed 500 food baskets to families returning from displacement in Sudan’s Al-Jazirah state, benefiting 3,999 people, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.

In Afghanistan, KSrelief distributed 100 food baskets at the Omari camp near the Torkham border crossing to Afghan citizens returning from Pakistan.

In Lebanon, 569 food baskets were distributed to Syrian refugees and vulnerable host families in the Koura district of North Lebanon, benefiting 2,845 people.

In Pakistan, the agency distributed 2,167 food baskets in Muzaffarabad, Kotli, and Bhimber in Jammu and Kashmir, as well as in Rajanpur in the Punjab province, reaching 18,210 people in flood-affected areas.

Since its launch in May 2015, KSrelief has implemented 3,588 projects worth more than $8.1 billion across 108 countries, in partnership with more than 321 organizations.


Jeddah’s newest indoor jungle brings nature to the city this summer

From flamingos and reptiles to cats and birds, the experience blends wildlife interaction with environmental education. (AN phot
Updated 19 July 2025
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Jeddah’s newest indoor jungle brings nature to the city this summer

  • The 45-day Forest Wonders is a part of the broader Jeddah Season push to offer diverse, family-oriented entertainment

JEDDAH: Families in Jeddah are skipping summertime’s typical indoor mall circuit and heading somewhere … wilder.

The newly opened Forest Wonders indoor jungle is offering a nature-inspired escape in the heart of the coastal city, including turtles to pat, goats to feed and lemurs to meet.

From flamingos and reptiles to cats and birds, the experience blends wildlife interaction with environmental education. (AN photo)

“As far as I know, such animal jungles don’t just offer fun experiences but also educate the public about wildlife conservation,” 36-year-old Abdullah Al-Hashmi told Arab News while waiting in line with his family on opening day.

“It is a new experience for (the kids) and they are excited about it,” he said.

HIGHLIGHTS

• The newly opened Forest Wonders indoor jungle is offering a nature-inspired escape.

• It features more than 200 animals in themed zones such as the Meercat Zone, Raccoon Enclosure, and the Secret Garden.

• Young visitors can color, plant or play skill games between feeding stations and animal encounters.

Located on King Abdulaziz Road, the jungle-like venue opened on July 16 as part of this year’s Jeddah Season.

From flamingos and reptiles to cats and birds, the experience blends wildlife interaction with environmental education. (AN photo)

The air-conditioned space, covering 7,500 sq. m, features more than 200 animals in themed zones such as the Meercat Zone, Raccoon Enclosure, Bird Park and the Secret Garden, where rare animals are hidden among the foliage.

“It was fun and we enjoyed every zone or area,” said Jameel Al-Shikhi, visiting with his wife and two children.

Young visitors can color, plant or play skill games between feeding stations and animal encounters. (AN photo)

“The kids had fun with the most of the animals and they still want to see more.”

From flamingos and reptiles to cats and birds, the experience blends wildlife interaction with environmental education, including on topics such as sustainability, farming and animal care.

From flamingos and reptiles to cats and birds, the experience blends wildlife interaction with environmental education. (AN photo)

Young visitors can color, plant or play skill games between feeding stations and animal encounters.

“It is really connecting people with animals and the kids enjoyed many activities such playing, feeding, planting, drawing and watching the diverse animals closely,” Al-Shikhi said.

From flamingos and reptiles to cats and birds, the experience blends wildlife interaction with environmental education. (AN photo)

According to officials of the National Events Center, the 45-day Forest Wonders is a part of the broader Jeddah Season push to offer diverse, family-oriented entertainment.

Whether it is snapping a photo with a raccoon, learning about farming or simply watching a lemur, Forest Wonders offers a breath of fresh, leafy air in the middle of Jeddah’s urban summer.

 


Riyadh welcomes Japanese cultural flair at Esports World Cup

Japan Park offers Saudis and tourists alike the chance to explore Japanese heritage in the heart of Riyadh. (SPA)
Updated 19 July 2025
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Riyadh welcomes Japanese cultural flair at Esports World Cup

  • The streets of Japan Park have been transformed into an interactive world of Tokyo-inspired streets and manga-themed photo zones

RIYADH: Amid the fast-paced tournaments and flashing screens at the Esports World Cup in Boulevard Riyadh City, a quieter kind of immersion — one rooted in culture, not gameplay — is drawing crowds.

At Japan Park, visitors are stepping into “yukatas,” the traditional Japanese summer garment that merges Japanese heritage with the modern world of esports.

The garment, which is worn during festivals and public celebrations in Japan, was redesigned with a contemporary twist inspired by popular characters and iconic elements of Japanese visual culture.

FASTFACTS

• At Japan Park entrance, visitors can register via QR code and receive a yukata to wear for free.

• In the calligraphy corner, visitors learn to write their names in kanji under the guidance of Japanese artists.

The experience offers Saudis and tourists alike the chance to explore Japanese heritage in the heart of Riyadh.

At the park entrance, visitors can register via QR code and receive a yukata to wear for free. Staff help guests to suit up correctly, maintaining respect for the garment’s cultural roots.

The streets of Japan Park have been transformed into an interactive world of Tokyo-inspired streets and manga-themed photo zones. The decor draws from vibrant districts such as Shibuya and other landmarks from Japanese pop culture.

The yukata experience is part of the broader cultural showcase that includes workshops on origami and uchiwa conducted by Japanese professionals.

In the calligraphy corner, visitors learn to write their names in kanji under the guidance of Japanese artists. It is slow, meticulous work in contrast to the speed of the esports tournaments happening just steps away.

The food stalls serve ramen, sushi and traditional desserts such as mochi, adding another sensory layer to the cultural experience.

While much of the Esports World Cup is about international gaming and competition, Japan Park offers a more reflective counterpoint.

It is a reminder that global pop culture — from anime to fashion and food — is inseparable from the traditions that shape it.

 


Wasl Community trains students in media skills

Updated 19 July 2025
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Wasl Community trains students in media skills

  • Wasl Community’s CEO Mohammed Al-Razqi said the initiative reflected the belief that empowering people was essential to effective communication, and that strong content started with developing talent

RIYADH: The Wasl Community has concluded its Media Skills Week initiative, which was held in Riyadh from July 13-18 at PureMinds Studios. The program targeted university students majoring in communication and media who were aiming to enhance their practical skills to align themselves with job market demands.

The week-long initiative attracted more than 1,000 registrants and offered more than 20 hours of specialized training through professional workshops led by experienced media and communication experts.

The workshops covered key topics, including spokesperson skills and media appearances by Majid Al-Ghamdi; fundamentals of strategic communication by Abdulrahman Al-Sultan; media content creation and management by Waleed Al-Harbi; internal communication by Najla Al-Otaibi; media production from writing to publishing by Saad Moamen; and corporate audio identity by Abdullah Al-Zarzour.

Wasl Community’s CEO Mohammed Al-Razqi said the initiative reflected the belief that empowering people was essential to effective communication, and that strong content started with developing talent.

He said: “Media Skills Week was designed to connect knowledge with practice. We are proud of the strong turnout from ambitious students and graduates, and we look forward to offering even more impactful programs in the future.”

Wasl Community is a nonprofit professional network registered under the Hawi platform and part of the Quality of Life Program under Vision 2030. It brings together professionals in corporate communication, media, and marketing across various sectors.

The community organizes programs, expert meetups, and projects to enhance practitioners’ skills and elevate the media sector’s professional image in Saudi Arabia.

 


General Court of Audit chief attends Internal Auditors meeting in Riyadh

Updated 19 July 2025
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General Court of Audit chief attends Internal Auditors meeting in Riyadh

  • Members of the ILA board congratulated Saudi Arabia, represented by SAIA, on its winning bid to host the 2027 IIA International Conference

RIYADH: Hussam Alangari, the president of the General Court of Audit and board member of the Saudi Authority of Internal Auditors, attended the meeting of the Institute of Internal Auditors in Riyadh.

Members of the ILA board congratulated Saudi Arabia, represented by SAIA, on its winning bid to host the 2027 IIA International Conference, Saudi Press Agency reported.

The board said the successful bid was a culmination of the Kingdom’s “tireless efforts to enhance its international presence in the field of internal auditing and consolidate its leadership role in developing the profession regionally and globally.”