Mawhiba celebrates ‘Gifted Arabs’ initiative in Riyadh
Mawhiba celebrates ‘Gifted Arabs’ initiative in Riyadh/node/2352671/saudi-arabia
Mawhiba celebrates ‘Gifted Arabs’ initiative in Riyadh
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Students participated in activities across various fields including engineering, physics, medical, chemical, and biological sciences, mathematics, and astrology. (SPA)
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Gifted students from Tunisia in a group photograph with the Secretary General of Mawhiba, Amal Al-Hazzaa. (Huda Bashatah)
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Shaima Ali Larbi, 17 years old participating student from Algeria during her speech at the event. (Huda Bashatah)
Mawhiba celebrates ‘Gifted Arabs’ initiative in Riyadh
387 students from 16 Middle East countries took part in a range of programs, which lasted three weeks
Updated 11 August 2023
Haifa Alshammari
RIYADH: The King Abdul Aziz and his Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity, known as Mawhiba, celebrated the completion of the second season of its “Gifted Arabs” initiative in Riyadh on Wednesday.
About 387 students from 16 Middle East countries took part in a range of programs, which lasted three weeks, with the students living for the entire period with their fellow participants.
The initiative was organized in partnership between Mawhiba and the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization.
The achievements of the students were highlighted during the closing ceremony, hosted by King Saud University and Princess Noura bint Abdulrahman University, including in engineering, physics, Earth and space sciences, medicine, biological and chemical sciences, computer science, and applied mathematics.
At the end of the closing ceremony, Amal Al-Hazzaa, the secretary-general of Mawhiba, honored the participating students and presented memorial gifts to the initiative’s partners.
Saudi student Norah Aldahash said: “I registered (for) the computer science program through Princess Noura bint Abdulrahman University, specifically the coding field, which was one of the best options because I learned a lot from it, and I plan to register next year with different fields.”
Shaima Ali Larbi, a 17-year-old participant from Algeria, told Arab News: “I am participating as part of the medical field. This is the best version of the program in my opinion because I watched the previous ones. The ceremony was well organized, too.”
Fateh Bshaina, the charge d’affaires at the Embassy of Libya in Riyadh, said: “My feelings are very positive, especially since I noticed during the first ceremony that Libyan participants were around 16 students, whereas now 20 students participated in person, and 30 others participated virtually, and I look forward to next year.”
The campaign provides an integrated cultural and spiritual experience
It highlights key sites such as the Clock Tower Museum, Mount Arafat and the Cave of Hira
Updated 7 sec ago
Arab News
MAKKAH: The Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites has launched a new campaign titled “Makkah: A Living Legacy,” the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.
It aims to showcase the city’s rich historical and cultural sites, increase their visibility among visitors and residents, and highlight Makkah’s unique identity and evolving history.
The campaign provides an integrated cultural and spiritual experience. It highlights key sites such as the Clock Tower Museum, the International Fair and Museum of the Prophet’s Biography and Islamic Civilization, Mount Arafat and the Cave of Hira — where Prophet Muhammad received the first Qur’anic revelation.
The initiative is part of the commission’s broader strategy to preserve, develop and rehabilitate more than 98 sites across the city.
It also seeks to enhance the visitor experience, introduce new investment opportunities and revitalize sites while ensuring their sustainability as vibrant cultural destinations.
Saudi Arabia condemns suicide attack on Syrian church
Syria’s health ministry said an attack on a church in Damascus on Sunday killed 20 people
Updated 22 June 2025
Arab News
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia on Sunday condemned a suicide attack on a church in Damascus that killed at least 20 people.
Syria’s interior ministry said in a statement that “a suicide attacker affiliated with the Daesh terrorist group entered the Saint Elias church in the Dwelaa area of the capital Damascus where he opened fire then blew himself up with an explosive belt.”
The Foreign Ministry emphasized the Kingdom’s position rejecting the targeting of places of worship, the terrorizing of civilians, and the shedding of innocent blood.
It affirmed the Kingdom’s support for the Syrian Arab Republic against all forms of violence, extremism, and terrorism.
Sisterhood club at full throttle on the road to freedom
For many club members, motorcycles are not only a mode of transport, but also represent independence and the breaking of barriers
Updated 22 June 2025
Rahaf Jambi
RIYADH: Young Saudi women are discovering a new freedom riding motorcycles on the streets of Riyadh, challenging stereotypes and fostering an empowering community.
The Sisterhood Motorcycle Club, with its all-female membership, is at the forefront of this trend.
Founded in 2022 by Capt. Saud Albarak and Roaa Talal Abualsaud, the club was born from a simple idea: to create a safe, inclusive space for women in Saudi Arabia to explore their passion for motorcycles.
“We wanted to break stereotypes and build a strong community that supports freedom, confidence, and sisterhood on and off the road,” Abdulsaud said.
This mission resonates deeply with women who have long felt restricted by societal norms and expectations, she added.
For many club members, motorcycles are not only a mode of transport, but also represent independence and the breaking of barriers.
Joining the club is an opportunity to step out of their comfort zones and embrace a lifestyle that celebrates adventure and camaraderie. The club seeks to encourage women to embrace their passions, while providing a supportive network for those who seek to share this journey.
Abualsaud, a dentist and proud biker, explained her motivation for co-founding Sisterhood. “I wanted to create a space where women could feel both powerful and supported,” she said.
“As someone who always seeks adventure, riding became my way of feeling free and present. Building and leading this club wasn’t just about motorcycles — it was about making a statement that women can be bold, united, and unstoppable.”
Sisterhood membership is open to all women, regardless of their experience with motorcycles.
“Owning a bike is not required to join. We welcome women at all levels, whether you’re an experienced rider, someone considering getting a license, or simply curious about the community,” Abdulsaud said.
This inclusive approach makes it easier for women to join without feeling intimidated, fostering a sense of belonging.
Founded in 2022 by Captain Saud Albarak and Roaa Talal Abualsaud, the club was born from a simple yet powerful idea: to create a safe, inclusive space for women in Saudi Arabia to explore their passion for motorcycles. (Supplied)
“I’ve always been passionate about adventurous hobbies. I ride horses and have loved ATVs (all-terrain vehicles) since childhood. So, when women were allowed to ride motorcycles, I jumped at the opportunity,” said club member Maisa Alhugaily.
“What drew me specifically to Sisterhood Club was the sense of community and empowerment it offers. I wanted to be part of a group that supports and uplifts women, while exploring something exciting and different.”
The club provides mentorship, safety training, and introductory riding experiences to ensure that new members can embark on their journeys with confidence.
“What matters most is the spirit of adventure and respect for the community,” Abdulsaud said. This commitment to safety and education helps demystify the world of motorcycles, making it accessible to everyone.
The importance of such clubs for Saudi women cannot be overstated, she believes.
“These clubs give Saudi women visibility, voice, and validation in spaces traditionally dominated by men. Riding a motorcycle in Saudi Arabia is more than a hobby — it’s a symbol of choice, strength, and movement.”
Sisterhood empowers women by offering them opportunities to lead, connect, travel, and inspire each other.
This empowerment is crucial in a society where women are often expected to conform to traditional roles. The presence of female riders challenges stereotypes and encourages other women to explore their interests without feeling limited by societal expectations.
“It also helps normalize the presence of female riders in public, creating a ripple effect for future generations of girls to dream big without limitations,” Abdulsaud says.
Sisterhood membership is open to all women, regardless of their experience with motorcycles. (Supplied)
Currently, Sisterhood organizes over 40 rides and has 260 active members from cities across Saudi Arabia. The community is steadily growing, with regular collaborations with riders from other Gulf countries.
Abdulsaud said: “Sisterhood is not just a local club — it’s part of a larger movement.” This expansion reflects the increasing interest among women in pursuing activities that defy traditional gender roles.
In addition to riding, the club engages in various events and interests that foster camaraderie and personal growth.
“We participate in local and regional motorcycle events, organize safety awareness workshops, community outreach rides, and even lifestyle gatherings like motorcycle fashion events, fitness classes, and off-road trips,” Abdulsaud said.
The wide range of activities encourages a lifestyle filled with empowerment, connection, and fun.
Through the Sisterhood Motorcycle Club, Saudi women are not only discovering a passion for riding, but also building a supportive network that champions their dreams and aspirations. The club embodies a spirit of unity and strength, allowing women to pursue their passions unapologetically.
“We’re telling them, you have a place among us,” Abdulsaud said.
The Sisterhood Motorcycle Club is more than just a group of women who ride; it is a movement that signifies freedom, empowerment, and sisterhood. As these women continue to break barriers and redefine their roles in society, they are paving the way for future generations to ride boldly into their own destinies.
Saudi interior minister meets outgoing UK ambassador in Riyadh
Neil Crompton will be succeeded by Stephen Hitchen
Crompton described Saudi Arabia as a ‘key, indispensable partner’
Updated 22 June 2025
Arab News
LONDON: Saudi Minister of Interior Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif met Neil Crompton, the outgoing UK ambassador to Riyadh, in his office on Sunday.
Crompton bid farewell to Prince Abdulaziz as his tenure as ambassador ended. Prince Abdulaziz thanked Crompton for his service in the Kingdom and wished him success.
Crompton will be succeeded by Stephen Hitchen.
In a previous interview with Arab News, Crompton described Saudi Arabia as a “key, indispensable partner” to the UK.
“We have a shared history, and part of our shared history is recognition that Saudi Arabia is a key diplomatic partner, not just in the Arab world, but in the Islamic world. I think it has a neutral ability to bridge gaps both between east and west, and north and south,” Crompton said.
Saudi transport minister wraps up visit to Russia and France
The visit aims to strengthen cooperation between the Kingdom and Russia and France in the fields of transport and logistics
Updated 22 June 2025
Arab News
RIYADH: Saudi Minister of Transport and Logistics Services Saleh Al-Jasser was recently on an official visit to Russia and France along with his accompanying delegation of officials from the sector.
He participated in the opening of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum and its main session, which was also attended by Russian President Vladimir Putin, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.
In France, Al-Jasser attended the opening of the International Paris Air Show as well as a signing ceremony for an air services agreement between Saudi Arabia and Panama.
The visit aims to strengthen cooperation between the Kingdom and Russia and France in the fields of transport and logistics.