Back to school shopping in full swing as Saudi supplies demand reaches new heights

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With the return of back-to-school season, stationery and school supplies business owners are reporting a significant surge in sales. (SPA)
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Updated 22 August 2023
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Back to school shopping in full swing as Saudi supplies demand reaches new heights

  • Students, parents and teachers are stocking up on new stationery supplies around the Kingdom in anticipation of the new school year

JEDDAH: With the dawn of a new academic year in Saudi Arabia, the familiar hustle and bustle of back-to-school preparations has returned, marking a time of excitement, and a flurry of activity for both parents and students.

This year, stationery and school supplies business owners are reporting a significant surge in demand.

Malls and major libraries around Saudi Arabia took the opportunity to host back-to-school festivals and campaigns as a one-stop shopping experience for families. These events featured a diverse array of school essentials, ranging from bags and uniforms to an extensive selection of stationery supplies, including the notebooks, pencils, pens and tools required for study and notetaking. It also made for a fun family day out.




With the return of back-to-school season, stationery and school supplies business owners are reporting a significant surge in sales. (SPA)

Mohammed Al-Malki, a stationery shop owner from Jeddah, told Arab News: “The increase in purchasing activity began about a week prior to schools reopening and continued to peak throughout the final weekend before classes commenced.”

Al-Malki said that demand remains robust for the first two weeks of the new academic term.

The digital landscape has also played a crucial role in reshaping the way that students and parents approach back-to-school shopping.

It’s always a positive feeling to be back, following a delightful summer vacation.

Ghadeer Shaheen, Primary school teacher

E-commerce platforms have witnessed a significant uptick in sales, particularly in school bags. Boys and girls are embracing the convenience of purchasing their essentials through apps and websites, drawn by the extensive options for customization and ease of browsing and selecting exactly what they want.




The digital landscape has reshaped the way that students and parents approach back-to-school shopping. (SPA)

Reham Modaress, a Saudi mother of five, gave Arab News her insights into the evolving school shopping landscape.

Her two elder daughters, who are in the seventh and eighth grades, opted for a more contemporary approach by ordering their backpacks and school shoes through online platforms such as Shein.

“These platforms offer a variety of stylish options that allow them to follow trends that resonate with their preferences,” Modaress said.




The digital landscape has reshaped the way that students and parents approach back-to-school shopping. (SPA)

Modaress also said that while her older daughters were navigating online shopping independently, she and her husband were overseeing the school preparation purchases for their younger children.

She added, “However, for certain items like school uniforms, a physical visit to shops is a must to ensure the right fit and quality.”

According to Modaress, “The earlier the better … to plan school preparation time and avoid the annual school hustle and bustle.”




With the return of back-to-school season, stationery and school supplies business owners are reporting a significant surge in sales. (SPA)

Neamah Fadel, a mother of three, shared her thoughts on the return to school. She emphasized the sense of excitement that permeates her household, as both she and her children gear up for the coming year.

Fadel highlighted the attraction of the routine that settles in with the start of the school season. “What stands out most for me,” she said, “is the structured routine my children adopt once school is back in session.”

She expressed her delight in the transformation of the local shopping scene, as school-related items become ubiquitous and easily accessible. No longer confined to last-minute stationery rushes, the family can leisurely acquire school essentials.

Fadel confessed that she is perhaps more thrilled by the preparations than her own children. Her enthusiasm for the approaching school year is palpable, as she actively engages in organizing her children’s supplies and anticipating the experiences that lie ahead.

One of Fadel’s daughters, Mais, a second-grader, shared her perspective on the return to school: “I had been eagerly anticipating the school’s reopening. Especially for the joy of using my brand-new lunch box.”

Her excitement underscored the emotional reward children gain with even the simplest aspects of returning to the familiar school routine and getting new supplies to take to school.

For Fadel’s son Qusai, a third-grader, the prospect of reconnecting with friends takes center stage. “I’m absolutely thrilled about meeting my friends again,” he said, highlighting the significance of social interaction that children seek within the school environment.

Ghadeer Shaheen, a primary school teacher in Alkhobar, voiced her sentiments about the return to the classroom: “It’s always a positive feeling to be back, following a delightful summer vacation.”

Shaheen’s preparations for the school year went beyond curriculum planning; she chose to surprise her students with a thoughtful school kit. Speaking about the challenges that lie ahead, she said, “I recognize that students maintaining commitment to their studies might pose a challenge in the modern era.”

 

 


How AI-powered voice tech is bringing Arabic-language content to global audiences

Updated 12 sec ago
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How AI-powered voice tech is bringing Arabic-language content to global audiences

  • CAMB.AI and Saudi Arabia’s MBC Group have launched a partnership, applying context-aware, real-time translation
  • AI voice tech preserves tone, emotion, and nuance, transforming how Arabic content is localized across 150+ languages

JEDDAH: Dubai-based artificial intelligence company CAMB.AI is revolutionizing language localization by building advanced voice and translation models that preserve emotion, nuance and cultural context — especially in complex languages like Arabic.

Through a strategic partnership with Saudi Arabia’s MBC Group, CAMB.AI is scaling this technology across entertainment, education, and spiritual content — unlocking a new era of accessibility for Arabic media.

“At CAMB.AI, we have built translation and voice models that adapt to the nature of the desired language rather than merely mimicking the input,” Akshat Prakash, the company’s chief technical officer and co-founder told Arab News.

Camb.AI chief technical officer and co-founder Akshat Prakash

“Whether it’s the emotion in the voice or the way certain things are said in Arabic, we are dedicated to preserving nuances, emotions and prosody to deliver what we call a ‘performance-to-performance’ impact.

“We take content and deliver a fully packaged performance through our localization infrastructure built on top of our proprietary AI models — BOLI and MARS.”

CAMB.AI successfully generated multilingual commentary for an MLS NEXT Pro match using AI-driven real-time voice translation and dubbing technology.

Its core capability lies in an AI dubbing platform that instantaneously translates live audio (such as play-by-play commentary) into multiple languages.

The language generator preserves the original speaker’s voice, tone and emotion — making it feel as if the original commentator is speaking the listener’s native language.

“Solving live sports streaming first led us to create technology that could handle the hardest type of content,” said Prakash.

“Today, we livestream games in multiple languages alongside some of the biggest brands in the world — like Major League Soccer, Eurovision and the Australian Open.

“We can perform equally well on other types of content. For instance, we’ve translated complex performances such as the Nayla Al Khaja-directed psychological thriller, ‘Three,’ which was showcased at the Red Sea Film Festival.”

The film was the first Arabic movie to be AI-dubbed into Mandarin Chinese and other complex languages, preserving nuances, context, and emotion while staying true to the director’s original vision.

Today, CAMB.AI excels at delivering culturally and contextually sensitive adaptations of original performances — while maintaining realism — in over 150 languages.

“No technology on the market offers such diversity, realism, and public proof points of what AI can enable in hyper-realistic translation. We’re proud to extend this work to every Arabic dialect — something no other technology has been able to do,” Prakash said.

As global demand for non-English content continues to rise, IMAX is turning to AI to localize its original films and documentaries more efficiently.

In partnership with CAMB.AI, it has delivered content in multiple languages, demonstrating the power of technology to translate complex, dramatic material.

“CAMB.AI has consistently pushed the boundaries of what’s possible — creating AI that delivers real value in the form of revenue and cost efficiencies to global content owners and distributors,” said Prakash.

“We’ve learned that deploying AI requires a hand-in-hand partnership. It takes not only great technology but also great partners who are willing to explore the uncharted. MBC is exactly that kind of partner for us in MENA, establishing what is probably the biggest MediaXAI deal since Runway x Lionsgate.”

DID YOU KNOW?

AI voice tech preserves tone, emotion and nuance, transforming how Arabic content is localized across 150+ languages.

CAMB.AI powers live sports translation for global events like MLS, Eurovision and the Australian Open — in real time.

AI-dubbed Arabic thriller ‘Three’ debuted in Mandarin, highlighting CAMB. AI’s ability to localize content without losing cultural depth.

Prakash explained that partnering with MBC Group was a natural decision due to its vast scale, diverse content library, and strong regional presence. More significantly, the collaboration was rooted in a shared set of values.

This partnership goes beyond the Runway x Lionsgate deal and sets a new benchmark for how media and AI can collaborate.

MBC Group and CAMB.AI have also taken the lead in regional innovation. With projects like Stargate and HUMAIN, the Middle East and North Africa region is quickly becoming a global hub for powerful, homegrown AI.

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Prakash emphasized that CAMB.AI has remained extremely conscious of privacy, data protection and respect for individual attributes.

“While regulatory frameworks are still developing, we have been self-regulating to respect individual rights and content ownership. We drive our business ethically,” he said.

“Our foundation is simple: Not everyone can be a great artist, but a great artist can come from anywhere.”

With one of the most comprehensive Arabic content libraries in the world, MBC Group is uniquely positioned to support more advanced and accurate AI outcomes in this space.

The emerging technology team at MBC, led by Fadel Zahreddine, is at the forefront of innovation, aligning perfectly with CAMB.AI’s mission.

“Our content spans the full spectrum of Arab identity, from Gulf dialects to Levantine, North African, and everything in between, capturing not just language, but also tone, emotion and social nuance,” Zahreddine told Arab News.

“Through this collaboration with CAMB.AI, we see an opportunity to contribute data that is not only linguistically rich but also responsibly curated. Our multimodal archive, covering video, audio and text, offers a strong foundation for advanced AI applications that are more contextually aware and locally grounded.”

As one of the region’s largest content producers, MBC Group constantly explores new ways to strengthen connections between programming and global audiences.

“This includes expanding how our content is distributed across platforms like Shahid, satellite TV and digital services,” said Zahreddine. “Enhancing localization is one layer of the broader effort to remove friction between content and audiences.”

This collaboration between MBC Group and CAMB.AI reflects a broader effort to explore how Arabic content can connect more meaningfully with non-native-speaking audiences.

By moving beyond literal translation and toward context-sensitive localization, the partnership supports a more accurate and respectful representation of original creative work.

For Arabic creators and producers, this opens up the possibility of reaching wider audiences while maintaining the cultural authenticity that defines their storytelling.

It is not about changing the content but about removing barriers that might limit how it is experienced in other cultural contexts.

MBC Group approaches innovation through the same lens that has shaped its editorial philosophy for decades — grounded in cultural integrity, social responsibility, and a strong commitment to its audiences.

“We believe that technology and ethics are not separate conversations but (are) deeply connected — especially when building tools that shape how content is consumed and understood,” said Zahreddine.

“We have around 65 nationalities working at MBC. Our multicultural environment is reflected in the cultural sensitivity of our content production.

“Our extensive media library is developed (with) high ethical standards, avoiding obscene content, excessive violence or any form of hate speech. This discipline not only protects the integrity of our content but also makes it a reliable data foundation for engaging with AI and emerging technologies.”

By sharing responsibly curated material, MBC Group contributes to the development of AI models that better reflect the ethical values embedded in its programming and are aligned with audience expectations.

Zahreddine added: “While AI continues to evolve rapidly, we believe it’s essential that any advancement remains anchored in principles that respect culture, identity and shared community standards.”
 


Jazan car dealerships undergo official inspections

Updated 26 June 2025
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Jazan car dealerships undergo official inspections

JAZAN: Inspection teams from the Saudi Ministry of Commerce have visited more than 130 car dealerships and showrooms in Jazan this week.

The inspections are part of the ministry’s ongoing monitoring activities throughout the region to ensure all vehicles in such outlets comply with requirements to display a fuel economy label.

Labels display clear information about a vehicle’s fuel consumption in a bid to encourage consumers to choose more efficient vehicles, with an overall aim of promoting fuel conservation.

The fuel economy label was developed and implemented as part of the Saudi Energy Efficiency Program’s initiatives to provide consumers with information about the most energy-efficient vehicles.


Saudi efforts to boost innovation pay off

Updated 26 June 2025
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Saudi efforts to boost innovation pay off

  • Official figures show that 8,029 patent applications were submitted in the country in 2024, an increase of 13.3 percent on the previous year

RIYADH: Support provided by Saudi authorities for scientific research, innovation and university teaching have been credited for recent achievements by innovators in the Kingdom.

Official figures show that 8,029 patent applications were submitted in the country in 2024, an increase of 13.3 percent on the previous year. In addition, 31,834 trademarks and 1,578 industrial designs were registered, and 4,355 patents were published.

Investment in research and development in Saudi Arabia increased to SR22.6 billion ($6 billion) in 2023, a 17.4 percent increase compared with 2022.

Recent examples of Saudi innovators honored with awards for research and innovation at international events included ophthalmologist Dr. Saad Al-Anzi, who won the grand prize at the Geneva International Exhibition in April this year for inventing a cost-effective surgical tool for cataract operations, while six other Saudi innovators received global awards at the event and 134 received global medals.

And 39 students from King Abdulaziz University received a global award at the IENA Expo for ideas, inventions and new products in Germany last October.


Saudi Arabia provides $30m in support for Palestinian Authority

Updated 26 June 2025
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Saudi Arabia provides $30m in support for Palestinian Authority

  • Financial aid from the Kingdom has been instrumental in sustaining the health and education sectors in Palestine, finance minister says
  • The total value of support provided by Saudi authorities for the Palestinian people over the years exceeds $5.3bn

LONDON: Saudi Arabia has delivered $30 million to the Palestinian Authority to help alleviate the severe financial crisis it faces, which is blamed on Israeli policies designed to weaken it.

The assistance was presented in Amman on Thursday to the Palestinian minister of finance, Omar Al-Bitar, by Mohammed Mounis, the acting chargé d’affaires at the Saudi Embassy in Jordan.

Al-Bitar commended the Kingdom for the ongoing financial and political support it provides for Palestinians and their rights to independence and statehood. He thanked King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their leadership, and acknowledged the political, economic and humanitarian support they provide for his country.

The minister added that the money given by Saudi Arabia is a significant contribution that is helping the Palestinian Authority cope with a financial crisis that is exacerbated by the policies of a far-right Israeli government.

The financial support has been instrumental to the Palestinian Authority’s efforts to maintain the health and education sectors, the Palestine News Agency reported. It has helped meet the costs of running hospitals, purchasing medicines and medical equipment, keeping schools open, and paying the salaries of medical staff, teachers and administrative workers.

Over the years, support provided by the Kingdom for the Palestinian people has exceeded $5.3 billion for a total of 289 projects, according to figures from Saudi aid agency KSrelief.

Mounis said his country remains committed to support for the Palestinian government, to help it fulfill its financial obligations and assist its people during this time of economic and humanitarian hardship, the Saudi Press Agency reported. He reaffirmed the Kingdom’s steadfast support for upholding the rights of the Palestinian people.


Saudi Ministry of Health launches nationwide campaign to tackle obesity

Updated 26 June 2025
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Saudi Ministry of Health launches nationwide campaign to tackle obesity

  • Campaign aims to target 1 million beneficiaries, bringing together several governmental, private, and non-profit entities
  • GM of Lilly in Saudi Arabia Mustafa Abdul Rahman: The company supports the ‘A Nation Without Obesity’ campaign

RIYADH: The Saudi Ministry of Health launched on Thursday its “A Nation Without Obesity” campaign in Riyadh, an initiative aimed at raising awareness and combating obesity across the Kingdom.

In its initial phase, the campaign aims to target 1 million beneficiaries, bringing together several governmental, private, and non-profit entities.

“A Nation Without Obesity” was launched in response to multiple calls from Shura Council members and aligns with the Kingdom’s health transformation efforts, which have recorded notable progress toward the targets set out in Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.

Mustafa Abdul Rahman, general manager of Lilly in Saudi Arabia, emphasized that obesity is not a personal choice or a lifestyle issue, but a chronic disease that demands long-term management grounded in science, innovation, treatment, and prevention.

He highlighted the urgent need to shift societal perceptions and eliminate the stigma surrounding obesity, which often discourages individuals from seeking the help and treatment they need.

“The company supports the ‘A Nation Without Obesity’ campaign, which aims to raise awareness, remove psychological and social barriers, and empower individuals to access the support and treatment they need,” Abdul Rahman added.

Real transformation, he noted, starts with formal policies that back sustainable solutions and with strong partnerships between the public and private sectors.

Obesity impacts not only physical health, but also leads to a decline in mental well-being and social stability, often intensifying social isolation and reducing overall quality of life. Eliminating the stigma surrounding individuals living with obesity is therefore essential, Abdul Rahman explained.

The economic toll of obesity is equally pressing, with escalating healthcare costs linked to associated diseases and a notable decline in productivity driven by its complications — factors that cannot be ignored. For this reason, Lilly places economic impact at the core of its comprehensive strategy to combat obesity, Abdul Rahman said.

Mohammed Alghasham, CEO of Qalb Health Association, praised the campaign’s remarkable spirit of collaboration, emphasizing the strategic partnership with the Quality of Life Program and the engagement of Kayl Association for Combating Obesity as key contributors to a unified awareness effort.

“The association is committed to driving forward innovative social, awareness, and pharmaceutical initiatives while continuing to conduct studies and research aimed at enhancing existing solutions to the complex challenge of obesity, and supporting healthcare providers with insights that strengthen decision-making,” Alghasham said.