RIYADH: The French embassy marked Breast Cancer Awareness Month by teaming up with the Zahra Breast Cancer Association to organize a special event in Riyadh.
Speaking at the event, the French ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Ludovic Pouille, said: “This annual gathering is part of the awareness campaign for the fight against breast cancer, October Rose or Pink October. It is the most common cancer in women worldwide.”
He paid tribute to those who are working to fight the disease, to those who have survived it, and to the doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals who continue to work in Palestine and Ukraine to help save the lives of innocent civilians.
Princess Haifa Al-Faisal, the founder and president of the Zahra association, told the guests: “Actually, I haven’t prepared a speech, I’m just happy to be with you tonight and wish you all the best of health.”
Breast cancer continues to be an important challenge faced by people of all nations.
Dr. Wafa Al-Khayal, a breast cancer specialist in the endocrinology department at King Faisal Hospital in Riyadh, said: “Cancer is a tragedy that affects many women around the world and in my country as well. This is a challenge we must all face together.
“I should note that awareness campaigns conducted by the Zahra (association) since 2003 have led to early detection of a large number of women with breast cancer in Saudi Arabia. We used to meet women with breast cancer, but at a very advanced stage where the chances of recovery are unfortunately minimal.
“I hope that all women learn to listen to their bodies and act immediately by contacting specialists. Don’t neglect any sign.”
Representatives of the Zahra association travel the Kingdom to highlight the importance of early diagnosis and treatment for breast cancer, and to gain the confidence of women, particularly in rural populations where taboos about the disease persist.
Dr. Jean-Marc Nabolt, a specialist with 35 years of experience in treating breast cancer, said that he is helping to develop a simple blood test that can detect the disease.
“I am collaborating with Saudi researchers at King Saud University to create a medical application that uses the movement of electrons, combined with the capabilities of artificial intelligence, to screen for cancer and enable patients and doctors to intervene faster and at lower costs,” he explained.
“This application is being tested in nine countries. The results obtained after four years of research show 98 percent that it is now possible to detect cancer by performing a simple blood test. This application would then be accessible to everyone.”
Hana Asiri, a breast cancer survivor, told the audience the very moving story of her own experience with the disease.
“In 2013, I learned I had breast cancer,” she said. “I was just 38 years old. I was a dynamic woman, a mother of three children, full of energy, enthusiastic, very fulfilled in my personal and also professional life.
“I will never forget when my doctor told me, it’s cancer. During this long period, and after several types of treatment, surgery, eight chemotherapy sessions, 25 radiotherapy sessions and five years of hormone therapy, I would only like to express my gratitude to the Zahra (association) and to Princess Haifa Al-Faisal for supporting me in ensuring and meeting all my needs.”
French embassy, Zahra association mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month in Riyadh
https://arab.news/8ztre
French embassy, Zahra association mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month in Riyadh
- The French ambassador to Saudi Arabia pays tribute to those working to cure the disease, those who survived it, and health professionals who work in war zones
- Dr. Jean-Marc Nabolt, a specialist with 35 years of experience in treating breast cancer, says he is helping to develop a simple blood test to detect the disease
26 endangered animals return home — Al-Souda release marks conservation milestone
- The initiative is part of NCW’s broader program to resettle and grow the numbers of endangered species
- NCW CEO Mohammed Qurban explained the release location was carefully selected
RIYADH: The National Center for Wildlife has successfully reintroduced 26 endangered animals to their natural habitat in Saudi Arabia’s Al-Souda region.
Thursday’s ceremony was attended by Souda Development Company CEO Saleh Al-Arini and National Center for Wildlife Development General Supervisor of Planning and Empowerment Abdulmohsen Al-Shanif.
The initiative is part of NCW’s broader program to resettle and grow the numbers of endangered species while enhancing biodiversity and ensuring ecosystems thrive throughout the Kingdom. The project also aims to boost the region’s tourism appeal while supporting environmental sustainability.
NCW CEO Mohammed Qurban explained the release location was carefully selected following comprehensive biodiversity studies to assess both current conditions and potential future impacts.
“This project not only enhances our ecosystems but also strengthens ecotourism opportunities and creates new economic channels for the Kingdom,” he said, adding NCW’s breeding centers ranked among the world’s leading facilities for endangered species propagation. The centers maintain the highest international standards while conducting vital research on species’ living conditions.
The organization employs cutting-edge technology to monitor wildlife populations, collect data and assess potential risks to biodiversity in protected areas.
The initiative represents a significant milestone in Saudi Arabia’s ongoing efforts to preserve its natural heritage and promote sustainable development in the region.
Saudi Arabia advocates for quality of life during COP29
- One of the key initiatives driving this change is Saudi Vision 2030, a strategic framework aimed at reducing the country’s dependence on oil and fostering economic diversification
- This vision places significant emphasis on green development, which is essential for enhancing the overall quality of life for residents and citizens in the Kingdom
BAKU: While COP29, the 29th climate change conference, continues discussions for a 12th day in the capital city of Azerbaijan to elevate health and well-being for people all over the world, sustaining the level of quality of life after the implementation of policies is important.
Sustainability, in general, has emerged as a critical focal point for countries worldwide, and Saudi Arabia is no exception. As the Kingdom moves from a predominantly oil-based economy to a more diverse and sustainable model, the implications for quality of life are profound.
One of the key initiatives driving this change is Saudi Vision 2030, a strategic framework aimed at reducing the country’s dependence on oil and fostering economic diversification.
This vision places significant emphasis on green development, which is essential for enhancing the overall quality of life for residents and citizens in the Kingdom.
The Saudi government is working to create a more resilient and prosperous future through various investments in sustainable urban planning and eco-friendly technologies and projects.
Sustainable urban development is central to enhancing the quality of life. Projects such as NEOM, a futuristic city planned to integrate smart technology and sustainable living, show how urban environments can be designed while keeping growth sustainable even after the completion of the city.
Such projects aim to provide residents with green spaces, efficient public transport and smart infrastructure, all contributing to a higher standard of living.
Aeon Collective is another example that shows the Kingdom’s commitment to raising living standards for people.
The company is an interdisciplinary, non-profit organization based in Riyadh, committed to advancing the concept of sustainability and development in Saudi Arabia, while at the same time focusing on the intersection of social, economic, and ecological well-being.
Aeon Collective is considered a Waqf, which is an Arabic word meaning assets that are donated, bequeathed, or purchased to be held in perpetual trust for general or specific charitable causes that are socially beneficial.
Princess Mashael Saud Al-Shalan, co-founder of Aeon Collective, explained to Arab News during COP29 the concept and objective of the organization.
“As you know, Waqf is one of the oldest legal Islamic structures, (established) almost 1400 years ago,” she said. “The intention was to reorient this legal structure (Waqf) into a space that allowed us to focus on sustainability in the longer run, but in the shorter run try to answer one key basic question, ‘what would it take to align opportunities for socio-economic mobility for individuals through the active action of repairing our planet?’”
Princess Mashael spoke further of the need to reclaim the Islamic framework Amarat Alardh, which, according to her, means “custodianship of the land.”
“It is within our own heritage, our culture, Islamic, Arabic, Saudi, that we have to be there to take care of our fellow citizens, our fellow humans, but importantly, every other being, plant, animal, that we share this planet with,” she said.
Moreover, public awareness and engagement in sustainability practices are being fostered through educational campaigns and community initiatives. By encouraging citizens to adopt sustainable habits, such as recycling and energy conservation, the government aims to create a culture of sustainability that enhances community well-being.
Throughout the conversation, Princess Mashael praised the perspectives Saudi Arabia is bringing to the table of negotiations during this event, yet stressed also the responsibility of individuals to raise the bar of ambition on a national level to ensure that those goals and ambitions are translated on the ground.
In addition, Princess Mashael was a speaker at one of the panels on Wednesday, regarding sustainability in cities.
“Cities tend to not only be the biggest congregators of carbon but also where most of the brains we are trying to attract, who solve these issues, live ... So it is having a mentality that goes beyond scarcity, beyond fear-mongering and eco-anxiety; to a mentality of growth, to a mentality of being able to do.”
Sustainability in Saudi Arabia is not merely a response to environmental concerns; it is a holistic approach to improving quality of life through strategic initiatives in numerous sectors, including urban planning and community engagement; the country is laying the groundwork for a healthier, more sustainable future for its people.
Women’s traditional market in Al-Baha: a cultural hub empowering local artisans
- Traditional marketplace provides a platform where local women gather to practice ancestral handicrafts
RIYADH: Women’s traditional markets in Saudi Arabia’s Al-Aqiq governorate have emerged as a vibrant center of cultural preservation and economic empowerment in Al-Baha region.
This traditional marketplace provides a platform where local women gather to practice ancestral handicrafts and trade indigenous products.
Through their participation, women play a vital role in safeguarding Saudi national identity and cultural heritage.
The marketplace enables them to use government support programs designed for productive families and small to medium enterprises, transforming traditional handicrafts into viable commercial products.
A recent tour by the Saudi Press Agency revealed the market’s rich tapestry of products, from woven carpets and jewelry to local delicacies and traditional spices.
Visitors can find authentic products including al-kadi (Pandanus) plants, rayhan (natural clothing fragrance), local honey, traditional ghee, various types of incense, metalwork, textiles, and traditional clothing.
The market distinctively features artisans creating handmade crafts in real time.
Umm Abdullah, a craftswoman, said the market’s significance goes beyond commerce.
“This space has become a crucial meeting point for women to exchange news, experiences and expertise,” she said.
“It is not just about trading goods — it is about discovering talents and creating job opportunities, while strengthening cooperation among women to pass our heritage to the next generation in innovative ways that reinforce national identity.”
Dr. Ali Mohammed Al-Sawat, Al-Baha region’s secretary, underscored the market’s role in supporting productive families by organizing women’s work and providing a secure environment for women entrepreneurs and their products while promoting cultural values.
Al-Sawat highlighted the municipality’s commitment to supporting community projects, praising Al-Aqiq Municipality’s initiative in establishing the market.
The facility covers an impressive 4,000 sq. meters and houses 47 shops. The space includes prayer facilities, restrooms and ample parking, complemented by landscaped green spaces, seating areas and children’s recreational facilities.
Saudi defense minister meets Swedish counterpart
- Discussions focused on bolstering cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Sweden
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s minister of defense, Prince Khalid bin Salman, met Johan Stuart, minister of state at the Swedish Prime Minister’s office, in Riyadh on Thursday.
They discussed ways in which relations and cooperation between their countries might be enhanced, along with other issues of mutual interest, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Other Saudi officials present during the discussions included Lt. Gen. Fayyad Al-Ruwaili, chief of the general staff of the Kingdom’s armed forces, and Hisham bin Abdulaziz bin Saif, director general of the defense minister’s office.
The Swedish minister was accompanied by a delegation that included Bjorn Kalvakov, charge d’affaires of the Swedish Embassy in Riyadh, and Sophie Becker, deputy head of the Middle East and North Africa department at Sweden’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Italian food festival highlights nation’s rich taste and culinary flavors
JEDDAH: The Italian Consulate General in Jeddah hosted on Wednesday night a unique event celebrating the richness and uniqueness of Italian products and flavors on the occasion of the ninth edition of the Week of Italian Cuisine in the World.
The event is being celebrated all over the globe from Nov. 16-22 by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Italian Ministry of Agriculture as part of their drive to promote the beauty and quality of Italian gastronomy.
Leonardo Costa, the Italian consul general in Jeddah, said: “We are glad to hold this Italian food street festival in the framework of the 9th Week of Italian Cuisine in the World celebrating Italian food culture. The theme for this year’s events is ‘Mediterranean Diet: Traditional Cuisine and Healthy Food,’ which is not a list of healthy food but a lifestyle.”
He added: “All the communities of the Mediterranean Sea share the same idea of hospitality and friendship. All concepts that fully applied to the great generosity and hospitality to the Saudi people and their way of conceiving food.”
Held at Al-Basateen Compound, the Italian Consulate General in Jeddah set up an elaborate street food scene around the pool area, ranging from big local Italian brands from shops, supermarkets, restaurants, cafes, and hotels in Jeddah with the attendance of guests drawn from the diplomatic corps, journalists, Italian expatriates, Saudi guests, the business community, and other selected food enthusiasts.
The festival contained multiple food stalls displayed by the sponsors and participants such as Danub, Lallo restaurant, Assila hotel, Margherita KSA, Montana water by Sharbatly, Ferrero, Loacker, and other brands, where everyone showcased different distinctive Italian delicacies.
Music was also played for the guests by DJ Ahmed Can.
Saudi businessman Mohammed Al-Zahrani — who became fascinated by Italian coffee during his visits to Catanzaro, the capital of the Calabria region in Italy, is the founder of Dell’Oro Store. He told Arab News how he turned his passion into a business.
“I am glad to be part of the ninth Week of Italian Cuisine in the World for the first time, and I am here to promote our coffee,” he added.
