Reviving ithmid kohl: The intersection of health, beauty and culture in Saudi Arabia

Studies found that authentic ithmid can have benefits, such as reducing eye irritation and improving vision. (Supplied)
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Updated 16 August 2024
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Reviving ithmid kohl: The intersection of health, beauty and culture in Saudi Arabia

  • Young people embracing the ancient tradition as a way to connect with their heritage

RIYADH: The resurgence of ithmid in the Saudi market among the youth has sparked interest and discussion in recent months.

Ithmid, also known as kohl, is a type of eye cosmetic that has been used in cultures the world over. It is made of ultra-fine and homogenized powder containing a mixture of minerals or elements.

Ithmid has a long history of use in the Arabian Peninsula and other parts of the Middle East. But for Muslims it holds special significance because it was used by the Prophet Muhammad for its benefits to eye health.




Ithmid, also known as kohl, is a type of eye cosmetic that has been used in cultures the world over. It is made of ultra-fine and homogenized powder containing a mixture of minerals or elements. (Supplied)

Many young people are embracing this ancient tradition as a way to connect with their heritage and express their cultural identity.

In addition to its cultural significance, the revival of ithmid can also be attributed to its perceived health benefits.

Owners of the Athmad19 Instagram store told Arab News: “Prophet Muhammad recommended its use for many reasons, mainly its many benefits for improving eye health and for cosmetics.”




Studies found that authentic ithmid can have benefits, such as reducing eye irritation and improving vision. (Supplied)

The owners said that they were inspired to create their business because of the lack of authentic ithmid kohl.

“We strive to revive the Sunnah of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, and remind people of the benefits of ithmid kohl,” they said.

Ophthalmologists and scientists have conducted studies on the efficacy and safety of ithmid for use around the eyes. These studies found that authentic ithmid can have benefits, such as reducing eye irritation and improving vision.

According to the World Health Organization, Andalib et al. carried out research to inform frequent users of ithmid about its toxic and beneficial effects.

The study’s results demonstrate the chemical makeup of ithmid and its safe use as a cosmetic and therapeutic product for maintaining the health of human eyes, with no adverse outcomes.  

One of the primary benefits of ithmid kohl is its antibacterial effect. Studies have shown that ithmid can inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria, making it an effective treatment for eye infections such as conjunctivitis.

Bushra Al-Saeed, 25, discovered the healing powers of ithmid kohl for her persistent pink eye, or conjunctivitis.

“My eye doctor prescribed me antibiotics for recurring pink eye, but to no avail,” she said.
Then her grandmother told her to try the traditional remedy of ithmid kohl. “To my surprise, my eye quickly began to heal and my lashes grew darker and thicker,” Al-Saeed said.

The solution not only cured her pink eye but also opened her eyes to the wonders of natural remedies.

A study by Hasson et al. showed the successful treatment of bacterial endophthalmitis using ithmid, claiming it as “an innovative approach that has shown promise and may potentially serve as a viable alternative in clinical practice.”

Ithmid is also known for its cooling and soothing effect on the eyes. Its natural ingredients help reduce inflammation and redness, providing relief to those suffering from eye discomfort. This makes it a popular choice for people who spend long hours in front of screens or under harsh lighting.

To reap the benefits, Athmad19 owners said that it is important to be able to identify authentic ithmid from fake products that claim to be pure ithmid.

“Fake ithmid causes itching and redness continues, and this is a sure factor that the kohl is fake and contains high levels of lead, iron or glass.”

They said that their ithmid is sourced from a guaranteed supplier, which they carefully study.

There are several methods used to ensure its authenticity, such as the magnet experiment.

“When the ithmid kohl sticks to the magnet, it is conclusive evidence that the kohl is not original and contains iron filings,” they said.

Some ithmid retailers incorrectly claim that if the product sticks to the magnet, it is evidence that the kohl contains beneficial minerals.

“This is just a promotional method and has nothing to do with the originality of the ithmid kohl at all because beneficial minerals are not attracted to the magnet.”

Another method of finding out if the ithmid is original is to check for its shine. The owners of Athmad19 said: “If the ithmid kohl powder is highly reflective, then that means that it is fake, because ithmid loses its shine after being ground into powder.”

They also said that people purchasing ithmid should buy it from a seller who can show the stone being ground into powder.

Overall, studies show that ithmid is a safe and natural alternative to modern eye treatments that may contain harsh chemicals. Its long-standing use in traditional medicine globally highlights its efficacy and safety, giving consumers peace of mind when using it for eye care.

 


Saudi crown prince, Greek PM discuss Iran-Israel tensions in phone call

Updated 15 June 2025
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Saudi crown prince, Greek PM discuss Iran-Israel tensions in phone call

RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman spoke on the phone on Sunday with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis to discuss the escalating situation between Israel and Iran, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The two leaders reviewed the latest developments in the region, with particular focus on the repercussions of Israeli military operations targeting Iran.

They stressed the need for restraint and de-escalation, and underlined the importance of resolving disputes through diplomatic means, SPA added.

The phone call comes amid heightened tensions following a series of tit-for-tat strikes between the two countries.

The latest flare-up has raised fears of a broader regional conflict, with international leaders urging all parties to avoid further escalation.


Saudi foundation displays projects at Dutch ‘GreenTech’ exhibition

Updated 15 June 2025
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Saudi foundation displays projects at Dutch ‘GreenTech’ exhibition

  • Morooj highlighted its technical and operational capabilities, as well as its innovative environmental solutions based on best practices and global standards

RIYADH: The Vegetation Cover Development Foundation, known as Morooj, presented its flagship projects as part of the Saudi delegation at Greentech Amsterdam, an international exhibition for horticulture held from June 10-12 in the Dutch capital.

Morooj highlighted its technical and operational capabilities, as well as its innovative environmental solutions based on best practices and global standards.

The foundation also presented examples of its strategic partnerships with various government and private sectors, as well as with international organizations.

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The foundation’s CEO, Wael Bushah, said that its participation in GreenTech further demonstrates the Kingdom’s efforts to reinforce its leadership in the environmental sector on an international level.

The projects displayed included the planting of millions of mangrove trees, greening mosque areas, promoting community participation in environmental sanitation campaigns, and efforts to rehabilitate natural reserves in various regions of the Kingdom, all of which fall under the Saudi Green Initiative.

The foundation’s CEO, Wael Bushah, said that its participation in GreenTech further demonstrates the Kingdom’s efforts to reinforce its leadership in the environmental sector on an international level.

The exhibition, one of the world’s leading events focused on environmental innovations and sustainable agricultural technologies, is also an opportunity to build new partnerships and exchange expertise on the latest innovations in sustainable agriculture, afforestation, and ecosystem restoration.

Ultimately, Murooj aims to become an interactive platform for knowledge transfer and application, creating meaningful environmental and social impact in the Kingdom.

The foundation’s role of strengthening its international presence and exchanging successful experiences with various global environmental entities and organizations has been crucial to achieving the objectives of the Saudi Green Initiative, founded under Saudi Vision 2030.

SGI, which celebrated its second anniversary earlier this year, has reinforced the Kingdom’s ambitions to become a key contributor to global efforts to combat climate change and enhance environmental sustainability by promoting renewable energy, protecting terrestrial and marine areas, and reaching net-zero domestically by 2060, among other initiatives.

 


Saudi Arabia displays biotech vision at US convention

Updated 15 June 2025
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Saudi Arabia displays biotech vision at US convention

  • The center will give presentations on biotechnology and health research, the Saudi Biobank, and the sector’s role in Vision 2030

RIYADH: The Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, and King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences will join the Saudi pavilion at the BIO International Convention in Boston, US, from June 16 to 19.

This will be the first joint national representation of Saudi Arabia’s biotechnology sector at the event, aligning with Vision 2030 and the National Biotechnology Strategy.

The King Abdullah center will display national initiatives and host meetings with global biotech companies to explore research and development partnerships.

The pavilion’s program features five sessions, among them a “super session” on innovation and opportunities in Saudi Arabia’s biotechnology sector.

The center will also give presentations on biotechnology and health research, the Saudi Biobank, and the sector’s role in Vision 2030.

The Ministry of Health will launch an accelerator program for biotech startups and host a reception for global investors and industry experts to discuss potential partnerships.

The participation underscores Saudi Arabia’s efforts to support research and development through digital infrastructure, regulatory support, and institutional collaboration.

 


Jadal Library: A cultural oasis in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province

Ali Al-Herz (right) turned his home into a library of over 37,000 books. (Supplied)
Updated 15 June 2025
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Jadal Library: A cultural oasis in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province

  • Ali Al-Herz turned his home into a library of over 37,000 books, offering visitors space where memory, philosophy, culture come alive

DHAHRAN: In the quiet village of Umm Al-Hamam, located in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province, a lifelong passion for books has been transformed into a cultural haven.

Ali Al-Herz, a bibliophile and literary archivist, has turned his home into Jadal Library, a treasure trove of over 37,000 books, more than 100,000 newspapers and magazines, and antiques, some dating back more than a century. 

Yet Jadal is not just a library; it is much more than that. It is a museum to explore, a philosophical space to reflect, and a stand against forgetting important cultural stories.

Al-Herz told Arab News: “Since I was born I have been surrounded by my mother’s books. I grew up immersed in this passion to the point where it completely took hold of me; I became a bookworm.”

The spark that ignited it all was when Al-Herz encountered the epic “Sirat Antar” at age 13. “From that epic and through it, I began to look into other worlds,” he said.  

This curiosity and fascination ultimately led Al-Herz to create one of Saudi Arabia's most unique initiatives.

The name “Jadal” means “debate” or “discussion” in Arabic, reflecting the library’s curious spirit. For Al-Herz, the goal is not just to preserve texts but also to preserve the idea of questioning and exploring ideas.

Al-Herz said: “I chose this name for the library because it is deeply rooted in ancient Greek philosophical history and in our own Arab-Islamic cultural tradition, particularly in our religious heritage.”

The philosophical atmosphere fills three main halls — named after Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle — which welcome visitors into a curated world of reading and reflection.  

Rare manuscripts, ancient texts, newspapers, and antiques have been carefully archived. Each piece is a whisper from the past speaking into the future. 

Al-Herz explained: “Even my recent focus on buying books has mostly shifted toward rare editions and old prints, to create a harmony between heritage and modernity.”

But Jadal is not stuck in nostalgia, as every two weeks Al-Herz holds a literary gathering. The event brings back a tradition that was once important in the intellectual life of Arabs.

It is an environment where writers, scholars, and thinkers gather over Arabic coffee to exchange ideas in a vibrant atmosphere.

And in a time when people seek instant information online, Al-Herz still uses traditional methods. “There is an ongoing struggle between two generations,” he observed. “Victory will ultimately go to this latter generation once my generation becomes extinct. Paper libraries will then be transformed into museums.”

Perhaps he is right; but for now, in the heart of Qatif’s countryside, Jadal Library lives on, and it is a place where ink, memory, debate, and heritage continue to shape the cultural soul of the Kingdom.


Saudi envoy leads maritime safety talks in London

Updated 15 June 2025
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Saudi envoy leads maritime safety talks in London

  • Kamal Al-Junaidi is the first Arab to preside over the committee

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s permanent representative to the International Maritime Organization recently made history by chairing the 51st advisory committee meetings of the International Mobile Satellite Organization in London.

Kamal Al-Junaidi is the first Arab to preside over the committee, creating a milestone for both the Kingdom and the Arab world in maritime governance, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.

His role also reflects Saudi Arabia’s growing presence in international maritime organizations and commitment to advancing maritime communication and safety systems.

Al-Junaidi managed the sessions and acted as a neutral facilitator, helping member states reach consensus on key issues, including oversight of the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System, implementation of Long Range Tracking and Safety standards and audit reviews for satellite communication providers.

He also led discussions on proposed maritime safety regulation amendments, monitored the organization’s strategic direction to ensure alignment with IMO standards and submitted the committee’s recommendations to the General Assembly.

The 51st session took place at the IMO headquarters in London, with representatives from 44 countries engaging in in-depth discussions on key maritime challenges.