Tributes paid to Safeya Binzagr, the ‘mother of Saudi art’
Tributes paid to Safeya Binzagr, the ‘mother of Saudi art’/node/2571470/saudi-arabia
Tributes paid to Safeya Binzagr, the ‘mother of Saudi art’
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Late Safeya Binzagr and Professor Katakura Kunio, the former Japanese ambassador to Egypt, Iraq, and the UAE. (National Museum of Ethnology, Japan & Kanakawa Foundation)
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A photo taken during the last visit of the Katakura Foundation members to the late Safeya Binzagr museum in Jeddah. (National Museum of Ethnology, Japan)
Tributes paid to Safeya Binzagr, the ‘mother of Saudi art’
Safeya Binzagr helped bridge the cultural link between Japan and Saudi Arabia
Updated 15 September 2024
Arab News Japan
TOKYO: Katakura Kunio, the former Japanese ambassador to Egypt, Iraq, and the UAE, has paid tribute to Safeya Binzagr, who passed away last week, emphasizing the profound impact of her contributions to enhancing Japan’s cultural ties with Saudi Arabia.
Binzagr, known as the “mother” of Saudi Arabia’s fine art movement and a symbol of Vision 2030, helped bridge the cultural link between Japan and Saudi Arabia and was the aunt of current Saudi Ambassador to Japan Dr. Ghazi Faisal Binzagr.
Katakura, chairman of Japan’s Foundation for Desert Culture, fondly recalled Safeya’s “warm and encouraging nature” toward him and his late wife, Motoko.
“Her support was instrumental in Motoko’s cultural anthropological fieldwork in Wadi Fatima,” he said. “She always welcomed the foundation’s follow-up missions with open arms, fostering a deep and personal connection with us.”
Katakura said Binzagr was not only a gifted artist whose work inspired many but also a cherished friend and mentor. Her passion for creativity and dedication to her paintings left an indelible mark, and her artistic legacy will continue to inspire future generations.
Ambassador Binzagr commented: “Building a cultural bridge is the core for creating a distinguished future between two countries and I strive, as an ambassador, to support this because it creates an opportunity for common interests to rise to a common outlook and mutually supportive values.
“The mission carried out by my late aunt will continue (in) the making of a new era. She was one of the pillars that paved the way for this through her dedication to building and promoting the culture of the arts for future generations. The Kingdom considers her the mother of the cultural heritage of creative fine arts.”
The ambassador said there are ongoing efforts to further collaboration between Japan’s Foundation for Desert Culture and prominent foundations in the Kingdom to build upon the cultural ties between the two countries.
Solo Ramadan: Navigating fasting and spirituality alone
Updated 2 min 18 sec ago
Waad Hussain
RIYADH: For many, Ramadan is a time of togetherness, family gatherings, and shared spiritual experiences. However, for those observing the holy month alone, the experience presents unique challenges and opportunities for personal growth. From managing iftar and suhoor without family to seeking spiritual fulfillment in solitude, young Muslims share their experiences of solo Ramadan.
Laila Al-Ghamdi describes the greatest challenge as the absence of shared moments that define the holy month. “I believe it’s the lack of affinity triggered by feelings of solitude. Since the shared moments of fasting, breaking fast with loved ones, and prayers create a deep emotional connection that is hard to replicate on one’s own.”
Roaa Magdy echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the emotional weight of the month when away from family. “The biggest challenge is missing my family, especially since Arab cultures place a strong emphasis on family bonds,” Maddy says. “Seeing advertisements about family gatherings on TV makes it even harder. As a Muslim living alone, Ramadan is undoubtedly the most emotionally challenging time of the year.”
For Layan Al-Shamari, the hardest part was adjusting to a routine without the communal structure that usually comes with Ramadan. “The biggest challenge I faced was sticking to a routine for sleep, food, and work, along with the feeling of loneliness because there’s no one to share meals with or cook together.”
Despite the challenges, some find a deeper sense of spirituality when observing Ramadan alone. Magdy sees solitude as an opportunity for introspection. “I find that practicing spirituality during Ramadan or the sacred months is easier and more meaningful when I am alone. I have more time and space to reflect, pray, and strengthen my connection with Allah, which makes the experience feel more personal and peaceful.”
Al-Ghamdi, on the other hand, prefers to embrace the social aspects of the month by going out. “This might sound weird, but I go out. Yes, religious duties are usually practiced alone, but a big part of Ramadan’s joy is in the cultural traditions. You can feel it the moment you step outside in cities like Jeddah — the streets come alive with shared meals, vibrant shiny decorations, and a sense of togetherness that you just can’t experience alone,” she said.
For Al-Shamari, however, the struggle remains. “I often don’t feel the spirituality of the month as I used to; it feels like any other month, but with the added burden of dealing with work and sleep schedules.”
Breaking the fast alone can be one of the most isolating aspects of solo Ramadan. Magdy finds it difficult to watch others enjoying meals together while she eats alone. “The hardest part for me is having iftar alone. Sometimes, I go for a walk to buy food during iftar time, and seeing families gathered eating together intensifies the feeling of loneliness. When that happens, I usually return home and call my family via video call, which helps me feel less lonely.”
Al-Ghamdi takes a more practical approach, relying on food delivery services. “I do cook in times where I’m not equipped with a busy schedule. However, we must stay thankful for HungerStation,” she said.
Al-Shamari keeps her meals simple and functional. “Usually, I break my fast with water at the time of the call to prayer, and the main meal is either dinner or suhoor,” she said.
Social media and virtual connections play a significant role in helping those observing Ramadan alone feel a sense of community. “Well, social media will always be your dearest friend when living alone,” Al-Ghamdi notes. “Especially when your timeline offers glimpses of others’ daily moments of intimacy and joy, which are abundant during Ramadan.”
Observing Ramadan alone changes how one views the month. (GETTY IMAGES)
Magdy agrees, emphasizing how virtual connections help bridge the gap. “Being able to connect with my family, hear their voices, and see them through video calls makes me feel included in the family atmosphere, even from a distance.”
For Al-Shamari, social media brings some comfort but also mixed emotions. “Social media has had a big impact; it helps me feel the Ramadan spirit because I can see how people are spending the month, their routines, and how they are with their families and loved ones.”
Observing Ramadan alone changes how one views the month. Some find newfound appreciation for solitude, while others struggle with feelings of isolation. “I grew a taste for the unsavory flavor of solitude,” Al-Ghamdi reflected. “In a strange way, I actually started to enjoy it.”
“There’s a huge room for reflection that comes along, which forced me to appreciate the sacredness of the month in a more personal way. Something I would never have experienced if I didn’t move out,” she added.
Magdy’s perspective has also shifted. “Growing up, I always associated Ramadan with socializing and family gatherings. However, spending it alone shifted my focus toward the spiritual essence of the month. Praying at the mosque, reading the Qur’an, and self-reflection. It’s a different experience, but it made me appreciate the true meaning of the month.”
For Al-Shamari, however, the solitude has been challenging. “I’ve become more anxious about Ramadan rather than excited. I often feel more sad in Ramadan because I see people spending it with their families and loved ones, while I’m alone.”
Solo Ramadan is a journey of adaptation, introspection, and personal growth. While loneliness can be a struggle, some embrace the solitude as an opportunity to strengthen their connection with Allah and explore Ramadan in a deeply personal way. Whether through video calls, social media, or stepping outside to feel the Ramadan spirit, those observing the holy month alone find ways to navigate the challenges and uncover new meanings in their spiritual journey.
Saudi Arabia submits Expo 2030 registration dossier
Updated 08 March 2025
Arab News
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has submitted an official registration dossier to host World Expo 2030 Riyadh to the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE).
Saudi ambassador to France Fahd bin Mayouf Al-Ruwaili presented the document to the Secretary General of BIE Dimitri Kerkentzes, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Friday.
Kerkentzes, who praised the clear organizational vision around Expo 2030 Riyadh, said the plan “reflects the Kingdom’s dedication and the significant efforts it is exerting to prepare for this global event and closely cooperate with BIE to ensure its success”.
Saudi Arabia was announced as the winning bid to host expo at a BIE event in November 2023, after a secret ballot process gave the Kingdom 119 of the 165 votes available, breezing past South Korea and Italy.
The submission represents the actual start of event preparations. It includes a comprehensive plan detailing all of the event’s organizational, operational and procedural aspects, along with the scheduled operational dates, the SPA said.
It also goes over the legislative, regulatory, and financial measures, as well as the Expo site master plan, the conditions for international participation, and plans for utilizing the exhibition’s legacy, the SPA said.
The document will be reviewed by BIE and its members ahead of its official adoption at the organizations general assembly.
The Kingdom will then be able to begin with the practical preparations and extend official invitations for international participation through the proper diplomatic channels, according to SPA.
Riyadh Air’s all-female engineering program propels Saudi women to new heights
Airline aims to break barriers in a traditionally male-dominated industry
Updated 08 March 2025
Jasmine Bager
RIYADH: As the world celebrates International Women’s Day on March 8, Riyadh Air stands as a symbol of progress, championing gender diversity in aviation.
The airline, set to launch operations later this year, is not only building a world-class carrier but also breaking barriers in a traditionally male-dominated industry.
One testament to this commitment is its aircraft maintenance engineering program, which welcomed its first entirely female cohort — 27 in total — one year ago.
Riyadh Air’s initiative comes at a time when women make up just 3 percent of aircraft maintenance engineers worldwide. (Supplied)
Selected from thousands of applicants, their participation underlines Riyadh Air’s dedication to diversity, inclusion and workforce development, in line with Saudi Vision 2030’s goal of empowering women.
Arab News spoke with three of them — Shahad Al-Salmi, Hala Al-Zahrani and Alkhuzran Al-Roshaidan.
Al-Salmi, a 24-year-old from Makkah and a physics major at Umm Al-Qura University, described the program as an unprecedented opportunity.
HIGHLIGHTS
• The airline, set to launch operations later this year, is building a world-class carrier.
• Its aircraft maintenance engineering program, which welcomed its first entirely female cohort one year ago.
• Selected from thousands of applicants, their participation underlines Riyadh Air’s dedication to diversity.
“To go to college every day and have an aircraft outside of our classroom — it’s an incredible feeling,” she said. “I think the reason Riyadh Air took this step is, the CEO Tony [Douglas], he says it all the time: ‘We don’t have a heritage that holds us back.’ And I think they went with women specifically because they want to push the labor market further and provide more opportunities. They want something fresh. They want to say, ‘We are here to change the industry for the entire country.’ And that’s a powerful message for all of us.”
Riyadh Air is setting new standards in aviation. (Supplied)
Al-Salmi also highlighted the sacrifices many of the trainees had made, including herself: “Most of us came from outside Riyadh. We left our families and our loved ones for this opportunity, because not only do we believe in it, but our families also believe in it.”
Al-Zahrani, a 19-year-old from Jeddah, recalls her pride on finding out she had been chosen.
“Knowing I was going to be the first in the field as a woman — and a Saudi, as well — was a very big motivation,” she told Arab News. “I think it’s really essential and crucial for us to be a part of history. That’s what they’re trying to do, not only in Saudi but worldwide. It’s very nice to know that we’re a part of that.
Alkhuzran Alroshaidan, Trainee
“We are going to be the first, we are going to be pioneers, and that’s scary and nice at the same time. But I think the nice overpowers the scary part, thanks to all the assistance we are getting.”
Al-Roshaidan, a 21-year-old from Al-Ahsa with a degree in computer science from King Faisal University, sees the program as part of a larger movement.
“Even beyond being a pioneer, it’s being part of the vision for Saudi Vision 2030. That’s amazing,” she said.
Trainees are exposed to dynamic learning environments that challenge them to adapt quickly, mirroring the rapid pace of change in Riyadh itself. (Supplied)
Eager to explore various roles within aviation, she added: “I want to try everything that I can try with this, like management, [being a] technician — everything. I really like to challenge myself and I think it will make things so much easier and provide so many opportunities. I’m very honored to be here.”
On the gender imbalance when it comes to aircraft maintenance, Al-Roshaidan said: “It’s not only in Saudi Arabia, but the world; maintenance is male-dominated. I think it makes me appreciate even more that they [Riyadh Air] want to do something. The main thing is opening doors for women. It feels like being a part of the history of women empowerment.”
Although Al-Roshaidan’s family had some initial concerns about her decision to take part in the program, they are completely on board with it now.
Riyadh Air is setting new standards in aviation. (Supplied)
“For my family, it was scary, but when they saw me here, and I am happy, doing well, they became proud. One of my brothers — he is the one who pushed me to do it, he is the one who encouraged my mom to let go of the fear. They call me every single day. We send photos of everything,” she said.
Riyadh Air’s initiative comes at a time when women make up just 3 percent of aircraft maintenance engineers worldwide, according to figures from the International Civil Aviation Organization.
With the aviation industry facing a shortage of skilled technicians, the new airline is not merely filling roles, but actively reshaping industry norms and establishing a sustainable talent pipeline. The rigorous program combines theoretical instruction with hands-on training in areas such as electrical systems, aircraft structures and safety protocols.
Trainees are exposed to dynamic learning environments that challenge them to adapt quickly, mirroring the rapid pace of change in Riyadh itself.
As one of the first women to enter the field with Riyadh Air, the women represent a new generation of aviation professionals in Saudi Arabia. Moving to Riyadh was a major transition for many of them, as few are local. But despite the changes, they bonded quickly as they live together in shared housing.
“We have built a community within ourselves and with the company. It doesn’t feel like just another job,” said the trainees.
While aviation remains a male-dominated field, the group is determined to challenge perceptions.
“This program didn’t exist before,” they pointed out in unison. “There are so many opportunities for future generations, and we are grateful to be part of this first wave. It’s not just about pushing women into the workforce — it’s about strengthening the economy; if you are only hiring men, you are limiting your labor force.”
With some 18 months left of their training, the students are already anticipating the next phase of their careers.
“Every day, we walk to class and see an aircraft. We know we are working towards something bigger,” they said.
As Riyadh Air prepares for its inaugural flight in 2025, these young women are poised to play a crucial role in shaping the airline’s future and their presence marks a significant shift in Saudi Arabia’s aviation sector.
Their journey, marked by personal sacrifice and relentless ambition, serves as a powerful statement for both the nation and the global aviation community.
On the 50th anniversary of International Women’s Day, Riyadh Air’s commitment to empowering women in aviation is testament to the transformative impact of investing in women.
“We all want to serve our country and see it prosper and that doesn’t come at the cost of anyone,” Al-Salmi added. “We are not replacing men; we are working alongside them — that’s what I believe women empowerment is all about.”
The women see the program as a launch pad for further greatness. Al-Zahrani concluded: “As Shahad [Al-Salmi] mentioned before, the sky is the limit. I said, ok, but we are going to be IN the sky. It’s not our limit — we really don’t have limits.”
How Saudi Arabia’s Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve protects biodiversity
Genetic testing plays a vital role in the reserve’s conservation effort, ensuring the right subspecies are reintroduced
The reserve also promotes sustainable eco-tourism and provides socioeconomic benefits to local communities
Updated 08 March 2025
Haifa Alshammari
RIYADH: Established seven years ago as part of Saudi Vision 2030, the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve stands as a testament to the Kingdom’s commitment to environmental conservation.
Saudi Arabia has made significant strides in protecting its ecosystems and wildlife, expanding its protected areas from 19 to more than 400 — now covering 18 percent of the Kingdom’s territory.
“When I was invited to come and look at Saudi Arabia, I was struck by its rugged expansive beauty, natural wildness and unique biodiversity,” Andrew Zaloumis, CEO of the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve, told Arab News.
“I was impressed by the vision and strong leadership and direction with respect to conservation. Vision 2030 puts in place a framework to make the Kingdom’s commitments to the environment a reality and globally relevant.
“Its potential to be a serious global contender was an opportunity I could not pass up.”
Located in northwestern Saudi Arabia, the reserve spans about 24,500 sq. km, encompassing 15 ecosystems and hosting more than 50 percent of the Kingdom’s marine and terrestrial species, making it one of the most biodiverse protected areas in the Middle East.
“The reserve is home to exceptional plant and animal biodiversity,” Zaloumis said, noting that it covers 1 percent of Saudi Arabia’s terrestrial area and 1.8 percent of its marine area.
“The reserve’s 170 km coastline is the longest under the management of a single conservation agency in the Kingdom.
“It is home to 64 percent of the Kingdom’s coral species, 22 percent of its fish species, as well as hawksbill and green turtle populations, spinner dolphin, dugong, whale shark, and critical gray mangrove ecosystems.”
DID YOU KNOW?
• The reserve is home to more than 1,300 species and 2,000 historical and archaeological sites.
• It protects 50 percent of the Kingdom’s species, making it one of the region’s most biodiverse areas.
• It stretches from the Harrat lava plains to the Red Sea, linking NEOM, the Red Sea Project and AlUla.
Not every piece of land is suitable for reserve status, Zaloumis explained, as such areas must possess particular ecological significance.
“To be of global significance, a reserve must have the conservation values that enable this,” he said. “It is not any piece of land — it is being conserved for a very specific conservation reason.”
A nature reserve safeguards biodiversity by protecting plant species, providing a sanctuary for endangered animals, and maintaining ecological balance.
The Reserve's veterinarian oversees the reintroduction of the Arabian oryx as part of the conservation program. (PMSRR photo)
So far, the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve has successfully reintroduced 11 of its 23 native species, including sand gazelle, mountain gazelle, onager and pharaoh eagle owl.
“Genetic testing is key to ensure the correct subspecies are brought back,” Zaloumis said.
“One of the reserve’s conservation successes recognized globally is the return of the Persian onager after a 126-year absence. There are less than 600 left in the wild globally.
“The big-picture strategy is to create an open ecological area where historically occurring species can roam freely as they once did more than a century ago.”
The strategy is already bearing fruit. In December, the reserve celebrated the birth of its 15th Arabian oryx calf since launching its rewilding program in 2022.
Andrew Zaloumis, CEO of the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve, bottle-feeding an orphaned oryx at the Reserve. (PMSRR photo)
The rewilding program is part of the reserve’s Integrated Development Management Plan, which aims to protect, conserve and restore its natural and cultural assets, promote eco-tourism, and provide socioeconomic benefits to local communities.
Beyond conservation, the reserve also highlights historical landmarks from both the Islamic and pre-Islamic periods, including sites built by the Nabataeans.
Zaloumis said that achieving UNESCO World Heritage status is no simple feat, as a site must meet strict international criteria.
“To be a World Heritage site, you have to be globally exceptional — one of a kind,” he said. “Less than 1 percent of the world’s 262,000-odd reserves have the outstanding universal values that could get it recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage site.”
Opinion
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Currently, the reserve is part of two cultural and two natural sites on UNESCO’s World Heritage Tentative List, placing it among a select few globally with this distinction.
The reserve has also made a significant social impact through its community development initiatives.
Zaloumis said that the reserve’s greatest asset is its people. With 85 percent of its staff drawn from nearby areas, community development remains essential to ensuring locals benefit from conservation efforts.
A key initiative has been the establishment of a ranger force — including an all-women unit, the first of its kind in the Middle East.
Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve rangers install a camera trap. Managing and protecting such a large area of diverse terrain is a challenge, but camera traps are changing how the reserve's scientists study wildlife in the remote areas. (PMSRR photo)
“We have established a highly effective 250-strong ranger force from scratch, drawn from the towns and villages in the reserve,” Zaloumis said.
“Thirty-four percent of our rangers are women compared to a global average of 11 percent.”
He added: “These are the first women ranger units in the Middle East. Women globally have an important role to play in conservation — they give you different perspectives and are able to access different stakeholders. We wanted to make sure we started that way in the reserve.
“Our ability to develop conservation careers for Saudi men and women to excel in is important because, again, that is the future of conservation — it’s the sustainability of conservation in the Kingdom.”
Looking ahead, Zaloumis is focused on equipping the next generation with the skills needed to lead conservation efforts in Saudi Arabia.
Students from local schools take part in coastal environmental cleanup exercises as part of the awareness campaign emphasizing collective responsibility in protecting the marine environment. (PMSRR photo)
“Our goal is to build a new generation of conservationists to take the reserve forward and contribute to the Kingdom’s green agenda,” he said.
He believes that the key lies in empowering people to take control of their own future and communities.
“What we are doing is equipping the next generation of conservationists with the tool set necessary, not only to conserve the reserve but to contribute to Saudi Arabia’s broader conservation efforts, both in terms of protecting wildscapes and wildlife species.”
Saudi Arabia's foreign minister meets Iranian counterpart on sidelines of OIC
Updated 08 March 2025
Arab News
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan met with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi in Jeddah on Friday.
The meeting took place on the sidelines of a gathering of foreign ministers from the Organization of Islamic Cooperation's (OIC), Saudi Press Agency reported.
During the meeting, they discussed bilateral relations and developments in the region.
Earlier, Prince Faisal met with the Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya and the foreign minister of Uzbekistan Bakhtiyor Saidov.
