Young voices at heart of Misk forum/node/2579796/saudi-arabia
Young voices at heart of Misk forum
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Kadi Al-Khathaam, the Saudi winner of the 2024 Arab Reading Challenge, passionately advocated for the strong impact of reading. (AN Screenshot)
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Saudi Minister of Communication, Information and Technology Abdullah Al-Swaha emphasized the need to redefine happiness as a catalyst for hard work. (AN Screenshot)
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Misk Foundation CEO Badr Al-Bader highlighted Misk City’s commitment to fostering talent and innovation among young people. (AN Screenshot)
Misk City ‘empowering and investing in youth,’ Misk Foundation CEO says
Kadi Al-Khathaam: ‘Reading for me is the light out of any darkness or hesitance’
Updated 18 November 2024
Ghadi Joudah
RIYADH: Misk City is poised to be a transformative hub for young people, blending creativity with opportunity, according to the CEO of the Misk Foundation.
“Misk City is not just a place filled with buildings and roads, it is an exceptional place for an exceptional city,” Badr Al-Bader said on the first day of the Misk Global Forum 2024.
The purpose-built destination was committed to fostering talent and innovation, he said.
The eighth Misk Global Forum is showcasing the foundation’s dedication to engaging young minds.
“With over 150,000 visitors and more than 1,000 speakers from 130 countries, this edition was notable for its youthful demographic,” Al-Bader said.
“This is the largest and smallest in terms of average age. We are proud to see so many young voices contributing to the dialogue.”
This year, Misk City welcomed students from Misk Schools and plans to extend its reach to schools across Riyadh and beyond.
“The city mirrors the youth growing alongside them, day by day. Misk has been empowering and investing in youth, making their support its highest priority,” Al-Bader said.
With the “unwavering support” of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, more than 7 million young men and women had benefited from Misk programs, he said.
Kadi Al-Khathaam, the Saudi winner of the 2024 Arab Reading Challenge, was part of the “Leadership in a Future-Led Generation” panel at the forum.
“Reading is a transformation phase and it’s an enlightenment process where I can expand the horizon of my knowledge,” she said.
“Reading for me is the light out of any darkness or hesitance.”
Al-Khathaam said that the ability to communicate effectively allowed individuals to share their insights and experiences with others.
“I read, I discuss, I give the outcome to the world with the best of what I have.”
The crown prince’s advocacy for the education of all Saudi children was a source of inspiration for her, she said.
Saudi Minister of Communication, Information and Technology Abdullah Al-Swaha shared insights on youth-driven leadership and innovation, in line with the forum’s theme of “By Youth For Youth” and commented on Shawn Achor’s book “The Happiness Advantage.”
“We often link happiness with external factors, but we must realize that happiness and ambition are the main drivers of hard work,” he said.
“Let us take it the other way around: If we work with happiness in our hearts, success will follow.”
Al-Swaha shared the story of Dr. Firas Khalil, the first Saudi surgeon to perform heart surgery using AI and robotics.
“This procedure not only reduces recovery times but also saves lives,” he said.
He also spoke about Rayyanah Barnawi, the Kingdom’s first female astronaut.
“Her love and ambition to serve humanity made her the perfect candidate,” he said.
“Nothing is impossible from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as the greatest country in the world.”
Camel riders celebrate Eid traditions in Tabuk’s desert to rhythm of Al-Hijini
The rhythm of the verses aligns with the camels’ steady stride, creating a harmonious blend of words and motion
While traditionally performed solo, Al-Hijini often transforms into a communal chant during celebrations such as Eid
Updated 02 April 2025
SPA
TABUK: In the vast desert of Tabuk, Eid carries a unique spirit, a radiant celebration infused with the scent of the land, the memory of ancestors, and deeply rooted traditions passed down with pride across generations.
Here, where the sands stretch endlessly, camel riders known as hajjanah form majestic processions atop their camels, offering greetings to locals while chanting Al-Hijini, a poetic genre that stirs the heart with melodies of pride, love, and loyalty, preserving the soul of the desert.
Al-Hijini is deeply tied to Bedouin culture, serving as a medium for expressing emotions. (SPA)
The Saudi Press Agency documented the vibrant Eid celebrations among the people of Tabuk’s desert, where customs steeped in authenticity and dignity come to life.
These traditions reflect a blend of heritage and contemporary life, rooted in the nomadic rhythm of the desert. Camels, adorned for the occasion, play a central role in the festivities as riders set out across the sands, joyfully chanting traditional verses to mark the holiday.
The Al-Hijini poetic form derives its name from the well-trained camels used for riding and racing. Through Al-Hijini, camel riders recite lyrical verses that encompass various themes of life, often focusing on patriotism and romance. The rhythm of the verses aligns with the camels’ steady stride, creating a harmonious blend of words and motion.
Caption
Noted for its simple melodies and brisk tempo, Al-Hijini naturally accompanies travelers and desert caravans, uplifting spirits and easing solitude.
It is deeply tied to Bedouin culture, serving as a medium for expressing emotions, recording daily experiences, relaying wisdom, and preserving ancestral proverbs.
While traditionally performed solo, Al-Hijini often transforms into a communal chant during celebrations such as Eid and national occasions, where collective recitation reflects the unity and solidarity of Tabuk’s desert communities.
Noted for its simple melodies and brisk tempo, Al-Hijini naturally accompanies travelers and desert caravans. (SPA)
Saudi Arabia welcomes Tajik-Kyrgyz-Uzbek border treaty and ‘eternal friendship’ pledge
Deal formalized the point where the three Central Asian countries’ borders meet in the mountainous Fergana Valley
Borders in Central Asia were often drawn up under the Soviet Union and never properly demarcated
Updated 02 April 2025
Arab News
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia on Tuesday welcomed the border deal forged between Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan on the Fergana Valley, a long-disputed region that has ignited bloody clashes.
In a statement issued by the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Kingdom also congratulated the three Central Asian neighbors for signing a Khujand Declaration on Eternal Friendship, wishing them “continued stability and prosperity.”
Saudi Arabia has maintained deep ties with Central Asian countries, even hosting the GCC Central Asian Investment Forum 2024 in May last year.
The border deal signed on Monday by presidents Emomali Rakhmon of Tajikistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan and Sadyr Japarov Kyrgyzstan, formalized the point where their countries’ borders meet in the mountainous valley.
The densely populated region has been the scene of numerous conflicts — mainly for control of water that is running out in a region badly hit by climate change.
The three leaders met several days before an EU-Central Asia summit in Uzbekistan. Relations between the former Soviet republics, long strained by rivalries, have warmed recently.
A map of the Fergana Valley. (Wikimedia Commons: Uwe Dedering)
Borders in Central Asia were often drawn up under the Soviet Union and never properly demarcated.
But in recent years, Central Asian countries have announced border agreements to regulate the sharing of water, facilitate trade and ensure the stability of this resource-rich region.
In the Tajik city of Khujand, the three presidents also called in similar statements for “reinforcing the cooperation between brotherly nations” — including in energy and transport.
The Tajik and Kyrgyz leaders also inaugurated a section of a joint high-voltage line to supply Pakistan and Afghanistan with energy produced by Central Asian hydroelectric power stations.
The summit follows the signing of border treaties in mid-March between Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, and between Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan in 2023.
Trump to visit Saudi Arabia in May, White House confirms
Trip to Kingdom will be first foreign trip of president’s second term
Updated 02 April 2025
Arab News
RIYADH: US President Donald Trump is to visit Saudi Arabia in May, the White House confirmed on Tuesday.
Press secretary Karoline Leavitt said: “The president will be heading to Saudi Arabia in May. As for specific dates and details, we will be reading those out to you as soon as we possibly can.”
The trip to the Kingdom will be the first foreign trip of Trump’s second term as president.
Regarding a potential ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, Leavitt said that Trump “has made it clear that’s what he wants to see” and “his team remains engaged on it every day.”
Saudi Arabia has hosted talks involving the US and Russia, and the US and Ukraine as Trump facilitates moves toward a ceasefire.
Saudi leadership offers condolences to ruler of Umm Al-Quwain after death of his mother
Updated 01 April 2025
Arab News
RIYADH: The leaders of Saudi Arabia offered their condolences to Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al-Mualla, the ruler of the emirate of Umm Al-Quwain in the UAE, following the death on Monday of his mother, Sheikha Hessa bint Hamid Al-Shamsi.
King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman expressed their heartfelt sympathies along with their prayers that God will grant eternal rest to Sheikha Hessa, as well as solace and strength for her family and loved ones during this time of sorrow.
Authorities in Umm Al-Quwain have declared three days of mourning in her honor.
Madinah Retreats: Culture, spirituality to power up the soul
Paradigm shift blends wellness practices, cultural expeditions, spiritual experiences
Updated 01 April 2025
Nada Hameed
JEDDAH: In the sacred embrace of Madinah, one of Islam’s holiest sites, a new culture-oriented wellness experience is offering a journey that integrates spirituality, culture, and heritage.
The inspiration behind Madinah Retreats stems from founder Moatassem Al-Bitar’s experience in the wellness and spiritual tourism industry in Saudi Arabia and beyond.
Recognizing key gaps in traditional retreat models and leveraging Saudi Arabia’s tourism vision, he envisioned a paradigm shift that blends modern wellness practices, cultural expeditions, and spiritual experiences into a single journey.
Rehbah, where the first wellness retreat in Madina was held earlier in 2024. (Supplied)
With a background as a corporate culture change and people engagement manager, Al-Bitar has curated over 50 retreats across Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the US, serving more than 400 participants.
His academic training spans diverse fields, including organizational behavior, Islamic spirituality, and intercultural studies.
Officially launched in 2024 after five years in the making, the initiative held its second retreat, under the theme “The Arrival,” earlier this year in Madinah.
FASTFACTS
• Madinah Retreats stems from founder Moatassem Al-Bitar’s experience in the wellness and spiritual tourism industry in Saudi Arabia and beyond.
• It blends modern wellness practices, cultural expeditions, and spiritual experiences into a single journey.
Al-Bitar told Arab News: “Every retreat we design starts with clear intentions and objectives, supplemented by a story and a theme that aligns with a particular destination.”
The retreats feature a collective of facilitators who work together toward a unified intention, ensuring a balanced and immersive experience.
“One of our main goals is to promote different destinations in Saudi Arabia that are perfectly ideal for wellness-centric experiences, in addition to its unmatched culturally enriching character,” Al-Bitar said.
“We seek to partner with pertinent governmental initiatives and entities that fulfill the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 for wellness tourism and exceptional experiences.”
Al-Bitar explained that each retreat is meticulously structured around three core pillars: spirituality (meditative practices and inner reflection); culture (heritage site visits, traditional storytelling, and local experiences); and wellness (movement–based practices, mindfulness exercises, and healing foods).
By integrating these elements into daily programs, Madinah Retreats offers a journey tailored to the needs of participants and is a “philosophy of being rooted, real, and rich.”
The retreats target individuals and groups seeking genuine transformation in their well-being, spiritual connection, and cultural enrichment. They provide a safe and accepting space where participants are respected on their unique paths to healing.
Madinah, which is the spiritual capital of Islam, is popularly known as the Illuminated City. It offers an atmosphere of peace and rejuvenation, and its diverse topography and climate make it ideal for nature-based healing.
“Madinah is widely recognized as a destination where the heart feels at peace, the body feels rejuvenated, the mind feels clarity and the soul feels enriched,” said Al-Bitar. “The city’s rapid development and recognition as a top global tourism destination further enhance its appeal.”
The Madinah Retreats experience is usually hosted in a traditional farm resort surrounded by nature. Participants visit cultural and historic sites, explore the city’s vibrant social scene, and experience local cuisine, contemporary art, and community traditions.
“During the retreat we offer meditation, breathwork, self-reflection, yoga, tai chi, and other somatic therapies, creative expression as a healing tool, as well as locally sourced, nourishing meals,” Al-Bitar added.
The somatic practices guided by expert facilitators enhance body awareness and overall well-being.
Al-Bitar said: “Connecting with nature and animals has proven therapeutic benefits. Madinah Retreats incorporates nature-based and equine therapy to help participants reconnect with their original disposition, providing an irreplaceable form of healing.”
Cultural storytelling is also an essential component, allowing participants to explore the hidden wisdom of each landmark and understand local traditions and historic practices.
No prior experience in meditation or wellness practices is required, making the retreats accessible to all.
Honoring his Egyptian roots, Al-Bitar is expanding the retreats to Siwa, Egypt.
Siwa Oasis, nestled within a breathtaking desert landscape, is characterized by vast dunes, striking limestone outcrops, and distinctive geomorphological features that enhance its appeal as a tourist destination.
“The expansion to Siwa, Egypt, was inspired by the oasis’ 160-year-old tradition of reconciliation — Eid El-Solh, a celebration of harmony,” Al-Bitar said.
“Siwa’s natural healing elements, such as salt lakes, hot springs, and lush landscapes, mirror many of Madinah’s restorative qualities.”
Al-Bitar said that Madinah Retreats will also explore the Kingdom’s hidden gems by hosting retreats in Abha, Aseer, Al-Ahsa, and other locations rich in healing nature and cultural heritage.
Retreat prices range from SR5,000 ($1,333) to SR10,000, depending on the location, program, facilitators, transportation, and accommodation.
Madinah Retreats follows a collaborative model, partnering with local service providers, facilitators, and experts to provide an experience that remains true to the cultural essence of each destination.
Al-Bitar said: “Our content caters to people from different backgrounds, both English and Arabic speakers. Our agenda is characterized by being spacious and offers ample time for self-guided practices. Our way of delivery is strictly non-intrusive.”
Participants leave Madinah Retreats feeling “transformed, enriched, and connected to their most authentic selves.”
Al-Bitar said that the experience embodied the profound wisdom: “You presume you are a small entity, but within you is enfolded the entire universe.”
Madinah Retreats also provides a customized retreat model that caters to corporations and teams, as well as add-on visits such as expeditions in AlUla.
