Mohammed Fahad Al-Harthi, editor-in-chief of Arab News, has commended the tremendous role being played by the more than 2 million Indian guest workers for the Kingdom’s progress and prosperity.
“We value your services and we are grateful to you,” he told more than 2,500 Indian students, parents and teachers who came to attend a graduation ceremony at the International Indian School, Jeddah Auditorium.
The ceremony has won the applause of both parents and students. It was attended by Consul General Faiz Ahmed Kidwai, Higher Board Member Dr. Kareemuddin, School Observer Mohammed Raaghib Quraishi and Management Committee Chairman Khursheed Akhtar.
In his keynote address as chief guest, Al-Harthi said Arab News would continue to serve as a bridge between Saudi authorities and the expatriate community, raising their voice, demands and concerns.
The editor-in-chief congratulated the Grade XII students who have completed their course at IISJ, the oldest Indian school in the Kingdom with more than 12,000 students.
“I wish you all the best in your chosen fields,” he told the outgoing boys and girls. “As you go ahead in life, please do remember the good job that your teachers did with dedication and hard work. Also keep in mind your parents, their sacrifices, in shaping your life and career.”
Al-Harthi underscored IISJ’s contributions for the education of Indian children.
“I have heard all the good things about this school … All those who are involved in the success of IISJ, from the chairman to the principal, to the section heads, to the administrative staff, deserve accolades.”
He noted the growing relationship between Saudi Arabia and India, especially after the historic visit of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah to New Delhi in January 2006.
“Since then there is no looking back,” he said. "This relationship has been further strengthened by the visit of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to Riyadh in February 2010.”
He added: “Arab News has always been and will always be very close to the hardworking expatriates who have contributed to the building of modern Saudi Arabia. We are grateful to them … At Arab News, our new mantra is objective journalism.
“We, at Arab News, will highlight the issues of expatriates and want to become a bridge between the guest communities and the host community. There is so much to learn from each other. There is so much to appreciate and cherish in each other.”
Al-Harthi said he wanted to take Arab News to the next level of success.
“In this, we will need your feedback and support and valuable advice,” he told the audience, including business executives, academics and IT personnel. He also requested the young graduates to consider making journalism as their future career. “It is one of the most noble professions,” said Al-Harthi, who shifted his career from architectural engineering to journalism.
Consul General Kidwai congratulated the students for having this convocation before going to college. He urged them to pursue their higher studies in subjects they like and wanted to excel. He advised them not to lose sight of their goals while enjoying their college life.
Dr. Kareemuddin commended the school officials and teachers for their efforts to improve its academic standard. He advised IISJ management not to stop the graduation program, which was introduced by him. He spoke about the psychological problems some children suffered when their parents opted to send them to India for studies at an early age.
Quraishi reminded the graduates that there are no shortcuts to success and they have to work hard. He asked the Managing Committee and school officials to extend all possible support to students who are going to appear for CBSE board examination in March.
Akhtar advised outgoing students to consult experts before selecting their future career.
Principal Syed Masood Ahmed wished all the best for his students.
“We teachers also get emotional as we consider these students as our children and we have contributed a lot for their development. We are also concerned about their future,” Ahmed said and urged the graduates to select the right path even if it is difficult.
Vice-Principal Farhadunnisa told the graduates to be more responsible. “When in school they feel and act like children. Now they are going out and should act with greater responsibility.”
Head boy Wasim Abdul Lathief and head girl Faseela Rizwi gave speeches, winning thunderous applause of the audience. Both said they and their batch mates were proud they graduated from IISJ.
“The other day, one of my friends, who had left to India after completing his 10th returned after two months. I asked him, ‘why did you return?’ I remember what he told me. I could not adjust there. There is nothing compared to IISJ,” Wasim said.
He added: “If we go back to India, we find many schools, which produce 100 percent results. In all these schools, students are the children of high-class people. But here in IISJ, we have students coming from different backgrounds, we have students from all classes of the society, from every state of India. Yet we’re capable of producing 100 percent result with the hard work of our teaching and non-teaching staff. God willing, our batch will maintain this legacy.”
Rita Sharma, headmistress for girls, and P. Noufal, headmaster for boys, gave a presentation providing guidelines to graduates on how to face life challenges. It also informed the audience that they are in charge of their happiness. Dr. Najeeb Qais Ammar, vice-principal for boys, gave a vote of thanks.
Aleena Fathim was excited like her batch friends. “The graduation ceremony was really a memorable moment. It gave us an opportunity to recollect our past memories,” said Fathim who has spent 10 years at the school. “I will always remember my school and teachers, whatever I am today is because of them,” said Fathim who wants to become an engineer.
Samar Hafiz said she was motivated by the inspiring speeches by Al-Harthi, Kidwai and other officials. Her mother Shabin Mahmoud, a teacher at Dar Al-Hanan, said she was impressed by the whole program and moved by the sincere advices given by the speakers.
Bright careers beckon for graduates
Bright careers beckon for graduates

Festival brings global cultures to life in Alkhobar, Jeddah

- ‘Your Passport to the World’ celebrates traditions from Sudan, India, the Philippines, Bangladesh
Riyadh: A cultural festival hosted by Saudi Arabia will bring the rich traditions of Sudan, India, the Philippines, and Bangladesh to Alkhobar and Jeddah.
Organized by the General Entertainment Authority, the “Your Passport to the World” event will celebrate the diverse cultural heritage of expatriate communities in the Kingdom.
The month-long festival will offer an immersive experience that reconnects participants with their roots, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Through a series of performances, culinary showcases, traditional crafts, and hands-on workshops, the event will provide a unique opportunity to explore and celebrate global traditions.
The festival will debut in Alkhobar, with each community featured for four days throughout April, according to the SPA.
The Sudanese pavilion will kick off the event from Wednesday to Saturday, followed by India from April 16-19, the Philippines from April 23-26, and Bangladesh from April 30 to May 3. Afterward, the festival will move to Jeddah.
Each cultural showcase will offer a holistic experience, incorporating folkloric patterns, textiles, natural elements, and architectural heritage unique to each nation, the SPA reported.
Specialized zones will highlight heritage clothing, dance performances, authentic cuisine, crafts, open-air markets, performance theaters, and interactive installations.
The initiative aims to celebrate cultural diversity, foster connections, provide an engaging family experience, and highlight cultural heritage through art and cuisine.
With its festive atmosphere and vibrant showcases, the event is expected to attract large crowds, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 to enhance entertainment and improve quality of life for residents.
Riyadh to honor women’s excellence award winners

- Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University to celebrate contributions in science, arts, economic, humanities
RIYADH: Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University in Riyadh will host a ceremony on Wednesday to honor the winners of the seventh Princess Nourah Award for Women’s Excellence, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The event, held under the patronage of King Salman, will be hosted at the university’s Conference and Convention Center and will be attended by Princess Fahda bint Falah Al-Hathleen, the spouse of the king.
This year’s award will recognize outstanding contributions in six categories: Natural sciences, health sciences, social initiatives, artistic works, economic projects and humanities.
The categories, covering both theoretical and practical fields, were opened for nominations last October, according to the SPA.
This year’s award marks a milestone, receiving a record-breaking 714 nominations from across the Kingdom, highlighting the increasing recognition and impact of the initiative.
Last year, the award introduced refined evaluation and selection processes, adopting more precise and objective criteria to ensure fairness and transparency.
The award framework was also updated to reflect national priorities and global developments, further enhancing credibility and reach.
The Princess Nourah Award for Women’s Excellence aims to highlight the accomplishments of Saudi women and recognize distinguished and creative people.
It also seeks to support outstanding women-led efforts and inspire future generations of women to contribute to comprehensive national development.
New program to boost tech skills of Saudi leaders

- The curriculum covers key areas such as artificial intelligence, data science, cybersecurity, and digital transformation
RIYADH: Tuwaiq Academy has launched the Future Tech Leaders program, a six-month course designed to enhance the technical skills of professionals in leadership roles, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Sponsored by the National Technology Development Program and the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, the program is conducted in partnership with the University of California, Berkeley.
It uses a hands-on learning approach to equip CEOs and IT managers with skills to keep pace with emerging technologies, according to the SPA.
The curriculum covers key areas such as artificial intelligence, data science, cybersecurity, and digital transformation — fields that are increasingly in demand.
Tuwaiq Academy seeks to develop national leadership in modern technologies through professional programs and bootcamps.
It partners with global leaders such as Apple, Meta, Microsoft, and Stanford University to train skilled professionals across various sectors.
The academy also offers additional programs for various age groups, available at tuwaiq.edu.sa.
The initiative is designed to bridge the gap between the rapid evolution of modern technologies and the needs of the labor market.
RCRC warns public against intermediaries offering assistance in applying for land use in Riyadh

- Any claims or messages published regarding the existence of entities that allow or facilitate applications are baseless, RCRC warns
- The Commission said it is developing an electronic platform dedicated to receiving land use applications directly from citizens
RIYADH: Beware of unauthorized individuals or groups offering assistance in applying for land use in the national capital, the Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC) advised the public on Sunday.
The Commission issued the warning as it announced that it has begun implementing the royal directive issued by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on taking practical measures to achieve balance in the real estate sector in Riyadh, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The RCRC noted that it is currently working on developing an electronic platform dedicated to receiving land use applications directly from citizens without the need for any intermediaries or external parties.
Any claims or messages published regarding the existence of entities that allow or facilitate applications are baseless, the RCRC said.
The Commission also called on everyone to obtain information from official sources only, and to beware of any fraudulent attempts claiming to grant land outside the regulatory framework.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman earlier directed a series of measures aimed at achieving stability in the sector.
Among these measures was the lifting of restrictions on land transactions and development in northern Riyadh, as recommended in a study by the RCRC and the Council of Economic and Development Affairs.
‘At the Edge’: Art Week Riyadh signals bold new chapter in Saudi cultural renaissance, say organizers

- Event organized by Visual Arts Commission and hosted at JAX District from April 6 to 13
RIYADH: Art Week Riyadh is making waves in the Saudi capital this week, with curators and creatives hailing the event as a pivotal moment in the Kingdom’s fast-evolving cultural landscape, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Organized by the Visual Arts Commission and hosted at the JAX District from April 6 to 13, the event is bringing together local and international artists, curators, and institutions in a celebration of contemporary creativity and cross-cultural dialogue.
The initiative reflects the growing momentum of Saudi Arabia’s cultural transformation, part of the broader Vision 2030 reform agenda that is reshaping the Kingdom’s social and artistic fabric, according to organizers.
Vittoria Matarrese, Director and Art Curator of Art Week Riyadh, described the event as a significant turning point.
“We chose the title ‘At the Edge’ because it reflects the nature of the phase Riyadh is undergoing,” Matarrese said. “It is a city positioned between the desert and urbanization, between heritage and renewal. This balance is evident in the diversity of participation and the dialogues presented by the exhibition.”
She added that Riyadh is increasingly defining itself as a space where modernity and tradition intersect, enabling a unique creative evolution.
Shumon Basar, curator of the Public Cultural Program at Art Week Riyadh, underscored the importance of the conversations taking place as part of the programme, titled “How to Create an Art World: Lessons in Value.”
He explained: “Our goal is not only to share experiences, but also to raise essential questions about the types of value that art creates in the contemporary world—whether economic, symbolic, or social—and how art can serve as a tool to understand cultural transformations, rather than merely reflect them.”
Art Week Riyadh serves as a key cultural platform that embraces diversity and encourages artistic experimentation, offering a space for critical reflection on the evolving role of art in society, SPA added.