Instagram is a photo-sharing application that has grown to capture 150 million active users from all around the world.
Though Instagram has not enabled sales of advertisements yet, many companies and individuals already use it as a means to promote their services. It is not used for displaying pictures or expanding social circles only anymore.
Actually, Instagram is the prime tool for marketing products. Saudi users are no exception and exhibit various items on Instagram.
They include cosmetics, food and clothes for kids and adults and many others. Young Saudi female graduates who have not found a suitable job find it an ideal pastime.
Besides its financial returns, creating network connections that outlast the purchase is what makes working online a fulfilling experience.
Amjad Zarihan (known on Instagram as Fancyboutiqe) has over 2,780 followers. She is a recent pharmacy graduate who couldn’t find a job. Instead of staying home waiting for a job to come, she created her own. Amjad mainly trades in cosmetics but she also does business in other items.
“The products are displayed in my account on Instagram, but to place an order and agree on the best method of payment and time of delivery, I communicate with the customer on Whatsapp. It shows more seriousness and willingness on the part of the customer to purchase the item.”
“I am passionate about make-up, and I try most of the products myself before I sell them to the customers,” Amjad says. “Of course my work in trading through Instagram does not substitute a full-time job in a private or government sector. However, I am not planning to give up on it after I find a full-time job.” Commenting on how secure her work on Instagram is, Amjad says, “It is financially and socially rewarding. I now know a lot of people I would not have known had I not been on Instagram.”
Reem Al-Driwish, (known on Instagram as Make_for_beauty) has over 17,000 followers. She is a young Saudi business owner who is also interested in make-up products. She has a diploma in computer and interior design.
She says, “Most customers are interested in products which have famous brand names and are commercially known.”
“There are many replicas of make-up products that are sold as original. It is my responsibility as an owner of my business to gain the trust of my clients by selling them the original brands of products. Therefore, the websites I order from have to be trustworthy,” she says.
Saudi customers share various experiences about their “Instagram shopping.” AlaaManie, a health education coordinator in a government hospital says, “I had only one experience of buying from Instagram and that was not very encouraging. The product was different from the picture displayed. Now, if I need to buy anything online, I do it myself.”
On the other hand, Roqayah, a King Saud University faculty member, had a different experience to relate. “I had a wonderful experience shopping with Instagram. The product reached on time and the price was cheaper than the products online. I shall definitely do it again. However, you need to be careful about choosing a trustworthy salesperson on Instagram,” she cautioned.
‘Instagram shopping’ a hit with young Saudi entrepreneurs
‘Instagram shopping’ a hit with young Saudi entrepreneurs
UN Internet Governance Forum concludes in Riyadh
- Event witnessed launch of Riyadh Declaration to help strengthen international partnerships in AI
- Forum featured experts from 170 countries
RIYADH: The UN Internet Governance Forum concluded its 19th edition on Thursday at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center in Riyadh.
The forum’s organizers said that the global event had focused on internet governance policies and emerging digital challenges. It had achieved the highest attendance in the history of the forum, surpassing 11,000 participants.
The forum also witnessed the launch of the Riyadh Declaration, a document which aims at strengthening international partnerships in artificial intelligence and digital technologies to serve humanity.
The event featured experts and specialists in internet technology and policy from 170 countries, with more than 1,000 international speakers contributing to over 300 sessions and workshops, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
It revolved around four main topics: innovation and risk in the digital space; development and sustainability; promoting human rights and inclusiveness; and improving the digital governance of the internet, the SPA added.
King Abdulaziz Falconry Festival concludes with record-breaking prize pool
- The 17-day event featured 1,032 falconers from nine countries, 3,322 birds and a total prize pool of $9.6 million
The 2024 King Abdulaziz Falconry Festival, which featured a prize pool of more than SR36 million ($9.6 million), the largest in the history of the event, concluded on Thursday.
The festival, which began on Dec. 3 and was organized by the The Saudi Falcons Club at its headquarters in Malham, north of Riyadh, featured 1,032 falconers, of whom 160 came from outside the Kingdom. They represented nine countries — Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, the UAE, Oman, Qatar, Syria, Italy and Ireland — and brought with them 3,322 birds. A youth section included 49 young falconers.
The festival culminated in two rounds of the King’s Sword, the toughest and most lucrative section of the Melwah competition, with total prize pools of SR925,000 for each round.
Barghash Al-Mansouri, who won the first round in the Shaheen and Hur categories, said his falcon SH13 had performed exceptionally well to clinch first place. He said the bird has great strength but can be affected by adverse wind conditions. On the day, however, conditions were favorable and it was able to maintain stability and perform at its best.
He added that he had expected Shama, a falcon owned by Fahd Al-Mansouri, to take the top spot but instead it finished second. He thanked the club for its exceptional efforts in organizing the festival and congratulated all the winners, noting that the competition grows stronger each year.
Talal Al-Shumaisi, CEO of the Saudi Falcons Club, thanked the Kingdom’s leaders for their support of falconry and its heritage, in particular Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who is the club’s general supervisor. He also thanked Minister of Interior Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif, the chairman of the board of directors of the club, for his support.
Princess Nourah University launches ‘Itar’ exhibition to highlight student filmmaking projects
- The exhibition features seven short films, each with distinct themes drawn from the cultural identity of the Kingdom
RIYADH: Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, represented by the College of Design and Arts, has launched the “Itar Exhibition 2024” to feature the graduation projects of 26 students from the film production and animation program.
The exhibition, which is part of the Department of Film and Theater Arts’ graduation project course, features seven short films, each with distinct themes drawn from the cultural identity of the Kingdom.
The exhibition highlights the cognitive, technical, and creative skills developed by the graduates through their film projects, demonstrating their proficiency in applying creative and critical thinking methodologies.
The exhibition provides a platform for interaction and collaboration among graduates, university students, employers, industry professionals, researchers, partners, the business sector, and the broader community. It also prepares graduates to compete in the job market and venture into entrepreneurship.
Haya Al-Rashoud, head of the Department of Film and Theater Arts at PNU, said that the exhibition is part of the College of Design and Arts’ commitment to developing national talent. It aims to foster a supportive and inspiring environment for creativity, expertise, and specialized scientific skills, while aligning with the evolving demands of the labor market, particularly in the film industry.
The “Itar Exhibition 2024” at the College of Design and Arts reflects the objectives of PNU’s 2025 strategic plan, aiming to cultivate competitive talent and empower female students. It creates an educational environment that inspires creativity, enriches cultural and artistic expression, and promotes learning, research, and innovation.
Additionally, it underscores the university’s commitment to advancing women’s leadership in driving development and progress.
Telling stories of Al-Ahsa through art
- Fatima Al-Hammadi uses fronds to showcase the history and heritage of her region through a natural element
MAKKAH: In a small house shaded by palm trees in the heart of Al-Ahsa’s palm oasis, artist Fatima Al-Hammadi transforms fronds – often considered mere remnants of palm trees – into works of art.
Her creations tell the story of Al-Ahsa’s ancient heritage. Since childhood, Al-Hammadi viewed the surrounding palm trees from a unique perspective.
They were not just a source of livelihood; they symbolized civilization itself. Motivated by this, she decided to breathe new life into the fronds, using her art to highlight the beauty of Saudi heritage both locally and internationally.
A graphic artist accredited by the Saudi Ministry of Education, Al-Hammadi told Arab News, “I have always been passionate about graphic art. It is a dream I have aspired to achieve on the global stage.
“I have always wanted to become an internationally recognized graphic artist. Today, I am working hard to make that dream a reality, armed with my skills and my deep connection to the heritage of my homeland, Al-Ahsa.”
“Al-Ahsa, the famous palm oasis in the Eastern Province, inspired me to transform the land’s natural bounty into art. Palm fronds are the primary material I use in my work. I take them – once considered waste, destined to be burned – and transform them into art that reflects the story of Al-Ahsa’s civilization and heritage. My goal has always been to showcase the history and heritage of my region through this natural element. My work has been highly appreciated in Al-Ahsa and across the Kingdom,” she explained.
“During the various exhibitions and events I have participated in, I noticed the public’s interest and fascination with artwork that blends nature and creativity.” She attributes her choice of palm fronds to her inspiration from nature itself, which has earned her recognition among both art lovers and heritage enthusiasts.
Reflecting on the evolution of graphic art in the Kingdom, Al-Hammadi noted its remarkable growth and prosperity.
“The fact that young men and women are showing increased interest in graphic arts signals the maturing taste of the Kingdom’s art scene. However, this sector requires greater support from art institutions,” she said, emphasizing the importance of artists’ awareness of their local culture and national heritage in fostering the growth of graphic art.
Underlining the need for more local and international art exhibitions and opportunities for artists to participate in local, Arab and international art fair, she said: “This kind of support is crucial for raising the profile of Saudi graphic art and enabling it to compete on the world stage.”
With her ambitious vision and the support of her community, Al-Hammadi looks forward to a bright future for graphic arts in the Kingdom, where creativity serves as a bridge between the ancient past and the present.
Attempt to smuggle 180 kg of qat thwarted in Saudi Arabia’s Asir
ASIR: Saudi authorities in Al-Raboah, Asir, have foiled an attempt to smuggle 180 kg of qat. Legal procedures have been initiated and the confiscated drug handed over to the relevant authorities.
Meanwhile, the authorities have arrested a resident in Yanbu for attempting to sell methamphetamine (shabu). Legal action has been taken against him, and he has been referred to the Public Prosecution.
Elsewhere, land patrols of the Border Guard in Al-Dayer, Jazan, have apprehended six Ethiopians for attempting to smuggle 162 kg of qat. Preliminary legal procedures have taken place and the suspects, along with the seized drug, handed over to the relevant authorities.
Security authorities have urged citizens and residents to report any activities related to drug smuggling or trafficking. Informants can contact the authorities by calling 911 in Makkah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Region, and 999 in the rest of the Kingdom.
