New digital platform destigmatizing mental health in Arab world

New digital platform destigmatizing mental health in Arab world
Houna hosted a launch ceremony to inaugurate the platform in Sidra Gallery in Jax district in Riyadh. (Photo by Abulaziz Alnoman)
Short Url
Updated 30 October 2022

New digital platform destigmatizing mental health in Arab world

New digital platform destigmatizing mental health in Arab world
  • Besides providing information, Houna can signpost people to relevant support groups offering help through live counseling sessions

RIYADH: A newly launched digital platform is aiming to break stigmas surrounding mental health in the Arab world.

Presented in Arabic, Houna will provide information, resources, and support groups to help tackle taboos around the issue.

Sheikha Majda Al-Sabah, founder of Houna, told Arab News: “We have a lack of Arabic mental health resources. If you want to research anything in Arabic, you cannot find something accurate enough.

“Houna is a non-profit initiative that cares for mental health and acts like an aggregator and takes all the people that need help in terms of mental health and connects them to people that provide it.”

Al-Sabah, a philanthropist and advocate for mental health, launched Houna with the goal of helping individuals suffering depression, anxiety, abuse, eating disorders, addictions, or with suicidal thoughts.

Besides providing information, Houna can signpost people to relevant support groups offering help through live counseling sessions, while also raising awareness about mental health and well-being.

“We truly believe that support groups are the best way to take care of mental health,” Al-Sabah said.




Sheikha Majda Al-Sabah, founder of Houna.  (Photo by Abulaziz Alnoman)

The platform works on the principles of inclusivity, respect, confidentiality, credibility, and integrity, and provides resources written in Arabic and English for people of all ages, socioeconomic backgrounds, and nationalities in the Middle East.

Data includes the latest information on mental health disorders, symptoms, and treatments along with related podcasts, articles, webinars, and online events.

Users can also connect directly with therapists and medical professionals included on a list of 150 licensed specialists and Houna hosts regular mental health support groups.

Al-Sabah first came up with the idea for the platform in 2020 and officially launched it on Oct. 10 in Kuwait to mark World Mental Health Day.

She and her team toured some of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, including the UAE and Saudi Arabia, holding a ceremony at the Sidra art gallery in Riyadh’s Jax district to inaugurate the platform in the Kingdom.

During the event, Al-Sabah opened the floor to anyone wishing to discuss their battles with mental health, and medical professionals and attendees took to the stage to share their experiences.

She said: “I suffered from depression for a very long period, and it hit me because I tried to seek help, tried to search for doctors and psychiatrists that could help me, but I couldn’t find accurate information.

“I’m a talkative person. Whenever I ask people and tell them I have a problem they say do not talk about it, you need to keep it in and silent. I realized this was my calling.

“When we started in the first three years it was only to destigmatize mental health so that was our objective, that was our goal that we were passionate about, that we will do anything to break the stigma.

“We have to go beyond raising awareness, we need to help as much as we can,” she added.

Houna aims to make information on mental health accessible to all.

Al-Sabah said: “It’s not tangible and people can’t get it, and the perception of people around the world, they perceive people to their behaviors and that’s what makes it a bit harder to make them understand mental health.

“There is still a stigma, but we are trying since we started three years ago. It was much harsher, now people are more aware due to the coronavirus pandemic. It is a crisis, but it helps us raise awareness,” she added.

In the future, Al-Sabah has plans to establish a Houna wellness center.

She said: “We have those psychiatric hospitals and mild wellness centers, but I want a place that when you feel a bit down you can go and spend the weekend there and get recharged and go back to your normal life.”


Saudi, Bahraini royal guards wrap up joint security exercise 

Saudi, Bahraini royal guards wrap up joint security exercise 
Updated 34 sec ago

Saudi, Bahraini royal guards wrap up joint security exercise 

Saudi, Bahraini royal guards wrap up joint security exercise 
  • Exercise in Riyadh ran for two weeks under the supervision of qualified military training officers

RIYADH: The Saudi Royal Guard and the Royal Guard of Bahrain have concluded their first joint security exercise, Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday. 

The exercise in Riyadh ran for two weeks under the supervision of qualified military training officers. It aimed to strengthen collaboration, exchange military and security expertise and enhance the efficiency of security services, weapons handling and special operations.

The closing ceremony was attended by officers including Maj. Gen. Mohammed bin Saeed Al-Omari, chief of the operations department and general supervisor of the joint exercise, Maj. Gen. Hamad Al-Nuaimi, deputy commander of the Royal Guard of Bahrain. 

 
 


Turkish pilgrims land in Jeddah under Makkah Route initiative

Turkish pilgrims land in Jeddah under Makkah Route initiative
Updated 37 min 43 sec ago

Turkish pilgrims land in Jeddah under Makkah Route initiative

Turkish pilgrims land in Jeddah under Makkah Route initiative
  • Initiative allows pilgrims to pass seamlessly through immigration facilities in their respective countries

RIYADH: A group of Hajj pilgrims from Turkiye arrived in Jeddah from Istanbul on Wednesday as part of the Makkah Route initiative, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The initiative, launched by the Kingdom’s Ministry of Interior in 2019, allows pilgrims to pass seamlessly through immigration facilities at airports in their respective countries.

It enables Hajj visitors from seven countries to fulfill all the visa, customs and health requirements at their airports of origin, saving them long hours of waiting before and on arrival in Saudi Arabia.


Fight against Daesh must continue: Czech deputy foreign minister

The Czech Republic’s deputy foreign minister, Jan Marian. (Czech Republic Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
The Czech Republic’s deputy foreign minister, Jan Marian. (Czech Republic Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
Updated 07 June 2023

Fight against Daesh must continue: Czech deputy foreign minister

The Czech Republic’s deputy foreign minister, Jan Marian. (Czech Republic Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
  • Saudi Arabia is set to host global leaders and delegates on Thursday, June 8 for the meeting at the Intercontinental Hotel in Riyadh
  • “We sincerely appreciate that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will host the Global Coalition to Defeat Daesh/ISIS ministerial meeting,” Marian said

RIYADH: The Czech Republic’s deputy foreign minister, Jan Marian, extended his gratitude to the Kingdom for its efforts in hosting the Global Coalition to Defeat Daesh’s ministerial meeting, and stressed the importance of continuing the fight against the group.

“Daesh’s territorial defeat has not ended its kinetic threat. Our fight against Daesh in Iraq and Syria, as well as in Africa, Afghanistan, and Central Asia must continue,” Marian told Arab News.

Saudi Arabia is set to host global leaders and delegates on Thursday, June 8 for the meeting at the Intercontinental Hotel in Riyadh.

“We sincerely appreciate that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will host the Global Coalition to Defeat Daesh/ISIS ministerial meeting,” Marian said.

The deputy foreign minister stressed that the Czech Republic remains firmly committed to the coalition’s mission.

“Alongside our involvement in international military missions, our activities focus on the prevention of radicalization and improvement of the socio-economic conditions in terrorism-affected areas,” Marian stressed.

“One of the Czech instruments for humanitarian aid and reconstruction activities in the MENA region is The Reconstruction program for the Middle East region.”

The deputy foreign minister explained that in 2023, Prague is planning to allocate 134 million Czech crowns ($6.1 million) for stabilization aid to Iraq, Syria, and the broader Middle East region.

He explained that of that, almost crowns would be aid to Syria.

“The primary focus of our aid continues to be on supporting medical and sanitation services and education,” Marian said.

Speaking on the changes he has witnessed in the Kingdom, Marian added: “In Saudi Arabia, we are witnessing a unique and revolutionary attempt to rebuild the country, its economy, and the society.

“The positive effect of the ongoing Saudi reforms is very visible and appreciated in the international arena.

“Riyadh has, more than ever, become a stabilizing regional pillar and an important partner.”

The deputy foreign minister described the Kingdom’s agreement with Iran as “a clear demonstration of political maturity and sense of responsibility for the Middle East developments.”

Saudi Arabia and Iran spent four days in talks between March 6 and March 10. The dialogue resulted in an agreement to reestablish diplomatic relations and reopen embassies in the two countries.

The deputy foreign minister also highlighted the bilateral ties between the Kingdom and the Czech Republic.

He said that the visit from the Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky in May 2023 only reaffirmed the Czech Republic’s interest in “deepening ties with the Kingdom.”

Marian emphasized that he hopes that he can host his Saudi counterparts in Prague in the near future.

“We are keen to discuss regional developments, instruments for ensuring sustainable energy security, and new opportunities for trade and economic cooperation,” he said.

“The Kingdom’s reform framework Vision 2030 in this respect represents a huge opportunity for Czech companies who can offer expertise and transfer of technologies.”


Saudi FM and Blinken discuss strategic partnership during Riyadh visit

Saudi FM and Blinken discuss strategic partnership during Riyadh visit
Updated 07 June 2023

Saudi FM and Blinken discuss strategic partnership during Riyadh visit

Saudi FM and Blinken discuss strategic partnership during Riyadh visit

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan met with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, on the sidelines of the Gulf Cooperation Council states’ ministerial meeting in Riyadh, the Kingdom’s foreign ministry announced on Wednesday.
During the meeting, they reviewed aspects of the strategic Saudi-US partnership and ways to enhance bilateral cooperation in various fields. They also discussed regional and international developments.

The two sides also discussed the most prominent issues raised in the US-Gulf meeting, and ways to strengthen US-Gulf relations in various fields.
The meeting was attended by Princess Reema bint Bandar, Saudi ambassador to the US.


13th Saudi relief plane lands in Sudan

13th Saudi relief plane lands in Sudan
Updated 07 June 2023

13th Saudi relief plane lands in Sudan

13th Saudi relief plane lands in Sudan
  • Plane was carrying 30 tons of food baskets and medical supplies

RIYADH: A 13th Saudi relief plane on Wednesday landed at Port Sudan New International Airport carrying 30 tons of food baskets and medical supplies, Saudi Press Agency reported. 

The latest aid flight is part of the Kingdom’s air bridge initiative, operated by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center, to help the people of Sudan.