Modesty takes to the runway at Riyadh fashion event

Modesty takes to the runway at Riyadh fashion event
1 / 5
“It’s important to give women a choice so they don’t have to be looking through different brands and online platforms. It’s right here for them,” Maryam Khan, CEO of fashion label Daska, said. The UK label took the runway on Friday, sporting bold patterns and colorful prints as an ode to strong women.(Supplied)
Modesty takes to the runway at Riyadh fashion event
2 / 5
As the global fashion world becomes more about identity and sustainability, the event acts as a cornerstone in appreciating local designers from all over the world through culturally-driven lines. (sourced)
Modesty takes to the runway at Riyadh fashion event
3 / 5
Palestinian label Sawsan Designs presented an exclusive collection for Modest Fashion Week, taking the opportunity to platform Palestinian heritage and history with a modern twist. (Sourced)
Modesty takes to the runway at Riyadh fashion event
4 / 5
Modesty dominates the runway in Riyadh at Think Fashion’s 2022 Modest Fashion Week, featuring local and international designers in a 3-day event from Dec. 15-17 in Al Faisaliah Hotel, making history as the first show of its kind in the Kingdom. (Sourced)
Modesty takes to the runway at Riyadh fashion event
5 / 5
Ozlem Shahin, CEO of Modest Fashion Weeks, said: “We believe that Riyadh is going to be the next capital for fashion.(Supplied)
Short Url
Updated 20 December 2022

Modesty takes to the runway at Riyadh fashion event

Modesty takes to the runway at Riyadh fashion event
  • Each brand presented its own cultural spin in a mix of 32 parades and exclusive shows.

RIYADH: Modesty took center stage at Riyadh’s Modest Fashion Week, which featured local and international designers in a three-day event that concluded at Al-Faisaliah Hotel on Dec. 17.

The show’s theme, “Roots to the Future,” gave fashion enthusiasts and influencers from across the globe a taste of modesty, with each brand presenting its own cultural spin in a mix of 32 parades and exclusive shows.

Ozlem Shahin, CEO of Modest Fashion Weeks, has high hopes for the Saudi capital’s future role in the industry.

She said: “We believe that Riyadh is going to be the next capital for fashion.

“There’s a time for modesty, and it’s very easy to see all the luxury brands targeting it, but I think all of us have the responsibility to appreciate real modesty with all these beautiful designers from all around the world.”

Abd Razak Abdul Wahab, the Malaysian ambassador to the Kingdom, attended the event on Thursday to show support for his country’s brand, Innersejuk.

And as the global fashion world becomes more about identity and sustainability, Modest Fashion Week acts as a cornerstone in appreciating clothes from all over the world.

The show highlighted designers from Turkiye, Morocco, the Czech Republic, Nigeria, Italy, and the UK, and proceedings began with Saudi fashion brand, The String Story.

Shahin said: “There had been no platform for us to (come) together and bring collaborations, and highlight our talents. It was time to democratize fashion.”

Saudi label Foulard also dazzled the catwalk on Thursday, showcasing evening wear in its first collection at the show.

The clothes were inspired by the neutral colors, patterns, and architecture of the Umayyad dynasty.

Sara Rayess, founder of Foulard, told Arab News: “I think modest fashion is a lifestyle, and every hijabi woman and modest female can look elegant and stylish in her own way.

“To showcase and support these designers will definitely provide an international standard one day.”

Palestinian label Sawsan Designs presented an eye-catching collection, taking the opportunity to platform the region’s heritage and history with a modern twist.

Sawsan Mahmoud, the brand’s director, told Arab News: “Whenever you want to build on something, there has to be a basis. Ours is history, culture, values, and our heritage, so it’s beautiful to revive all this in a modern way that the new generations will accept and like.

“They will be the messengers of this, without feeling it’s a burden.”

Mahmoud hopes that by using her engineering background to create innovative designs, she can play her part in preserving her country’s culture.

Maryam Khan, CEO of the UK fashion label Daska, told Arab News: “It’s important to give women a choice, so they don’t have to be looking through different brands and online platforms. This is right here for them.”

Muslim designer Khan acknowledges the diverse spectrum within the term “modesty.”

It can mean covering certain areas of the body or being fully covered, and Daska’s collection pushes the boundaries of color, design, and versatility, while also catering to plus-size women.

Modest Fashion Week began in Istanbul in 2015, and has taken place in London, Dubai, Amsterdam, Jakarta, and now Riyadh since then.


King Salman, Crown Prince congratulate President Sakellaropoulou on Greek national day

King Salman, Crown Prince congratulate President Sakellaropoulou on Greek national day
Updated 25 March 2023

King Salman, Crown Prince congratulate President Sakellaropoulou on Greek national day

King Salman, Crown Prince congratulate President Sakellaropoulou on Greek national day

RIYADH: King Salman sent a cable of congratulations to President Katerina Sakellaropoulou of Greece on Saturday on the anniversary of her country’s Independence Day.

The king expressed his best wishes for the president’s good health and happiness, and for the government and people of Greece steady progress and prosperity.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman also congratulated President Sakellaropoulou on the Greek indepedence day, Saudi Press Agency reported.

Opinion

This section contains relevant reference points, placed in (Opinion field)

Earlier this month, Alexis Konstantopoulos, the ambassador of Greece to Saudi Arabia, highlighted the importance of enduring relations between the nations at the European country's national day celebration on March 15.

Konstantopoulos told Arab News: “Greece and Saudi Arabia are stronger together, and as we celebrate joys and successes, tonight we celebrate not only our national day but our vibrant, strong and strategic partnership.”


India works with Saudi Arabia on creating investment bridge

India works with Saudi Arabia on creating investment bridge
Updated 25 March 2023

India works with Saudi Arabia on creating investment bridge

India works with Saudi Arabia on creating investment bridge
  • Opportunities are seen in energy, infrastructure, food security, infrastructure, AI and education
  • Investment flow between the two G20 countries is an important component of their relations

New Delhi : India is working with Saudi Arabia on creating an investment bridge to accelerate bilateral projects and facilitate investments, with the measure expected to catalyze greater economic interconnectedness. 

During his trip to Riyadh this week, Dr. Ausaf Sayeed, secretary in charge of the Gulf region at the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, held talks with Saudi officials, including Foreign Affairs Deputy Minister Waleed bin Abdul Karim Al-Khereiji, on the India-Saudi Arabia strategic partnerships, and International Partnerships Deputy Minister Mohammed Al-Hassnah, with whom he agreed on the initiative to bridge bilateral investment activity. 

“Cross-border investments have become a major tool for progress and development for nations. India and Saudi Arabia are in a unique position to benefit from mutual investments depending on our strengths,” Sayeed told Arab News on Friday. 

He said Saudi investments in India have consistently grown, presently reaching $3 billion, and Indian businesses have invested more than $2 billion in the Kingdom. 

Significant investment opportunities, he said, have lately emerged in areas such as renewable energy, petrochemicals, infrastructure, food security, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, education, defense, information technology, artificial intelligence and entertainment. 

“An institutional mechanism for facilitating investments on both sides will be of great help to them,” Sayeed said. 

This mechanism, or investment bridge, is also seen as a means to facilitate all the projects under the $100 billion initiatives discussed by the two countries — both members of the Group of 20 largest economies — during Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visit to India in February 2019. 

“The deliberation on forming an investment bridge is noteworthy…Given that both India and Saudi Arabia are G20 economies and have experienced fast growth, this is a welcome step and can catalyze greater economic interconnectedness,” said Muddassir Quamar, Middle East expert and fellow at the Institute of Defence Studies and Analyses in New Delhi told Arab News. 

“In addition to political, economic, security and cultural links, the two-way flow of investments is an important component of the bilateral relations.” 

Prof. Sujata Ashwarya of the Jamia Millia Islamia University in New Delhi said the initiative comes in a context of several other joint projects, which both sides are eager to advance for mutual benefit. 

“The investment bridge will provide the required impetus for Saudi investment in India,” she said. “It might even develop into an institutional mechanism for trade and commerce between the two nations.”


Saudi Arabia’s Hadiyah charity to distribute at least 1.2 million meals in Ramadan

Saudi Arabia’s Hadiyah charity to distribute at least 1.2 million meals in Ramadan
Updated 25 March 2023

Saudi Arabia’s Hadiyah charity to distribute at least 1.2 million meals in Ramadan

Saudi Arabia’s Hadiyah charity to distribute at least 1.2 million meals in Ramadan

RIYADH: Hadiyah, the Hajji and Mu’tamer’s Gift Charitable Association in Makkah, has started implementing its annual distribution of iftar and suhoor meals to pilgrims during Ramadan.

And this year the association aims to hand out at least 1.2 million meals.

The massive distribution will target worshippers at the Grand Mosque in Makkah and the Prophet’s Holy Mosque, Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.

The association said 750 volunteers will help serve pilgrims throughout the holy month.


Business accelerator launched to support SMEs, entrepreneurs in NEOM, Tabuk

Saudi Arabia’s NEOM launches
Saudi Arabia’s NEOM launches "Seven Senses" accelerator. (SPA)
Updated 25 March 2023

Business accelerator launched to support SMEs, entrepreneurs in NEOM, Tabuk

Saudi Arabia’s NEOM launches "Seven Senses" accelerator. (SPA)
  • Participants who pass the program will have the ability to meet the requirements for applying to NEOM projects, and take advantage of available investment opportunities

RIYADH: The city of NEOM has launched the “Seven Senses” accelerator, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Friday.

It aims to build an integrated system for entrepreneurship in the regions of NEOM and Tabuk, and to support small and medium-sized enterprises, craftsmen, professionals, innovators, and innovative businesses capable of bringing about change.

From March 26 until May 14, the accelerator will receive applications from innovators and entrepreneurs who wish to join the intensive training camp that qualifies them to compete for a place in the accelerator.

The camp begins on May 28 and lasts for two days, during which 150 entrepreneurs will receive training in various skills, including the basics of successful business, understanding customers and attracting investors.

Participants will have the opportunity to present their offers to a committee of experts to obtain advice.

Following the training camp, the best competitors will be selected to participate in the accelerator program, which extends virtually over 10 weeks, from May to August, and ends with a trial day in Tabuk to present their projects and products.

During the program period, participants will be provided with the latest applications and practices through sessions, and various mentorships with experts.

Participants who pass the program will have the ability to meet the requirements for applying to NEOM projects, and take advantage of available investment opportunities.

Meshari Al-Mutairi, executive director of government affairs at NEOM, said: “The idea of ​​​​the NEOM accelerator program ‘Seven Senses,’ which was designed after extensive studies of the market reality, came to support entrepreneurs and owners of emerging companies in the regions of NEOM and Tabuk, through scientific and practical paths that contribute to developing their capabilities.”

He added that this will enable them to provide services according to the standards and requirements of projects in NEOM, in addition to expanding and sustaining their business in line with the goals of Vision 2030.

The accelerator will be followed by the launch of an educational training platform in Arabic, under the supervision of local and international experts in the field of entrepreneurship.

Later, joint work experiences will be organized to support emerging entrepreneurs and establish innovative production laboratories.

 

 


Filipino engineers help fellow expats climb career ladder in Saudi Arabia

Filipino engineers help fellow expats climb career ladder in Saudi Arabia
Updated 25 March 2023

Filipino engineers help fellow expats climb career ladder in Saudi Arabia

Filipino engineers help fellow expats climb career ladder in Saudi Arabia
  • Philippine Council of Engineers and Architects has helped 40k Pinoy professionals

MANILA: Mario Balboa had initially planned to return to the Philippines after a year, but his stay in Saudi Arabia has now spanned almost two decades, motivated by his successes and a desire to help other Filipino expats on their career paths.

An electronics and communications engineer, Balboa left his hometown in San Fernando, La Union province and moved to Riyadh in 2004 to work as a business consultant and analyst at Saudi Telecom Co.

Now a senior manager for product development, he enjoyed steady career progression over the years but at some point, saw that many Filipino engineers living and working in the Kingdom lagged behind.

Although they had all the necessary skills, many lacked the proper licenses, certifications, and credentials.

“In any development project here, you will always find a Filipino ... The only problem is that some lack the necessary papers to show that they are certified,” Balboa told Arab News. “If there’s a position where you are capable but not qualified because you don’t have the certification, it’s a lost opportunity.”

The situation prompted him to establish the Philippine Council of Engineers and Architects in the Kingdom in October 2013.

In January 2014, the PCEA signed a cooperation agreement with the Saudi Council of Engineers to exchange expertise and help qualify Philippine professionals in engineering and architectural practice.

A few months later, Balboa also took on board the Philippine government agencies — the Professional Regulation Commission and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority — which inked deals with the SCE for the professional development of Filipino engineers, architects, and technicians.

“The PCEA’s main goal is inclusive progression of Filipino professionals, especially engineers, architects, and technicians, upgrading their respective credentials and qualifications,” Balboa said.

HIGHLIGHT

Council’s role becoming increasingly valuable as Kingdom undertakes Vision 2030 megaprojects.

“It helped in making Filipinos, especially the engineers and architects, recognized in terms of professionalism and qualification level.”

Over the past decade, nearly 40,000 Filipino professionals working in Saudi Arabia have, thanks to the PCEA, received training, improved their skills, and obtained official certificates to validate their qualifications.

The efforts have been recognized both in Saudi Arabia and in the Philippines, where last year Balboa received the Presidential Banaag Award, which recognizes individuals advancing the cause of Filipinos overseas.

The PCEA helps connect Filipinos directly with Saudi authorities to evaluate their qualifications.

Leandro Conti, chairman of the PRC’s board of mechanical engineering, told Arab News: “Then they will give you a certificate on the equivalency based on their (Saudi) standards ... which is good for Filipinos so they can be at par with the locals based on their qualifications.”

The certification is becoming increasingly valuable as Saudi Arabia continues to undertake megaprojects as part of its Vision 2030 reform plan.

“Once the projects will be in full swing ... definitely they’ll need Filipinos,” Conti said. “Some of my friends from Dubai and Abu Dhabi came back to Saudi Arabia because of the opportunities.”

Leo Argoso, an engineer who for the past five years has been working for a Saudi company specializing in medical equipment and instruments, was one of those who obtained a good job thanks to the PCEA.

“It was them (the PCEA) who bridged my qualification in order for me to become an SCE member so that I will be able to work my craft here in Saudi Arabia, to be able to take on a position that is equivalent to my level of qualification,” Argoso said.

He knows many other Filipino professionals whose chances on the career ladder got similarly boosted.

“With the help of the PCEA, they were able to fill up what is lacking in their credentials and after some time get recognized by the SCE,” he added.

“Once you are recognized by the SCE, you will be given an ID, proof that you are a legitimate professional and qualified to take on perhaps a higher position than you are currently holding.”