In Philby’s footsteps: Epic journey brings a Saudi-British family together

The Philby cousins (center three) unite once more in Diriyah just before the Heart of Arabia’s second leg of its expedition on Jan. 16 with British explorer Mark Evans. (Photos Ana-Maria Pavalache)
The Philby cousins (center three) unite once more in Diriyah just before the Heart of Arabia’s second leg of its expedition on Jan. 16 with British explorer Mark Evans. (Photos Ana-Maria Pavalache)
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Updated 28 January 2023

In Philby’s footsteps: Epic journey brings a Saudi-British family together

In Philby’s footsteps: Epic journey brings a Saudi-British family together
  • Reem told Arab News: “Meeting the UK side of the family is all thanks to Mark Evans. Of course, we always knew about each other, but it just never happened that we met”

RIYADH: Saudi explorer Reem Philby likes to spend her vacations outdoors, climbing peaks such as Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, or trekking through Peru, South Africa or Norway.

Now the adventurous 42-year-old is trekking across the Arabian Peninsula, following in her grandfather’s footsteps on an expedition seeking to keep his legacy alive.

Reem is the granddaughter of the renowned British explorer and Arabist Harry St. John Philby, who did much to document the history of what is now known as Saudi Arabia through his travels across the region before his death in 1960.




Reem Philby and Mark Evans in Wadi Hanifa. (Photos Ana-Maria Pavalache)

In 1917, Philby was sent to Arabia on an assignment to forge links with Ibn Saud, the leader who later reigned as Saudi Arabia’s first king from 1932 until his death in 1953.

At the time, the British explorer was married to Dora Johnston, and had four children, Kim, Diana, Helena and Patricia.

He later took on the name Abdullah and married Saudi national Rozy Al-Abdul Aziz, with whom he had four boys, Fahad, Sultan, Faris and Khaled.

His British and Saudi descendants had never met until the official launch of a recent 1,300 km expedition — initiated by British explorer Mark Evans under the title Heart of Arabia — which loosely followed Philby’s 1917 journey.

In September, the families finally united at the launch send-off organized by the Royal Geographical Society in London.

(My grandfather) chose this place to be his home. He loved it and spent his life here, and it’s amazing that he is still remembered.

Reem Philby, Saudi explorer

They just clicked, according to his granddaughter.

Reem told Arab News: “Meeting the UK side of the family is all thanks to Mark Evans. Of course, we always knew about each other, but it just never happened that we met.”

Reem works at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, which is supporting one of the research projects covered in the expedition.

Mike Engelbach, the son of Philby’s youngest daughter Helena, became involved with the Heart of Arabia project in 2018, when he was approached by Evans through St. Anthony’s College Oxford.

Evans had just completed a trek across the Empty Quarter in honor of Bertram Thomas, the first documented Westerner to make the journey.

Philby and Thomas had connected themselves, but not in such a joyous manner.

FASTFACTS

• In 1917, Philby was sent to Arabia on an assignment to forge links with Ibn Saud, the leader who later reigned as Saudi Arabia’s first king from 1932 until his death in 1953.

• Reem is the granddaughter of the renowned British explorer and Arabist Harry St. John Philby, who did much to document the history of what is now known as Saudi Arabia through his travels across the region before his death in 1960.

On hearing of Thomas’ triumph, Philby sent him a postcard congratulating him on the epic feat. Privately, however, Philby was disappointed and envious of an achievement he himself wished to make, his journals reveal.

Now the recent launch of the Philby Arabia Fund is encouraging future generations to conduct field research within Saudi Arabia.

When Philby’s descendants speak of his character, they remember a dignified figure with a long beard and serious demeanor. However, he was a grandfather in every sense.

“With us as children, he was very indulgent and would take us on treats,” Englebach told Arab News. “But he would also get involved with our family squabbles. He didn’t just sit aside from it. He took a keen interest in what we as young children were all doing.”

This month, Englebach and his cousin Mandy made their own journey from the UK to Riyadh to see off the expedition team on the second leg of its journey.

“I’ve never seen so many Philbys in the same room,” Reem said. “It was a great feeling. I grew up in Saudi where all the families are big, a lot of cousins, and it’s so nice to have that feeling.  It was definitely one of the biggest gains of the expedition on a personal level.”

Englebach said: “Just the meeting straight away, we were very charmed, I think on both sides, by meeting each other and knowing that we had this man who we’re all descended from. We’ve been with all the family while we’ve been here (in Saudi Arabia) for the first time, and also met my uncle, aunt and the other cousins.”

The relationship between Saudi Arabia and the UK goes back decades, and the Heart of Arabia expedition has solidified the potential for collaborative cultural growth and exploration.

“(My grandfather) chose this place to be his home. He loved it and spent his life here, and it’s amazing that he is still remembered. To be in the desert in the middle of nowhere and we see a place where he stopped and remember him after 100 years is a very special feeling,” Reem said.

 


Zamzam to deliver water to Makkah pilgrims

Zamzam to deliver water to Makkah pilgrims
Up to 137 trucks will transport Zamzam water to the pilgrims’ residences.(Supplied)
Updated 11 sec ago

Zamzam to deliver water to Makkah pilgrims

Zamzam to deliver water to Makkah pilgrims
  • Zamzam water is to help keep thirsty pilgrims in Makkah hydrated with nine field service centers operating around the clock

Ryan Darwish Zamzami, deputy supervisor, told Arab News that almost 1,000 employees “will provide 330 ml bottles of Zamzam water to all pilgrims. They give three bottles to each pilgrim a day throughout their stay.”

He said Zamzam’s online platform takes data from the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, which is used by a control center manned by a team of 12 female employees to assign jobs to service center staff. 

“The vehicle will then be on its way and can be tracked online until it reaches its destination, then the delivery will be completed by scanning the assigned code,” he said.

Zamzami said that the project first started with four women and the number increased to 12 women this year. 

“The field service centers operate around the clock in Makkah and the holy sites with more than 950 employees managed by a group of supervisors, center managers, supporters, Zamzam water providers, and a fleet of trucks.”

Up to 137 trucks will transport Zamzam water to the pilgrims’ residences, while abiding by the highest safety standards.

The company is also using new 270 ml bottles made of glass, with a black and golden design inspired by the Kiswah of the Holy Kaaba.

Hassan Abu Al-Faraj, Managing Director of the company managing the delivery project, said that the bottles were first displayed during the “Hajj Expo 2023.”


Saudi crown prince, US state secretary discuss cooperation

Saudi crown prince, US state secretary discuss cooperation
Updated 07 June 2023

Saudi crown prince, US state secretary discuss cooperation

Saudi crown prince, US state secretary discuss cooperation
  • Pair discussed ways to enhance cooperation and bilateral relations in various fields

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Jeddah, the Saudi Press Agency reported early Wednesday.

The pair discussed ways to enhance cooperation and bilateral relations in various fields, and efforts toward the latest regional and International developments.

Senior Saudi and US officials attended the meeting.

Blinken arrived in Jeddah on Tuesday.

His trip comes as the Kingdom and US seek to broker a durable cease-fire between Sudan’s warring generals in ongoing talks in Jeddah.

Blinken will participate in a US-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) ministerial meeting to discuss growing cooperation with Gulf partners and how they can promote security, stability, de-escalation, regional integration, and economic opportunities across the Middle East, spokesman Matt Miller said.

The state secretary and Saudi foreign minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan will co-host a ministerial meeting of the Global Coalition to Defeat Daesh “to address the continuing threat of (Daesh) and reaffirm our commitment to ensure its enduring defeat,” he added.


Saudi Cabinet backs OPEC+ agreement to stabilize oil markets

Saudi Cabinet backs OPEC+ agreement to stabilize oil markets
Updated 07 June 2023

Saudi Cabinet backs OPEC+ agreement to stabilize oil markets

Saudi Cabinet backs OPEC+ agreement to stabilize oil markets

RIYADH: Saudi ministers backed this week’s oil agreement between exporting countries and supported the Kingdom’s voluntary production cut.

Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and allies such as Russia, known as OPEC+, announced on Sunday to limit oil output in 2024.

Saudi Arabia said it will extend its voluntary cut of 500,000 bpd until the end of December 2024, in coordination with some countries participating in the OPEC+ agreement.

The Saudi energy ministry also announced an additional voluntary oil output cut of 1 million bpd for July, which could be extended further.

This would mean that the Kingdom’s production becomes 9 million bpd, and its total voluntary cut will be 1.5 million bpd in July.

Defending the decisions made by the oil producers’ alliance, Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman stressed the need to “trust OPEC+” which he described as “the most effective international organization” working to restore market stability.

“It was just our sensibility, if you will call it, that the environment was not sufficiently allowing confidence to be there. So taking a precautionary measure tends to put you on the safe side. And it is part of the typical rhythm that we have installed in OPEC, which is being proactive, being preemptive,” Prince Abdulaziz said.

In other business, ministers at Cabinet meeting, chaired by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Jeddah, said the successful Saudi mission to the International Station shows the Kingdom’s strengthening role in space technologies. 

The mission also comes as an extension of Saudi Arabia’s efforts to empower people, protect the planet, and shape new horizons through science, research and innovations, the Saudi Press Agency reported early Wednesday.

The officials reiterated the Kingdom’s commitment, during the BRICS meeting, to continue working with international partners to achieve the sustainable development goals by 2030, and to intensify global efforts to enhance food and energy security.

Locally, the Cabinet emphasized the government’s commitment to improve the level of services provided to citizens, including enhancing water resources and working on their sustainability through the launch of many high-quality and efficient projects. This includes the Jubail 3A Desalination Plant project, which was recently launched and is considered the largest of its kind in the world.

Ministers praised the comprehensive data provided by the Saudi census 2022, which will be a pillar for planning, development, decision-making and economic and social policy-making,  in a way that contributes to achieving the goals of the Saudi Vision 2030 and preparing to create a better future.
 


Second Collectors’ Circle exhibition opens at ATHR gallery in Jeddah

Second Collectors’ Circle exhibition opens at ATHR gallery in Jeddah
Updated 06 June 2023

Second Collectors’ Circle exhibition opens at ATHR gallery in Jeddah

Second Collectors’ Circle exhibition opens at ATHR gallery in Jeddah
  • Featuring prominent Saudi and Arab artists, the second Collectors’ Circle aims to develop patronage culture in the region

JEDDAH: The second ATHR Collectors’ Circle for 2023 has opened its doors to the public in Jeddah, featuring editioned artworks by some of the region’s most prominent names.

Spread across a vast area, the exhibition is a vibrant and elegant collection that will intrigue art collectors and enthusiasts alike. The works are interspersed within the permanent collection to create a trail throughout the exhibition center.

Athr Gallery’s second Collectors’ Circle exhibition was curated by Solafa Rawas and Ola bin Saqran and runs until July 31; it features an accompanying program on art collection and patronage. (Instagram/athrart)

Contributing artists include Sara Abdu, Ahmed Mater, Sarah Abuabdallah, Ahaad Al-Amoudi, Mohammed Al-Faraj, Reem Al-Nasser, Dana Awartani, and Ayman Yosri Daydban among others.

The ACC aims to develop an art patronage culture within the Saudi art scene and highlight works that have been displayed at prestigious institutions.

The current exhibition, curated by Solafa Rawas and Ola bin Saqran, runs until July 31.

‘And Make Me light,’ 2023, Farah Behbehani. (Supplied)

Rawas, also an art advisor specializing in Saudi contemporary art, told Arab News that the ACC, in addition to highlighting artists, is about starting a conversation.

“It is an educational exhibition for the younger generation. In this exhibition, we have gathered very important artists who have been exhibiting their art locally and internationally,” Rawas said.

HIGHLIGHTS

• The second Collectors’ Circle exhibition can be viewed at Athr Gallery in Jeddah.

• Contributing artists include Sara Abdu, Ahmed Mater, Ahaad Al-Amoudi, Mohammed Al-Faraj and Reem Al-Nasser among others.

The exhibition features rare, mixed-media works by prominent local and international creatives in the contemporary art scene.

‘My Hopes and your dreams,’ 2021, Ahaad Al-Amoudi. (Supplied)

“Delights I, 2023” by Sultan bin Fahad was created on hand-knotted silk and wool carpet. “My Hopes and Your Dreams, 2021” by Al-Amoudi is a video installation with action figures. “And Make Me Light, 2023” by Farah Behbehani involves the use of OCE print with silver wax and diamond dust.

Other mediums include graphite drawing on wood, tomato seeds in resin, and collages, demonstrating the range of artistic talent on display.

The ACC organizes various exhibitions, events, and seminars that provide art enthusiasts the opportunity to network and interact with artists, professionals, and global collectors who can help navigate the art market landscape and offer guidance on art patronage.

The exhibition will be running an accompanying program that focuses on different aspects of art collection and patronage.

 

 


‘Better late than never’: Salwa Al-Omani graduates at 70

Salwa Al-Omani, Sociology graduate
Salwa Al-Omani, Sociology graduate
Updated 06 June 2023

‘Better late than never’: Salwa Al-Omani graduates at 70

Salwa Al-Omani, Sociology graduate
  • Al-Omani said: “I cannot describe my feelings, now that I have achieved my long-awaited dream.” She added that she has received a huge number of calls from well-wishers and thanked God for her success

MAKKAH: At 70 years old, Salwa Al-Omani is the oldest woman to graduate with a bachelor of arts degree from Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University in Dammam.

With a GPA of 4.75/5, Al-Omani ranked first in her class and received an excellence award at the university’s 44th graduation ceremony attended by Princess Abeer bint Faisal bin Turki.

Al-Omani returned to her education after a 50-year gap, proving that nothing is impossible for someone who has determination.

She told Arab News: “I cannot describe my feelings, now that I have achieved my long-awaited dream.” She added that she has received a huge number of calls from well-wishers and thanked God for her success.

The moment I was honored by Princess Abeer, wearing my graduation gown and overwhelmed with feelings of joy for completing a journey that was interrupted 50 years ago, is priceless.

Salwa Al-Omani, Sociology graduate

“The moment I was honored by Princess Abeer bint Faisal bin Turki Al-Saud, wearing my graduation gown and overwhelmed with feelings of joy for completing a journey that was interrupted 50 years ago, is priceless.”

Al-Omani left high school at the age of 18 in 1971, following which her family moved to Basra, Iraq. She was accepted into the University of Basra to major in chemistry. However, “due to family reasons, I accepted my cousin’s proposal to marry me.

“So I couldn’t complete my university studies at that time. Later on, the family moved to Kuwait, to finally settle in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.”

Al-Omani has two sons and three daughters who have graduated as doctors and engineers. She has been living in Dammam since the 1980s.

When she was able to resume her education, her lost high school diploma document posed an issue. She explained, “As soon as I thought of completing my studies, I explained my story to the senior high school director who said that, due to the long break period, I had to take classes all over again.

“I went to meet female educators in the eastern region. I was very confident of my educational competence, given that our generation has been strongly acquainted with all types of science.”

That meeting took place nine years ago, and Al-Omani was granted the approval to complete her studies. However, she had to start from the intermediate second grade, sitting for exams at the education department, and later on obtaining the third intermediate grade certificate in an intermediary school.

“The situation was embarrassing that year, given that I was taking the test with girls the age of my grandchildren who had clear looks of confusion on their face,” she said.

That did not deter her. “Nothing has affected my determination, and I decided to show some endurance and move forward. I obtained my certificate indeed and moved on to completing senior high school studies. I attended regularly and excelled to deserve my certificate.”

Al-Omani scored 82 on the General Aptitude Test (GAT) and 83 on the SAAT in preparation for her university education.

“I enrolled in the faculty of arts, department of sociology, at the Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University. I was accepted in the literary department despite me having a high school diploma in science,” she said.

“I was accepted into the sociology department in 2019. The dream came true.”

Al-Omani said that “with determination, the word ‘impossible’ does not exist,” that hope should not be lost, and that “it is better late than never.”

Determination and persistence are key to success, and “what separates any of us from achieving any goal in life is believing in ourselves and being confident in our capacities. This is the purpose of existing.”