Meet the US women who have just opened a PR office in Saudi Arabia

Gwen Wunderlich and Dara Kaplan have entered Saudi Arabia’s changing landscape to open a new office in Riyadh at Jax district. (Supplied)
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Gwen Wunderlich and Dara Kaplan have entered Saudi Arabia’s changing landscape to open a new office in Riyadh at Jax district. (Supplied)
Meet the US women who have just opened a PR office in Saudi Arabia
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Gwen Wunderlich and Dara Kaplan have entered Saudi Arabia’s changing landscape to open a new office in Riyadh at Jax district. (Supplied)
Meet the US women who have just opened a PR office in Saudi Arabia
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Gwen Wunderlich and Dara Kaplan have entered Saudi Arabia’s changing landscape to open a new office in Riyadh at Jax district. (Supplied)
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Updated 19 March 2023

Meet the US women who have just opened a PR office in Saudi Arabia

Gwen Wunderlich and Dara Kaplan have entered Saudi Arabia’s changing landscape to open a new office in Riyadh at Jax district.
  • Kaplan told Arab News that she had a misconception about the Kingdom on her first trip. “Women’s empowerment is really rooted in our mission”

RIYADH: With New York savvy, Miami flair and a Saudi spirit, Gwen Wunderlich and Dara Kaplan took a chance on themselves and entered the ever-changing space of Saudi Arabia’s women empowerment.

With more than two decades of experience and a solid friendship, they launched the Riyadh branch of their first women-led US-based PR firm Wunderlich Kaplan Communications.

“This will be our global expansion and the MENA division, based in Riyadh at Jax,” Wunderlich told Arab News.

“We partnered this time for this division with Noor Taher, she is partners with Good Intentions and she brought us over here and agreed to partner up with us so generously to bring big projects to us, to guide us and to be a lead here to make sure things go smoothly,” she said.




Being from Saudi Arabia, there are a lot of stories the world has yet to hear, says Noor Taher Co-founder, Good Intentions

With so much happening in the Kingdom’s capital, Riyadh felt like the right fit as it is the center of the country and a magnet for talent. It is also easily accessible via air or land.

“It just feels right.”

The two women expect to work on PR communications, marketing branding for local companies that are looking for national exposure, but also US companies that are looking to come into Saudi Arabia and find exposure and benefit.

Women’s empowerment is really rooted in our mission. I thought I’m going to go to Saudi Arabia because the narrative we’ve always been fed is that women are lesser than and they need our help. When I came here, I realized that these women do not need me to empower them. They are already amazing, strong, educated, kick-ass women ... it made me think like, wow, what else do I have wrong?

Dara Kaplan, Co-founder, Wunderlich Kaplan Communications

They started their first official project in the country in December 2022, with the Jeddah Art Project that took place during Formula One.

“It felt very fantastical to do, because we were kind of breaking barriers and bringing new kinds of information and content from a country that really hadn’t been heard of in that light when it came to culture and creativity.

“Those were not two words that really were related to Saudi Arabia in the mind of where we come from. So we worked on the Formula One project, I worked on the Alicia Keys’ concert and Women to Women event,” said Wunderlich.

While sitting in AlUla with Keys, Princess Reema and other women, Wunderlich knew that she was “being part of a great piece of time. History is being made here. That event was probably one of my favorite things . . . I would say in my entire career.”

Kaplan told Arab News that she had a misconception about the Kingdom on her first trip. “Women’s empowerment is really rooted in our mission. I thought I’m going to go to Saudi Arabia because the narrative we’ve always been fed is that women are lesser than and they need our help.

“When I came here, I realized that these women do not need me to empower them. They are already amazing, strong, educated, kick-ass women. That, to me, was a real eye-opener and I talked to so many local women. It made me think like, wow, what else do I have wrong?”

They were appalled at Western media outlets’ perceptions of Saudi women.




From left: Dara Kaplan, Gwen Wunderlich and Noor Taher. (Supplied)

While women in Saudi Arabia still have a long way to go, they wanted to ensure that people had a clearer and more accurate picture of women in the Kingdom.

“I think that, unfortunately in the past, how it’s been positioned is so wrong and I think there’s a lot of value in repositioning that story and the narrative that’s been force-fed to everyone and they just don’t know better, and if they knew better, I think there’ll be a lot of support. You know, if the average person knew what we knew about Saudi, I think it would be you having a very different conversation right now with us.”

Wunderlich has visited the Kingdom five times and Kaplan twice. But they plan to visit frequently once their Jax office opens in few months.

“We’re bringing our passion at the end of the day. We run our own business — we do it from our heart. We love storytellers and we love people with great narratives,” said Wunderlich.

FASTFACTS

• With more than two decades of experience, Gwen Wunderlich and Dara Kaplan have launched the Riyadh branch of their first women-led US-based PR firm Wunderlich Kaplan Communications, with Saudi partner Noor Taher. They started their first official project in the Kingdom in December 2021, with the Jeddah Art Project that took place during Formula One.

• The two women expect to work on PR communications, marketing branding for local companies that are looking for national exposure, but also US companies that are looking to come into Saudi Arabia and find exposure and benefit. They are also launching a new hospitality division in the country — and are recruiting.

The pair want to join the fun and shift the narrative alongside Saudi women who are making that change.

“We want to take meetings with Saudi women, we want people to contact us with interesting projects. We want for the country to start digging deep. We already worked with the Royal Commission of AlUla, which is amazing. And we’ve worked with Craft and we’ve worked with Good Intentions and the people that we’ve worked with so far we have great relations,” Wunderlich said.

“I think what’s unique about us — and correct me if I’m wrong — I know there are local PR firms and then there’s corporate American PR firms, but I don’t think there’s the blend of the boutique firm that’s having startup experience to publicly traded experience with global experience and local experience. So I feel like we do bring celebrity and pop culture and Fortune 500 companies and everything in between. With having a Saudi partner, I think that we are delivering something that’s really different,” Kaplan said.

Their Saudi partner Taher has been at the forefront of the change that has been sweeping the Kingdom.

Taher is the co-founder of Good Intentions along with US legend Swizz Beatz, the husband of Alicia Keys. Good Intentions recently hosted their second Women to Women dialogue in AlUla.

They are a trusted voice in the digital world and they are beyond influencers — they are visionary women who want to go past smartphones and into the IRL space.

While hosting such lavish events in AlUla and Riyadh is something they have a knack for, they are adamant about integrating and inviting motivated Saudis to come together alongside them to build a metaphorical sand castle in the Kingdom together.

They are not trying to hog the mic, take the spotlight or speak for anyone. They want to be in the Kingdom because they simply fell in love with the country and its people.

The women are here for Vision 2030 and everything else before it and after it. And Taher, who is native to Riyadh, is excited to see it go ahead.

“I have known these women for years and there hasn’t been one project or client — no matter how big or small — they haven’t put their absolute all into. What sets them apart is the passion and courage they have to share the untold stories, that’s why I decided to enter into a partnership with them.

Being from Saudi Arabia, there are a lot of stories the world has yet to hear, it took a couple of trips to AlUla together to realize the inevitable. No one tells a story quite like them — they can sell sand in the desert,” Taher said.

Wunderlich and Kaplan were also guests on the Pass the Kabsa podcast, in which talent in Saudi Arabia is at the center of conversations.

They are also launching a new hospitality division in the country — and are recruiting.


Blinken arrives in Saudi Arabia

Blinken arrives in Saudi Arabia
Updated 15 sec ago

Blinken arrives in Saudi Arabia

Blinken arrives in Saudi Arabia

JEDDAH: Antony Blinken arrived in Saudi Arabia on his second trip to Kingdom on Tuesday.

 


Drug dealers, smugglers arrested in multiple raids across Saudi Arabia

Drug dealers, smugglers arrested in multiple raids across Saudi Arabia
Updated 26 min 24 sec ago

Drug dealers, smugglers arrested in multiple raids across Saudi Arabia

Drug dealers, smugglers arrested in multiple raids across Saudi Arabia
  • In one case, 93,750 narcotic tablets were found hidden in a truck coming in through Duba Port
  • In another, 356,559 narcotic tablets were found hidden in a consignment of various goods arriving in through Jeddah Islamic Port Customs

RIYADH: Saudi authorities tackling drug traders and smugglers reported a number of arrests across the Kingdom in recent days.
On Tuesday, the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority has thwarted three attempts to smuggle 651,909 Captagon and other narcotic pills hidden in consignments that entered Saudi Arabia through different ports.
In one case, 93,750 narcotic tablets were found hidden in a truck coming in through Duba Port. In another, 356,559 narcotic tablets were found hidden in a consignment of various goods arriving in through Jeddah Islamic Port Customs. In a third attempt, 201,600 Captagon pills were found hidden in the floor of a truck coming in through Al-Haditha port.
The authority coordinated with the General Directorate of Narcotics Control to have seven individuals who were supposed to receive the consignments arrested.
In a separate attempt, the General Directorate of Narcotics Control has arrested three residents, two Palestinians and a Sudanese, in Riyadh for attempting to sell 133,008 amphetamine pills and an amount of hashish. Some money and jewelry were also found in their possession.
The General Directorate of Narcotics Control has arrested two residents, a Pakistani and a Filipino, in Jeddah for attempting to sell 2.6 kg of methamphetamine.
They all were referred to the Public Prosecution.
Meanwhile, the Border Guard in Asir region foiled two attempts to smuggle a total of 500 kg of khat.
Police officers in Hafr Al-Batin province have arrested a Pakistani resident attempting to sell methamphetamine.
Preliminary legal procedures were completed, and the seized items were handed to the competent authorities.
In Taif, police officers have arrested three Ethiopian nationals and three Saudi citizens for attempting to sell amphetamine, hashish and narcotic pills and for being in possession of firearms, live ammunition and a sum of money. The six were referred to the Public Prosecution.
Police officers in Balqarn governorate in the Asir region have arrested a citizen for selling 10,805 amphetamine pills. He was also found to be in possession of an amount of money and referred to the pertinent authority.
Security patrols in Aldair governorate of Jazan region have arrested three Ethiopian nationals attempting to smuggle khat.
The General Directorate of Narcotics Control reaffirmed its commitment to prevent drug smuggling and tighten customs procedures on imports and exports.
The Saudi government has urged anyone with information related to suspected smuggling operations or customs violations to call the confidential hotline 1910, the international number 00 966 114208417, or email [email protected]
Tips received by the authority related to smuggling crimes and breaches of common customs law are treated with strict confidentiality. Financial rewards are offered for valid tips.


Riyadh summit discusses the future of AI in medical field

SyncVR Medical provides an all-in-one application platform that can be useful for patients. (AN photo)
SyncVR Medical provides an all-in-one application platform that can be useful for patients. (AN photo)
Updated 06 June 2023

Riyadh summit discusses the future of AI in medical field

SyncVR Medical provides an all-in-one application platform that can be useful for patients. (AN photo)
  • During the event, people were given an opportunity to delve into the future of the medical field by spotlighting AI, smart devices, precision medicine, and diagnostics

RIYADH: The HealthTech Innovation Summit and Expo in Riyadh, held June 5-6, brought together providers, experts and students, showcasing innovative technology that promises to improve the quality of healthcare.

During the event, healthcare professionals, innovators, entrepreneurs, and investors were given an opportunity to delve into the future of the medical field by spotlighting artificial intelligence, smart devices, precision medicine, diagnostics, bioinformatics, biotechnology, virtual reality, medical imaging, innovation, and medical entrepreneurship.

SyncVR Medical, one of the many companies to showcase at the expo, provides an all-in-one application platform that can be useful for patients.

From hardware to software, its products propose treatments for pain anxiety, stress reduction, rehabilitation, and medical education through immersive simulations.

“VR can do more in society, in the world, than just entertain gamers,” Floris Van Der Breggen, CEO of SyncVR Medical, told Arab News.

Originally based in one hospital in the Netherlands, SyncVR Medical now supplies 200 hospitals across Europe with its health technology and aims to be the largest platform for extended reality healthcare on the continent.

The company’s presence at HealthTech came with the intent to expand into the Arab region.

“There’s so much more hunger for technological improvement (in Saudi) than you find in Europe, actually, a lot of curiosity and an intrinsic motivation to improve,” the CEO said.

Before the Kingdom adapts new tools to healthcare practices, however, the system itself needs some work, Dr. Bahjat Fakieh of the King Abdulaziz University suggested.

“Taking technology before we establish the proper system could lead to failure … If we’re looking to get to the top, it’s not that difficult. The difficulty is remaining at the top,” he said.

The will to excel is already in the works under Vision 2030.

A report recently published by the Digital Government Authority indicated that the field of healthcare demonstrates readiness for integration with emerging technology.

The Kingdom has already seen the incorporation of these technologies with apps like Sehhaty, the Seha Virtual Hospital, and the adoption of AR and VR in the Saudi Food and Drug Authority’s control procedures.

“AI is not here to replace humans, it’s here to assist humans,” Prince Sultan University’s Dr. Anis Koubaa said during the summit.

With tools that enhance training, provide distraction techniques to reduce pain during procedures, and offer treatment for issues like anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder through VR, technology promises to not only create a more immersive experience for patients and practitioners but also diagnose and examine more accurately.

However, there are few laws in place currently that regulate the usage of AI. Many challenges still lie in its cost and accessibility, system integration methods, ethical considerations, issues in security breaches, and research around the technology itself.

In the Kingdom, the Society for Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare is making strides in publishing viable studies and creating a community of data scientists and AI experts to reach the full potential of these emerging platforms.

Ali Al-Anazi, co-founder of SAIH, told Arab News: “There’s a shortage in many specializations (in the medical field), and AI is here to serve that.

“I personally believe that Saudi could be the leading country in publishing top-tier AI research in healthcare across the globe for many reasons. We have huge databases that are much more accessible than in foreign countries.”

The summit hopes to accelerate the adoption of technology-driven solutions across the field.

Prof. Ibrahim Al-Saraa, chairperson of the HealthTech Scientific Committee, said: “The pandemic has highlighted the importance of digital health solutions in providing virtual healthcare for patients. Digital transformation has proven essential today, as leading experts expect that health technology plays a significant role in shaping the future of healthcare.”


Iran reopens embassy in Saudi Arabia

Saudi and Iranian officials cut the ribbon at the reopening ceremony of Tehran’s embassy in Riyadh on Tuesday. (AFP)
Saudi and Iranian officials cut the ribbon at the reopening ceremony of Tehran’s embassy in Riyadh on Tuesday. (AFP)
Updated 15 min ago

Iran reopens embassy in Saudi Arabia

Saudi and Iranian officials cut the ribbon at the reopening ceremony of Tehran’s embassy in Riyadh on Tuesday. (AFP)
  • “The cooperation between the countries is entering a new era”: Iranian Deputy FM Alireza Bigdeli
  • Saudi and Iranian officials cut ribbon at reopening ceremony on Tuesday

RIYADH: Iran’s embassy in Saudi Arabia’s capital Riyadh has reopened, Al Arabiya reported on Tuesday.

Both countries agreed to end a diplomatic rift under a China-mediated deal in March.

“We consider today an important day in the relations of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Alireza Bigdeli told a flag-raising ceremony.

People stand outside the Iranian embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (File/Reuters)

“The cooperation between the countries is entering a new era,” he added.

“Iran’s embassy in Riyadh, our Consulate General in Jeddah and our office to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation will be officially reopened on Tuesday and Wednesday,” Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani said on Monday.


Saudi health ministry trains volunteers to serve elderly pilgrims in Madinah

Pilgrims from Indonesia can be seen at the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah. (@wmngovsa)
Pilgrims from Indonesia can be seen at the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah. (@wmngovsa)
Updated 06 June 2023

Saudi health ministry trains volunteers to serve elderly pilgrims in Madinah

Pilgrims from Indonesia can be seen at the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah. (@wmngovsa)
  • Volunteers have been trained on how to deal with pilgrims from other cultures who speak different languages
  • They are also providing pilgrims with health awareness so they can safely and efficiently complete their rituals

RIYADH: The Ministry of Health’s Madinah branch has launched a program run by volunteers to provide health, education, and ambulance services to elderly pilgrims and residents of the holy city.

The ministry said that 121 volunteers had signed up to the program and are offering their services at centers near Islamic sites in Madinah frequented by pilgrims including the Prophet’s Mosque, Quba Mosque, Masjid Al-Qiblatain, the Miqat Mosque, and Sayed Al-Shuhada Mosque.

Volunteers have been trained on how to deal with pilgrims from other cultures who speak different languages.

They are also providing pilgrims with health awareness so they can safely and efficiently complete their rituals.

The program will run until the end of this year’s Hajj season.