Candles and potions: Saudi entrepreneurs mix it up with passion

Mawadda Al-Surehi’s brand Agape & Co. offers organic oils, incense, and more. (Instagram/agapendco)
Mawadda Al-Surehi’s brand Agape & Co. offers organic oils, incense, and more. (Instagram/agapendco)
Short Url
Updated 27 August 2024
Follow

Candles and potions: Saudi entrepreneurs mix it up with passion

Mawadda Al-Surehi’s brand Agape & Co. offers organic oils, incense, and more. (Instagram/agapendco)
  • Products bring joy and calm to people’s lives

RIYADH: From whimsical and fragrant candles to oils and sage, small business entrepreneurs in Saudi Arabia are boosting the market with products that bring joy and calm to people’s lives.

Their journeys showcase the vibrant entrepreneurial spirit which is thriving as part of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.

In 2021, from a modest room in Saudi Arabia, one woman embarked on an entrepreneurial journey with no initial capital and only a dream.




Glowr was born out of Atheer Al-Harbi’s desire to create healthier candle options. (Instagram/glowrr.sa)

Mawadda Al-Surehi’s brand Agape & Co. offers organic oils, candles, incense and high-quality gemstones, and is driven by her resilience and innovative spirit.

“My interest in candle making was sparked by my love for crafting and the satisfaction of creating products,” she told Arab News. “My passion for blending scents and creating unique designs led me to start my business.”

Al-Surehi’s journey began with a single candle made on a portable stove. As a self-taught candlemaker, she credits online courses and hands-on experience for pushing her forward.




Al-Surehi meticulously sources products with a focus on sustainability and eco-friendly materials. (Supplied)

She added: “I always dreamed of offering something I have full faith in.”

Her brand’s rise started in a modest room at home and, by 2024, she had a registered trademark, a warehouse, staff, and a factory partnership.

Reflecting on her career, Al-Surehi said: “I’m not going to lie, I faced a lot of challenges, including keeping the handmade spirit of the products. It’s not easy at all to produce a large quantity where every piece has been overseen by me.”




Despite the challenges of selling scents online, Al-Harbi remains steadfast in conveying the product’s essence. (Supplied)

Al-Surehi meticulously sources products with a focus on sustainability and eco-friendly materials.

This included partnering with an organic oils farm in Hungary. “It was a dream come true,” she said, as it allowed her to ensure that every product is made with top-notch organic oils.

She added: “I have always been fascinated by gemstones and their healing properties.”

Like many small business owners in Saudi Arabia and around the world, social media has proved to be a potent platform for marketing products and growing a loyal customer base. Agape’s Instagram, which boasts more than 7,500 followers, provides an album of photographs to introduce its products to new and old customers.

Al-Surehi is looking forward to the future at Agape, and adds that she never stops planning and thinking about the company.

She said: “I literally think about it around the clock. There will always be new products and collections.”

She is not alone in the vibrant entrepreneurial landscape of Saudi Arabia, and there are other stories unfolding parallel to her own.

Glowr was born out of Atheer Al-Harbi’s desire to create healthier candle options. “The frequent headaches from conventional candles pushed me to explore organic alternatives,” Al-Harbi told Arab News.

This led to the creation of scented, eco-friendly candles. Despite the challenges of selling scents online, Al-Harbi remains steadfast in conveying the product’s essence.

She added: “I believe in connecting with customers through storytelling and providing samples to help them choose the right fragrance.”

Abaq started as a creative endeavor to create personalized gifts, and has grown into a business propelled by positive feedback. Its founder reflected: “Finding affordable raw materials was tough, but perseverance and creativity kept us going.”

Embracing platforms like TikTok has been a pivotal marketing strategy, allowing the brand to showcase its products to large audiences. “Understanding our customers and pricing competitively is key to our success,” its founder added.

Bassam Al-Ghamdi’s Shiro Studio began as a family project with a vision to create meaningful and joyful products, and now sells soy candles and home accessories like cups and cup holders. “Our inspiration comes from nature and culture, and we continually seek to refine our craft,” Al-Ghamdi told Arab News.

Despite the challenges of sourcing quality materials, local resources like beeswax have been utilized in an innovative way.

Al-Ghamdi added: “Staying updated on market trends and adapting to them is crucial.”

The business has plans to expand both locally and internationally, and with nearly 8,000 followers on Instagram it has tapped into the power of social media to uplift the brand.


Jazan governor inaugurates Saudi International Medical Education Conference

Jazan governor inaugurates Saudi International Medical Education Conference
Updated 15 sec ago
Follow

Jazan governor inaugurates Saudi International Medical Education Conference

Jazan governor inaugurates Saudi International Medical Education Conference
  • President of Jazan University Mohammed Abu Rasin said that the conference is being organized to keep pace with the world in the field of medical education
  • Jazan Governor Prince Mohammed bin Nasser attended the cooperation signing ceremony between Jazan University, the Armed Forces Hospital in Jazan, and Abha International Private Hospital

JAZAN: Jazan Governor Prince Mohammed bin Nasser inaugurated the Saudi International Medical Education Conference at Jazan University on Wednesday.

The two-day conference was organized by the university’s faculty of medicine in partnership with the Saudi Society for Medical Education and the Deans’ Committee of Medical Colleges in the Kingdom.

In his welcome speech, the president of Jazan University, Mohammed Abu Rasin, said that the conference is being organized to keep pace with the world in the field of medical education, which manifests the Kingdom’s vision to foster medical innovation, enhance development, and signifies the support of the Saudi leadership for higher education.

Abu Rasin said that medical professionals from within and outside the Kingdom, will enrich educational processes and contribute to the creation of an effective scientific platform that keeps pace with global technology.

President of the Saudi Society for Medical Education Dr. Hussein Al Zahrani, said that the conference was initiated to facilitate communication between health professionals and researchers and to ensure continual cooperation between institutions for medical education.

Al Zahrani pointed out that the conference, held under the slogan “Education Cooperation among Health Professions:  Expectations and Challenges,” will discuss the strategies of empowering medical faculty members and enhancing their competencies in medical education, and identify challenges, organize conferences and provide opportunities for the development of medical education in the Kingdom.

He said that in addition to contributions and recent developments in medical education, such as e-learning, simulation and virtual reality, the research abstracts in the conference totalled 200, of which 90 were accepted as scientific posters; not to forget the achievement of hosting an elite group of participants in the field of health education at an international level.

The governor attended the cooperation signing ceremony between Jazan University, the Armed Forces Hospital in Jazan, and Abha International Private Hospital.


At least 120,000 Saudis benefited from social training programs in 2024, says vice minister

At least 120,000 Saudis benefited from social training programs in 2024, says vice minister
Updated 42 min 45 sec ago
Follow

At least 120,000 Saudis benefited from social training programs in 2024, says vice minister

At least 120,000 Saudis benefited from social training programs in 2024, says vice minister
  • Abdullah Abuthnain: We introduced new reforms such as launching the professional accreditation program to verify the capabilities of expatriate workers in all categories
  • Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development aims to upskill and reskill more than 320,000 workers in seven sectors in cooperation with the human capacity development program

RIYADH: At least 120,000 people this year have benefited from government training programs and skill development initiatives aimed at achieving financial independence, a Saudi vice minister told Arab News.

Abdullah Abuthnain, vice minister of human resources and social development for labor at the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, spoke to Arab News about some of the ministry’s recent initiatives that were discussed at the Regional Social Security Forum for Asia and the Pacific, organized by the General Organization for Social Insurance, or GOSI, in Riyadh.

“We introduced new reforms such as launching the professional accreditation program to verify the capabilities of expatriate workers in all categories. In partnership with employers, we launched the national training campaign, Waad, to provide about 3 million training opportunities,” he said.

The ministry aims to upskill and reskill more than 320,000 workers in seven sectors in cooperation with the human capacity development program, Abuthnain added.

It has also established 12 councils to improve the skills of the Saudi workforce, he said.

One notable initiative was the launching of the “Qiwa” platform, which provides more than 130 basic services to regulate the market, Abuthnain said.

The ministry has encouraged the digitization of contracts and has set regulations to support new forms of work, such as adopting freelance work, flexible work and remote work, he added.

The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development aims to support low-income groups in society by promoting their integration and empowerment.

To achieve this, the ministry established “empowerment clinics,” which serve as community centers connecting government entities with the private and non-profit sectors to meet the diverse needs of individuals and families receiving social security.

A session at the forum, “Practical Approaches to Excellence in Social Security Administration,” demonstrated the importance of enhancing efficient and effective social security laws.

The session also addressed several key topics, including ways to improve productivity, protect workers and ensure unemployment insurance coverage.

The forum provides an exclusive framework for professionals to exchange experiences, strategies and best practices, to enhance administrative efficiency and supporting innovation methods, said Ammar Nagadi, vice minister of economy and planning.

Participants agreed on the need to develop effective training and professional programs to support the unemployed in returning to the labor market, along with improving compensation disbursement mechanisms.

They discussed investing social security funds in long-term investment projects that ensure substantial returns and enhance the financial sustainability of social security systems, with a focus on transformation and innovation in this field.

In the plenary session titled “Transformation and Innovation — Key Success Factors,” speakers emphasized digital transformation and innovation in addressing the growing challenges facing social security systems.

GOSI also received 10 international certificates of excellence in the field of social security best practices, presented by Dr. Mohamed Azman, president of the International Social Security Association, during the forum.

The certificates recognized the authority’s success in the digital transformation of insurance protection and detecting insurance fraud.


Innovation forum connects French companies with Saudi partners

Innovation forum connects French companies with Saudi partners
Updated 56 min 42 sec ago
Follow

Innovation forum connects French companies with Saudi partners

Innovation forum connects French companies with Saudi partners
  • Top tech companies represented
  • Summit highlights national climate efforts

RIYADH: A delegation of 20 top French technology companies gathered in Riyadh for the third French-Saudi Innovation Forum at the Crowne Plaza Digital City on Wednesday.

Companies were able to connect with potential Saudi partners, showcase their skills, and assess their expectations and needs with a view to establishing formal partnerships.

Solar-powered drone manufacturer Xsun was one such company. Benjamin David, CEO and founder, told Arab News: “We have signed a contract to create a subsidiary of the Xsun group in Saudi Arabia with a local partner wishing to deploy this technology.

“Our Saudi partner aims to build an assembly plant for our machines, which will also serve as a maintenance center, pilot training center and flight center for flying these machines.

“This center will also be able to welcome visitors for demonstration flights and offer services for using our systems. All these things will be possible thanks to this partnership.

“The advantage is that it’s very sunny in Arabia most of the time. For example, if we look back over the last 25 years, we can see that the amount of sun falling on the ground is completely reproducible every month of the year.

“This means we can accurately predict the amount of solar energy and fully anticipate the autonomy of these solar machines.

“This autonomy will enable us not only to cover great distances and large areas, but also to acquire a considerable amount of data for monitoring marine biodiversity and environmental monitoring of projects.

“We are currently in discussions with the major Saudi nature reserves to preserve the environment and its flora and fauna,” he said.

David said that the Saudi market was very dynamic and keen on innovation, with a young and well-educated population, “which is a perfect match for our needs.”

This year’s symposium featured high-level discussions between French and Saudi industrial leaders, including representatives of the Saudi Made initiative and La French Fab, to foster strategic partnerships to support sustainable industrial growth in the region.

Panel discussions explored how sustainable technologies could transform the industrial landscape in Saudi Arabia while respecting the environment.

Discussions also focused on Saudi Arabia’s commitment to localize industries and integrate women into its industrial sector.

The event was held in partnership with the Saudi Ministry of Investment and the National Industrial Development and Logistics Program.


Chedi Hegra Hotel opens at UNESCO site

Chedi Hegra Hotel opens at UNESCO site
Updated 05 December 2024
Follow

Chedi Hegra Hotel opens at UNESCO site

Chedi Hegra Hotel opens at UNESCO site
  • Chedi Hegra Hotel will feature 35 rooms designed to reflect harmony between luxury and the surrounding environment
  • Chedi Hegra integrates existing structures, such as the railway station, into its architecture, preserving the cultural heritage of the region while blending it with modernity

ALULA: The Royal Commission for AlUla has announced the opening of the Chedi Hegra Hotel within the Hegra Archaeological Site, the first UNESCO World Heritage Site in Saudi Arabia.

The hotel, representing a new chapter in AlUla’s development as a world-class tourist destination, will feature 35 rooms designed to reflect harmony between luxury and the surrounding environment. It integrates existing structures, such as the railway station, into its architecture, preserving the cultural heritage of the region while blending it with modernity.

Guests can enjoy three culinary experiences with views of the breathtaking natural environment, as well as a heritage gallery, a wellness center, and a Saudi coffee house.

The main restaurant is located in the station, featuring a rare 1906 carriage at its center. The train maintenance area has also been preserved and can be viewed through a glass floor.


Kingdom shines in Times Higher Education Arab university rankings

Kingdom shines in Times Higher Education Arab university rankings
Updated 05 December 2024
Follow

Kingdom shines in Times Higher Education Arab university rankings

Kingdom shines in Times Higher Education Arab university rankings
  • KAUST tops prestigious regional survey for second consecutive year
  • Saudi Arabia dominates with top 3 places and 5 universities in top 10

RIYADH: Saudi Arabian universities dominated the latest Times Higher Education Arab University Rankings, with King Abdullah University of Science and Technology securing first place for a second consecutive year.

Sharing the results, the Times Higher Education portal said that Saudi Arabia is number one in the 2024 rankings, with the Kingdom claiming all top three places and five universities in the top 10.

“KAUST is number one in the Arab region, thanks to strong performances in the research environment, society, and research quality pillars,” a statement on the portal said.

Following the announcement, KAUST said that the achievement highlights the university’s rapid development under its Accelerating Impact Strategy announced last year.

The top ranking also reflects the university’s “commitment to supporting the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals, especially in enhancing the global profile of educational institutions in Saudi Arabia.”

KAUST President Edward Byrne said: “Achieving this distinction for a second consecutive year is a definitive affirmation of KAUST’s exceptional impact.

“It cements our standing as a global hub for innovation and knowledge, elevating Saudi Arabia’s profile on the world stage. This back-to-back success, made possible by everyone at KAUST, underscores our transformative role in shaping a future defined by scientific and technological leadership.”

Consecutive top spots following a second placing in 2022 highlight KAUST’s leadership in Arab and global academic communities.

This follows KAUST’s recent achievement of leading the Middle East with 14 faculty members recognized in the Clarivate Highly Cited Researchers list 2024, reinforcing the university’s research-driven global impact.

Following KAUST in the Times Higher Education rankings, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals is ranked second, King Saud University third, King Abdulaziz University fifth, and King Khalid University 10th.

Jordan entered the top 10 for the first time with the University of Jordan in ninth position, while Egypt rejoined the top 10 with Cairo University in eighth place.

Gulf states were also strongly represented, with Qatar University ranked fourth, and Khalifa University and United Arab Emirates University ranked sixth and seventh, respectively.

Iraq is now the most-represented country with 45 ranked institutions.

The UAE’s average overall score of 64 is the highest in the region, based on countries with at least 10 universities ranked.

This year the Times Higher Education survey ranked a record 238 universities or institutions — up from 207 last year — from 16 countries or territories. Syria also made its debut in the ranking.

“The methodology is based on the same framework as our World University Rankings, but some adjustments have been made and some new metrics have been included to reflect the features and missions of universities in the Middle East and North Africa,” Times Higher Education said.

The Times Higher Education World University Rankings, published annually since 2004, is based on 13 performance indicators that measure an institution’s performance across four areas: teaching, research, knowledge transfer, and international outlook.