Saudi fitness coach Najia Alfadl: Breaking barriers and building communities through sport

Saudi fitness coach Najia Alfadl: Breaking barriers and building communities through sport
Najia Alfadl is a coach S&C at Wellfit. (Supplied)
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Updated 30 August 2024
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Saudi fitness coach Najia Alfadl: Breaking barriers and building communities through sport

Saudi fitness coach Najia Alfadl: Breaking barriers and building communities through sport
  • ‘Knowing that you never fail, but you always learn, is key,’ says Najia Alfadl

RIYADH: Najia Alfadl — whose first name could be interpreted in Arabic as “safe haven” — has devoted her career to being just that.   

Alfadl, a Saudi fitness coach currently based in Dubai, is breaking barriers by empowering women of all ages to transform their lives through sports, and emphasizing inclusivity and community support.  

“The Najia you see today versus 10 years ago is completely different, and that’s why I respect sport,” Alfadl tells Arab News. “It empowered me. I see it firsthand, not only with myself, but with the women that I coach — how confident they are, how their self-worth improves.   




Najia Alfadl. (Supplied)

“I believe that sport teaches you valuable life skills that no one can take away from you: discipline, resilience, critical thinking. Any obstacle that you see as a big obstacle is honestly your mind tricking itself,” she continues. “If you know your ‘why,’ your ‘how,’ ‘when’ and ‘who,’ you become a powerhouse. Once I found my passion and I knew my ‘why’, I stuck with it. I’m here 10 years later doing exactly what I was hoping I would do.”   

Alfadl began her fitness journey in Saudi before moving to Dubai where she now works as a strength and conditioning coach at gym chain Wellfit.  

After graduating high school in 2014, Alfadl dove deeper into sport at university. She describes that as a “test” period, in which she was exploring her options. She began with boxing classes alongside her cousin Halah Alhamrani (now known as Saudi Arabia’s first female boxing gym owner), shadowing her as she taught classes, before moving onto CrossFit and calisthenics.   




Najia Alfadl. (Supplied)

“That was where the calling happened…I’m a true believer in the multidisciplinary approach. At the end of the day, fitness isn’t just a phase in your life, it’s for the long haul, so you think about longevity,” she says. “And fitness today, especially if you’re young, looks different in six months or three years. I just made sure that I was enjoying and taking the benefits out of everything.”   

Alfadl earned a Bachelor’s in speech and language pathology from Dar Al-Hekma University. During her time there, she had already started to think about coaching professionally, and spent many weekends traveling to workshops and seminars across the GCC, earning several training certificates along the way. And she found that her major was of great assistance in her coaching career. 

“The common ground they have is communication, whether it’s visual, tactile, or verbal. You can attend as many courses as you want and be as certified as possible but (it’s worthless if) you can’t convey what you’re supposed to. Communication is key,” she says.   




Najia Alfadl. (Supplied)

Alfadl invested much of her time at university delving into the educational aspect of coaching and the psychological nuances of fitness that are key to delivering highly technical classes like CrossFit, which incorporates weightlifting, gymnastics, and conditioning.   

“You have to be credible. People have to believe in you,” she says, stressing that that means not just the way in which a coach communicates, but also ensuring that the information communicated is accurate and safe.  

She moved to Dubai in 2021, having been head CrossFit coach at Alhamrani’s Flagboxing Fight Like A Girl Boxing Studio. When she got the offer from Wellfit, she knew that, having always challenged her clients to explore new horizons, she had to practice what she preached. 

“The idea of moving was scary after growing up and being in Saudi for so long, but the things that scare you are the ones that really end up having the most impact in your life, and that’s why I say I’m very fortunate that I took the risk of moving away from my family and getting into this crazy, rewarding, and inspirational endeavor,” she says.   

But she believes that beginning her career in the Kingdom, as opposed to a saturated overseas market, was of huge benefit.  

“My career really prospered, and was cultivated, because of the upbringing, the culture, the community, and the need for sports in Saudi. I carried a lot of those values to Dubai — building communities, creating educational spaces, and building awareness around the importance of sports, and mental health; taking care of yourself not just physically but spiritually,” she says.   

The shift to Dubai also allowed Alfadl to expand her client base, as in the Kingdom, she was limited to working only with women. Whoever she is coaching, though, she is committed to instilling in them the confidence to conquer whatever they set their minds to. 

Her top fitness tips are not focused on the physical, she says, but the mental, beginning with finding a sporting activity that “nurtures you spiritually as well.” Secondly, she says, “Knowing that you never fail, but you always learn, is key. And keeping that knowledge and seeking knowledge is what’s going to lead you to improvement. Never assume you know everything — always seek knowledge.”  

Her final piece of advice is to be kind to yourself and listen to — but also challenge — your “inner voice.” 

“I want you to reach the conclusion of your capability on your own, but with my support and guidance. It’s an open dialogue, but you have to be open to constructive criticism because you leave the session learning valuable life skills that you can apply day to day,” she says. “With sports, you see an improvement in the way that you think, your memory, and how you perceive yourself too. And that’s the real beauty of it.”   


Coldplay add second and third dates to 2025 Abu Dhabi concert

Coldplay add second and third dates to 2025 Abu Dhabi concert
Updated 25 September 2024
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Coldplay add second and third dates to 2025 Abu Dhabi concert

Coldplay add second and third dates to 2025 Abu Dhabi concert
  • Palestinian-Chilean artist Elyanna will open for the band in the Emirati capital

DUBAI: While fans across the UAE scramble to get tickets to Coldplay’s Abu Dhabi concert in January 2025, the band has added another two dates to their trip to the UAE.

The British band are now set to bring their hugely successful “Music of the Spheres World Tour” to Zayed Sports City Stadium on Jan. 11 as well as Jan. 12 and Jan. 14, it was announced on Wednesday.

Palestinian-Chilean artist Elyanna will open for the band.

The 22-year-old has been a frequent collaborator of the group this year, joining the band on stage at their Glastonbury set. Last week, she released the Arabic edition of the band's new song “We Pray.” On Saturday, she performed with Coldplay in Las Vegas.

Promoters Live Nation Middle East confirmed Abu Dhabi will be the only stop in the region for the band.


Bella Hadid returns to the runway at Saint Laurent’s Paris Fashion Week show

Bella Hadid returns to the runway at Saint Laurent’s Paris Fashion Week show
Updated 25 September 2024
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Bella Hadid returns to the runway at Saint Laurent’s Paris Fashion Week show

Bella Hadid returns to the runway at Saint Laurent’s Paris Fashion Week show

DUBAI: US Dutch Palestinian supermodel Bella Hadid made a return to the runway at Saint Laurent’s Paris Fashion Week show following a two-year hiatus from the catwalk on Tuesday night. 
The model, who has been open about her battle with Lyme disease and who recently launched a fragrance brand, hit the runway in a masculine suit by creative head Anthony Vaccarello. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by SAINT LAURENT (@ysl)


Vaccarello offered a lineup of ample, masculine suits for the Parisian label's spring-summer 2025 collection, with prominent shoulders and matching ties, Reuters reported. 
Models made their way steadily around an open-air runway set up in the central courtyard of the Kering-owned fashion house's Left Bank headquarters.
They wore thick, studious glasses or aviator shades.
Bomber jackets added heft to the silhouettes, while chunky jewelry and pointy stilettos brought extra glamour to the looks, which were closely fashioned after the personal style of the house founder, Yves Saint Laurent.
Part way through the show, Vaccarello shifted to more feminine, bohemian styles, sending out flowing skirts in paisley motifs and shimmery brocade jackets covered with flowers and paired with short skirts.
The late-night show drew crowds of onlookers who cheered at the celebrity arrivals including singer Lenny Kravitz, model Kate Moss and actor Gwyneth Paltrow. It capped the second day of Paris Fashion week, which runs to Oct. 1 and includes some of the biggest global fashion labels, including Hermes, Chanel, Valentino and LVMH-owned Louis Vuitton.


Lebanese celebrities and entrepreneurs speak out for Lebanon

Lebanese celebrities and entrepreneurs speak out for Lebanon
Updated 25 September 2024
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Lebanese celebrities and entrepreneurs speak out for Lebanon

Lebanese celebrities and entrepreneurs speak out for Lebanon

DUBAI: Amid the ongoing Israeli assault on Lebanon, Lebanese celebrities and entrepreneurs including Razane Jammal, Karen Wazen and Jessica Kahawaty have taken to social media to raise awareness and express their concerns.

British Lebanese actress Jammal, who played Lyta Hall in the 2022 Netflix adaptation of Neil Gaiman’s “The Sandman,” took to Instagram to share a piece of art that depicted a bleeding heart on a stamp of Lebanon, captioning the post, “No words. Just bleeding.”

She also posted a video from an earlier interview with Elle Arabia where she talks about the resilience of Lebanese people. She captioned the post with a quote from her interview, “I really have hope for us. I know it’s very dark, but I have hope for my people, and I have hope for my country. There is no other way… life is hope.”

 Dubai-based Lebanese influencer and entrepreneur Karen Wazen also took to Instagram to share a lengthy statement.

“From the moment we were born, war has been a reality,” she wrote. “Being Lebanese means distinguishing the sounds of an explosion, from the roar of fighter jets, the crackle of fireworks, and the breaking of sound barriers.

“Do not normalize Lebanese’ suffering. Despite our strength, we are not okay, and should not be okay,” she continued. “Do not normalize forced displacement, war crimes and human rights violations.

“Today we are all Lebanese, we are all victims of injustice, dirty politics, terrorism, racism and impunity… until when?”

 Australian Lebanese model and entrepreneur Kahawaty took to Instagram to address her more than 1.5 million followers.

“For my non-Lebanese friends, I want to tell you a little story about Lebanon. It is a small country, only 10,452 km squared which is roughly the size of New York or Tokyo. A whole country, the size of one of these popular cities. For as long as I can remember and for many years before my arrival to this world, Lebanon has been a pawn in a greater fight. My country hasn’t known peace… ever,” she began.

“I ask you all to pray for Lebanon. Our people are suffering immensely, and our hearts are broken,” she added, as she requested readers to listen to her all-time favourite excerpts of a speech by American political scientist, Michael Parenti, which she posted on social media. “This is relevant to not just Lebanon but so many countries in the world subject to the evils of… you know who.”

The speech slammed former colonial powers, saying “poor countries are not ‘under-developed,’ they are over-exploited.”


Amina Muaddi spotted at Paris Fashion Week as Amira Al-Zuhair hits the runway

 Amina Muaddi spotted at Paris Fashion Week as Amira Al-Zuhair hits the runway
Updated 25 September 2024
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Amina Muaddi spotted at Paris Fashion Week as Amira Al-Zuhair hits the runway

 Amina Muaddi spotted at Paris Fashion Week as Amira Al-Zuhair hits the runway

DUBAI: Romanian Jordanian designer Amina Muaddi, founder of the eponymous luxury brand, turned heads at the Dior show at Paris Fashion Week, while part-Saudi model Amira Al-Zuhair graced the runway for Danish fashion label Ganni.

Muaddi opted for a classic white button-down shirt and a sleek black satin pencil skirt. (Getty Images)

Muaddi, who is a regular at Dior fashion shows, opted for a classic white button-down shirt and a sleek black satin pencil skirt. Her look was accessorized with a pair of dark, round sunglasses and a small, textured blue Dior handbag.

The Dior collection, by Maria Grazia Chiuri, took a sporty turn, blending athletic prowess with an urban menace. The designs evoked a 1960s sci-fi aesthetic, reminiscent of “Star Trek,” but with an edge — daring, asymmetrical shapes paired with knee-high boots that flirted with danger.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Dior Official (@dior)

Chiuri’s intent was clear from the start: A nod to the power and autonomy of the female form. With a clear reference to Christian Dior’s iconic Amazone dress from the early 1950s, Chiuri reinterpreted the silhouette with sleek, athletic lines, the Associated Press reported.

It echoed the spirit of the recent Paris Olympics, as models walked in skin-tight black tops with geometric cut-outs, circular cutaway patterns, and lace-up boot sneakers. There was a dynamic tension between freedom of movement and structured control — a recurring theme in Chiuri’s work, which often explores the balance between comfort and couture.

Metallic accents, from shimmering embroidery to butterfly motifs, punctuated the otherwise severe palette, adding a touch of delicacy to the sharpness of the designs, according to AP.

Al-Zuhair walked the runway for Ganni in a dark grey, structured blazer styled over similarly colored tailored pants. (Getty Images)

Meanwhile, Al-Zuhair, whose mother is French, walked the runway for Ganni in a dark grey, structured blazer styled over similarly colored tailored pants. Adding an artistic touch, the model also wore a large, ruffled pale blue scarf around her neck, which contrasted with the dark tones of the outfit. 

On Wednesday, Al-Zuhair also shared images of the Missoni show she participated in during Milan Fashion Week on Instagram.

She wore a dynamic, eye-catching ensemble featuring bold, wavy stripes in black, white and yellow. The outfit included an asymmetrical top adorned with exaggerated ruffled detailing that cascaded down one side, paired with a high-waisted bikini bottom. Completing the look were matching high-heeled sandals in vibrant yellow, adding an extra pop of color.


Saudi-backed Johnny Depp film gets standing ovation at San Sebastian

Saudi-backed Johnny Depp film gets standing ovation at San Sebastian
Updated 25 September 2024
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Saudi-backed Johnny Depp film gets standing ovation at San Sebastian

Saudi-backed Johnny Depp film gets standing ovation at San Sebastian

DUBAI: The cast of Johnny Depp-helmed “Modi – Three Days on the Wing of Madness” took to the San Sebastian Film Festival red carpet in Spain on Tuesday night to usher in the star’s second directorial feature.

The film was supported by Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea Film Foundation through its Red Sea International Film Financing initiative. 

Red Sea Film Foundation Managing Director Shivani Pandya, Saudi film producer Mohammed Al-Turki — who was previously the CEO of the Red Sea Film Festival — Depp, and stars Riccardo Scamarcio, Antonia Desplat, Bruno Gouery, Ryan McParland and Luisa Ranieri attended the premiere.

The period flick debuted out of competition in San Sebastian where it earned a long standing ovation, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

“Modi” is Depp’s second directorial effort and comes 27 years after “The Brave,” his debut film as a director. Described as a “seventy-two-hour whirlwind in the life of bohemian artist Amedeo Modigliani,” the film follows the artist through a chaotic series of events through the streets of war-time Paris in 1916. 

At the press conference ahead of the screening, Depp revealed that co-star Al Pacino advised him to helm the movie. “I got a very strange phone call from Al Pacino who said ‘Do remember this Modigliani project?’ and he said I should direct it,” Depp said, according to Deadline.

“For some reason, Al saw me driving this strange machine. And when Pacino speaks, you listen, so I ran with it. But I had no idea what it would be until the pieces of the puzzle came together.”