Australian wellness educator Barbara O’Neill promotes natural health benefits at Riyadh seminar

Special Australian wellness educator Barbara O’Neill promotes natural health benefits at Riyadh seminar
Australian wellness influencer Barbara O’Neill hosted a three-day workshop in Riyadh. (AN photo by Loai Elkelawy)
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Updated 20 September 2024
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Australian wellness educator Barbara O’Neill promotes natural health benefits at Riyadh seminar

Australian wellness educator Barbara O’Neill promotes natural health benefits at Riyadh seminar
  • Viral Australian social media wellness expert Barbara O’Neill hosts 3-day workshop in the Kingdom

RIYADH: Barbara O’Neill, a prominent Australian health lecturer and wellness influencer, journeyed from the Australia to the heart of the Kingdom to host a three-day curated workshop at Huna Takhassusi in Riyadh from Sept. 17-19.

During her first visit to the Kingdom, Arab News spoke exclusively to O’Neill about her workshop and hopes for the future.

“The people in Saudi Arabia are interested in health just as much as everywhere else in the world,” she told Arab News. “A lot of people today are becoming disillusioned with the medical way of treating things. You’ve got a problem, here’s a drug. And my teachings have become quite popular here in Saudi Arabia, in Dubai, in many parts of the world.”

The daughter of an inventor, O’Neill’s father would often turn things inside out to see how they worked. Her family dynamic always encouraged her and her siblings to constantly explore the “why” in everything. Why does this work this way? Why does it not? That key question was how she was able to unlock her potential, first in her own household, then in her unconventional career path.

The 71-year-old has raised six children. When she was 25, her young son had an ear ailment. Her 85-year-old neighbor told her to use an onion poultice, which O’Neill immediately put on her son’s ear. It worked. That simple act inspired her to take the natural route and prioritize organic ingredients to treat daily issues.

In essence, she turned to Mother Nature to guide her and — unless someone required major surgery or was plagued with a very serious health crisis — to try to go to the earth to find what helps. Despite some rumors, O’Neill is adamant that she is not against modern medicine or doctors but prioritizes using natural ways to heal first.

Day one of the workshop was dedicated to carving out a balanced life in the middle of chaos and focusing on hormonal health; day two explored heart health, obesity and diabetes, and day three was an interactive workshop, centering on poultice and natural herbs.

O’Neill first skyrocketed to online fame during the COVID-19 pandemic four years ago, when videos of her lecturing on health and wellness went viral on TikTok and Instagram, amassing hundreds of millions of views.

Her “simple” methods and tips made her a popular choice for those scrolling social media channels during lockdown.

During her Saudi seminars, she brought her life-changing expertise in holistic health and natural therapies directly to the Kingdom. Many knew her from social media.

As Saudi Arabia focuses more on health and wellness, O’Neill’s visit was perfectly timed. The venue, Huna Takhassusi, a hybrid co-working space and community hub, handpicked O’Neill to come and offer her wisdom and support.

Farah Taher, head of events and partnerships at Huna, told Arab News that they were excited to include O’Neill in their programming.

“To see Huna come to fruition and being a part of it from day one, putting pen to paper, construction sites to fully occupied spaces by the community and now spreading to Jeddah and soon AlUla, feels like an ongoing full circle moment,” Taher said. “And what better way to sustain that than with guests like Barbara, who remind us to focus on our health and connecting with nature.”

O’Neill’s journey to Saudi Arabia was spurred by a series of interconnected events. She was hosting a retreat in Thailand in May with her husband when she met consultant Andleeb Wanee, from Dubai. Wanee helped her organize the first Dubai retreat, and, after that wild success, Saudi Arabia came into the picture.

“I always say yes. It’s very difficult for me to say no — but I was happy to,” O’Neill told Arab News, reflecting on how she came to be in Saudi Arabia.

In her Riyadh talks, she addressed the importance of sunshine and its impact on health, an area particularly relevant to the Saudi context.

“The sunshine is very important,” she said, highlighting historical vitamin D deficiencies in the Kingdom. Equally important is sleep, rest, exercise and consuming enough fresh water. She reminded the packed-house at Huna to split their day well: To have eight hours of work, eight hours of play and eight hours of rest.

O’Neill also explored practical advice for dealing with modern lifestyle challenges, such as burnout and sleep issues exacerbated by excessive use of digital devices, that she said “light up like Christmas lights.

“The blue light that the device gives off is a different frequency to the blue light of the sunlight,” she added. This insight is particularly pertinent in today’s tech-driven world, where balancing screen time with natural light is crucial for maintaining health. 

Perhaps O’Neill’s most unpopular move was urging the audience not to drink coffee, for its addictive nature and how it disturbs the body’s natural rhythm.

But she won the audience back when she mentioned Saudi dates and how useful the fruit is as a natural sweetener.

O’Neill’s work underscores the importance of preventive health measures and the integration of local knowledge, making her contributions valuable to audiences across the globe.

“My program’s very tight. I am booked out a year ahead, and so it was not easy to find a spot (for the Saudi workshop), but we found a spot. If there was a will, there’s a way,” she said.

A key theme of O’Neill’s workshop was the role of conventional medicine compared to natural health approaches. She highlighted the limitations of current medical practices, noting that despite advances, heart disease remains the world’s leading cause of death.

“The number one killer in the world today is heart disease, and it just alarms me that it’s still the number one killer 40 years later. In other words, what medicine is doing to combat this really isn’t working. It’s almost Band-Aid stuff,” she said.

O’Neill also spoke about the crucial role of prevention and lifestyle changes in combating health issues.

“I usually start by saying, everyone that has a heart should be here — what’s the old saying? “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure’,” she added.

Another focus of O’Neill’s workshop was addressing burnout and the importance of a balanced lifestyle. She shared her personal routine and principles, saying: “I found a formula — it’s the sustainment principles. No matter where I am, I eat very well, I drink a lot of water and I keep to the routine no matter where I am.”

Her career trajectory began with a focus on natural health for her own family, and has grown into a thriving platform for educating others. Her personal experiences with natural remedies and health practices laid the foundation for her professional journey.

Her latest book, “Sustain Me,” emerged from her extensive knowledge and practical experiences. O’Neill unknowingly created the book through notes upon notes because individuals kept asking for her advice and tips.

“People email me and say ‘what can I do for osteoporosis?’ So, then I’d write things. And then I thought one day, instead of reinventing the wheel, I’ll just go to my notes section.”

The book was born.

It compiles practical advice on various health issues, aiming to be a resource for everyday use. It was on sale during her session at Huna.

O’Neill’s visit to Saudi Arabia also included a discussion on natural remedies native to the region. “I was given some dried lime yesterday, and I hear that you can pour boiling water on it, so I’m eager to try that,” she said.


All-women ranger team leads Saudi royal reserve’s 5,000th patrol

All-women ranger team leads Saudi royal reserve’s 5,000th patrol
Updated 04 October 2024
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All-women ranger team leads Saudi royal reserve’s 5,000th patrol

All-women ranger team leads Saudi royal reserve’s 5,000th patrol

RIYADH: An all-women team of Saudi environmental rangers has led the 5,000th patrol of the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve in the Kingdom’s northwest.

Andrew Zaloumis, the reserve authority’s CEO, said that women are “breaking new ground” at the 24,500 sq. km site “one patrol at a time.”

Ranger teams play a significant role in protecting the environment, but are also involved in women’s empowerment efforts that are a focus of the reserve, Zaloumis said in a statement.

“Globally, women rangers are recognized as vital for conservation success, but gender inequalities and challenges persist,” he added.

“At Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve, women make up 30 percent of our 183-strong Saudi ranger team — well above the global average of less than 11 percent.”

Women’s leadership is behind the success of empowerment efforts, he said, citing women in senior management positions and a specialized unit in social and economic development that allows local women to become environmental conservation leaders.

“We are building the next generation of conservationists, equipped with the specialist skill set necessary to conserve Saudi Arabia’s endangered wildlife and wild landscapes,” Zaloumis said.

The all-women ranger team, which was appointed two years ago, is paving the way for new career positions for women in the Kingdom.

Ghaida Al-Balawi, one of the rangers, told Arab News about some of the team’s achievements.

“The most significant achievement since joining the team has been successfully raising the level of environmental awareness among local and international visitors, as well as protecting certain endangered species such as the Arabian partridge and the hawksbill turtle. This was accomplished through our effective environmental protection patrols,” she said.

Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve contains 15 distinct ecosystems across its mountain ridges, life-giving wadis and Red Sea coral reefs.

The reserve launched a development plan two months ago, publishing a road map covering environmental, economic, social, cultural and tourism targets.


KSrelief provides training for earthquake victims in Turkiye’s Hatay

KSrelief provides training for earthquake victims in Turkiye’s Hatay
Updated 04 October 2024
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KSrelief provides training for earthquake victims in Turkiye’s Hatay

KSrelief provides training for earthquake victims in Turkiye’s Hatay
  • The third and fourth volunteer training programs were for members of the Syria and Turkiye communities
  • The training for 91 people took place between Sept. 29 and Oct. 4, with 20 volunteers participating

RIYADH: Volunteers from the Kingdom’s aid agency KSrelief have provided training for earthquake victims in Hatay province, Turkiye, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Friday.

The third and fourth volunteer training programs were for members of the Syria and Turkiye communities.

The training for 91 people took place between Sept. 29 and Oct. 4, with 20 volunteers participating.

Since the campaign’s launch, advanced economic empowerment courses have been offered including sewing and embroidery, refrigeration and air conditioning, multimedia technology, graphic design, and computer maintenance.

In addition, other support included therapy sessions, psychological empowerment, and first aid training.

This was provided for 217 people including the sighted and visually impaired.


Saudi Arabia’s KSrelief volunteers conduct heart surgery in El Salvador

Saudi Arabia’s KSrelief volunteers conduct heart surgery in El Salvador
Updated 04 October 2024
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Saudi Arabia’s KSrelief volunteers conduct heart surgery in El Salvador

Saudi Arabia’s KSrelief volunteers conduct heart surgery in El Salvador
  • The operations were conducted between Sept. 26 and Oct. 3 by eight medical specialists

RIYADH: A volunteer medical team from the Kingdom’s aid agency KSrelief has performed 20 specialized vascular and catheterization operations in San Salvador, El Salvador, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Friday.

The operations were conducted between Sept. 26 and Oct. 3 by eight medical specialists.

The volunteer program is a part of Saudi Arabia’s humanitarian efforts, through KSrelief, to provide aid to those in need around the world.


Experts show off skills at Riyadh culinary event 

Experts show off skills at Riyadh culinary event 
Updated 03 October 2024
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Experts show off skills at Riyadh culinary event 

Experts show off skills at Riyadh culinary event 
  • Sirha Arabia gathered 300 exhibitors from the Kingdom and around the world to share their expertise in the culinary and hospitality sectors

RIYADH: In collaboration with the Culinary Arts Commission and the Saudi Conventions & Exhibitions General Authority, Sirha Arabia gathered 300 exhibitors from the Kingdom and around the world to share their expertise in the culinary and hospitality sectors on Thursday.

“The experience is extremely positive: Sirha brought to Arabia a very high-profile audience and the organization has been premium, we could feel its quality,” Vittorio Rocchi, the CEO of Sitaf Saudi Co. for Trade, told Arab News.

Sitaf was established in 1976 and currently has a list of more than 3,000 products.

It was one of the main exhibitors presenting during Sirha Arabia with two large booths.

The company showcased live cooking shows in their kitchens offering guests the opportunity to sample pizzas, pasta, dairy products, and seafood.

“There is a fantastic production of fresh sushi and sashimi with dedicated Japanese chefs,” Rocchi told Arab News. “The highlight was the live cutting of a 180 kg fatty tuna, performed by a professional tuna cutter. Simply amazing,” he said.

The Kingdom is working to expand its position as a global player in the catering and hospitality sectors embracing international trends while showcasing local and international products and companies such as Sitaf.

Sirha Food is organized by Sirha Lyon, a globally renowned food service event, taking place every two years in Lyon, France.

The event has expanded to include Saudi Arabia on its list of host countries.

“This is the first time ever for Sirha in KSA and we believed a lot in it. We will continue our path with Sirah for the years to come and grow together,” Rocchi said.

Sirha Arabia consisted of 60 speakers and three pavilions: the Sirha Food Forum, the Sirha Food Masters, and Newcomers for exhibitors presenting for the first time.

The exhibition also served as a one-stop shop for chefs and businesses looking to start a restaurant or expand their at-home culinary portfolio.

The exhibition also hosted a masterclass in macaroons led by the executive pastry chef, Steve Thiery, and other international chefs.

Discussion sessions were hosted which highlighted topics such as Saudi and intentional flavor fusions, “inspiring the next generation of culinary and hospital experts,” dairy trade and export, and navigating the challenges of different markets.

Discussing the reactions of visitors, Rocchi said: “Most visitors were amazed by the size and display of the booth, but most importantly they were impressed by the chefs cooking at the live stations.

“They could enjoy the best flavors of Italian cuisine and this made everyone really happy,” he added.

“For sure, Sitaf is the leading Saudi company in gourmet food,” he stressed. “Sitaf has a range of 70 percent Italian products, we are very proud to be representing this country in the Kingdom. But Sitaf is more, we consider products all over the world as long as it is genuine and high quality,” he said.

On trade relations between Saudi Arabia and Italy, Rocchi said: “We would like to see more Saudi products expand their market share in Italy, I am sure they will because they are of very high quality.” 

He added: “On our hand, we will work to help Saudi brands and products improve and increase, it will work very well.“


‘Riyadh Reads’: Pakistani panelists at book fair push for cultural diplomacy

‘Riyadh Reads’: Pakistani panelists at book fair push for cultural diplomacy
Updated 03 October 2024
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‘Riyadh Reads’: Pakistani panelists at book fair push for cultural diplomacy

‘Riyadh Reads’: Pakistani panelists at book fair push for cultural diplomacy
  • Annual Riyadh International Book Fair began Sept. 26, ends Oct. 5
  • Over 2,000 publishers from 30 countries are participating in event

ISLAMABAD: Pakistani panelists at Saudi Arabia’s largest annual book fair said this week “cultural diplomacy” could open new arenas of cooperation between the two nations as they called for more quality translations of literature in the Arabic and Urdu languages and an exchange of writers and artists.

The Riyadh International Book Fair, themed “Riyadh Reads” and spread over 800 pavilions, is organized yearly by the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission.

It began on Sept. 26 and runs to Oct. 5, with over 2,000 publishing houses from 30 countries participating, according to the Saudi Press Agency. The schedule includes seminars, panel discussions, poetry recitals, stage performances and workshops.

On Tuesday, the fair hosted a panel titled “Shared Voices: Literature and Art as Bridges of Culture and Understanding.”

It featured Ahmad Farooq, ambassador of Pakistan to Saudi Arabia, Suljuk Mustansar Tarar, ambassador of Pakistan to the Netherlands, and Ameena Saiyid, a well-known Pakistani publisher and the founder of the famed Karachi Literary Festival.

The panel was moderated by Yazed Almulhem, a strategic planning consultant with the Saudi Tourism Investment Company.

“Saudi Arabia and Pakistan historically shared close ties, but cultural diplomacy offered a new vista of deepening the relationship even further, as cultural affinities brought people together,” the Pakistani embassy said in a statement shared with media on Wednesday.

In pursuance of these efforts, the embassy said it was “meaningfully engaged” with Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Culture through 11 cultural commissions, and several projects were in the pipeline.

Speaking to Arab News, ambassador Tarar, an author and the son of renowned writer Mustansar Hussain Tarar, said books “unified nations” and thus better translations were necessary for cross-acculturation.

“Having quality translations of good fiction and literature in Arabic and Urdu is very important to develop a stronger understanding of each other,” he said.

The author said the book fair was a “great opportunity” for an engaging conversation on culture’s role as a “bridge builder,” and its impact on fostering understanding across different societies and cultures.

“The messaging was very useful that indeed arts and literature can provide a great opportunity to connect different countries, especially countries from the wider Islamic world or Global South,” Tarar added.

“It is a very important tool for countries like us, such as Pakistan or even Saudi Arabia, to proactively pursue public diplomacy or cultural diplomacy in bringing forth the overall context of our society.”

Another panelist, Saiyid, a publisher and former managing director of the Oxford University Press, said literature festivals were essential as a “platform for cross-cultural dialogue.”

“They encourage us to engage with unfamiliar perspectives by listening to diverse voices, and through that, we actually break down stereotypes, and we foster greater understanding across borders,” she told Arab News over the phone from Riyadh.

“In our discussion, I actually emphasized the importance of exchange programs that bring artists and writers from Pakistan to Saudi Arabia and vice versa, as this fosters understanding, helps us appreciate different viewpoints, and breaks down existing stereotypes.”

Saiyid, who in 2005 became the first Pakistani woman to be awarded the Order of the British Empire for her services to women’s rights, education, and intellectual property rights, said she hoped more Arab writers and artists would visit Pakistan.

This would allow them to “become a part of our festivals, which will help to promote understanding of cross-cultural literature and art,” she added.