Women work to redefine leadership strategies in Middle East entertainment industry

Women work to redefine leadership strategies in Middle East entertainment industry
Panelists Nada Radwan, Lina El Deek, Hind Galadari, and moderator Maya Mattar share insights on the evolving role of women in the Middle East’s entertainment industry at IAAPA Middle East Trade Summit 2025.(AN photo by Waad Hussain)
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Updated 19 February 2025
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Women work to redefine leadership strategies in Middle East entertainment industry

Women work to redefine leadership strategies in Middle East entertainment industry
  • Women increasingly taking on leadership roles
  • Rapidly expanding industry offers new opportunities  

RIYADH: Women are increasingly taking on leadership roles in the region’s entertainment industry, in operations, strategy and risk management.

At the IAAPA Middle East Trade Summit 2025 in Riyadh on Tuesday, female executives shared how they are adapting leadership strategies to meet the sector’s rapid evolution.

For many professionals in the region, careers in entertainment were not an obvious choice. Nada Radwan, business development manager at Adirondack Studios, spoke about her transition from interior design to themed entertainment.

“In the Arab world, family plays a big role in career choices, and medicine and engineering are often seen as the safest options,” she said. “For me, I knew that math and chemistry were not for me, so I chose interior design — something creative yet practical.”

She described how her fascination with how spaces evoke emotions led her into the entertainment industry. “I had no plan of becoming anywhere close to this industry. I just followed what excited me,” she said. “My advice to those considering a career shift? Go for it. Build on what sparks joy for you, be open to learning, and move forward with no regrets.”

With the industry rapidly expanding, a new challenge has emerged — managing a younger workforce with different priorities. Hind Galadari, deputy general manager at Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, highlighted the evolving expectations of Gen Z employees.

“They don’t care about job security the way previous generations did,” she said. “They care about their well-being, their purpose, and what they can contribute to the world.”

Moderated by author and development coach Maya Mattar, the session, “Women Transforming the Middle East’s Entertainment Industry,” set a bold tone.

“This is not your typical women’s empowerment session,” Mattar said. “We are not here to preach or hand out badges of honor. In this room, we have a seat at the table, and let’s be honest — it’s a pretty good seat.”

Lina El-Deek, partner at PwC Middle East, emphasized that the success of entertainment projects depends on balancing customer experience, financial sustainability and data security.

“We have an existential risk in driving the right customer experience,” she said. “It’s all about how people feel when they visit our attractions. Will they come back? Will they recommend it to others? If we don’t get this right, we fail.”

She also stressed the importance of building inclusive workplaces. “This business is all about diversity. We bring people from across the world, and we need to manage that properly,” she said. “Leadership must set the right tone, create clear cultural policies, and engage employees through active inclusion.”

Galadari emphasized the need for adaptability when improving workforce culture. “The culture doesn’t change overnight,” she said. “The park opens in an instant, but the team takes time to transition. That’s why hiring the right mindset, not just skills, is essential.”


Al-Azm Mosque in AlUla latest to undergo restoration in crown prince project

Al-Azm Mosque in AlUla latest to undergo restoration in crown prince project
Updated 8 sec ago
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Al-Azm Mosque in AlUla latest to undergo restoration in crown prince project

Al-Azm Mosque in AlUla latest to undergo restoration in crown prince project
  • The mosque, which dates back more than 14 centuries to the era of the Prophet Muhammad, holds significant historical and religious importance

RIYADH: The second phase of the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project for the Development of Historic Mosques has expanded to include the restoration of Al-Azm Mosque in AlUla, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

The mosque, which dates back more than 14 centuries to the era of the Prophet Muhammad, holds significant historical and religious importance.

It is believed that the Prophet Muhammad marked his direction of prayer at the site using bones while en route to the Battle of Tabuk in the ninth year of the Hijra, SPA added.

The renovation will be carried out in the traditional architectural style of Madinah, and will ensure the mosque can accommodate up to 580 worshippers.

The project will use natural materials, including clay, stone, and wood sourced from local trees. Historically built with stone and plastered interior walls, the mosque has undergone multiple architectural changes over the centuries.

A key feature of the restoration will be the use of cut stones of varying sizes, bonded with clay mortar, and palm tree components for roofing, providing both structural support and insulation, SPA reported.

The Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project for the Development of Historic Mosques seeks to strike a balance between traditional craftsmanship and modern construction standards, ensuring the preservation of historic mosque elements while integrating sustainable development practices.

The restoration efforts are being carried out by Saudi firms specializing in heritage architecture.

Al-Azm Mosque’s updates come as part of a broader initiative, which in its second phase includes the rehabilitation of 30 mosques across all 13 regions of Saudi Arabia.

This phase follows the successful completion of the first phase, which restored 30 mosques across 10 regions.


OIC chief calls for increased efforts to support orphans

OIC chief calls for increased efforts to support orphans
Updated 15 March 2025
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OIC chief calls for increased efforts to support orphans

OIC chief calls for increased efforts to support orphans
  • Hissein Brahim Taha urges need to ensure rights to foster care, education, healthcare

Jeddah: Organization of Islamic Cooperation Secretary-General Hissein Brahim Taha highlighted the importance of improving efforts to support comprehensive care and sponsorship for orphans, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

He made the remarks on Orphan’s Day in the Islamic world, marked on the 15th of Ramadan each year, to raise global awareness about the hardships faced by orphaned children in the world’s poorest communities.

Taha called for greater efforts to protect and provide for orphans, particularly in disaster-stricken, conflict-affected and climate change-impacted areas, where displacement and refugee crises have left many children vulnerable.

He said that the OIC will remain committed to supporting millions of orphaned and vulnerable children, advocating for their rights and improved support systems, including orphanages, foster care, adoption services, healthcare and education.

Taha highlighted the need for governments, societies and institutions to take action to provide sustainable solutions, the SPA reported.

He underscored Islam’s strong emphasis, through the Qur’an and the Sunnah, on treating orphans with kindness, ensuring their care, education, healthcare and social well-being, safeguarding their rights and providing them with a proper upbringing.

Orphan’s Day was established through a resolution adopted by the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers during its 40th session in Conakry, Guinea, in December 2013, with the aim of raising awareness about the issues and needs of orphans.


KSrelief delivers food aid to thousands in need

KSrelief delivers food aid to thousands in need
Updated 15 March 2025
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KSrelief delivers food aid to thousands in need

KSrelief delivers food aid to thousands in need
  • KSrelief has recently delivered thousands of food parcels to some of the world’s most vulnerable people
  • KSrelief also delivered 25 tonnes of dates as part of the Kingdom’s global humanitarian support efforts

Riyadh: Saudi aid agency KSrelief has recently delivered thousands of food parcels to some of the world’s most vulnerable people, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

In Romania, KSrelief distributed 1,200 food baskets to families in Bucharest and Constanta as part of its Etaam Ramadan project, along with 250 food baskets in the villages of Al-Hamra and Abu Qudur in the Syrian Arab Republic, and 1,300 food baskets to families affected by floods in various regions of Pakistan.

Now in its fourth phase, the Etaam project aims to distribute 390,109 food parcels across 27 countries during Ramadan, benefiting 2.3 million people at a cost of more than SR67 million ($17.8 million).

KSrelief also delivered 25 tonnes of dates to The Gambia and 50 tonnes to Cote d’Ivoire, as well as 2,400 boxes of dates to 15,000 beneficiaries in the Seiyun district of Hadramout governorate, Yemen, as part of the Kingdom’s global humanitarian support efforts.


Thunderstorms forecast across Saudi Arabia until Monday 

Thunderstorms forecast across Saudi Arabia until Monday 
Updated 15 March 2025
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Thunderstorms forecast across Saudi Arabia until Monday 

Thunderstorms forecast across Saudi Arabia until Monday 

RIYADH: The public should exercise caution as thunderstorms are expected to continue across most regions of the Kingdom until Monday, the General Directorate of Civil Defense has said.

Residents are advised to stay in safe locations, avoid valleys and areas prone to flooding, and refrain from swimming in them, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Forecasts say the Makkah and Riyadh regions will experience moderate to heavy rainfall, leading to flash floods, hail, and strong downdrafts.

The Madinah, Asir, Hail and Qassim regions can expect moderate to heavy rain, while the Eastern Province will see moderate showers.

Light to moderate rainfall is also expected in Tabuk, Baha, Jazan and Najran.

The Civil Defense has urged the public to monitor official channels and social media platforms for the latest weather updates.


Kingdom arrests 23,865 illegals in one week

Kingdom arrests 23,865 illegals in one week
Updated 15 March 2025
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Kingdom arrests 23,865 illegals in one week

Kingdom arrests 23,865 illegals in one week

RIYADH: Saudi authorities arrested 23,865 people in one week for breaching residency, work and border security regulations, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

A total of 16,644 people were arrested for violations of residency laws, while 3,896 were held over illegal border crossing attempts, and a further 3,325 for labor-related issues.

The report showed that among the 1,432 people arrested for trying to enter the Kingdom illegally, 67 percent were Ethiopian, 29 percent Yemeni, and 4 percent were of other nationalities.

A further 97 people were caught trying to cross into neighboring countries, and 13 were held for involvement in transporting and harboring violators, the SPA reported.

The Ministry of Interior said that anyone found to be facilitating illegal entry to the Kingdom, including providing transportation and shelter, could face imprisonment for a maximum of 15 years, a fine of up to SR1 million ($260,000), as well as confiscation of vehicles and property.

Suspected violations can be reported on the toll-free number 911 in the Makkah and Riyadh regions, and 999 or 996 in other regions of the Kingdom.