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.”


Civil Defense issues heavy rain alert until Friday

Civil Defense issues heavy rain alert until Friday
Updated 17 sec ago
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Civil Defense issues heavy rain alert until Friday

Civil Defense issues heavy rain alert until Friday

RIYADH: The public should exercise caution as heavy rains are expected to continue across most regions of the Kingdom until Friday, according to the General Directorate of Civil Defense. 

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 on Monday. 

According to the report, the Makkah region will experience moderate to heavy rainfall, which may lead to flash floods. Similar conditions are expected in the Baha, Asir, and Jazan regions. 

The directorate indicated that moderate rain may fall in the Najran region, while light rain is expected in the Madinah region, the SPA reported. 

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


US talks with Russia begin in Saudi Arabia eyeing a Black Sea ceasefire

US talks with Russia begin in Saudi Arabia eyeing a Black Sea ceasefire
Updated 24 March 2025
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US talks with Russia begin in Saudi Arabia eyeing a Black Sea ceasefire

US talks with Russia begin in Saudi Arabia eyeing a Black Sea ceasefire
  • The White House says the aim of the talks is to reach a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea, allowing the free flow of shipping

RIYADH: US and Russian officials began talks in Saudi Arabia on Monday aimed at making progress toward a broad ceasefire in Ukraine with Washington eyeing a Black Sea ceasefire deal before securing a wider agreement.
The talks, which followed US talks with Ukraine on Sunday, come as US President Donald Trump intensifies his drive to end the three-year-old conflict after he last week spoke to both Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
A source briefed on the planning for the talks said the US side was being led by Andrew Peek, a senior director at the White House National Security Council, and Michael Anton, a senior State Department official.
The White House says the aim of the talks is to reach a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea, allowing the free flow of shipping.
Russia will be represented by Grigory Karasin, a former diplomat who is now chair of the Federation Council’s Foreign Affairs Committee, and Sergei Beseda, an adviser to the director of the Federal Security Service. 


Saudi Arabia’s coffee and tea culture: A Ramadan ‘love language’

Saudi Arabia’s coffee and tea culture: A Ramadan ‘love language’
Updated 24 March 2025
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Saudi Arabia’s coffee and tea culture: A Ramadan ‘love language’

Saudi Arabia’s coffee and tea culture: A Ramadan ‘love language’
  • Hot beverages bring together families and provide much-needed caffeine kick after breaking Ramadan fast
  • Herb and spice-infused coffee considered emblematic of Saudi hospitality

RIYADH: As the sun begins to set, families routinely prepare their two thermos kettles to marinate herbal and spiced flavors, ready to be enjoyed upon breaking the Ramadan fast.

The tall thermos typically contains rich red or black tea. The shorter thermos will hold the iconic cardamom-infused Arabic coffee; a well-known beverage associated with Saudi hospitality. Surrounding the caffeinated beverages sit the cups, saucers, dates and desserts.

As worshippers fast, their days turn into nights, requiring caffeinated beverages to boost their spirits. Coffee shops are alive in the evening, swarming with customers looking for their next cup of joe.

Public relations specialist, Aisha Al-Wattar, told Arab News that caffeinated beverages are a big part of Saudi culture, and during Ramadan are considered symbols of bringing loved ones together.

“I really love how it is a social cue. It’s a love language for a lot of people. When you say ‘let us go get coffee together after Taraweeh,’ it’s such an intimate thing.”

After having water and dates to break their fast, Al-Wattar and her family have made it a ritual to follow up with a cup of coffee.

“You have your Qahwa arabi (Arabic coffee) and your dates, I can’t think of one or the other by itself. Specifically, during Ramadan, besides providing that kick of energy and hyperness after we break out fast that gives us the jolt of happiness and serotonin, it is also about bringing us together.”

Saudi coffee is made by roasting coffee beans until they are golden brown. The coffee is then boiled and served as a dark, unfiltered drink. Spices such as saffron, cardamom and cloves are also added to the boiled coffee for flavor and richness.

As a coffee and tea connoisseur, Al-Wattar finds herself indulging in more caffeinated beverages throughout the holy month.

“Later on, after Taraweeh, I will have my iced coffee or americano because the night is still young in Ramadan here, which I love. In Saudi, the day is flipped so you could possibly have as many cups of coffee as you want to at night. However, refrain due to the fact that you could get dehydrated.”

Saudi designer, Qamar Ahmed, finds herself consuming less coffee during Ramadan, highlighting that the essence of fasting is to test one’s habits.

“They play a major role as it’s something we usually start our day with and the lack of it makes the start of your fasting a challenge. To go through the day without it also tests one’s ability to function without the stimulants. No morning that doesn’t start without a strong cup of brewed tea. Afternoon tea at four with bites is also a tradition that brings the family together.

“It’s calming after Salah to go out with friends and family to relax and unwind with a good strong coffee or tea.”


Saudi, Pakistani entrepreneurs honored for contributions to Vision 2030 at Riyadh event

Saudi, Pakistani entrepreneurs honored for contributions to Vision 2030 at Riyadh event
Updated 23 March 2025
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Saudi, Pakistani entrepreneurs honored for contributions to Vision 2030 at Riyadh event

Saudi, Pakistani entrepreneurs honored for contributions to Vision 2030 at Riyadh event
  • The organization aims to unite Saudi entrepreneurs and professionals with the Pakistani diaspora, fostering entrepreneurship, networking, and mentorship for youth while supporting Vision 2030

RIYADH: The Pakistani Executive Organization for Promotion of Leadership and Entrepreneurship, or PEOPLE, hosted a sahoor and award ceremony in Riyadh to honor outstanding Saudi and Pakistani entrepreneurs, executives, and business leaders for their contributions to Saudi Vision 2030 through their respective professions.

The event highlighted the growing collaboration between Saudis and the Pakistani diaspora in trade, investment, and other sectors, with participants expressing optimism for further strengthening of these ties.

Arab News Editor-in-Chief Faisal J. Abbas recognized the value of PEOPLE as an entrepreneurial platform. (Supplied)

The ceremony was attended by Princess Nourah Al-Faisal Al-Saud and other Saudi dignitaries, including Assistant Minister of Investment Ibrahim Al-Mubarak, and Esra Assery of the Ministry of Media, alongside prominent Pakistani professionals and executives.

Awards were presented to individuals who significantly contributed to Saudi Arabia’s economic progress through their professional achievements.

HIGHLIGHT

The event was attended by Princess Nourah Al-Faisal Al-Saud and other Saudi dignitaries, including Assistant Minister of Investment Ibrahim Al-Mubarak, Esra Assery of the Ministry of Media, and Arab News Editor-in-Chief Faisal J. Abbas, alongside prominent Pakistani professionals and executives.

Mehmood Khan, chairman of PEOPLE, and Kashif Khan, president of PEOPLE, emphasized Saudi Arabia’s rapid economic growth and the vast opportunities available for Pakistani professionals in the Kingdom.

The organization aims to unite Saudi entrepreneurs and professionals with the Pakistani diaspora, fostering entrepreneurship, networking, and mentorship for youth while supporting Vision 2030.

Princess Nourah praised the strong ties between the two countries. She emphasized their expanding trade and investment links and highlighted the benefits of shared experiences between individuals from both nations.

Majid Mufti, CEO of NEOM Investment Fund, underscored the significance of this partnership between the two communities.

Arab News Editor-in-Chief Faisal J. Abbas recognized the value of PEOPLE as an entrepreneurial platform.

The event was jointly hosted by PEOPLE and Key Facilities Management Saudia.

Junaid Khan, CEO of Key Facilities Management Saudia, stressed the importance for him of giving back to Saudi Arabia in return for its support of his rapid professional growth.

He also highlighted the vast opportunities in facilities management and the increasing demand expected in the coming years.

Atif Khurshid Khan, senior adviser at the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, spoke about the transformative changes in Saudi Arabia and the unparalleled opportunities available for Pakistanis and international entrepreneurs to contribute to Vision 2030.

The event concluded with both sides reaffirming their commitment to exploring new partnerships and strengthening the foundations of mutual respect and cooperation.

The recognition of professionals from both countries served as a testament to the enduring bond between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, united by a shared vision for progress and prosperity.

 


Madinah governor visits Islamic Arts Biennale in Jeddah

Madinah governor visits Islamic Arts Biennale in Jeddah
Updated 23 March 2025
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Madinah governor visits Islamic Arts Biennale in Jeddah

Madinah governor visits Islamic Arts Biennale in Jeddah
  • Prince Salman commended the Diriyah Biennale Foundation for its efforts in highlighting the richness of Islamic civilization

MADINAH: Madinah Gov. Prince Salman bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz recently visited the Islamic Arts Biennale at the Western Hajj Terminal of King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah.

During his tour, the governor was briefed on the exhibition, which showcases over 500 historical and contemporary artworks displayed across more than 100,000 square meters, Saudi Press Agency reported.

Prince Salman commended the Diriyah Biennale Foundation for its efforts in highlighting the richness of Islamic civilization and its artistic and cultural contributions throughout history.