Saudi envoy leads maritime safety talks in London

Saudi Arabia’s permanent representative to the International Maritime Organization recently made history by chairing the 51st advisory committee meetings of the International Mobile Satellite Organization in London. (SPA)
1 / 4
Saudi Arabia’s permanent representative to the International Maritime Organization recently made history by chairing the 51st advisory committee meetings of the International Mobile Satellite Organization in London. (SPA)
Saudi Arabia’s permanent representative to the International Maritime Organization recently made history by chairing the 51st advisory committee meetings of the International Mobile Satellite Organization in London. (SPA)
2 / 4
Saudi Arabia’s permanent representative to the International Maritime Organization recently made history by chairing the 51st advisory committee meetings of the International Mobile Satellite Organization in London. (SPA)
Saudi Arabia’s permanent representative to the International Maritime Organization recently made history by chairing the 51st advisory committee meetings of the International Mobile Satellite Organization in London. (SPA)
3 / 4
Saudi Arabia’s permanent representative to the International Maritime Organization recently made history by chairing the 51st advisory committee meetings of the International Mobile Satellite Organization in London. (SPA)
Saudi Arabia’s permanent representative to the International Maritime Organization recently made history by chairing the 51st advisory committee meetings of the International Mobile Satellite Organization in London. (SPA)
4 / 4
Saudi Arabia’s permanent representative to the International Maritime Organization recently made history by chairing the 51st advisory committee meetings of the International Mobile Satellite Organization in London. (SPA)
Short Url
Updated 15 June 2025
Follow

Saudi envoy leads maritime safety talks in London

Saudi envoy leads maritime safety talks in London
  • Kamal Al-Junaidi is the first Arab to preside over the committee

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s permanent representative to the International Maritime Organization recently made history by chairing the 51st advisory committee meetings of the International Mobile Satellite Organization in London.

Kamal Al-Junaidi is the first Arab to preside over the committee, creating a milestone for both the Kingdom and the Arab world in maritime governance, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.

His role also reflects Saudi Arabia’s growing presence in international maritime organizations and commitment to advancing maritime communication and safety systems.

Al-Junaidi managed the sessions and acted as a neutral facilitator, helping member states reach consensus on key issues, including oversight of the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System, implementation of Long Range Tracking and Safety standards and audit reviews for satellite communication providers.

He also led discussions on proposed maritime safety regulation amendments, monitored the organization’s strategic direction to ensure alignment with IMO standards and submitted the committee’s recommendations to the General Assembly.

The 51st session took place at the IMO headquarters in London, with representatives from 44 countries engaging in in-depth discussions on key maritime challenges.


Saudi Arabia concludes camelids year presidency

Saudi Arabia concludes camelids year presidency
Updated 14 sec ago
Follow

Saudi Arabia concludes camelids year presidency

Saudi Arabia concludes camelids year presidency
  • Kingdom invests more than $267m to raise awareness of camelids’ role in food security, heritage, sustainability
  • Fahd bin Falah bin Hathleen: Camels are considered a symbol of cultural identity and supporters of rural communities’ sustainability and livelihoods

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has concluded its presidency of the International Year of Camelids, an initiative launched by the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization to highlight the cultural, social and economic importance of the camel and related species.

The Kingdom used the occasion to raise global awareness and promote research and development related to camelids, the Saudi Press Agency reported. 

The initiative began under Saudi Arabia’s leadership in June last year, in partnership with a coalition of Latin American and Caribbean countries led by Bolivia.

The Food and Agriculture Organization hosted a closing ceremony at its headquarters in Rome, attended by Prince Fahd bin Jalawi, president of World Camelids Sports, with officials, diplomats, and international representatives. 

The event recognized camelids’ role in food security, sports, economic development, and cultural heritage, the SPA reported. 

The observance highlighted camelids’ environmental, economic, and social value, and aimed to support pastoralist communities globally.

The International Camel Organization also participated in the ceremony. The organization played an active role throughout the year in promoting awareness and support for the camel sector.

Fahd bin Falah bin Hathleen, the organization’s chairman, said: “Our involvement in the International Year of Camelids has been rooted in our mission to elevate the camel sector on the global stage. 

“Camels are considered a symbol of cultural identity and supporters of rural communities’ sustainability and livelihoods. 

“We remain committed to supporting their role across all scientific, cultural, sport, economic, and welfare sectors.” 

At the ceremony, Ali Alshaikhi, assistant undersecretary for fisheries and livestock wealth at the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, reaffirmed the Kingdom’s commitment to recognizing the value of camels.

He said they are a key food source, economic asset, and cultural symbol deserving of greater global attention and investment.

He outlined Saudi Arabia’s efforts during its presidency, including holding more than 50 local and international events, providing 15 research grants, and organizing 18 strategic meetings. 

The Kingdom also organized 20 international exhibitions, starting at the Food and Agriculture Organization in Rome and the UN in Geneva, to raise awareness of camels’ vital role in various communities, he added. 

Alshaikhi said the initiative strengthened global appreciation for camels and supported their role in food security and economic growth. He added that Saudi Arabia invested more than SR1 billion ($267 million) in related efforts. 

He highlighted the Kingdom’s broader leadership in agriculture and food security, driven by a strategic vision focused on sustainability, innovation, resilient food systems, self-sufficiency, and modern technologies.


Saudi Arabia completes departure of Iranian pilgrims

Saudi Arabia completes departure of Iranian pilgrims
Updated 27 min 18 sec ago
Follow

Saudi Arabia completes departure of Iranian pilgrims

Saudi Arabia completes departure of Iranian pilgrims

RIYADH: The Ministry of Interior has completed departure procedures for Iranian Hajj pilgrims leaving through the Jadidat Arar border crossing in the Northern Borders region.

This was done following directives from King Salman and based on a recommendation from Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday. 

The aim was to support Iran’s pilgrims amid the current circumstances in their country and provide necessary services until they can safely return home after completing Hajj. 

The ministry, through its sectors and affiliated entities, deployed all human and technical resources to facilitate the pilgrims’ movement, the SPA reported. 

It coordinated with relevant authorities to ensure smooth and organized transport to the border within an integrated service and security framework.

Alireza Bayat, head of the Hajj and Pilgrimage Organization in Iran, recently praised Saudi Arabia for assisting the pilgrims, noting the quality organization and services at border crossings and other locations. 

He said Iran’s pilgrims were satisfied with the support they had received and for the excellent organization of the Hajj.


Saliha Al-Shahrani, the fashion designer inspired by the landscapes of southern Arabia

Saliha Al-Shahrani, the fashion designer inspired by the landscapes of southern Arabia
Updated 37 min 39 sec ago
Follow

Saliha Al-Shahrani, the fashion designer inspired by the landscapes of southern Arabia

Saliha Al-Shahrani, the fashion designer inspired by the landscapes of southern Arabia
  • Natural landmarks, including the mountains of Asir, inspire fresh take on traditional wear
  • Designer hopes to open boutique abroad to share Saudi culture with the world

Makkah: Saudi designer Saliha Al-Shahrani is powerful force in the Kingdom’s fashion world who uses her work to reimagine the rich culture of the country’s south.

Hailing from the mountainous region of Asir, she has forged a unique creative path drawing on local traditions.

Al-Shahrani spoke to Arab News about how her connection to southern Arabia is a natural extension of her identity.

The designer’s deep-rooted bond with Asir led her to reimagine traditional clothing, creating designs that appeal to a wide audience while authentically representing her homeland.

“I merge modernity with authenticity through the use of colors and materials, without ever compromising the spirit of southern attire,” she said.

A cornerstone of her collections is the Asiri dress — known as “al-Muzanad or Al-Mujanab” — a signature piece worn during national celebrations, including Founding Day.

Al-Shahrani particularly enjoys working with velvet, although she uses a range of materials to represent the different climates of Asir.

She said that her designs are inspired by natural landmarks such as Mount Dhirah (the Green Mountain), Jabal Al-Janoub in Asir, and the Sarawat Mountains in Abha.

The designer highlighted her well-known design, Dhirah, inspired by the mountain, which has become a signature piece in her collection.

She said that her participation in international exhibitions has brought positive feedback, with designs garnering widespread acclaim and being embraced by a diverse global audience.

This experience reaffirmed her belief that Saudi heritage has immense artistic value, especially when reimagined with a contemporary perspective and presented with professional finesse.

Al-Shahrani praised Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 for removing many obstacles, particularly by empowering women, and highlighted the need for continued support of international exhibitions that promote Saudi cultural identity on a global scale.

In a message to aspiring designers, she urged them to break free from convention, move beyond imitation, and carve their own creative paths, adding that success on a global scale begins with thoughtfully crafted local excellence.

Al-Shahrani’s ambition is to launch a boutique in one of the world’s leading fashion capitals, where she can present the heritage of southern Saudi Arabia to a wider audience.


Saudi Arabia prepares for World Scout Moot in Portugal

Saudi scouts recently served Hajj pilgrims in Makkah, Madinah, and other holy sites. (File/SPA)
Saudi scouts recently served Hajj pilgrims in Makkah, Madinah, and other holy sites. (File/SPA)
Updated 02 July 2025
Follow

Saudi Arabia prepares for World Scout Moot in Portugal

Saudi scouts recently served Hajj pilgrims in Makkah, Madinah, and other holy sites. (File/SPA)
  • Organized under the theme “Engage,” the event will bring together around 5,000 participants aged 18 to 25 to promote leadership and community impact

RIYADH: The Saudi Arabian Scouts Association held a virtual preparatory meeting for participants in the 16th World Scout Moot, to be hosted by Portugal from July 25 to Aug. 3.

Abdulrahman Al-Mudaris, the association’s secretary-general, stressed the importance of representing the Kingdom honorably at the global event, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

He emphasized promoting cultural exchange, building international friendships among youth, and enriching participants’ leadership and service skills through scouting experiences.

The meeting included presentations on the World Scout Moot’s key themes. The first phase, called “Paths,” involves international teams taking part in five-day exploratory and community service programs.

Participants will then move to the Main Camp, which features cultural and educational activities and workshops and ends with an official ceremony in Porto.

Organized under the theme “Engage,” the event will bring together around 5,000 participants aged 18 to 25 to promote leadership and community impact.

Held every four years, the Moot rotates among different countries, giving participants the opportunity to explore diverse cultures and environments.


TeamLab Borderless Jeddah marks 1 year of compelling digital art

TeamLab Borderless Jeddah marks 1 year of compelling digital art
Updated 01 July 2025
Follow

TeamLab Borderless Jeddah marks 1 year of compelling digital art

TeamLab Borderless Jeddah marks 1 year of compelling digital art
  • Part of Culture Ministry’s use of heritage sites as platforms for contemporary art

JEDDAH: One year after its debut in Historic Jeddah, TeamLab Borderless continues to draw curious visitors into a world where digital art responds to movement, light and season.

As Saudi Arabia’s first permanent digital art museum, it has welcomed visitors from more than 25 countries — especially young people and art enthusiasts.

The interactive artworks at TeamLab Borderless respond to movement and evolve with time, ensuring no two visits are the same. (Supplied)

It is serving as a cultural hub that reflects their aspirations and introduces new ways of engaging with contemporary art.

The museum has an open layout allowing for exploration and engagement. The interactive artworks respond to their movements and evolve with time, ensuring no two visits are the same.

FASTFACT

TeamLab Borderless is a part of Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Culture’s broader initiative to activate heritage sites as platforms for contemporary art.

In an interview with Arab News at the museum’s launch, Toshiyuki Inoko, TeamLab Borderless’ founder, explained the concept behind the museum, noting that “everything is in a continuous relationship.”

TeamLab Borderless Jeddah marks its one-year anniversary since opening its doors in June 2024. (Supplied)

“Even though each element is independent, there are no boundaries in between, and they even influence each other,” he said.

Many of the installations reflect natural rhythms. In “Proliferating Immense Life,” for example, the flowers change with the months.

The interactive artworks at TeamLab Borderless respond to movement and evolve with time, ensuring no two visits are the same. (Supplied)

The “Forest of Lamps” and “Flowers in Infinite Transparency” installations also shift with the seasons, while “Memory of Topography” presents a static landscape that subtly transforms through movement.

Inoko also revealed that several artworks were developed exclusively for the Jeddah museum.

TeamLab Borderless Jeddah marks its one-year anniversary since opening its doors in June 2024. (Supplied)

“(One) work that is very unique to Jeddah is the work of the staircase, where you see the cascading waterfall of sand,” he said.

“Through that sand falls, you see gigantic flowers persistently trying to grow very powerfully. They keep growing, they keep falling, and they continue that cycle forever.”

The interactive artworks at TeamLab Borderless respond to movement and evolve with time, ensuring no two visits are the same. (Supplied)

TeamLab Borderless is a part of Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Culture’s broader initiative to activate heritage sites as platforms for contemporary art.

These efforts align with Saudi Vision 2030, which seeks to empower the cultural and creative sectors and elevate the Kingdom’s position as a global hub for art and technology.

TeamLab Borderless Jeddah marks its one-year anniversary since opening its doors in June 2024. (Supplied)

The museum stands as an example of this ambition, a space where art is in constant motion and where every visit becomes a unique, personal journey.

“The message that we wanted to convey to the world and the visitor is that the world itself is in a continuous relationship, and everything affects each other,” Inoko said.