JEDDAH: Yasser Al-Hameed arrived in the city of Asfan on Friday, having walked from Makkah as part of the “Walk for Her” initiative, which aims to raise awareness about the early detection of breast cancer.
Al-Hameed received a warm welcome and was joined by a number of volunteers including Princess Haifa Al-Faisal, chairwoman of the Zahra Breast Cancer Association, and Samer Ibrahim Kurdi, chairman of the Sunbulah Group, before continuing his journey toward Madinah — about 400 kilometers away and expected to end on Oct. 27.
Al-Faisal praised the efforts of Al-Hameed to raise awareness and encourage women to get tested early to limit the spread of the disease. She also thanked Kurdi and Al-Hameed for their initiative and expressed the Zahra association’s readiness to provide assistance.
“The slogan ‘Walk for Her’, which is carried by Al-Hameed and was launched by Sunbulah Group, reflects the value of social responsibility programs and their harnessing to address society’s issues and concerns,” she said.
Kurdi noted that “the initiative is a call for positivity and control over what is destined for us. That is why we chose the path of migration for all the patience and positivity it represents due to the Prophet’s migration from Makkah to Madinah.”
Al-Hameed stressed the necessity of early detection, which increases rates of recovery. He also expressed his happiness at the warm welcome and thanked all those involved in the initiative for their interest and support.
Princess Haifa Al-Faisal backs walk to raise breast cancer awareness
Princess Haifa Al-Faisal backs walk to raise breast cancer awareness
- Kurdi noted that “the initiative is a call for positivity and control over what is destined for us
Klija Festival in Buraidah empowers small businesses
- Half a million attend 15-day celebration of heritage; event creates 1,500 seasonal jobs
RIYADH: The 17th Klija Festival in Buraidah drew more than half a million visitors during its 15-day run, celebrating the region’s heritage and entrepreneurial spirit.
Organized by the Qassim Chamber of Commerce, the event highlighted small businesses, providing a platform for entrepreneurs to showcase local products.
More than 340 sales outlets, marketing corners and points of sale welcomed attendees, while the festival provided 1,500 seasonal job opportunities, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The small business pavilions featured families in the cottage industry, artisans and startups presenting traditional foods, and handicrafts and heritage items that reflect the region’s identity.
Participants said that the festival was a key marketing platform, boosting sales, increasing brand awareness, facilitating knowledge exchange and fostering connections with organizations supporting SMEs.
Mohammed Al-Hanaya, Qassim Chamber secretary-general and festival supervisor, said that the event brought together families, artisans, SMEs, companies and institutions, stimulating commercial activity, opening direct marketing channels and enhancing economic returns.
He added that the festival provided seasonal jobs for more than 1,500 young men and women across operations, marketing and services, supporting the labor market, empowering national talent, and connecting youth to the events and creative economy.
Klija, a traditional cookie made from wheat flour, dates or sugar, date syrup and natural ingredients such as cardamom and lemon, is a rich source of energy, carbohydrates, dietary fiber and natural proteins.
A cultural icon rooted in Qassim’s traditions, the cookie has gained international exposure through the festival, expanding the availability of packaged products.
Starting next year, the festival will be renamed the International Klija Festival, a rebranding approved by Qassim Gov. Prince Faisal bin Mishaal, who described it as a “successful model for turning local initiatives into global economic engines.”
This year’s festival, held at the King Khalid Cultural Center, included international participants from Egypt, Turkiye and Morocco, marking its evolution into a cross-cultural platform.
