More than 205 female tour guides had benefited so far from workshops run by Takamul in 14 colleges across the Kingdom
Updated 12 March 2019
SPA
RIYADH: Three Saudi women have been given tickets to guide after taking part in special tourism training.
The Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (SCTH) branch in the Kingdom’s Tabuk region on Sunday issued licenses to the first females in the country to work as tour guides.
The general manager of SCTH in Tabuk, Dr. Mabrouk Al-Shilaibi, handed the licenses to Hiba Mohammed Al-Aidi, Nada Saleh Al-Enezi and Hanan Hatem Al-Humaidi after their successful completion of an intensive training course.
Al-Shilaibi said the awards reflected the important role played by women in society and the economic, social and cultural development of the Kingdom.
A report, published with the National Center for Tourism Human Resources Development (Takamul), has revealed that since its launch 474 female students benefitted from the “Your Job ... Your Scholarship” program, and that 9,631 had taken part in training provided as part of the National Transformation Program 2020.
The report also noted that 205 female tour guides had benefited from workshops run by Takamul, studying at 14 colleges across the Kingdom.
Georges Chakra presents new couture collection in Paris
Chakra introduces ‘new Parisienne attitude’
Top Arab designers also have shows in city
Updated 28 January 2026
Arab News
DUBAI: Lebanese designer Georges Chakra has presented his Spring/Summer 2026 couture collection at Paris Haute Couture Week, offering a contemporary interpretation of the house’s established design codes through refined silhouettes and detailed craftsmanship.
Drawing on the heritage of the maison, the collection revisited classic elements of elegance while introducing what the designer described in an Instagram post as a “new Parisienne attitude.”
Soft pastels, ivory and metallic tones defined the palette, moving between pale blue, blush, lavender and gold across the runway.
The show featured a range of sculpted looks, with structured bodices balanced by feathered appliques, floral embroidery and layers of sheer tulle.
Strapless gowns with petal-like embellishments appeared alongside column dresses finished with subtle shimmer, while ruffled sleeves, organza capes and sheer overlays created volume and movement.
White gowns formed a central part of the collection, ranging from minimal silhouettes with clean lines to more elaborate designs incorporating veils, hats and lattice-style embroidery.
Soft pastels, ivory and metallic tones defined the palette. (Getty Images)
Sequins, hand-applied florals and intricate beading appeared throughout the collection. The show concluded with a bridal look featuring sheer embroidery and floral detailing.
After beginning his career in Beirut, where he initially worked at his home studio following his graduation from an institution in Canada, Chakra founded his fashion house in 1985.
He later expanded his atelier to Paris, debuting on the Haute Couture Week calendar in 2002, and has since built an international reputation for couture and eveningwear, dressing a wide range of regional and global figures for major red-carpet appearances.
His designs have been worn by celebrities including Nicki Minaj, Rihanna, Beyonce, Cara Delevingne, Tyra Banks, Jennifer Lopez, Helen Mirren, Molly Sims and Andra Day.
Chakra was among several Arab designers featured during Paris Haute Couture Week this season.
Georges Hobeika and Tony Ward had already presented their Spring/Summer 2026 couture collections earlier in the week, while Elie Saab, Zuhair Murad, Ashi Studio and Rami Al-Ali are scheduled to show later on the official calendar.
