Fatin Hadrawi There is something very special about a strong father-daughter relationship. It is a bond that I often took for granted. I was Daddy’s girl, raised in the field of poetry, literature and philosophy. As fate played a hand through harshness, in 10 years my father taught me the meaning of life, hard work, self-confidence and principles. Unfortunately, he passed away when I was only 13 years old.
Losing a parent can change you, but losing your dad when you are Daddy’s girl transforms you.
The mission of raising my brother and myself was continued by our strong mother. Two young, well-behaved warriors in the battle of life. “A single mother has a backbone made of steel and a heart made of gold.” English literature as a major in college was my broad window to the life I loved. I always believed that I would have been a drama star in another life.
Shakespearian plays and poetry were my wings to the fantasy horizon. From there I flew with words and metaphors to express my ideas and soul.
After I married a gentle diplomat and had my son, Omar, our new family moved to Madrid, Spain. As a result of my passion for languages, I took my diploma in Spanish language at the British Academy there.
Seven years passed and we returned to Riyadh. I knew I wanted to make a difference and decided to find work, build my knowledge and skills, and benefit myself and the society at large.
I started at Riyad Bank as a personal assistant to the head of the risk management department. I was willing to carry stationery boxes, water plants and organize the storeroom. I believe no matter where we are and what job we are doing, we must do it with love and sincerity. “Work is love made visible” — Kahlil Gibran.
After five months, I was transferred to the chairman’s office after one of the seniors wrote to the chairman about my Arabic and English skills.
It was 2007, and I was working with a real believer in women’s empowerment at a time when where women were still strangers in meeting rooms and the workplace. He saw no difference between men and women unless they proved the opposite.
With his support we were able to create a “women’s committee” with some of my colleagues. I was appointed the secretary of the committee, taking care of all female employees’ issues.
In a life journey you could never know how it ends but you always need to work hard, mindful of reaching the bottom line with dignity.
A very empowered, employed lady decided then to move with her diplomat husband to LA, California. A good wife also needs to be there for her husband and son.
I left Riyad Bank with tears of love and appreciation. I am what I am because of what I learned while working there for years — I will forever remember this fact.
As fate continued to surprise me with losses, two hard years in LA ended in my losing my brave husband after a strong struggle with illness.
I returned to Jeddah, close to my mother, and continued my mission to raise my Omar on my own.
I started looking for jobs when I was still in “Iddah” (the period a woman must observe after the death of her husband or after a divorce). After almost four months, my Arabic writing skills won me a position in Bupa Arabia, the biggest health insurance company in the Arab world, as a compliance/legal senior officer.
I was nominated to be the CEO office manager a year later. Since the day I was appointed to this role, seven years ago, I have been working with full heart, passion and mind.
Alongside my passion for learning, I have always expressed myself in writing. “Passion is born from what matters most to you.” I feel very passionate about penning my thoughts. I have always got something to tell; I breathe through writing!
I dream of a book where I will publish all of my stories, ethics and imagination. I dream of a flowered bright colorful cafe full of coffee and healthy grains. I see my writing all around it. I see myself welcoming you all inside with my smile.
TheFace: Fatin Hadrawi, Saudi executive
TheFace: Fatin Hadrawi, Saudi executive
- I dream of a book where I will publish all of my stories, ethics and imagination
Saudi foreign minister reaffirms support for Palestine at OIC forum in Gambia
- Prince Faisal also called for restructuring, developing, and reforming the OIC
BANJUL, The Gambia: Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal Bin Farhan reaffirmed on Saturday the Kingdom’s call for an immediate and lasting ceasefire in Gaza, safe humanitarian corridors, and the fulfillment of Palestinians’ legitimate rights, including their right to self-determination and an independent state.
Prince Faisal, who was speciaking at the 15th Islamic Summit Conference in The Gambia, also called for restructuring, developing, and reforming the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to tackle regional and international challenges.
Representing Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman, Prince Faisal led the Saudi delegation at the conference.
During his address, he expressed regret over the failure of the UN Security Council and the international community to halt Israeli attacks on Palestinians.
“The Palestinian cause has remained a priority for the OIC since its inception,” Prince Faisal said
“It is unfortunate to witness the failure of the Security Council and the international community to halt unprecedented Israeli attacks, which have escalated through indiscriminate shelling, destruction of hospitals, schools, shelters, and infrastructure in Gaza, leaving thousands of innocent civilians, including children, women, and the elderly, as victims,” he added.
On the sidelines of the forum, Prince Faisal met with the Iranian and Pakistani foreign ministers, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian and Ishaq Dar respectively, to discuss the situation in Gaza.
Saudi Yoga Committee teams up with ministry for community wellness initiative
- As part of agreement between the committee and Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, workers will be encouraged to integrate yoga into daily routines
- Workers in ministry-run care centers and shelters will also get tools to help manage stress, improve focus, and enhance overall levels of physical and mental health
RIYADH: The Saudi Yoga Committee and the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development on Saturday signed an agreement to collaborate on promoting the benefits of yoga in the community, with the aim of enhancing well-being and presenting the activity as a way to improve quality of life.
Under the agreement, officials said, employees will be encouraged to integrate yoga practices into their daily routines, and workers in ministry-run care centers and shelters will be provided with tools to help them manage stress, improve focus, and enhance overall levels of physical and mental health.
They added that the committee and the ministry are committed to creating harmonious and balanced workplaces that prioritize the holistic well-being of employees and people they work with, in line with the goals of the Saudi Vision 2030 national development plan.
Princess Mishael bint Faisal, the vice chair of the Saudi Yoga Committee, and Huda Al-Haidari, director of the ministry’s social responsibility department in Riyadh region, took part in the signing ceremony for the agreement.
“It’s a very important step for creating equal opportunities for all segments of society and investing in youth human capital, which is considered as one of the goals of Vision 2023,” said Princess Mishael.
“The crown prince said that it is the largest wealth owned by the Kingdom, so investing in it is a renaissance for society and the realization of the vision.”
The collaboration will offer people the chance to participate in a variety of sports and therapeutic yoga techniques and help harness the benefits of sports science to serve society, she added.
Kingdom mourns death of pioneering Saudi poet Prince Badr bin Abdul Mohsen
- The prince, affectionately known as the ‘word engineer’ and an influential figure in contemporary Saudi poetry, died in Paris at the age of 75
- Saudi and Arab officials and celebrities paid tribute to him and acknowledged his significant contributions to literature and culture
JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia on Saturday mourned the loss of poet and national literary icon Prince Badr bin Abdul Mohsen, who died at the age of 75 in Paris after an illness.
The prince, affectionately known as the “word engineer,” was a legendary figure in contemporary Saudi poetry whose influence in the art form was felt across the country and the wider Gulf region, where his eloquent verses and poignant prose left an indelible mark on the people’s hearts and minds.
A pioneer in the popularization of Saudi poetry among Arab audiences, Prince Badr’s verses were immortalized in songs by many esteemed Arab artists, including Talal Maddah, Mohammed Abdu, Kadim Al-Sahir and Assala. His patriotic words and songs struck a deep chord with Saudis in particular, creating a strong bond between him and the people of his nation.
Saudi and Arab officials and celebrities expressed their sadness upon learning of the prince’s death on Saturday, and acknowledged his significant contributions to literature and culture.
Turki Al-Sheikh, chairperson of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority, expressed his condolences to the royal family and the people of the Kingdom, describing the profound sense of loss as being similar to losing a father figure.
“May the soul of Prince Badr bin Abdul Mohsen rest in peace, and may he be granted the highest paradise,” he said. “My heartfelt condolences go out to his esteemed family, his children, and the people of Saudi Arabia.
“While this is indeed a sorrowful moment, feeling the loss akin to losing a father, I can only express gratitude to Allah in every circumstance.”
In a message posted on social media platform X, Saudi Minister of Commerce Majed Al-Qasabi wrote: “Today, our nation mourns the loss of a literary, poetic and cultural icon. May Allah bestow His mercy upon my dear brother, the ‘Word Engineer,’ Prince Badr bin Abdul Mohsen, and grant him the highest place in paradise. He will always hold a special place in my heart.
“I extend my heartfelt condolences to the royal family, his children, and all who loved him. May the Almighty grant them patience and comfort during this difficult time. Indeed, we belong to Allah, and to Him we shall return.”
Ameerah Al-Taweel, a prominent Saudi philanthropist, paid tribute to Prince Badr and his legacy, highlighting in particular his role as a beacon of wisdom and generosity, his invaluable contributions to Saudi culture, and his enduring influence on future generations.
“Today, we bid farewell to our prince and trailblazer of words, Prince Badr bin Abdul Mohsen,” she said. “May patience and solace comfort his children, family and all who cherished him. In this transient life, we leave behind our deeds and the essence of our character.
“Prince Badr not only enriched our culture but also imparted invaluable lessons in nobility, humility and generosity to future generations. Although many of us never met him, we held him dear as a father and brother.
“His departure evokes the sorrow of losing a close relative, for his noble character leaves an indelible mark. The grief is profound, especially for those who were privileged to know him personally.”
Renowned Emirati singer Ahlam expressed her sense of sorrow, and said she prayed for peace for the prince’s soul and strength for his loved ones during this difficult time.
Prince Badr was born on April 2, 1949, and his journey as a poet and cultural figure began at a young age. He studied in Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the UK and the US as he took his early steps on the path to becoming a significant figure in Arab literature.
As president of the Saudi Society for Culture and Arts, he played a crucial role in fostering artistic expression and influencing the development of poetry organizations in the Kingdom. In recognition of his outstanding contributions in the field, King Salman honored Prince Badr with the prestigious King Abdulaziz Medal in 2019.
Soon after, the Kingdom’s Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission announced plans to collect and publish his complete literary works to commemorate his enduring legacy and celebrate the profound impact he had on the Saudi creative movement during a five-decade career.
Green cover in Imam Turki Royal Reserve grows to 8.5%
RIYADH: Green cover in the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Nature Reserve has grown to 8.5 percent, the reserve’s development authority has said, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
Covering an area of 91,000 sq. km, the reserve is located in the northeastern part of the Kingdom. It is a popular destination for visitors, particularly people interested in eco-tourism, bird watching, hiking and similar activities.
Based on research and field studies, the authority said that the reserve has experienced significant plant growth since last spring, driven by improved air quality and reduced severity of dust storms in several central regions of the Kingdom.
The reserve has planted more than 600,000 trees through desert forestation projects, in line with the national targets of the Saudi Green Initiative, which aims to plant more than 600 million trees by 2030, the SPA reported.
The reserve authority’s efforts focus on protecting wildlife, restoring environmental balance and reviving vegetation cover. The rate of green cover across the reserve has grown from 1.4 percent in 2018 to the 8.5 percent recorded this year.
More than 180 plant species from 38 plant families have been identified in the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Nature Reserve, representing 7.5 percent of the total plant species in the Kingdom, according to the SPA.
The reserve also offers cultural experiences, allowing visitors to interact with the local Bedouin communities, learn about their traditional way of life and enjoy authentic cuisine.
It is one of six royal reserves in Saudi Arabia, established in 2018 by royal order. Within the reserve, there are villages and deserts where about 80,000 to 100,000 people reside.
Saudi authorities arrest 19,662 illegals in one week
RIYADH: Saudi authorities arrested 19,662 people in one week for breaching residency, work and border security regulations, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.
According to an official report, a total of 12,436 people were arrested for violations of residency laws, while 4,464 were held over illegal border crossing attempts, and a further 2,762 for labor-related issues.
The report showed that among the 1,233 people arrested for trying to enter the Kingdom illegally, 65 percent were Ethiopian, 31 percent Yemeni, and 4 percent were of other nationalities.
A further 96 people were caught trying to cross into neighboring countries, and nine were held for involvement in transporting and harboring violators.
The Saudi 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.
