I cannot say that I always knew that I was going to be a dentist, but I can say that once I began my journey, I knew there would be nothing else that I would ever want to do.
I was born in Riyadh, the third of six siblings. My father, a businessman, and my mother, a homemaker, always encouraged us to be the best versions of ourselves. My siblings and I grew up in a home full of love and encouragement, and parents that supported us in all our academic endeavors.
My father was so proud when I entered dental school, and he still brags to people about his daughter, which touches my heart and brings me pride.
As an undergraduate dental student at King Saud University in the 1990s, I found more than just my calling in life, I also found my partner: My husband, Dr. Esam Tashkandi. We were in the same year of dental school and were very drawn to each other. Today, we have five beautiful children, who are my best friends and the light of my life.
After we both received our undergraduate degrees in dentistry, my husband and I decided to continue our education and specializations spending almost 10 years in the US, where we graduated with multiple postgraduate degrees from the University of Michigan. I obtained four degrees during my time there: A doctorate of public health, a master’s of public health, a master’s of science in pediatric dentistry and orthodontics and a certificate of clinical specialty in pediatric dentistry and orthodontics.
Currently, I see patients at my private practice in a clinic here in Riyadh, but as a professor, I also teach at my own alma mater, King Saud University. I still treat patients, but more importantly I pass on what I know as often as I can so a new generation of dentists can emerge.
Becoming a pediatric dentist was the only logical next step in the course of my career. I have always loved children, and children have always loved me. My natural knack for handling them, for soothing tempers and making them smile, has been invaluable throughout my career. I think it has to do with my name: “Ebtissam,” which is Arabic for “smile,” and I have many decorations and toys all over my clinic marked with smiling faces for that reason. It’s like my mark.
My interest lies mostly in treating children with special special needs as many other dentists avoid seeing them for various reasons. It could be due to their lack of knowledge or the patience to deal with them. Treating children with autism, for example, is difficult as communication is key to gain their trust. They don’t express themselves the way other children do, and their behavior is different as well.
One day, I had a patient come into my office whose mother seemed almost defeated. She told me that she had been to almost a dozen doctors, none who seemed able to help her son who was autistic. The child had a tooth that was causing him so much pain she would often find him lying on the floor, cheek pressed to the cold ground, trying to alleviate it. But none of the doctors she visited could control him.
After spending enough time and effort, I was able to coax him into having the tooth removed. I never forgot his mother’s gratitude. It was then that I knew that I would continue to do this even if no one else would.
I was one of the few dentists who saw special needs patients on a regular basis, and eventually gained a reputation as being highly capable with special needs children. As the number of special needs children I saw increased, I started to focus on them more. Today, I have given several lectures internationally about the treatment of special needs children in regards to their oral health, and am a proud member of multiple special needs societies, including the prestigious Saudi Autism Society.
To me, there was still more that I could do. I could treat these patients myself, but I often ask myself about what would happen when I decide to retire. To that end, I wrote a proposal to the dean of the college of dentistry requesting permission to establish the first dental clinic specifically for special needs children at the college and received welcoming approvals.
The clinic is also a teaching facility for the students themselves, providing free treatment for the children and the students gain valuable experience. The invaluable support of the administration is what made this possible, and I’m so grateful to my university for helping me with this endeavor.
The children I treat are my inspiration. There is nothing that feels better than knowing that I can help to bring them comfort when no one else will. But in the future, I hope we can inspire more dentists to work with special needs patients. Even if it’s a little more stressful, and a little more difficult, the end results are always worth it.
TheFace: Dr. Ebtissam Murshid, Saudi pediatric dentist and special needs advocate
https://arab.news/yht4d
TheFace: Dr. Ebtissam Murshid, Saudi pediatric dentist and special needs advocate
- A devoted dentist who is passionate about the rights of special needs children
DJ rediscovers Saudi music through vinyl
- Yaser Hammad says researching Saudi singers fueled passion for cultural preservation through music
JEDDAH: The timeless ritual of visiting record stores to unearth original Saudi and Arabic vinyl records fuels Yaser Hammad, a Saudi DJ specializing in Arabic musical treasures.
“I prefer to label myself as a selector rather than a traditional DJ,” he tells Arab News. “This allows me to introduce the audience to classical songs that may be new to them, setting my offerings apart from other DJs in the region.”
DJing with vinyl is an art that can be a bit more complicated: “Being a vinyl DJ involves more than just playing music … it’s about carrying physical songs, which is quite valuable. Unlike digital formats using a USB to carry songs, vinyl DJing requires a hands-on approach and adds a unique quality to my performances, creating a distinct ambiance for the audience.”
Depending on the venue, Hammad typically selects music that blends with the location and audience. Given his Hijazi heritage, the historic Al-Balad district in Jeddah is a regular spot where he plays music focusing on Hijazi female singers from the golden age, such as Touha, Ibtisam Lutfi, as well as renowned singers like Talal Maddah and Fawzi Mahsoun.
“My education has fueled my love for Saudi classics and cultural preservation through music,” Hammad said. “Researching Saudi singers has enriched my appreciation for their role in shaping our cultural heritage.”
Hammad’s passion for vinyl records began during his time in film school in Los Angeles, where he frequented Amoeba, the world’s largest record store. Delving into the world music section, he discovered Arabic records, both secondhand and new represses. Inspired by this period, Hammad sought to uncover more genres within Arabic music.
During his years in Cairo and Beirut, he searched for record shops, connecting with fellow music enthusiasts who shared his love for Arabic music. Upon returning to Saudi Arabia, he met Mohannad Nassar, a local vinyl DJ professionally known as Vinyl Mode, who encouraged him to share his collection through DJing. Mohannad became Hammad’s mentor, teaching him the art of vinyl DJing and offering unwavering support.
Going analog in a digital world
Hammad’s journey as a DJ began with his first performance at Medd Cafe in Jeddah, just before the COVID-19 pandemic. During the lockdown, he embraced virtual platforms like Zoom and Instagram Live sessions by MDLBeast that gave him a platform to explore and experiment with his music in new ways.
Arabic and Saudi music reflect Hammad’s identity, intertwining poetry and storytelling, often overlooked but crucial in revitalizing the cultural landscape. Despite challenges, particularly matching classical Arabic with the beat-matching technology of modern DJing, performing through vinyl offers a unique analog experience, relying on intuition and auditory senses, enriching the audience’s connection to the music.
I enjoy exploring record shops worldwide for Arabic music, uncovering unique stories like discovering Umm Kulthum’s classics in Annecy, France, pressed by Arab migrants with superior quality.
Yaser Hammad, Saudi vinyl DJ
“I enjoy exploring record shops worldwide for Arabic music, uncovering unique stories like discovering Umm Kulthum’s classics in Annecy, France, pressed by Arab migrants with superior quality. Personal interactions with shop owners and their recommendations add value to the records, unlike online purchases.
“Despite travels, I rarely found Saudi music until discovering Abu Mubarak’s WhatsApp group during COVID-19, auctioning rare vinyls of folk Saudi singers like Basher Hamad Shenan and Issa Al-Ahsa’i, fostering a vibrant community of Saudi music collectors,” he added.
Hammad, also a film director, said that music inspires his writing, helping him tell stories through curating music. One of his most memorable mixes called “Pass by Jeddah,” available on his SoundCloud page, narrates a love story that starts in Jeddah, moves to Makkah and ends with heartbreak on the road to Madinah.
Despite growing up listening to 2000s Egyptian and Lebanese pop music, Hammad's iPod post-high school helped him to explore various Arabic music genres, discovering traditional Saudi singers. Their music resonated with him, offering a newfound sense of representation and connection.
Dubbed as Adulsamee3 Allamee3, a funky Arabic moniker inspired by the renowned late Egyptian actor and comedian Samir Ghanim’s character, Hammad has performed at significant events and venues within the Kingdom and internationally, including MENA Night at Cannes Lions Festival organized by media group SRMG and streaming platform Anghami in Cannes, France; the Islamic Arts Biennale opening night in Jeddah; and the FenaaPhone exhibition’s closing night in Riyadh.
Amid changing online and digital music trends, Hammad is upholding the tradition of vinyl.
“Playing in public venues is an experience. Some find it hard to grasp that without the physical vinyl, I can’t fulfill their requests, even if it’s a TikTok trend,” he said. “Despite the amusing encounters, there are heartfelt moments, too, especially when the audience appreciates Saudi singers’ vinyl records.”
Hammad’s cultural plea is for Saudis to safeguard their heritage, particularly their music culture, by cherishing old cassette tapes, CDs, vinyl records and other items.
To discover Hammad’s collections, check out his SoundCloud show, Sama3i or “listening sessions.”
King Salman academy opens registration for global Arabic language prize
- Al-Washmi praised the support and guidance of Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, the chairman of the academy’s board of trustees, for the programs organized by the academy, including the prize
RIYADH: The King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language has announced that registrations for its prize are now open to individuals and organizations from all over the world.
Registration closes on June 30 and the total value of prizes to be awarded amounts to about SR1.6 million ($427,000), the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The prize promotes the Arabic language and acknowledges the efforts of individuals and institutions serving the language, encouraging them to maintain its development, preserve its integrity and develop ways of using Arabic.
Abdullah bin Saleh Al-Washmi, secretary-general of the academy, said that the prize falls within the framework of efforts by the academy to nurture Arabic, whether in terms of promoting the language or supporting its status, locally and internationally.
“Individuals and institutions working in the field will be praised for their efforts, exceptional individuals will be honored, loyalty to Arabic will be deepened, and communication between the Arab community members will be improved,” he said of the upcoming prize.
“Arabic language-related disciplines will also be praised to ensure a great future for the language and maintain it at the forefront of all languages, while enriching the Arabic knowledge content and raising awareness of our timeless language,” he added.
The King Salman Global Academy Prize for Arabic Language is one of the main initiatives launched by the academy to serve and enhance the Arabic language.
Abdullah bin Saleh Al-Washmi, Secretary-general, King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language
Al-Washmi praised the support and guidance of Minister of Culture Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan, the chairman of the academy’s board of trustees, for the programs organized by the academy, including the prize.
“The King Salman Global Academy Prize for Arabic Language is one of the main initiatives launched by the academy to serve and enhance the Arabic language,” the secretary-general said. “This initiative falls within the academy’s integrated foundational work stemming from the Human Capability Development Program, an objective of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, aimed at strengthening the identity, reviving authenticity, and enriching the personality and skills of the human being.”
The prize comprises four branches, including teaching and learning the Arabic language; computerizing the Arabic language and serving it with modern technologies; Arabic language research and scientific studies; and spreading linguistic awareness and creating linguistic community initiatives.
The branches were established to ensure that the objectives of the prize are met while being able to improve the most relevant aspects affecting and related to the future of the language.
Arabic-speaking researchers, authors, specialists and others interested in the Arabic language may apply if they meet certain criteria.
Governmental and private institutions that serve the language may also apply for the prize, including higher education institutions and their components, specialized study organizations and centers, bodies that have prioritized the language, as well as documented and reliable projects.
The nominated works undergo three judging cycles: selection and qualification; scientific examination; and final judging.
The works will be assessed by 18 judges from various countries, according to criteria including creativity and innovation, production uniqueness, comprehensiveness and widespread dissemination, and effectiveness and impact.
For more information, visit prize.ksaa.gov.sa.
Saudi Arabia expresses ‘deep concern’ over military escalation in Sudan’s North Darfur
- Ministry renewed Saudi Arabia’s call to all Sudanese parties to commit to the agreements
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry expressed on Sunday the Kingdom’s deep concern over the escalation of military tensions in Al-Fashir, North Darfur.
An attack on Al-Fashir in Sudan’s North Darfur region by the Rapid Support Forces is imminent, UN officials have warned.
The ministry renewed Saudi Arabia’s call to all Sudanese parties to commit to the agreements reached during peace talks in Jeddah between the RSF and Sudan’s army.
These agreements aim to expedite a cessation of hostilities and resolve the ongoing crisis through political dialogue, ultimately preserving Sudan’s unity and the security of its people and resources.
War erupted in Sudan one year ago between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary RSF, creating the world’s largest displacement crisis. Al-Fashir is the last major city in the vast, western Darfur region not under control of the RSF.
The RSF and its allies swept through four other Darfur state capitals last year, and were blamed for a campaign of ethnically driven killings against non-Arab groups and other abuses in West Darfur.
Saudi FM meets Algerian, Malaysian, Sri Lankan, Swiss, Norwegian counterparts in Riyadh
RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan held meetings with his Algerian, Malaysian, Sri Lankan, Swiss and Norwegian counterparts on Sunday.
The meetings took place on the sidelines of a special meeting of the World Economic Forum in Riyadh, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The talks focused on bolstering bilateral relations and addressing regional developments, particularly the situation in the Gaza Strip.
Riyadh forum highlights Saudi Arabia’s vision for healthcare and tourism
RIYADH: Saudi Deputy Minister of Investment Transaction Saleh Al-Khabti said that the healthcare sector’s contribution to the Kingdom’s gross domestic product is projected to reach about $66.6 billion, with the creation of more than 245,000 jobs by 2030.
Al-Khabti shared the information during a panel discussion titled “The Kingdom and Vision 2030 as a Global Health Tourism Destination”, at the Health Tourism Future Forum, which began Sunday in Riyadh.
The Health Tourism Club and the Health Tourism Association, in partnership with the Global Healthcare Travel Council, launched the forum to identify priorities and redefine visions for health tourism at regional and international levels.
The forum, which this year coincides with the eighth anniversary of the launch of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, is an annual global platform for the health tourism industry aiming to develop future strategies in the Kingdom’s healthcare sector. The global healthcare industry is estimated to be worth $4.4 trillion.
Al-Khabti said that significant investment is needed in the Saudi healthcare sector over the next seven years, much of which will be driven by the National Investment Strategy.
“Regarding foreign direct investment, Saudi Arabia reached about $19 billion, a three-time increase since 2017,” he said.
Ahmed Al-Ouraij, president of the Health Tourism Association, said that the forum marked the beginning of the first specialized health tourism initiatives.
Health tourism involves individuals traveling to another country for medical treatment or wellness services. The sector has grown rapidly in recent years due to increasing healthcare costs in many countries and advances in medical technology and expertise in specific regions.
Mahmoud Abdulhadi, deputy minister of tourism for destination enablement, mentioned that Saudi Arabia’s tourism industry has made significant progress, exceeding its target of 106 million visitors seven years ahead of schedule.
“The total amount spent on the total population of visitors was about $66.6 billion, a direct contribution to the economy,” Abdulhadi said.
The deputy minister also said that about 10 percent of all employment rates globally come from the tourism or tourism-related sectors. In Saudi Arabia, tourism contributes 4 percent to the national GDP.
“Tourism is a key contributor to Vision 2030 because it creates employment. When we started our journey in 2019, we had 600,000 employees in the sector, and today we have 925,000.”
Abdulhadi added that increasing the number of employees to 1.6 million by 2030 seemed on target, given the current trajectory.
“Leisure is now our second-largest source of visitation after spiritual visits to the holy sites and our fastest growing sector,” he said.
Conversely, only a small percentage of visitors to the Kingdom travel for medical or wellness purposes.
Abdulhadi said: “The reason might be because health tourism hasn’t been marketed well enough or in the right way.”
While the health tourism sector is still in its early stages, Abdulhadi believes there is a strong domestic market, or potential, for wellness and health travel.
Health tourism can range from medical treatment to wellness services. Abdulhadi said: “We have on the technical side people who are coming in for treatment for specific illnesses, and then we have on the soft side people who are coming in for what a spa experience in a nice destination is.”
He said that certain destinations lend themselves to potential wellness offerings, but that having the proper infrastructure in place is critical.
In the exhibition accompanying the conference, Healthcare London, a collaboration between nine healthcare providers, announced its official launch.
It was formed to allow more international patients to access the treatment that London’s leading private healthcare providers and NHS teaching hospitals can offer.
Michael Barker, project manager at Healthcare London, told Arab News: “Ever since we started working on Healthcare London, Saudi Arabia has been our No.1 market, especially because we know it very well.”
The forum also addresses challenges, proposes innovative solutions for sustainable growth, and works to raise awareness about the need to prioritize health and well-being. It is the culmination of the Kingdom’s drive to boost medical tourism and enhance the local and global healthcare sector.
The three-day event includes presentations, workshops, a young researchers’ forum, discussions, business meetings, seminars and interactive sessions. The activities focus on aspects of medical tourism such as innovation, investment, marketing and legislation.
