CNN Arabic’s Her Story initiative launches second podcast training

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Updated 12 May 2022
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CNN Arabic’s Her Story initiative launches second podcast training

  • Training was conducted virtually by Samya Ayish, CNN Arabic journalist, producer and editor of Her Story

LONDON: CNN Arabic’s Her Story initiative launched its second podcast training session on Wednesday aimed at female journalists and content creators from Arab countries. 

Training was conducted virtually by Samya Ayish, CNN Arabic journalist, producer and editor of Her Story, in partnership with the Arab Network for Science and Journalism.

Different types of audio content, script writing, recording, montage and publishing were covered in the program, which focused on podcasting.

The training session, attended by 40 Arab female journalists from the region, began with a brief speech by Caroline Faraj, vice president and editor-in-chief of CNN Arabic, followed by a speech from Ahmed Al-Shamir, president of the Arab Network for Scientific Journalism.

Following the session, participants were able to pitch proposals and ideas for possible stories, with the winning ideas to be commissioned and published on the CNN Arabic Her Story page.

Her Story, or Hikayatoha in Arabic, is a multi-platform editorial and training initiative that profiles Arab women creating an impact in their local communities.

The initiative was launched on March 8, International Women’s Day, to offer Arab women a high-profile platform to share their untold stories, and voice their thoughts and opinions.

In addition to the editorial feature, CNN Arabic also launched the first edition of a special training program for young women starting careers in journalism, content production and storytelling.


University of Hong Kong hosts the first Saudi Economic Forum to boost China–Saudi ties

Updated 17 December 2025
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University of Hong Kong hosts the first Saudi Economic Forum to boost China–Saudi ties

  • The high-level event served as a new platform for bilateral dialogue and cross-sector collaboration

RIYADH: The University of Hong Kong (HKU) has hosted the first-ever Saudi Economic Forum in Riyadh, bringing together nearly 100 senior officials, academics, and business leaders to deepen cooperation between China and Saudi Arabia in education, innovation, and economic growth.

Held under the theme “Enhancing the Global Competitiveness of Chinese and Saudi Institutions,” the forum marked a significant milestone in advancing strategic alignment between China’s Belt and Road Initiative and Saudi Vision 2030.

The high-level event served as a new platform for bilateral dialogue and cross-sector collaboration, with participants exploring joint opportunities in investment, technology, renewable energy, and artificial intelligence.

Professor Hongbin Cai, dean of the faculty of business and economics at HKU, said the university aspires to become a “knowledge bridge” between the two nations, leveraging its global standing and extensive international networks. He noted that educational collaboration would be a cornerstone of the Saudi–Chinese partnership.

Saudi Arabia’s Assistant Deputy Minister of Investment, Fahad Al-Hashem, emphasized the depth of the China–Saudi partnership, noting that bilateral trade now exceeds $150 billion, with a growth rate of around 30 percent annually.

He reaffirmed the Kingdom’s openness to partnerships with China’s leading universities and technology companies, particularly in future-focused sectors aligned with Vision 2030, including education, digital transformation, AI, and clean energy.

The forum featured panel discussions on cross-border education, global city development, and technology transfer, with experts stressing the importance of joint ventures in the digital economy and smart infrastructure.

Participants said Saudi Arabia could benefit from China’s successful experiences in energy transition, infrastructure modernization, and innovation ecosystems as it builds globally competitive cities and institutions.

The Saudi Economic Forum concluded with calls for sustained academic and corporate partnerships to enhance institutional excellence and global competitiveness. Organizers said the initiative will continue to facilitate knowledge exchange and support national transformation goals in both countries, namely in the fields of technology and innovation.