What We Are Buying Today: Saudi Arabia’s ‘Jawlah’ educating and empowering children

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Updated 25 March 2024
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What We Are Buying Today: Saudi Arabia’s ‘Jawlah’ educating and empowering children

Jawlah is more than just a toy shop; it is a cultural and educational oasis catering to the unique needs of the region’s children.

Founded by Shahd Al-Athel and Sandi Ismail, this Saudi-based brand is on a mission to transform learning into an adventure, helping children envision a brighter future while remaining anchored in cultural history and values.

Jawlah offers a curated collection of toys and books that not only entertain but are specifically designed to improve cognitive and motor skill development. The brand’s originals reflect the rich fabric of the region, ensuring that children’s cultural identities are replicated in their play and learning experiences.

By weaving local Saudi traditions and values into their products, Jawlah fosters a deep connection between children and their heritage. From the dallah set to characters like Salman, Nakhla, and Fahda, each item embodies the essence of Arabian hospitality, identity, and legacy, educating children about the significance of customs and traditions in a fun and engaging way.

Their products cater to children aged up to 10 years, and the educational tools and toys are tailored to meet developmental milestones. By intertwining cultural themes with a commitment to sustainability and safety, Jawlah nurtures children’s curiosity, creativity, and sense of identity, encouraging them to embrace their roots while acquiring essential skills and knowledge.

The products are made from non-toxic, eco-friendly materials, allowing children to play and learn in a safe, healthy environment while introducing them to a variety of educational materials, including books, spinning tops, kaleidoscopes, and drawing tools.

Through its deeply rooted character designs and thoughtful curation like the Palestine collection, Jawlah goes beyond entertainment, aiming to educate children about various cultures and support humanitarian efforts.

By incorporating exclusive collections from publishers like Buschel and Peck, Jawlah also enriches children’s reading experiences and broadens their understanding of the world.

Here's Instagram account @jawlah.club

 


Will Smith brings ‘Pole to Pole’ docu-series to Dubai for Middle East premiere

Updated 12 January 2026
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Will Smith brings ‘Pole to Pole’ docu-series to Dubai for Middle East premiere

  • Star takes part in live onstage Q&A session alongside Allison Fong, Richard Parks, Bryan Fry

DUBAI: Global star Will Smith walked the blue carpet in Dubai on Monday for the Middle East’s premiere of National Geographic’s “Pole to Pole with Will Smith,” marking the regional launch of his seven-part global exploration series.

The event was held at the SEE Institute in The Sustainable City Dubai, the region’s first net-zero emissions building, and brought together government officials, regional celebrities, content creators and sustainability advocates.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Will Smith (@willsmith)

Following a private screening of the first episode, Smith took part in a live onstage Q&A session alongside Allison Fong, Richard Parks and Bryan Fry, three of the experts involved in the series.

Five years in the making, the cinematic docuseries follows Smith’s travels from the ice fields of Antarctica to the Amazon rainforest, the Himalayas, African deserts, Pacific islands, and the Arctic, exploring both extreme environments and the people who study and protect them.

L-R: Explorers Richard Parks, Bryan Fry, and Allison Fong with Will Smith. (Supplied)

Faris Saeed, the founder and chairman of SEE Holding, said the series “reminds us that progress is not only about how advanced we become, but by how deeply we remain connected to our humanity and our planet,” adding that future cities must bring people and nature closer together.

The premiere was produced by KS Konnect, the strategic consultancy founded by Kris Fade and Sarah Omolewu.

Sarah Omolewu, co-founder of KS Konnect and Will Smith. (Supplied)

Omolewu said hosting the event in Dubai was “deeply meaningful” and reflected both the city’s status as a cultural hub and Smith’s commitment to purpose-driven storytelling.

“Pole to Pole with Will Smith” will air on National Geographic on Jan. 13 at 8 p.m., on National Geographic Abu Dhabi on Jan. 14 at 9 p.m., and will be available to stream on Disney+ from Jan. 14.