Oilatum tackles rising problems of eczema, dry skin in KSA

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Updated 10 February 2025
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Oilatum tackles rising problems of eczema, dry skin in KSA

As eczema and dry skin problems continue to rise in Saudi Arabia, Oilatum has launched an expanded product line to provide effective solutions for patients.

These problems are driven by the Kingdom’s harsh climate and increased environmental stressors.

Oilatum, a trusted name in skincare management for over 50 years and endorsed by the British Skin Foundation, has increased its portfolio from two to 11 products, introducing a comprehensive suite of scientifically advanced solutions designed to restore the skin’s moisture balance and protect it from environmental aggressors.

The new line features cleansing and moisturizing solutions for different age groups and needs.

They include rich moisturizing creams for intense hydration, gentle body washes for daily cleansing, and baby-specific products like soothing bath bubbles and head-to-toe wash.

The range is enriched with ceramides, pro-vitamin B5, and glycerine, ingredients clinically proven to deliver deep hydration, restore the skin’s protective barrier, and soothe irritation.

All products are available over-the-counter in pharmacies across the Kingdom, making effective skincare solutions easily accessible to those who need them.

Atopic dermatitis (eczema) is a chronic condition affecting around 25 percent of the Kingdom’s pediatric population and up to 13 percent of adults, according to a Saudi Ministry of Health report.

Recent research highlights an even broader prevalence when considering undiagnosed cases, emphasizing the urgent need for effective treatment options.

The Kingdom’s extreme climate, marked by extreme heat, low humidity, and heavy reliance on air conditioning, further exacerbates these conditions, making hydration and skin barrier protection essential components of eczema management.

Dr. Abdullah Abanami, a consultant dermatologist at Dr. Sulaiman Al Habib Hospital in Riyadh, said: "In our clinic, we are seeing a significant increase in cases of eczema and dry skin in both children and adults.

"Managing atopic skin can be particularly challenging for patients, as it often disrupts daily life and affects their overall well-being.

"Restoring and maintaining the skin barrier is critical. When the barrier is compromised, moisture is lost, and irritants can easily penetrate, exacerbating symptoms.

"Prioritizing hydration and using products that support the skin’s natural renewal process are essential first steps in reducing flare-ups and improving patient outcomes."

Prof. Dr. Diamant Thaçi, director and full university professor at the Institute and Comprehensive Center for Inflammation Medicine, University of Lübeck, Germany, said: “Targeted biologic therapy shows promising progress in addressing an unmet need in atopic dermatitis treatment.

"We do not yet have a biomarker for this disease, but with precision medicine, we are moving in the right direction.

"Of course, foundational care remains essential. Regular application of topical emollients, alongside treatments such as corticosteroids or calcineurin inhibitors, is still the best protocol for managing symptoms and improving the patient’s quality of life."

Ahmed El-Barbary, general manager, STADA KSA+, said: "At Oilatum, we understand the cycle of dry skin and the challenges it presents for patients with eczema and chronic dryness, particularly in extreme conditions.

"Our expanded range of 11 products is the result of decades of science, designed to soothe irritation, restore essential moisture, and strengthen the skin’s natural barrier.

"By equipping healthcare professionals in Saudi Arabia with these targeted solutions, we aim to help patients effectively manage atopic skin concerns, find relief from persistent irritation, and protect their skin from future discomfort."

The expanded Oilatum range was unveiled in Riyadh on Jan. 24, bringing together leading dermatologists, doctors, and pharmacists from across the Kingdom.

The event featured medical presentations by global and local experts on the impact of extreme weather conditions on skin health, as well as discussions on advancements in atopic dermatitis treatment.

Interactive sessions, including live product demonstrations, highlighted Oilatum’s commitment to supporting healthcare professionals in their mission to improve patient care.


Riyadh event to explore role of innovation in value creation

Updated 19 April 2025
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Riyadh event to explore role of innovation in value creation

The Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association, the voice of the chemical industry in the Gulf region, will explore the role of innovation in driving value creation and growth at the 14th GPCA Plastics Conference taking place on April 20-21 at JW Marriott Hotel, Riyadh.

Innovation is a driving force behind value creation in the GCC plastic industry, contributing to sustainability, economic growth, and technological advancements. Accelerating innovation plays a crucial role across product design, business models, and resource management, and can support efforts to achieve a circular economy in the GCC. Continuous innovation in polymer production and conversion technologies has enabled the GCC region to maintain a competitive edge in the global market. This includes advancements in recycling technologies and the development of new, sustainable materials.

Opportunities exist to leverage innovation for more sustainable production and economic growth. Research estimates say that every 1 million tonnes of recycled plastic produced in the GCC region can generate approximately 1,500 jobs and $650 million in direct GDP impact.

According to another study, advancements in chemical recycling technologies can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 50 percent compared to traditional plastic production methods. The 14th GPCA Plastics Conference will provide an ideal platform to spotlight innovations in plastics recycling and discuss the role of regulations in creating an enabling environment for growth.

Dr. Abdulwahab Al-Sadoun, secretary-general of GPCA, said: “In the pursuit of the next paradigm of plastics growth, fostering innovation and collaboration will be essential to address the sustainability challenges of our time, while meeting the demand for sustainable plastics and ensuring socioeconomic growth. By fostering cutting-edge advancements and sustainable practices, we can enhance the plastic industry’s position as a dynamic driver of economic growth and environmental stewardship. The 14th GPCA Plastics Conference will serve as a beacon for visionary leaders and innovators from across the region and the world to collaborate and redefine the future of plastics for generations to come.”

Held under the theme “The Next Growth Paradigm: Value Creation through Innovation,” the conference will open with a welcome address by Khalfan Al-Muhairi, SVP regional MEAE, Borouge and vice chairman, plastics committee, GPCA, followed by a ministerial address outlining regional policy priorities.

Deena F. Al-Khayyal, managing director, LyondellBasell, will deliver a keynote address on “The Future of Plastics: Trends and Disruptions Shaping the Regional Industry.” A leadership dialogue moderated by Steve Jenkins, vice president, chemicals consulting, Wood Mackenzie, will explore “The Business Case for Sustainability: Turning Plastics Innovation into Profit.” The session will discuss how investing in green technologies, materials, and processes can be profitable in the long run and drive shareholder value, featuring insights from Khalid Al-Dawood, MD, NATPET; Unmesh Nayak, president — polymer chain, Reliance Industries, and Dr. Apostolos Krallis, vice president, innovation center, Borouge.

The program will continue with an in-depth panel discussion on “Building Sustainable Value — Innovation and Investment in Plastics Ecosystems,” which will highlight how seamlessly integrated ecosystems in production, feedstock, and logistics are crucial for driving innovation and value creation. The discussion will bring together senior industry executives, including Faisal Alsolami, executive vice president, finance and strategic planning, SIRC, and Dimitri Van Eekelen, vice president — commercial, SOHAR Ports and Freezone, to examine investment trends and new growth pathways. Another key session, “Turning Low-Value Plastic Waste into High-Impact Solutions,” will address the technical and economic challenges of collecting and processing lower-value plastic waste, featuring Don Thomson, founder and CEO, CRDC Global, and Peter Wang Hjemdahl, chief innovation officer and founder, rePurpose Global.

The afternoon sessions will advance the circularity agenda through a series of case studies, covering topics such as science-driven materials innovation, product design for a leaner plastics footprint, advanced recycling technologies, and consumer behavior change programs.

On Day 2, Naser Aldousari, CEO, EQUATE Group and Chairman, plastics committee, GPCA, will deliver the opening address. A multi-stakeholder dialogue will further explore regulatory trends shaping plastics waste management, focusing on policy innovations accelerating circularity, extended producer responsibility implementation, and the role of industry in compliance and sustainability progress. The discussion will be moderated by Noor Balfaqeeh, head of corporate affairs and communications, Unilever and chair, National Circular Packaging Private Committee — Federation of Saudi Chambers, who will be joined by senior policymakers and industry executives.


Louis Vuitton unveils iconic trophy trunk for Jeddah F1

Updated 19 April 2025
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Louis Vuitton unveils iconic trophy trunk for Jeddah F1

Louis Vuitton, an official partner of Formula 1, presented its sixth bespoke Louis Vuitton Trophy Trunk of the season for the Formula 1 stc Saudi Arabian Grand Prix 2025 in Jeddah, from April 18 to 21. This highly anticipated race marks the fifth Grand Prix of the season, with thrilling action at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit.

The French luxury giant joins this journey of champions, reinforcing the tradition that “Victory travels in Louis Vuitton.” The new dynamic Louis Vuitton signature with a revamped graphic Louis Vuitton logo specifically designed for the official partnership between Formula 1 and the house is displayed across Jeddah’s on-track signage. 

This reflects the city’s blend of modernity and heritage, with its iconic coastal views and dynamic architecture serving as a backdrop to the high-speed excitement of Formula 1. The new Louis Vuitton logo design evokes a sense of speed and heat effects, drawing a parallel with the high velocity of Formula 1 racing, while resonating with Jeddah’s innovative spirit and its vibrant energy along the Red Sea.

The maison presents its collection of bespoke trunks designed for the world’s most prestigious sporting trophies. Perpetuating a long tradition of savoir-faire, each trunk is handcrafted by Louis Vuitton’s master artisans in Asnières, just outside Paris.

Since its inaugural edition in 2021, the F1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix has established itself as a highly anticipated annual event, attracting large audiences and a significant media presence from around the world.


‘Maknana’ exhibition at Diriyah to feature works of over 40 Arab artists

Updated 18 April 2025
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‘Maknana’ exhibition at Diriyah to feature works of over 40 Arab artists

Diriyah Art Futures, the first new media arts hub in the MENA region, has announced its second major exhibition titled Maknana: An Archaeology of New Media Art in the Arab World.

Co-curated by artists and curators Haytham Nawar and Ala Younis, the exhibition will run from April 21 to July 19 at DAF at Diriyah, Riyadh.

Bringing together works by more than 40 artists from the MENA region, the exhibition features pioneering voices from across the region who have embraced and redefined technology as a medium for creative expression.

The exhibition includes notable Saudi artists such as Ahmed Mater, Muhannad Shono, and ARC (Abdullah Rashed), whose practices reflect the Kingdom’s dynamic and evolving relationship with new media.

They are joined by influential artists from across the region such as VJ Um Amel (Laila Shereen Sakr, Egypt); Emily Jacir (Palestine); Akram Zaatari (Lebanon), Abdel Hadi El-Gazzar (Egypt), Hassan Meer (Oman), Hicham Berrada (Morocco/France), Mona Hatoum (Palestine), Walid Raad (Palestine) and Farah Al-Qasimi (UAE). 

Spanning decades and disciplines, from early video art and experimental film to generative systems and expanded media, Maknana offers a rare survey of how Arab artists have engaged with and reimagined the digital landscape on their own terms.

The Arabic term ‘Maknana,’ translated as automation, inspires the exhibition’s central inquiry: how Arab artists have navigated, repurposed, and challenged technologies to shape their own creative vocabularies.

The exhibition is structured across four thematic sections, Automation, Autonomy, Ripples, and Glitch, that trace recurring artistic concerns and gestures across different generations, geographies, and technological paradigms.

Highlighting a dynamic constellation of artistic practices, Maknana includes rare archival works, recent digital experiments, and new commissions from artists working across the region and diaspora.

Their works engage with urgent sociopolitical contexts, from networked resistance and machine logic to memory preservation, speculative ecologies, and glitch aesthetics.

In tandem with the exhibition, Diriyah Art Futures will present a public program of talks, performances, screenings, and workshops, expanding on the themes of Maknana and offering visitors direct engagement with artists and thought leaders in the field of new media art.

 


Aroya to host first Saudi floating franchise expo

Updated 16 April 2025
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Aroya to host first Saudi floating franchise expo

The National Franchise Committee, in partnership with Aroya Cruises, has finalized preparations for the first-of-its-kind floating exhibition dedicated to franchising. The initiative, led by the Federation of Saudi Chambers, was formalized through an agreement signed by Dr. Khalid Al-Ghamdi, chairman of the National Franchise Committee, and Alaa Tashkandi, general sales manager at Aroya Cruises. The International Floating Franchise Exhibition will take place aboard the luxurious Aroya cruise ship from May 5-8.

The announcement came during a press conference held onboard the Aroya cruise in Jeddah, attended by various media representatives. The organizing committee unveiled details of the ship’s facilities that will host the expo, including halls, theaters, meeting rooms, and other logistical preparations.

Dr. Al-Ghamdi said that hosting the exhibition at sea symbolizes the global potential of Saudi brands, adding that the committee is working on a strategic initiative to accelerate the international expansion of Saudi franchises.

Tashkandi said that Aroya Cruises is fully equipped to host major exhibitions and commercial events, offering world-class amenities that promise an exceptional and unique experience for global attendees.

The Federation of Saudi Chambers, represented by the National Franchise Committee, had previously announced plans to organize the inaugural International Floating Franchise Exhibition from May 5–8, aboard the Aroya cruise ship in Jeddah.


Security leaders to unite and advance sector at Riyadh conference

Updated 16 April 2025
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Security leaders to unite and advance sector at Riyadh conference

The Security Middle East Conference, a pivotal gathering for the region’s leading security executives, organizations, and government officials, will return on May 13 at Voco Hotel Riyadh. This exclusive, invite-only event is designed to empower attendees with the knowledge, connections and foresight needed to navigate the evolving security landscape and drive the sector forward in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030.

More than just a conference, the Security Middle East Conference offers a unique platform built on three core pillars:

Networking: Forge Strategic Alliances

Attendees will have unparalleled opportunities to connect with key stakeholders, establish crucial business contacts, forge strategic alliances and develop partnerships that will shape the future of security in the Middle East.

Education: Elevate Skills and Knowledge

Attendees will gain actionable insights and cutting-edge knowledge to implement in their roles from a dynamic agenda featuring insightful keynote addresses from global thought leaders like Dr. Khalid Koser, executive director, Global Community Engagement and Resilience Fund, and Dr. Faisal Alfouzan, director of cybersecurity at Absher. There will also be engaging panel discussions with regional experts including representatives from International Maritime Industries, King Salman Park Foundation, Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu, FIFA, and Diriyah Company; practical workshops led by ICON Training Co. and others; and interactive live podcasts and tech stage presentations from leading providers including NEDAP, Limitless Technologies, Magnet Forensics, and PureTech Systems.

Future: Uncover Trends and Drive Innovation

The conference will delve into the future of security, exploring emerging threats, the integration of AI and the security implications of mega-projects. Live technology demonstrations will offer a firsthand look at the innovative solutions shaping tomorrow’s security landscape.

Attendees can further elevate their expertise by participating in a dedicated two-day masterclass led by Nadeem Iqbal, director at IFPO MENASA and global advisory board member (business growth and strategy). This intensive workshop titled “Align security with your organization’s business DNA!,” will equip security professionals with the strategies to seamlessly integrate security efforts with overarching business objectives, driving long-term success and operational excellence.

The Security Middle East Conference is supported by leading industry organizations including the Information Security Forum, The Security Institute and the International Foundation for Protection Officers, and sponsored by innovative companies including Magnet Forensics, Limitless Technologies, ThreatLocker, Convergint, Eagle Eye Networks, CTF Consoles, PureTech Systems, Allied Telesis, ICON Training, Comm Port, and NEDAP.

The event offers a vital platform for security leaders to collaborate, learn and shape the future of the industry in the Middle East.