Saudi Journalists Association celebrates rebranding at media evening

The Saudi Journalists Association. (Supplied)
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Updated 21 February 2025
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Saudi Journalists Association celebrates rebranding at media evening

  • Ceremony attended by more than 100 journalists

RIYADH: The Saudi Journalists Association celebrated a new rebranding at an event on Thursday.

The event took place at a dinner held at Najd Village in Riyadh, honoring the guests of the Saudi Media Forum.

The ceremony was attended by more than 100 journalists, along with several leaders of Arab and international media organizations.

Adhwan Al-Ahmari, the SJA chairman, expressed his appreciation and gratitude to attendees for accepting the invitation and participating in the occasion. He emphasized that the SJA serves as a fundamental pillar in strengthening the national media identity and is committed to developing the journalism profession in the Kingdom by protecting journalists’ rights and providing the necessary support for their professional journey.

Al-Ahmari pointed out that the SJA’s rebranding and updated logo reflected the rapid developments in the media sector. The new logo was designed to embody the ambitious trajectory adopted by the current board of directors, drawing from the experiences of previous colleagues while keeping pace with the requirements of the era through modern innovations.

He added that the new logo, which was designed by Saudi media professional Sultan Al-Saif, represented the values of belonging and national identity. The design incorporates palm fronds to form an umbrella that symbolizes the SJA’s central role in embracing and protecting journalists while promoting values of unity and professional support.

Al-Ahmari said that, alongside its local activities, the SJA seeks to enhance cooperation with Arab and international media institutions to exchange expertise and elevate the profession.

He highlighted the board’s dedication to empowering journalists and developing their skills to keep up with global media transformations, reflecting the Kingdom’s prestigious standing on the international stage. He also expressed his gratitude to members of the General Assembly of the Federation of Asia Pacific Journalists for electing him as that body’s president during a meeting held earlier that day in Riyadh.

The event featured speeches from several prominent media figures, and Khalid Al-Malik, the former chairman of the SJA’s board, expressed his gratitude for the invitation extended to him and his fellow former board members. He praised the SJA’s new identity and wished the current board continued success.

Jomana Al-Rashid, the CEO of the Saudi Research and Media Group, also expressed her ongoing support for the SJA’s efforts and SRMG’s readiness to provide backing and assistance.

Moaid Allami, the head of the Federation of Arab Journalists, commended the SJA’s role in supporting the FAJ and advancing Arab media collaboration. He also praised the Kingdom’s efforts across various fields and lauded Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for his leadership in promoting regional and international stability.

Several leaders from the International Federation of Journalists and Arab media organizations also spoke, highlighting the positive spirit prevailing between the SJA’s current and former boards. They considered this a model to be emulated in ensuring the continuity of institutional work in media organizations.

The evening concluded with several cultural performances, including the traditional Saudi Ardah dance and an impressive falconry display presented by the Saudi Falcons Club.

Entities and individuals who had contributed to the success of the event were honored, including Woosh, Najd Village, Sultan Al-Saif, and Add Enterprise, which handled the event’s technical aspects, including audiovisual preparations.

 


WhatsApp says Russia ‘attempted to fully block’ app

Updated 12 February 2026
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WhatsApp says Russia ‘attempted to fully block’ app

  • Moscow has been trying to nudge Russians to use a more tightly controlled domestic online service

SAN FRANCISCO, United States: WhatsApp said Wednesday that Russia “attempted to fully block” the messaging app in the country to push users to a competing state-controlled service, potentially affecting 100 million people.
Moscow has been trying to nudge Russians to use a more tightly controlled domestic online service.
It has threatened a host of Internet platforms with forced slowdowns or outright bans if they do not comply with Russian laws, including those requiring data on Russian users to be stored inside the country.
“Today the Russian government attempted to fully block WhatsApp in an effort to drive people to a state-owned surveillance app,” WhatsApp posted on X.
“Trying to isolate over 100 million users from private and secure communication is a backwards step and can only lead to less safety for people in Russia,” WhatsApp added.
“We continue to do everything we can to keep users connected.”
Critics and rights campaigners say the Russian restrictions are a transparent attempt by the Kremlin to ramp up control and surveillance over Internet use in Russia, amid a sweeping crackdown on dissent during the Ukraine offensive.
That latest developments came after Russia’s Internet watchdog said Tuesday it would slap “phased restrictions” on the Telegram messaging platform, which it said had not complied with the laws.