American singer Alicia Keys joins Saudi trailblazers in ‘Women to Women’ initiative in Jeddah

American singer Alicia Keys joins Saudi trailblazers in ‘Women to Women’ initiative in Jeddah
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Cosmicat, Mishaal, Alicia, Huda and Noura. (AN Photo)
American singer Alicia Keys joins Saudi trailblazers in ‘Women to Women’ initiative in Jeddah
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Cosmicat, Mishaal, Alicia, Huda and Noura. (AN Photo)
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Updated 09 March 2024
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American singer Alicia Keys joins Saudi trailblazers in ‘Women to Women’ initiative in Jeddah

American singer Alicia Keys joins Saudi trailblazers in ‘Women to Women’ initiative in Jeddah
  • Organized by MDLBEAST on International Women’s Day, the event aimed to unite female leaders and focus on how they can drive cultural progress both in Saudi Arabia and globally
  • The diverse group of women shared their experiences in their respective fields, while looking at the challenges they overcame for success

JEDDAH: American singer Alicia Keys took her place in the recent third “Women to Women” initiative in Jeddah, alongside influential Saudi women such as DJ Cosmicat (Nouf Sufyani); Mishaal Ashemimry, aerospace engineer and commercial pilot; visual artist Huda Beydoun; Noura bin Saidan, a street artist; and Raha Moharrak, the first Saudi woman to scale Mount Everest.
Organized by MDLBEAST on International Women’s Day, the event aimed to unite female leaders and focus on how they can drive cultural progress both in Saudi Arabia and globally.
The diverse group of women shared their experiences in their respective fields, while looking at the challenges they overcame for success.
They looked at what it means to be a woman challenging norms and overcoming obstacles, sharing the inspirations that drove their remarkable accomplishments.
Keys said: “(I’m) so excited to be together. What inspires me is humanity, people; real-life experiences inspire me. Those are the things I write songs about, those are the things that connect me and us.
“It’s all about experiencing life. Meeting new people in this event is such an inspiration (and) to be able to engage in the conversation. My journey has been unique: raised by a single mother who is a rock to me. The will to achieve and discover, to keep going, can happen by trusting yourself.
“The biggest lesson that I would like to share is to keep going. Learn from failure and grow from it.”
She added: “I always keep telling myself to keep trying, and even if it doesn’t work out, at least I tried. I would like to avoid the pressure that I placed on myself and instead believe in personally deciding what is important to me and what success means to me.
“Success, to me, is being an authentic, genuine person who is good-natured, good-hearted, and kind to people, bringing positivity to others. Even if I can positively impact just one person, that is most important to me. It’s all about spreading positivity.”
Keys, who has won 15 Grammys and sold 90 million records worldwide, is renowned for her achievements in music and her dedication to activism, entrepreneurship, and wellness initiatives. She is actively engaged with her beauty brand, Keys Soulcare.
Ashemimry, who draws inspiration from her birth city of Qassim and her childhood fascination with the stars, also shared her journey and insights during the event.
She said: “I wanted to learn deeper about space and the only way to do it was to build rockets. When you are a child, you don’t understand, and breaking stereotypes was very challenging.”
Encouraging others to pursue their own dreams, Ashemimry spoke about her unexpected path to becoming the first Saudi female aerospace engineer and commercial pilot. She added: “In my case, when I had inspiration, I never thought I would be the first. I had the passion to just follow it. When I knew that I was the first Saudi, I felt huge responsibility on my shoulders toward the public.
“So I started social media accounts talking about space and technology development. I had difficulty in Arabic. I had a fear that I wouldn’t be able to explain myself better. But, later on, I started to talk about space by simplifying it in Arabic ... when I spoke about my inspiration, hardships I went through, being away from my family, the struggles, sacrifices to be a rocket scientist, and the history of rockets.
“The impact I left with the content I created was really inspiring to the audience, which motivated me to keep encouraging people to aspire.”
Moharrak, reflecting on her journey and the challenges she faced, said: “The emotional and mental challenge that you don’t fit in is very challenging, and that’s something no one teaches.
“I am so proud that now more and more women are breaking the norm. In my story, the challenge was mentality and (that was) also the biggest driver. If we don’t change the narratives and the story, then who will?
“Yes, I have climbed Mount Everest, but every single woman has an Everest to climb in daily life. It’s about continually proving to yourself that you are capable of achieving extraordinary things and overcoming challenges. So don’t let anyone make you feel that you cannot climb your Everest.”
Other members of the panel shared their sources of inspiration and the paths they took to achieve success, while also discussing strategies for overcoming the negative opinions of others and people’s perceptions.
Rozana Al-Banawi, an entrepreneur specializing in professional training and coaching, conducted sessions with her team to engage the audience, facilitating activities focusing on leadership skills and self-development, creating an interactive and enriching experience for those attending.


MoU signed to establish Saudi-Brazilian Coordination Council in Rio de Janeiro

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira sign the MoU in Rio de Janeiro.
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira sign the MoU in Rio de Janeiro.
Updated 19 November 2024
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MoU signed to establish Saudi-Brazilian Coordination Council in Rio de Janeiro

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira sign the MoU in Rio de Janeiro.
  • Kingdom’s foreign minister visited Brazil to attend the G20 Summit that ended on Tuesday
  • Prince Faisal and Vieira reviewed relations between their countries and ways to develop them

RIYADH: A memorandum of understanding to establish the Saudi-Brazilian Coordination Council was signed by the foreign ministers of both countries in Rio de Janeiro on Tuesday, Saudi Press Agency reported.

The agreement was signed during a meeting between Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan.

It is a “continuation of what was agreed upon between the leaderships of the two countries during the visit of the President of Brazil Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva to the Kingdom on November 30, 2023,” SPA said.

The Kingdom’s foreign minister visited Brazil to attend the G20 Summit that ended on Tuesday.

Prince Faisal and Vieira reviewed relations between their countries and ways to develop them. They also discussed regional and international developments and efforts made in this regard.


Saudi entrepreneurs present expertise at Misk forum in Riyadh

Saudi entrepreneurs present expertise at Misk forum in Riyadh
Updated 19 November 2024
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Saudi entrepreneurs present expertise at Misk forum in Riyadh

Saudi entrepreneurs present expertise at Misk forum in Riyadh
  • Passion alone won’t build a business, says Prepline CEO Essa Behbehani

RIYADH: “If you don’t channel your passion for executing a business, then you simply have a hobby,” Essa Behbehani said at the Misk Global Forum on Tuesday.

The CEO of Prepline, a food and beverage investment and development company, made the statement during the panel discussion “Dream, Do, Dare: The Entrepreneur’s Cookbook,” which discussed core business skills, provided guidance on overcoming common startup challenges, and offered essential advice on scaling enterprises through funding.

"In a business, the most important factors are the product, resistance, and community approval." (AN photo by Huda Bashatah)

“Passion is one of the main elements you need to build a business on, but it is not the main element,” Behbehani said.

He outlined the four key roles in business success, saying: “You are either an investor, manager, developer, or craftsman. Each one needs the other element to succeed.”

HIGHLIGHTS

• The eighth Misk Global Forum, designed to encourage dialogue and exchange of ideas, is showcasing Misk Foundation’s dedication to engaging young minds.

• On Tuesday, Essa Behbehani and Abdullah Al-Saleem discussed core business skills, provided guidance on overcoming common startup challenges, and offered essential advice on scaling enterprises through funding.

Reflecting on the evolution of business fundamentals over two decades, Behbehani noted a significant shift, and added: “Back then, (around) 2003 to 2004, the most important elements in a business were the product, resistance, and community approval.”

"In a business, the most important factors are the product, resistance, and community approval." (AN photo by Huda Bashatah)

Behbehani noted that at that time, entrepreneurs like himself lacked marketing knowledge and did not have modern tools like social media to promote their businesses.

However, today’s business landscape demands different priorities, and he said: “These skill sets that you have need to be transferred into three main elements: You need to have a mindset, speed, and quality of product.

"In a business, the most important factors are the product, resistance, and community approval." (AN photo by Huda Bashatah)

“Mindset nowadays is everything — without a mindset, you can never grow a business.”

He cautioned current entrepreneurs about the limitations of focusing solely on product excellence, asking: “What are you going to do with an amazing product without the right mindset and the right speed to execute it?”

"In a business, the most important factors are the product, resistance, and community approval." (AN photo by Huda Bashatah)

During the same session, Abdullah Al-Saleem, the CEO and co-founder of Mushtari, a platform for business acquisition, shared valuable insights on when and how entrepreneurs should seek guidance for their ventures.

“Every time is the right time to seek help,” Al-Saleem said, highlighting the importance of continuous learning and consultation in business development.

He advocated for a two-pronged approach to seeking advice, distinguishing between general business consultants and industry-specific experts.

He added: “There are two people you have to seek help from: People that know generally about the industry, and people that know specifically about the industry.”

Using the restaurant business as an example, Al-Saleem described how he would consult general business experts for fundamentals like “hiring, culture, (and) cash flow,” while seeking industry-specific guidance for specialized operations.

However, gathering advice, he said, was just the first step. He noted that it was crucial to ensure team involvement in implementing recommendations.

He said: “When I take all these ideas or all these bits of advice, I brainstorm it with the team.”

This collaborative approach ensured that potential solutions were thoroughly evaluated before implementation, he said.

Al-Saleem further emphasized the importance of practical application through trial and error, and he always involved his team in the process.

He added: “They are the engine of the business and without the team, there is no business.”

 


Saudi Arabia, China, Iran meet to advance Beijing Agreement

Saudi Arabia, China, Iran meet to advance Beijing Agreement
Updated 19 November 2024
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Saudi Arabia, China, Iran meet to advance Beijing Agreement

Saudi Arabia, China, Iran meet to advance Beijing Agreement
  • Efforts focus on regional stability, economic collaboration

RIYADH: The second meeting of the Saudi-Chinese-Iranian Joint Tripartite Committee to follow up on the Beijing Agreement was held in Riyadh on Tuesday, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed bin Abdulkarim Elkhereiji chaired the meeting, with Vice Foreign Minister of China Deng Li and Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs Majid Takht Ravanchi present.

The Saudi and Iranian representatives reaffirmed their commitment to fully implementing the Beijing Agreement and strengthening neighborly relations through adherence to the UN Charter, the Charter of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and international law, emphasizing respect for sovereignty, independence, and security.

Saudi Arabia and Iran also welcomed China’s ongoing positive role and emphasized the importance of its support in following up on the Beijing Agreement’s implementation. China reiterated its readiness to encourage further steps by both nations to enhance their relationship in various fields.

The three countries praised the progress in Saudi-Iranian relations, highlighting the significance of direct communication at all levels and the opportunities for mutual cooperation amid regional tensions that threatened global and regional security.

They noted the progress in consular services, enabling over 87,000 Iranian pilgrims to perform Hajj and more than 52,000 to perform Umrah securely in 2024.

They also welcomed the first meeting of the Saudi-Iranian Joint Media Committee and the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Prince Saud Al-Faisal Institute for Diplomatic Studies and Iran’s Institute for Political and International Studies.

Saudi Arabia and Iran expressed their readiness to sign a double taxation avoidance agreement and, along with China, looked forward to expanding economic and political cooperation.

The three nations called for an immediate end to Israeli aggression in Palestine and Lebanon, and condemned violations of Iran’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

They stressed the need for uninterrupted humanitarian aid to Palestine and Lebanon and warned that continued violence posed serious threats to regional and global security, including maritime safety.

They also reaffirmed their support for a comprehensive political solution in Yemen, in line with internationally recognized principles under UN auspices.


Saudi Arabia foreign minister urges a balanced energy transition at G20 Summit session

Saudi Arabia foreign minister urges a balanced energy transition at G20 Summit session
Updated 19 November 2024
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Saudi Arabia foreign minister urges a balanced energy transition at G20 Summit session

Saudi Arabia foreign minister urges a balanced energy transition at G20 Summit session
  • Prince Faisal outlined three pillars for effective energy transition during a discussion at the G20 Summit

RIO DE JANEIRO: Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister highlighted the importance of a balanced, inclusive approach to energy transition while ensuring global energy security and sustainable development at a Group of 20 session on Tuesday, Saudi Press Agency reported.

Prince Faisal was leading the Kingdom’s delegation during a session titled “Sustainable Development and Energy Transition,” SPA added.

Energy security represented a global challenge and an obstacle to development and poverty eradication, the minister said, calling for energy plans that considered each country’s circumstances and development needs.

Prince Faisal outlined three pillars for effective energy transition: Ensuring energy security, maintaining access to affordable energy, and achieving environmental sustainability.

He said that the transition required significant investment and time to maintain market stability while ensuring fairness and inclusivity.

Prince Faisal also highlighted the role of technological innovation in managing emissions and environmental impacts.

He said that Saudi Arabia’s investments in innovative technologies had resulted in one of the world’s lowest emissions intensity rates in oil and gas operations, adding that the Kingdom was also advancing its renewable energy goals, aiming for 50 percent of electricity generation from renewables by 2030.

Prince Faisal added that the Kingdom was also expanding its clean hydrogen production and implementing the circular carbon economy framework to repurpose emissions into valuable products.

During his address, the prince also outlined Saudi Arabia’s commitment to global sustainability through its flagship initiatives, the Saudi Green and Middle East Green programs, which are tailored to the country’s development needs.

He called for enhanced international cooperation to ensure energy transitions were equitable, inclusive and supportive of global development goals.

Prince Faisal expressed Saudi Arabia’s appreciation for Brazil’s leadership of the G20 in 2024 and extended well wishes to South Africa as it assumes the presidency in 2025, SPA reported.


Multi-billion global AI spending transforming business efficiency, SDAIA official tells Riyadh conference

Multi-billion global AI spending transforming business efficiency, SDAIA official tells Riyadh conference
Updated 19 November 2024
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Multi-billion global AI spending transforming business efficiency, SDAIA official tells Riyadh conference

Multi-billion global AI spending transforming business efficiency, SDAIA official tells Riyadh conference
  • Esam bin Abdullah Al-Wagait highlighted these figures during his keynote address at the 9th National Quality Conference

RIYADH: Global spending on artificial intelligence to improve operational efficiency exceeded $120 billion in 2023, with over 72 percent of organizations integrating AI into at least one area of their business, according to data cited by the director of the National Information Center at the Saudi Data and AI Authority.

Esam bin Abdullah Al-Wagait highlighted these figures during his keynote address at the 9th National Quality Conference, held on Tuesday at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Riyadh, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Al-Wagait emphasized the growing role of AI in enhancing leadership capabilities, referencing a study from the 2024 Gartner IT Symposium/Xpo, which found that 97 percent of CEOs believe AI has improved their performance, reduced administrative burdens, and strengthened their ability to lead effectively, SPA added.

Al-Wagait told the conference that AI’s integration across various industries reflected its transformative potential and cited the number of industrial robots deployed in manufacturing operations exceeding 4 million globally in 2023, as reported by the International Federation of Robotics, further underlining AI’s role in operational excellence.

“AI is now a trusted partner for organizational leaders, offering accurate analytics and predictions that enable impactful decision-making,” he said. This trend, he explained, aligned with the concept of AI-augmented leadership, which is reshaping organizational strategies worldwide.

The conference session, themed “Role of Advanced Technologies in Ensuring the Quality of Services and Products,” brought together industry leaders and experts to discuss the role of AI and advanced technologies in improving quality assurance and operational outcomes.