Saudi artist Raghad Al-Ahmad discusses her Adidas collaboration 

Saudi artist Raghad Al-Ahmad discusses her Adidas collaboration 
Al-Ahmad has collaborated with Adidas on their first capsule collection tailored for the Saudi market, in celebration of the Kingdom’s upcoming National Day on Sept. 23. (Supplied)
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Updated 12 September 2024
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Saudi artist Raghad Al-Ahmad discusses her Adidas collaboration 

Saudi artist Raghad Al-Ahmad discusses her Adidas collaboration 
  • Al-Ahmad worked on the brand’s first capsule collection tailored for the Saudi market 

DUBAI: For Saudi artist Raghad Al-Ahmad, the chance to incorporate her roots and identity into the fabric of the famed apparel company Adidas was a dream come true. 

Al-Ahmad has collaborated with Adidas on their first capsule collection tailored for the Saudi market, in celebration of the Kingdom’s upcoming National Day on Sept. 23. 

The collection — called “Bloom Sky” — features the usual crop of functional unisex pieces including pants, shorts, sweaters, jackets, hoodies and t-shirts. 




The collection — called “Bloom Sky” — features the usual crop of functional unisex pieces including pants, shorts, sweaters, jackets, hoodies and t-shirts. (Supplied)

In addition, it has women’s modest-wear pieces including abayas and hijabs, all with a distinct Al-Ahmad touch. 

“I believe we need to respect and integrate cultural elements into our collection. By including modest wear, we can connect with individuals who value this aspect of their culture, creating a complete experience,” Al-Ahmad tells Arab News. 

“As a designer who wears abayas daily and strives to be modest through layering and matching, I understand the importance of these elements. Adding them to our collection will have a significant impact, allowing us to craft something that truly resonates with the culture we are embracing.” 




A piece from the 'Bloom Sky' collection. (Supplied)

The name of the collection is inspired by a poem by Makkah Governor Prince Khaled Al-Faisal. The first sentence of the Arabic poem translates to: “The sky is pink and my desert is blooming.” 

“As an Arab, I’ve grown up in a culture where poetry is a significant form of expression. I remember my grandmother always reading poems she had written, and my mother, who loved collecting poetry books,” Al-Ahmad says. “I am particularly inspired by Prince Khaled’s poetry and his vivid descriptions of the natural world around him.” 

The collection, which depicts iconography symbolizing flowers and stars, is an ode to all things Saudi and Al-Ahmad took inspiration from her everyday surroundings. 




Al-Ahmad (R) working on her designs with a member of the Adidas team. (Supplied)

“My dad, an adventurer, retired from flight maintenance and began exploring Saudi Arabia in his motorhome. He opened a gateway to the country’s wonderful nature, camping amid the desert’s beauty,” the Jeddah-born artist explains. 

“He introduced me to the captivating Saudi lavender flowers, showing his happiness surrounded by them in the desert. We found inspiration in the contrast between the sand’s color and the vibrant lavender.” 

Al-Ahmad is a multi-disciplinary experimental artist who likes to work in mediums including collage, installation, sculpture and digital films 

This isn’t Al-Ahmad’s first partnership with an international brand. For example, in 2021 she collaborated with French luxury label Jean Paul Gaultier to create playing cards that represent and celebrate the Kingdom’s culture on the occasion of Saudi National Day. 

The “Bloom Sky” collection is part of Adidas’ efforts to collaborate with and promote artists from the region. 

In recent years, the company has forged strategic partnerships across the region with governing bodies, sporting organizations, teams, and clubs, with a focus on promoting women's participation in sports and improving access to athletic opportunities. 

“I was amazed by the Adidas team’s curiosity and their ability to adopt my culture in many ways, translating it into a product that everyone appreciates,” Al-Ahmad says. “The team paid attention to every detail, and for that, I am deeply grateful. Special thanks to each member … for bringing an innovative approach to my culture.” 


Saudi Sailing Federation hosts Junior Global Sailing Yacht Challenge Championship

Saudi Sailing Federation hosts Junior Global Sailing Yacht Challenge Championship
Updated 15 min 14 sec ago
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Saudi Sailing Federation hosts Junior Global Sailing Yacht Challenge Championship

Saudi Sailing Federation hosts Junior Global Sailing Yacht Challenge Championship
  • SSF’s CEO Samia Baghdadi sees event as historic moment for sailors, teams from around the world
  • ‘Hosting these two major global championships at the Jeddah Yacht Club will significantly impact the sport’s growth in Saudi Arabia,’ Baghdadi says

RIYADH: World Sailing, which was formerly the International Sailing Federation, has selected Jeddah Yacht Club to host the 2024 Junior Global Sailing Yacht Challenge Championship, organized by the Saudi Sailing Federation, which takes place from Nov. 29 to Dec. 2.
The Women’s Global Sailing Yacht Challenge Championship event will follow from Dec. 5-8.
The events reflect the successes of the Saudi Sailing Federation and are significant milestones in the federation’s efforts to promote sailing in Saudi Arabia.
Quanhai Li, the president of World Sailing, said: “We are thrilled to host these unique races at such an exceptional venue. This championship marks the first event organized by the International Sailing Federation in Saudi Arabia.”
He added it reflected the Kingdom’s commitment to developing diverse sports while enhancing its international standing.
He said: “Sailing is one of the fastest-growing sports globally, and through this event we see a fantastic opportunity to promote and develop sailing in the region.”
Samia Baghdadi, the SSF’s CEO, sees the event as a historic moment for sailors and teams from around the world.
Baghdadi said: “It’s an extraordinary opportunity to explore Jeddah’s potential as a vibrant hub for marine sports. We are working to promote sailing.
“Hosting these two major global championships at the Jeddah Yacht Club will significantly impact the sport’s growth in Saudi Arabia. We are excited to welcome all teams who participate in this remarkable event.”
David Graham, the CEO of World Sailing, said: “Selecting the Jeddah Yacht Club to host the 2024 Junior and Women’s Global Sailing Yacht Challenge Championships is a significant step in our efforts to elevate the sport on a global scale.”
The Red Sea region offers opportunities for developing programs that can benefit individuals across the Gulf, Africa, and beyond, according to Graham.
He added: “This event will serve to inspire those passionate about sailing.”
The SSF aims to raise awareness and foster a culture of sailing within the community.


Pakistan’s 21st consignment of relief items for Gaza, Lebanon and Syria arrives in Damascus

Pakistan’s 21st consignment of relief items for Gaza, Lebanon and Syria arrives in Damascus
Updated 28 November 2024
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Pakistan’s 21st consignment of relief items for Gaza, Lebanon and Syria arrives in Damascus

Pakistan’s 21st consignment of relief items for Gaza, Lebanon and Syria arrives in Damascus
  • Pakistan dispatched 17 tons of relief items such as blankets, food and medicines on Wednesday
  • Islamabad has repeatedly demanded an unconditional ceasefire in Gaza amid Israel’s aggression

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s 21st consignment of relief items for the war-affected people of Lebanon, Gaza and Syria landed in Damascus on Thursday, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) said. 

Pakistan dispatched the consignment from the eastern city of Rawalpindi to Damascus on Wednesday. The relief items, sent with the help of the Pakistan Air Force, comprised 17 tons of supplies which included blankets, food and medicines. 

Israel has been attacking what it calls Iran-linked targets in Syria for years but has ramped up such raids since the Oct. 7, 2023, attack by Hamas on Israel, leading Israel to launch a military campaign in which more than 44,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza and more than 3,500 people in Lebanon.

“The 21st consignment of humanitarian aid for war affected/displaced people of Palestine Gaza and Lebanon has successfully landed in Damascus, which flew yesterday from the Nur Khan Base via a chartered flight, carrying 17 tons of relief items by GoP/Pak NDMA,” the authority said in a statement. 

It said the consignment was received by Air Marshal (retired) Shahid Akhtar, Pakistan’s ambassador in Damascus. 

“The Government of Pakistan remains steadfast in its commitment to providing humanitarian assistance to the war-affected people of Palestine (Gaza) and Lebanon,” the NDMA said. 

Since the beginning of Israel’s war on Gaza, Pakistan has repeatedly raised the issue at the United Nations, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and other multilateral platforms and demanded international powers and bodies stop Israeli military actions in Gaza.


Balochistan Assembly passes resolution seeking ban on Imran Khan’s party after violent protests

Balochistan Assembly passes resolution seeking ban on Imran Khan’s party after violent protests
Updated 28 November 2024
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Balochistan Assembly passes resolution seeking ban on Imran Khan’s party after violent protests

Balochistan Assembly passes resolution seeking ban on Imran Khan’s party after violent protests
  • Tabled by PPP and PML-N parties’ lawmakers, resolution accuses Khan’s party of spreading chaos in the country
  • Government says clashes between Khan supporters and law enforcers led to the killing of three troops and one cop

QUETTA: Provincial lawmakers in the Balochistan Assembly on Thursday approved a resolution seeking an “immediate” ban on former prime minister Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party following its violent clashes with law enforcers in the capital this week. 

Pakistan’s government said three Rangers personnel and a police officer were killed during clashes between thousands of Khan supporters and law enforcers this week when the PTI led a “long march” to the capital to demand Khan’s release, among other things. 

The protesters were dispersed after a late-night raid on Wednesday, after which the PTI said at least 20 of its supporters had been killed after being shot by law enforcers. The government denies this while police says it has arrested over 1,151 protesters. 

Lawmakers of the PTI’s political rivals Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) tabled a joint resolution, calling on the federal government to ban Khan’s party. These lawmakers included Meer Saleem Khosa, Muhammad Sadiq Umrani, Asim Kurd Gelo, Raheela Hameed Durrani, Bakht Muhammad Kakar, Hajji Wali Noorzai and Barkat Ali Rind. 

“This august house of the Balochistan Assembly calls upon the federal government to impose an immediate ban on the PTI for spreading chaos in the country, and for attempting to make the armed forces of Pakistan and security forces fight with the people,” a copy of the resolution seen by Arab News said. 

The resolution accused the PTI of being involved in violent activities in the country, saying it has adversely affected the country’s economy.

“Attacking the capital with provincial machinery and resources was a clear proof of the non-political agenda of a political party,” Khosa said while presenting the motion. 

Opposition parties such as the National Party (NP), Jamat-e-Islami (JI) and Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam Pakistan Fazl (JUI-F) opposed the resolution and its lawmakers walked out in protest during the session. 

Alam Kakar, a leader of the PTI’s Balochistan chapter, rejected the resolution.

“Let them (center) enjoy this decision but Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf is Imran Khan’s party and whatever name Khan would give to this party, the Pakistani nation would stand by him,” Kakar told Arab News. 

“The provincial government should focus on maintaining the law and order situation in Balochistan rather than bringing such an absurd resolution,” he added. 

Younus Aziz Zehri, an opposition leader in the Balochistan Assembly, told Arab News that the opposition parties strongly opposed the resolution.

“If today we ban the PTI, tomorrow it could be us or the PML-N or the PPP any political party in power would ban its opponents,” he said. 

“We strongly condemn the killings of civilians and security personnel during the violence by the state and protesters in Islamabad, but that doesn’t justify that you should ban that political party led the protests in Islamabad,” Zehri added. 

Pakistan’s government has said that the protests caused economic losses worth $684 million per day, describing them as deliberate attempts by the PTI to harm the country’s economy.


Saudi Arabia, Brazil partner on space technology

Saudi Arabia, Brazil partner on space technology
Updated 28 November 2024
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Saudi Arabia, Brazil partner on space technology

Saudi Arabia, Brazil partner on space technology
  • Scheme will promote the sustainable use of orbital resources and enable the use of modern technologies in space data analysis
  • Forms part of the commission’s efforts to enhance international partnerships and leverage its expertise in communications, space and technology

RIYADH: The Saudi Communications, Space and Technology Commission has launched an initiative for a research study in space sustainability in collaboration with Brazil’s National Telecommunications Agency.

It is the result of a previous agreement between the two parties.

The scheme will promote the sustainable use of orbital resources and enable the use of modern technologies in space data analysis.

It was launched on the platform of the 2024 International Forum on Non-Terrestrial Networks, where Mohammed bin Saud Al-Tamimi, governor of the commission, invited the international community to take part and support research on space sustainability for the benefit of future generations.

The scheme is part of the commission’s efforts to enhance international partnerships and leverage its expertise in communications, space and technology.


Saudi FM meets with GCC ministers ahead of Supreme Council session in Kuwait

Saudi FM meets with GCC ministers ahead of Supreme Council session in Kuwait
Updated 28 November 2024
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Saudi FM meets with GCC ministers ahead of Supreme Council session in Kuwait

Saudi FM meets with GCC ministers ahead of Supreme Council session in Kuwait
  • Israeli military campaign in Gaza, ceasefire in Lebanon is discussed during a preparatory GCC ministerial meeting
  • Saudi ambassador to Kuwait attended meeting

RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan took part on Thursday in a preparatory ministerial meeting ahead of a GCC Supreme Council session due to take place in Kuwait on Sunday.

The meeting was chaired by Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Abdullah Al-Yahya, Saudi Press Agency reported.

Prince Faisal discussed with his counterparts the latest developments in regional and international issues, including the Israeli military campaign in the Gaza Strip, achieving a comprehensive solution to the Palestinian issue and the ceasefire deal between Israel and Lebanon.

The GCC ministers also discussed the progress in implementing the decisions agreed upon during the former 44th session of the GCC Supreme Council, as well as dialogue and strategic cooperation among GCC members and international organizations.

Prince Sultan bin Saad, Saudi ambassador to Kuwait; Abdulrahman Al-Rassi, Saudi undersecretary of multilateral international affairs; Mohammed Al-Yahya, an adviser to Prince Faisal; Walid Al-Samaeel, the director-general of Prince Faisal’s office; and Anas Al-Wassidi, the director of the GCC department in the Foreign Ministry, attended the meeting.

Prince Faisal will attend on Sunday the 45th session of the GCC Supreme Council in Kuwait City. The session will include leaders and top officials from GCC countries, including Oman, Qatar, the UAE and Bahrain.

Earlier on Thursday, Prince Faisal was received at Kuwait International Airport by his Kuwaiti counterpart; Prince Sultan; and the secretary general of the GCC, Jasem Al-Budaiwi.