More than 2,000 people take part in Riyadh walk for breast cancer awareness

The goal of the Zahra awareness walk campaign is to provide support to women facing breast cancer, combat their sense of isolation, and promote early screening. (AN photo by Jafar Al-Saleh)
1 / 3
The goal of the Zahra awareness walk campaign is to provide support to women facing breast cancer, combat their sense of isolation, and promote early screening. (AN photo by Jafar Al-Saleh)
The goal of the Zahra awareness walk campaign is to provide support to women facing breast cancer, combat their sense of isolation, and promote early screening. (AN photo by Jafar Al-Saleh)
2 / 3
The goal of the Zahra awareness walk campaign is to provide support to women facing breast cancer, combat their sense of isolation, and promote early screening. (AN photo by Jafar Al-Saleh)
The goal of the Zahra awareness walk campaign is to provide support to women facing breast cancer, combat their sense of isolation, and promote early screening. (AN photo by Jafar Al-Saleh)
3 / 3
The goal of the Zahra awareness walk campaign is to provide support to women facing breast cancer, combat their sense of isolation, and promote early screening. (AN photo by Jafar Al-Saleh)
Short Url
Updated 28 October 2024
Follow

More than 2,000 people take part in Riyadh walk for breast cancer awareness

The goal of the Zahra awareness walk campaign is to provide support to women facing breast cancer.
  • Goal of the campaign is to provide support, combat a sense of isolation, promote early screening

RIYADH: A breast cancer survivor told Arab News about her journey during an event to raise awareness, and how she regained a “sense of control” by educating herself about treatment options.

Rania Turkasni, a breast cancer survivor and ambassador of the Zahra Breast Cancer Association, spoke to Arab News during the 2024 Zahra Walk for Breast Cancer Awareness, which was held at King Saud University on Oct. 26.

She said: “I believe knowledge is power, and by understanding the disease, its treatment, and the options available, I began to regain a sense of control.”

The goal of the Zahra awareness walk campaign, which is called One Step Ahead, is to provide support to women facing breast cancer, combat their sense of isolation, and promote early screening.

Turkasni said: “I researched every aspect of breast cancer, from the latest medications to emerging treatments. As I educated myself, I found that fear gradually gave way to confidence.”

She said that the shock was overwhelming when she received her diagnosis, and it felt as if the ground beneath her had been pulled away.

She added: “But in the midst of that initial fear, something inside me awakened — a determination to face this challenge head-on.”

Turkasni said that it was not merely knowledge that helped, but her unwavering faith in God.

“This faith kept me anchored, as I knew that no matter what happened I was not alone in this fight and that there was a higher purpose to my journey,” she added.

Organized by ZBCA, the event aims to increase understanding, encourage involvement, and assist individuals impacted by breast cancer.

Fatima Al-Sulami, vice president of marketing and financial resource development at ZBCA, told Arab News: “This walk is the largest we have organized, with 2,000 participants from the public.”

ZBCA is collaborating with the community to take proactive measures toward a future in which breast cancer is finally eradicated.

Al-Sulami added: “All proceeds from ticket sales will support Zahra’s fund, which aims to offer essential support and resources to individuals battling breast cancer.”

Breast cancer can be detected through various methods, including physical examination, mammogram, ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging, or a biopsy, a medical procedure which takes tissue or cell samples for testing.

Early detection of breast cancer contributes significantly to raising recovery rate to more than 95 percent, according to Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Health.

Turkasni said: “Throughout my treatment I also relied heavily on a variety of coping skills that I had to develop quickly. I maintained a positive outlook, focusing on what I could control rather than what I couldn’t.”

She would practice mindfulness and meditate, reminding herself daily to stay present and grounded.

She added: “Visualization also became a tool for me — imagining myself healthy, whole, and thriving helped me stay resilient during the hardest moments.”

Turkasni said that support from her friends and family provided another pillar of strength.

She said: “There were days when I felt weak, but knowing I had my loved ones by my side helped me push through the darkest times.”

She added that the community of survivors and friends she had connected with, both online and in person, became another source of strength and hope.

“They understood my struggles in ways no one else could,” Turkasni said.

She added that the environment she had created for herself played a significant role in her healing journey.

She said: “I surrounded myself with positivity, whether it was uplifting books, inspiring music, or the comforting presence of nature.

“Even on the hardest days I tried to find something to smile about, a moment of gratitude that kept my spirit alive.

“For anyone here today facing cancer, or for those supporting someone who is, I want to say that there is power in every step of this journey.”

Turkasni added that from fear and uncertainty to treatment and recovery, every moment is an opportunity to learn, grow, and strengthen spirit.

She said: “Cancer does not define us; it is our response to it that shapes our story.”

Turkasni said that survivors and patients should embrace every tool at their disposal: knowledge, faith, coping strategies, and the community.

The ROSHN Group has teamed up with ZBCA for the third consecutive year to raise awareness about breast cancer.

The partnership aims to support women in their fight against breast cancer, a collaboration supported by Princess Haifa bint Faisal Al-Saud and Ghada Al-Rumayan, chief marketing and communications officer from the ROSHN Group.


US Chamber of Commerce official discusses US-Saudi collaboration on AI policy

US Chamber of Commerce official discusses US-Saudi collaboration on AI policy
Updated 10 February 2025
Follow

US Chamber of Commerce official discusses US-Saudi collaboration on AI policy

US Chamber of Commerce official discusses US-Saudi collaboration on AI policy
  • Kingdom maintains open-door approach with US business group, says Steve Lutes
  • Strong regulatory framework will inspire investor confidence, promote innovation

RIYADH: As Saudi Arabia accelerates its adoption of artificial intelligence, a strong regulatory framework is emerging as a key driver of US-Saudi collaboration.

In an exclusive interview with Arab News on the sidelines of the LEAP 2025 technology conference, Steve Lutes, vice president for Middle East affairs at the US Chamber of Commerce, stressed the importance of implementing clear policies that inspire investor confidence.

“One thing that’s always at the core is to have the policy and regulatory environment that is going to give confidence and clarity to investors, risk-takers, and innovators,” Lutes said.

He added that Saudi Arabia maintains an open-door policy in working with the US Chamber and industry leaders to shape its regulatory framework.

“This will catalyze finance and fuel more investment, bring more innovation, and strengthen partnerships between the United States and Saudi Arabia in AI and across the broader economy,” he said.

Saudi Arabia recently announced plans to expand its trade and investment ties with the US to at least $600 billion over the next four years, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman outlined the Kingdom’s strategy during a phone conversation with US President Donald Trump.

Lutes pointed to Saudi Arabia’s young, tech-savvy workforce as a key factor in advancing AI under Vision 2030.

“Saudi is a young country, and you have a young workforce that is embracing technology and wants to be right there, whether in the private sector or government, leading the way on technology innovation and adaptation,” he said.

He underscored that talent development, alongside a robust regulatory framework, will be critical in fostering AI innovation and scaling businesses in Saudi Arabia.

Ensuring Saudi Arabia has access to cutting-edge US technology is also a priority, Lutes noted, emphasizing that this access is essential for the Kingdom’s innovation ecosystem.

“It’s one of the things that we would put toward the top of the list,” he said, referring to high-performance AI hardware such as Nvidia’s advanced chips.

While acknowledging the importance of security measures, Lutes emphasized the need to balance protection with cooperation.

“Yes, we want to protect and make sure that the right measures are in place, but it’s absolutely critical that our strategic allies, like the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, have access to and the ability to tap into US technology.”

He emphasized the broader economic implications of this access, noting that US companies are already playing a significant role in Saudi Arabia’s AI-driven transformation.

“What’s going on here in the Kingdom is very important to our economic relationship in the United States and to the US companies that are already here, doing incredible things,” he said.

“We want to see that only grow, deepen, and create more jobs, more investment, more innovation, and more opportunities to strengthen the US-Saudi relationship.”

Lutes expressed optimism about the future of US-Saudi AI collaboration, highlighting the role of diplomacy in achieving shared goals.

“I’m an optimist, and I believe we will get to a good place in terms of that policy,” he said.

He added that efforts should focus on ensuring everything is fueled and catalyzed to accelerate partnerships between the US and the Kingdom, with the private sector leading the way.


19 arrested after three drug gangs dismantled in Saudi Arabia, interior ministry says

Three criminal networks involved in the smuggling and trafficking of drugs in the regions of Asir, Jazan, and Eastern Province.
Three criminal networks involved in the smuggling and trafficking of drugs in the regions of Asir, Jazan, and Eastern Province.
Updated 10 February 2025
Follow

19 arrested after three drug gangs dismantled in Saudi Arabia, interior ministry says

Three criminal networks involved in the smuggling and trafficking of drugs in the regions of Asir, Jazan, and Eastern Province.
  • 15 government employees allegedly involved in the activities of the drug gangs have been arrested and referred to the Public Prosecution

RIYADH: Three criminal networks involved in the smuggling and trafficking of drugs in the regions of Asir, Jazan, and the Eastern Province have been dismantled, an official source at the Saudi Interior Ministry said on Sunday.

The networks were transferring drugs to other parts of the Kingdom and laundered the money they gained, the source said.

19 people involved in the activities of these gangs were arrested, including five Ministry of Interior employees, seven Zakat, Tax, and Customs Authority employees, and three Ministry of Defense employees. The necessary legal measures were taken against them and they were referred to the Public Prosecution.

The Ministry of Interior said it announced the arrests to highlight that security authorities are vigilant against all criminal activity targeting the nation and its youth with drugs.


Boston Dynamics founder not concerned about robot takeover, warns against overregulation

Boston Dynamics founder not concerned about robot takeover, warns against overregulation
Updated 09 February 2025
Follow

Boston Dynamics founder not concerned about robot takeover, warns against overregulation

Boston Dynamics founder not concerned about robot takeover, warns against overregulation
  • Robots eliminating people is not ‘serious concern’
  • Excessive restrictions could slow progress, says Raibert

RIYADH: The idea that robots could take over the world is not a “serious concern,” said the founder of advanced robotics company Boston Dynamics, as he warned against excessive regulation at a Riyadh technology conference on Sunday.

“There’s some fear that robots are going to somehow get out of hand and take over the world and eliminate people. I don’t really think that’s a serious concern,” Marc Raibert said during the fourth edition of the LEAP summit.

While regulation is necessary, Raibert believes that excessive restrictions could slow progress.

He expressed his concern about “overregulation stopping us from having the benefits of AI and robotics that could develop because robots can solve problems that we face in addition to causing problems.”

He added that while regulating mature applications makes sense, limiting the technology too early could hinder its potential.

His comments were made during a fireside chat titled “The Future of Robotics and AI,” in which he highlighted the role of artificial intelligence-powered robots in elderly care and assistance for people with disabilities.

“We have a couple of teams working on physical designs, but more importantly on the intelligence and perception needed to be able to do those kinds of tasks,” Raibert said.

Beyond industrial use, robotics is expected to play an important role in healthcare, supporting patient care, people with disabilities, and elderly assistance, according to Raibert, who founded the leading robotics company in 1992.

“I think cognitive intelligence, AI, is going to help us make it a lot easier to communicate with the robot, but also for the robot to understand the world, so that they can do things more easily without having everything programmed in detail,” he added.

Raibert also introduced a project at his AI Institute called “Watch, Understand, Do,” which aims to improve robots’ ability to learn tasks by observing human workers.

The initiative focuses on on-the-job training, where a robot can watch a worker perform a task — such as assembling a component in a factory — and gradually replicate it. While this process is intuitive for humans, it remains a technical challenge for robots, requiring advancements in machine perception and task sequencing.

He pointed out that while humanoid robots are gaining attention, true human-like capabilities go beyond having two arms and two legs. He emphasized that intelligence, problem-solving skills, and the ability to interact effectively with the environment will define the next generation of AI-driven robotics.

Raibert discussed the differences between robotics adoption in workplaces and homes, explaining that industrial environments offer a structured setting where robots can operate more efficiently. He noted that robots are likely to become more common in workplaces before being integrated into homes.

However, integrating robots into homes presents additional challenges, including safety, cost, and adaptability to unstructured environments. He said while home robots will eventually become more common, their widespread adoption will likely follow the expansion of industrial and commercial robotics.

As part of LEAP, the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority is gathering global AI leaders at its DeepFest platform during the fourth edition of the summit.

With more than 150 speakers, 120 exhibitors, and an expected attendance of over 50,000 people from around the world, DeepFest showcases a range of cutting-edge AI technology.

The event explores emerging technologies, fosters collaboration, exchanges expertise, and builds partnerships, contributing to innovation and strengthening cooperation among experts across diverse industries.
 


Saudi Royal Guards show skills in sports, combat

High-ranking officials, senior Royal Guard officers and members attended the event. (SPA)
High-ranking officials, senior Royal Guard officers and members attended the event. (SPA)
Updated 09 February 2025
Follow

Saudi Royal Guards show skills in sports, combat

High-ranking officials, senior Royal Guard officers and members attended the event. (SPA)
  • This event comes in the framework of the Royal Guard Presidency’s commitment to developing the combat and athletic skills of its members, enhancing their constant readiness to execute assigned duties with efficiency and professionalism

RIYADH: Under the sponsorship of the chief of the Royal Guard, Lt. Gen. Suhail bin Saqr Al-Mutairi, the Royal Guard Presidency celebrated the graduation of security and protection course participants and the conclusion of the second sports league, the fourth shooting championship and the third infantry competition, the SPA reported on Saturday.

High-ranking officials, senior Royal Guard officers and members attended the event, which featured sports performances and competitions in various disciplines, and demonstrations of shooting and marching, showcasing the participants’ high level of readiness and proficiency.

At the end of the event, Al-Mutairi honored the winning teams in the sports league and shooting championship, as well as the top achievers in the infantry competition.

He also honored the graduates of the security and protection courses who successfully completed their training programs, becoming a valuable addition to the Royal Guard Forces.

He stressed the importance of such events in fostering a spirit of competition, discipline and professionalism among members of the Royal Guard and commended the participants’ level of performance in various competitions and training exercises.

This event comes in the framework of the Royal Guard Presidency’s commitment to developing the combat and athletic skills of its members, enhancing their constant readiness to execute assigned duties with efficiency and professionalism.

 


Klija festival sheds lights on honey

The festival’s pavilion featured 10 sections with displays of beekeeping, honey, and olive oil products. (SPA)
The festival’s pavilion featured 10 sections with displays of beekeeping, honey, and olive oil products. (SPA)
Updated 09 February 2025
Follow

Klija festival sheds lights on honey

The festival’s pavilion featured 10 sections with displays of beekeeping, honey, and olive oil products. (SPA)
  • The 16th edition of the Klija Festival in Buraydah has garnered substantial attention with strong support from the region’s emir

RIYADH: Buraydah hosted the 16th Klija Festival from Jan.31 to Feb.9 at King Khalid Cultural Center, which attracted a large number of visitors.

The festival’s pavilion featured 10 sections with displays of beekeeping, honey, and olive oil products, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Visitors were able to explore a wide range of honey types and select their favorites from the diverse range of offerings.

Beekeeper Walid Al-Faifi said that at a young age he inherited the art of beekeeping from his father.

With more than 30 years’ experience, he presented several honey varieties at the festival, including sidr, samar, majra, and talh.

Beekeeper Abdulsalam Al-Muqbel, who has eight years’ experience, discussed the secrets of the profession that allow him to produce various honey types, such as wild sidr, fennel, arugula, citrus, shaflah (caper), talh, samar, and alfalfa honey, as well as pollen, local propolis, and royal jelly.

Beekeeper Mohammed Al-Muhaimid said that he was participating to be able to introduce visitors to the importance of honey, particularly its health benefits.

He highlighted its use as a natural ingredient in many dishes, including klija, and as a healthier alternative to sugar in tea.

Al-Muhaimid said that honey production demands significant time, effort and careful attention to the right conditions to ensure the best quality.

The 16th edition of the Klija Festival in Buraydah has garnered substantial attention with strong support from the region’s emir.

It promotes financial sustainability as an excellent platform for productive families and owners of small and startup businesses, offering them the opportunity to display their products and engage directly with customers.