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RIYADH: ������Ƶ has concluded its presidency of the International Year of Camelids, an initiative launched by the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization to highlight the cultural, social and economic importance of the camel and related species.

The Kingdom used the occasion to raise global awareness and promote research and development related to camelids, the Saudi Press Agency reported. 

The initiative began under ������Ƶ’s leadership in June last year, in partnership with a coalition of Latin American and Caribbean countries led by Bolivia.

The Food and Agriculture Organization hosted a closing ceremony at its headquarters in Rome, attended by Prince Fahd bin Jalawi, president of World Camelids Sports, with officials, diplomats, and international representatives. 

The event recognized camelids’ role in food security, sports, economic development, and cultural heritage, the SPA reported. 

The observance highlighted camelids’ environmental, economic, and social value, and aimed to support pastoralist communities globally.

The International Camel Organization also participated in the ceremony. The organization played an active role throughout the year in promoting awareness and support for the camel sector.

Fahd bin Falah bin Hathleen, the organization’s chairman, said: “Our involvement in the International Year of Camelids has been rooted in our mission to elevate the camel sector on the global stage. 

“Camels are considered a symbol of cultural identity and supporters of rural communities’ sustainability and livelihoods. 

“We remain committed to supporting their role across all scientific, cultural, sport, economic, and welfare sectors.” 

At the ceremony, Ali Alshaikhi, assistant undersecretary for fisheries and livestock wealth at the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, reaffirmed the Kingdom’s commitment to recognizing the value of camels.

He said they are a key food source, economic asset, and cultural symbol deserving of greater global attention and investment.

He outlined ������Ƶ’s efforts during its presidency, including holding more than 50 local and international events, providing 15 research grants, and organizing 18 strategic meetings. 

The Kingdom also organized 20 international exhibitions, starting at the Food and Agriculture Organization in Rome and the UN in Geneva, to raise awareness of camels’ vital role in various communities, he added. 

Alshaikhi said the initiative strengthened global appreciation for camels and supported their role in food security and economic growth. He added that ������Ƶ invested more than SR1 billion ($267 million) in related efforts. 

He highlighted the Kingdom’s broader leadership in agriculture and food security, driven by a strategic vision focused on sustainability, innovation, resilient food systems, self-sufficiency, and modern technologies.

Makkah: Saudi designer Saliha Al-Shahrani is powerful force in the Kingdom’s fashion world who uses her work to reimagine the rich culture of the country’s south.

Hailing from the mountainous region of Asir, she has forged a unique creative path drawing on local traditions.

Al-Shahrani spoke to Arab News about how her connection to southern Arabia is a natural extension of her identity.

The designer’s deep-rooted bond with Asir led her to reimagine traditional clothing, creating designs that appeal to a wide audience while authentically representing her homeland.

“I merge modernity with authenticity through the use of colors and materials, without ever compromising the spirit of southern attire,” she said.

A cornerstone of her collections is the Asiri dress — known as “al-Muzanad or Al-Mujanab” — a signature piece worn during national celebrations, including Founding Day.

Al-Shahrani particularly enjoys working with velvet, although she uses a range of materials to represent the different climates of Asir.

She said that her designs are inspired by natural landmarks such as Mount Dhirah (the Green Mountain), Jabal Al-Janoub in Asir, and the Sarawat Mountains in Abha.

The designer highlighted her well-known design, Dhirah, inspired by the mountain, which has become a signature piece in her collection.

She said that her participation in international exhibitions has brought positive feedback, with designs garnering widespread acclaim and being embraced by a diverse global audience.

This experience reaffirmed her belief that Saudi heritage has immense artistic value, especially when reimagined with a contemporary perspective and presented with professional finesse.

Al-Shahrani praised ������Ƶ’s Vision 2030 for removing many obstacles, particularly by empowering women, and highlighted the need for continued support of international exhibitions that promote Saudi cultural identity on a global scale.

In a message to aspiring designers, she urged them to break free from convention, move beyond imitation, and carve their own creative paths, adding that success on a global scale begins with thoughtfully crafted local excellence.

Al-Shahrani’s ambition is to launch a boutique in one of the world’s leading fashion capitals, where she can present the heritage of southern ������Ƶ to a wider audience.