Riyadh's youth are forging a new global narrative in everything from arts to apps.
Source arabnews.com
RIYADH: The Saudi capital's youth are prepared to transform the city's environment and position Riyadh as a center of vibrant social advancement.
From innovative entrepreneurship and cultural innovation to grassroots community organizing, the new generation of changemakers positions itself as the engine for constructive change within their community.
Arab News spoke with a few of those promoting change.
According to entArabi's chief editor Talal Al-Hammad, these trailblazers are leading a big movement in the direction of inclusive and sustainable development.
"You might be surprised to learn that young entrepreneurs in Riyadh—both male and female—are quite interested in the newest business ideas.
"We have real problem solvers who come up with creative solutions to problems that are specific to Saudi society."They're having an impact on a number of industries, including blockchain, edtech, proptech, fintech, and artificial intelligence (AI).
He cited the Barakah and Hemam apps as two instances of the beneficial contributions these young entrepreneurs are making.
The Barakah app, which was co-founded by Abdulaziz Al-Saud and Rabah Habiss, uses a mobile platform to provide discounts on excess food from supermarkets and restaurants in an effort to combat food waste.
In the meantime, persons with disabilities are benefiting from better access to transportation services and increased inclusivity in daily life thanks to Bader Alarjani's Hemam app, which is dismantling barriers for them.
The rise in young changemakers in Riyadh, according to Al-Hammad, "is driven by Vision 2030 and government support, aiming to diversify the economy and foster innovation." In addition, "increased access to venture capital, angel investors, and government grants, provides essential financial support, enabling the testing and scaling of innovative ideas." Al-Hammad has firsthand experience with the dynamic shift in the capital's entrepreneurial landscape.
EntArabi is essential to this ecosystem since it gives young people encouragement, showcases their accomplishments, provides a thorough database of entrepreneurs, and shares the inspirational stories of their founders.
Al-Hammad stressed the significance of utilizing the numerous government initiatives and grants available, particularly in the early stages of the venture, as well as to harness the power of the media and storytelling for ambitious entrepreneurs in Riyadh who are eager to set out on a journey of social innovation.
He claimed that "skillful storytelling can enhance your venture's influence, motivate others, and attract support."
Morouj Meliebary is spearheading initiatives to encourage artistic expression and revive Riyadh's rich cultural legacy in a city steeped in history.
The goal of the senior section manager at the Royal Commission for Riyadh City is to turn the nation's capital into a major international gallery of art.
"Riyadh Art aims to transform the city into an open-air gallery," the speaker stated. We are altering the city's architecture, adding artwork, and changing things physically and viscerally.Additionally, the individuals that visit or reside in the city, as well as those who are a part of its identity, should be represented in this artwork.
Launched by King Salman in March 2019, Riyadh Art is one of the biggest public art projects globally, overseen by the Committee of Grand Projects, which is led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
"We have opened the door for youth, and we want the youth to be part of this imprint," the culture expert continued. Many very young artists took part in Noor Riyadh, and we always provide an opportunity for them to interact with more seasoned artists who have been in the business for far longer so they can share knowledge and experience.The purpose of that is to facilitate cultural exchange between local and non-Saudi artists."
A citywide yearly festival of light and art, Noor Riyadh is an initiative of Riyadh Art and features public art installations all throughout Riyadh along with a varied schedule of talks, tours, workshops, and activities.
The Tuwaiq Sculpture is another art initiative in Riyadh. It is an annual symposium that brings together local and international artists in Riyadh to create public artworks while promoting cross-cultural interaction through workshops, presentations, and interactive participation.
Meliebary, a Saudi anthropologist who takes great satisfaction in her story of embodying the qualities of a “society changemaker,” stated that “due to our many commonalities, inclusion is crucial.”
In order to expand its reach and facilitate a transnational conversation on art and culture, the initiative has embraced digital channels in addition to physical artworks.
For young Saudis in particular, this digital expansion is important because it gives them a chance to interact with and contribute to the global art community, proving "that Saudi is transforming, and they are the face of this change," according to Meliebary.
Meliebary's move to the Royal Commission for Riyadh City, where she is working to enhance inclusion, sustainability, and cultural enrichment, further demonstrates her influence after she used her love of writing to publish her first book.
Source arabnews.com
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