ROSHN and KFCRIS Launch Saudi Women’s Book, Glossary

ROSHN Group, Saudi Arabia’s leading real estate developer owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), has signed an agreement with the King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies (KFCRIS) to produce the first Saudi Women’s Book and Glossary, a landmark cultural research project documenting Saudi women’s contributions to the Kingdom’s national identity. The signing ceremony, held at KFCRIS headquarters in Riyadh on June 1, 2024, brought together Princess Haifa AlFaisal, member of the Board of Trustees of the King Faisal Foundation, KFCRIS Secretary General; Princess Maha AlFaisal; Ghada Alrumayan, ROSHN Group Chief Marketing and Communication Officer; Ibrahim Aldeghaither, KFCRIS Assistant Secretary-General; and Dr. Dalal AlHarbi, Director of the Saudi Women’s Project and scientific supervisor of the book and glossary.

Context and Background

The Saudi Women Project, a pioneering cultural research undertaking, aims to present all aspects of Saudi women’s lived reality from the Kingdom’s unification in 1932. The new book and glossary are a comprehensive study of the role of Saudi women in forming the Kingdom’s national identity and preserving its customs and traditions. According to the official press release, the work is backed by extensive research into the national and regional customs that women have passed on for generations, covering rituals around births and weddings, family care, and social interaction. It also documents Saudi women’s contributions to education, attire, and occupations, supplemented by a glossary of vocabulary related to women in Saudi heritage across all regions of the Kingdom.

Key Details

KFCRIS, established by the King Faisal Foundation in 1983, continues the late King Faisal’s mission of exchanging knowledge between the Kingdom and the world. The center brings together local and international researchers to produce sociological research and engage in intercultural dialogue. It houses Al-Faisal Cultural House, its publishing arm, the King Faisal Centre Library, the Faisal Family Archives, and Al-Faisal Museum for Arab-Islamic Art, which holds valuable collections of Islamic art, rare manuscripts, and pieces related to the late King Faisal. Ghada Alrumayan, ROSHN Group Chief Marketing and Communication Officer, said: “This project comes at a decisive moment in the history of Saudi women, with our contributions to the Kingdom’s advancement at a high tide, with Vision 2030 on the horizon. As we survey our accomplishments as a nation, it fills me with immense pride to see women excel across different sectors, as doctors and engineers, in the arts and sports, or raising the next generation of Saudi pioneers. At ROSHN, we continue to demonstrate our commitment to empowering women with the skills and support to thrive in our dynamic, growing economy.”

Implications and Impact

The partnership between ROSHN and KFCRIS reflects a broader national effort to preserve Saudi cultural heritage while advancing women’s empowerment. By documenting the stories and contributions of Saudi women, the project ensures that future generations will have a reliable reference that highlights the integral role women have played in the Kingdom’s social, economic, and cultural development. This initiative also reinforces Saudi Arabia’s commitment to intercultural dialogue and knowledge exchange, showcasing the richness of Saudi heritage on an international stage. ROSHN’s collaboration with KFCRIS aligns with the group’s wider strategy to improve quality of life across the Kingdom and its core values of opportunity and empowerment. Other ROSHN initiatives include the pioneering RETURN program, which enables women to re-enter the workforce through dedicated training, as well as partnerships with Nusf, The Arab Institute for Women’s Empowerment, and participation in the Walk the Talk mentorship initiative.

Vision 2030 Alignment

The Saudi Women’s Book and Glossary directly supports Vision 2030’s goals of empowering women, preserving national heritage, and fostering a vibrant society. By celebrating the achievements and contributions of Saudi women, the project contributes to a more inclusive and diversified economy, while also enhancing the Kingdom’s cultural richness. As Saudi Arabia continues its transformative journey, initiatives like this underscore the nation’s dedication to honoring its past while building a prosperous future for all.

20 Questions

Q1. What agreement was signed between ROSHN Group and KFCRIS?

A1. ROSHN Group and the King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies (KFCRIS) signed an agreement to produce the first Saudi Women’s Book and Glossary, a comprehensive cultural research project documenting Saudi women’s contributions to national identity.

Q2. When and where did the signing ceremony take place?

A2. The signing ceremony took place on June 1, 2024, at KFCRIS headquarters in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with several prominent figures and officials in attendance.

Q3. Who attended the signing ceremony?

A3. Attendees included Princess Haifa AlFaisal, Princess Maha AlFaisal, Ghada Alrumayan (ROSHN Group Chief Marketing and Communication Officer), Ibrahim Aldeghaither (KFCRIS Assistant Secretary-General), and Dr. Dalal AlHarbi (Director of the Saudi Women’s Project).

Q4. What is the Saudi Women Project?

A4. The Saudi Women Project is a pioneering cultural research undertaking that seeks to present all aspects of Saudi women’s lived reality from the Kingdom’s unification in 1932, focusing on their roles in social, economic, and cultural developments.

Q5. What does the Saudi Women’s Book and Glossary cover?

A5. The book covers Saudi women’s roles in forming national identity, preserving customs and traditions, and contributions to education, attire, and occupations. It includes a glossary of women-related vocabulary from all regions of the Kingdom.

Q6. What is the significance of the book and glossary?

A6. It is an unprecedented effort to preserve the unique Saudi story of women’s contributions for future generations, serving as a comprehensive reference on Saudi women’s heritage and achievements.

Q7. What did Ghada Alrumayan say about the project?

A7. Ghada Alrumayan stated that the project comes at a decisive moment in the history of Saudi women, with their contributions at a high tide under Vision 2030, and expressed pride in women excelling across sectors and raising future pioneers.

Q8. What is KFCRIS and when was it established?

A8. KFCRIS is the King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies, established in 1983 by the King Faisal Foundation to continue the late King’s mission of exchanging knowledge between the Kingdom and the world.

Q9. What does KFCRIS house?

A9. KFCRIS houses Al-Faisal Cultural House (its publishing arm), the King Faisal Centre Library, the Faisal Family Archives, and Al-Faisal Museum for Arab-Islamic Art, which contains valuable collections of Islamic art and rare manuscripts.

Q10. How does the project align with ROSHN’s strategy?

A10. The project aligns with ROSHN’s wider strategy to improve quality of life across the Kingdom and its core values of opportunity and empowerment, reflecting its commitment to empowering Saudi women and upholding Saudi culture.

Q11. What other initiatives does ROSHN support for women’s empowerment?

A11. ROSHN supports the RETURN program for women re-entering the workforce, partners with Nusf (The Arab Institute for Women’s Empowerment), and participates in the Walk the Talk mentorship initiative.

Q12. How does the book document Saudi women’s contributions?

A12. The book documents contributions through extensive research into customs and traditions passed down generations, including rituals around births and weddings, family care, social interaction, education, attire, and occupations.

Q13. What is the glossary included in the project?

A13. The glossary is a compilation of vocabulary related to women in Saudi heritage across all regions of the Kingdom, supplementing the book and preserving linguistic aspects of women’s roles.

Q14. Why is this project considered unprecedented?

A14. It is the first comprehensive study of its kind to focus exclusively on Saudi women’s roles in shaping national identity and preserving customs, covering all regions from 1932 to the present.

Q15. How does the project support Vision 2030?

A15. It supports Vision 2030 by empowering women, preserving national heritage, and fostering a vibrant society, contributing to a more inclusive and diversified economy.

Q16. What role did Princess Haifa AlFaisal play in the event?

A16. Princess Haifa AlFaisal attended as a member of the Board of Trustees of the King Faisal Foundation and KFCRIS Secretary General, highlighting the project’s importance.

Q17. What is the significance of the project’s timing?

A17. The project comes at a time when Saudi women’s contributions are at a high tide under Vision 2030, making it a timely effort to document and celebrate their achievements.

Q18. How will the book and glossary be used?

A18. The book and glossary will serve as a reference for researchers, historians, and the public, preserving Saudi women’s heritage for future generations and promoting intercultural dialogue.

Q19. What is ROSHN Group’s role in Saudi Arabia?

A19. ROSHN Group is a PIF-owned giga-project and Saudi Arabia’s most trusted real estate developer, committed to improving quality of life and supporting Vision 2030 through various initiatives.

Q20. What does the partnership between ROSHN and KFCRIS signify?

A20. The partnership signifies a collaborative effort to preserve Saudi cultural heritage and empower women, aligning with national goals and showcasing the Kingdom’s commitment to honoring its past while building a prosperous future.

---