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Saudi British Society Honors Cultural Bridge-Builders at London Gala
2025 Rawabi Holding Awards recognize four individuals for fostering Saudi-UK relations
The Saudi British Society hosted a gala ceremony in London on Tuesday, presenting the 2025 Rawabi Holding Awards to four individuals for their contributions to strengthening ties between Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom.
The honorees were Dr. Idries Trevathan, Dr. Sarah Al-Saif, Dr. Mohammed Al-Qahtani, and Arab News Editor-in-Chief Faisal J. Abbas.Dr. Idries Trevathan, a British-born Islamic art specialist and chief curator at the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) in Dhahran, was recognized for his efforts in building collaborations between museums in the UK and Saudi Arabia.
His recent projects include curating a retrospective on British photographer Peter Sanders, showcasing five decades of work documenting the Muslim world.Dr. Sarah Al-Saif and Dr. Mohammed Al-Qahtani were honored for their contributions to science and academia.
Dr. Al-Saif's research focuses on eco-friendly, biologically synthesized nanomaterials derived from marine sources, addressing the global challenge of multidrug-resistant bacteria.
Dr. Al-Qahtani specializes in mechanical and manufacturing engineering, with expertise in additive manufacturing, biomedical devices, bio-manufacturing, tissue engineering, and stress analysis optimization.Faisal J. Abbas, Editor-in-Chief of Arab News, was recognized for his impact on the media industry and cross-cultural dialogue.
Having spent part of his career in the UK, Abbas recently published a book titled 'Anecdotes of an Arab Anglophile,' reflecting on his experiences and the enduring relationship between Saudi Arabia and Britain.The Rawabi Holding Awards, established in 2007 and sponsored by Saudi energy and industrial conglomerate Rawabi Holding, celebrate individuals who have significantly promoted friendship and understanding between the two nations.
This year's awards were presented by Rawabi Holding Chairman Abdulaziz Al-Turki, with Simon Collis, former British ambassador to Saudi Arabia and current chairman of the Saudi British Society, in attendance.In his opening remarks, Sir Alan Munro, former British ambassador to Saudi Arabia and a founding member of the Saudi British Society, reflected on the organization's growth over nearly three decades.
He highlighted its evolution from a modest beginning to a flourishing platform for cultural and academic exchange, now recognizing achievements in academia and scientific research alongside cultural contributions.The Saudi British Society, established in 1986, is a non-political and non-commercial organization dedicated to fostering understanding and friendship between Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom.
Throughout the year, the society hosts a range of events, including lectures, exhibitions, and dinners, with the annual Rawabi Holding Awards serving as a highlight in its calendar.The event underscored the ongoing commitment of both nations to cultural and academic collaboration, celebrating individuals who have made significant strides in bridging the gap between Saudi and British communities.
The honorees were Dr. Idries Trevathan, Dr. Sarah Al-Saif, Dr. Mohammed Al-Qahtani, and Arab News Editor-in-Chief Faisal J. Abbas.Dr. Idries Trevathan, a British-born Islamic art specialist and chief curator at the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) in Dhahran, was recognized for his efforts in building collaborations between museums in the UK and Saudi Arabia.
His recent projects include curating a retrospective on British photographer Peter Sanders, showcasing five decades of work documenting the Muslim world.Dr. Sarah Al-Saif and Dr. Mohammed Al-Qahtani were honored for their contributions to science and academia.
Dr. Al-Saif's research focuses on eco-friendly, biologically synthesized nanomaterials derived from marine sources, addressing the global challenge of multidrug-resistant bacteria.
Dr. Al-Qahtani specializes in mechanical and manufacturing engineering, with expertise in additive manufacturing, biomedical devices, bio-manufacturing, tissue engineering, and stress analysis optimization.Faisal J. Abbas, Editor-in-Chief of Arab News, was recognized for his impact on the media industry and cross-cultural dialogue.
Having spent part of his career in the UK, Abbas recently published a book titled 'Anecdotes of an Arab Anglophile,' reflecting on his experiences and the enduring relationship between Saudi Arabia and Britain.The Rawabi Holding Awards, established in 2007 and sponsored by Saudi energy and industrial conglomerate Rawabi Holding, celebrate individuals who have significantly promoted friendship and understanding between the two nations.
This year's awards were presented by Rawabi Holding Chairman Abdulaziz Al-Turki, with Simon Collis, former British ambassador to Saudi Arabia and current chairman of the Saudi British Society, in attendance.In his opening remarks, Sir Alan Munro, former British ambassador to Saudi Arabia and a founding member of the Saudi British Society, reflected on the organization's growth over nearly three decades.
He highlighted its evolution from a modest beginning to a flourishing platform for cultural and academic exchange, now recognizing achievements in academia and scientific research alongside cultural contributions.The Saudi British Society, established in 1986, is a non-political and non-commercial organization dedicated to fostering understanding and friendship between Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom.
Throughout the year, the society hosts a range of events, including lectures, exhibitions, and dinners, with the annual Rawabi Holding Awards serving as a highlight in its calendar.The event underscored the ongoing commitment of both nations to cultural and academic collaboration, celebrating individuals who have made significant strides in bridging the gap between Saudi and British communities.
