Queen Silvia of Sweden is seen with Dr. Suhair Hassan Al-Qurashi, President of Dar Al-Hekma College, during her tour of the college Thursday. — SG photos by Maha Sami Aboulola Saudi Gazette JEDDAH — As part of her visit to the Kingdom, Queen Silvia of Sweden and her accompanying delegation visited Dar Al-Hekma College and Al-Faisaliyah Women's Welfare Organization here Thursday. The tour aimed to highlight the achievements of Saudi women for the visiting delegation. “We are trying to present all the accomplishments of Saudi women from around the Kingdom in one place to help the Swedish delegation learn more about the abilities of Saudi women,” said Princess Adelah Bint Abdullah Al-Saud, who accompanied Queen Silvia during the tour. At Dar Al-Hekma College, the queen was told about the facilities of higher education for women in Saudi Arabia and the increasing work opportunities in the labor market. Queen Silvia then visited the Sleysla Arts and Crafts Center at Al-Faisaliyah Women's Welfare Organization. She reviewed the traditional handicrafts industry run by women in the Kingdom. “It's the first time that our center has received a guest like Queen Silvia, that's why we have worked hard to represent the Kingdom and its handicrafts industry,” said Princess Fahda Bint Saud Al-Saud, Chairman of the organization and President of the Sleysla Arts and Crafts Center. The queen met a number of ladies working on various arts and handicraft projects. “Our center represents the Kingdom's history that's why we are happy with the visit. [We] thank Princess Adelah Bint Abdullah for selecting Sleysla Center for the tour,” said Princess Fahda. In her home country, Queen Silvia is involved in numerous charity activities, especially those involving disadvantaged children. She has in the past made several public statements on human rights and the sexual exploitation of children. “We hope to establish cooperation between Saudi and Swedish social organizations,” said Samar Fatani, Coordinator of Al-Faisaliyah Women's Welfare Organization. “Through her visit, the rest of the world will learn about the true and positive status of Saudi women,” Fatani added. “We hope the visit is followed by many more that will allow us to establish new bridges between Saudi and Swedish cultures,” said Princess Adelah. __
