Young Saudi coders prepare for the future

Japanese students seen here taking part in a coding exercise at the recent Hajj Hackathon in Saudi Arabia. (AFP)
Updated 15 October 2018
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Young Saudi coders prepare for the future

  • Misk partners with Udacity to provide Saudi youth with computer skills such as data analysis
  • Companies report that one of the main factors in deciding where to locate is the availability of skilled talent

DUBAI: Millions of Arab coders are refining their digital skills to take on the future through a program aimed at strengthening their technological expertise.

Udacity partnered with the Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Foundation (Misk) in Saudi Arabia on the Misk Udacity Connect Program to provide young Saudi nationals with the knowledge and skills needed.

Shaikha Alsalem, originally from Riyadh, worked in the business stewardship field in data government. “It got me interested and my managers and customers were really happy with my work,” she said. “I tried to figure out solutions and come up with ideas related to data scientists’ work. They look at data and try to come up with solutions as to how can it solve their problems.”

When Udacity announced its scholarship, she entered their nanodegree program. “We worked on multiple projects, starting with initial analysis in data, machine learning algorithms and how to identity those who are involved in a financial crime,” she said. 

“It wasn’t easy given the fact that most of the students were either working or doing their MA degree so juggling was a bit tough. The project and timeline we were given was also very intense. We were really tested and only given six months to learn what students do in university in two years, but I came out with an amazing experience.”




The Saudi youth are challenged to up-skill their talent and develop new capabilities that will allow them to complement and augment their government’s visionary plans.

After graduating in December last year, her newly-acquired skills helped her career by broadening her perspective about problems and learning how to solve them at work. “It’s important for those who work in the data field, whether they are in the business or technical side,” Alsalem said. “Data is at the hand of almost everybody, and they need to figure out ways to better read, visualize it and solve problems.”

Alsalem believes data will be a huge part of the future. “It’s going to play a really big role,” she said. “It will be very helpful, especially as these fields aren’t taught in college, so it’s a new field to everybody.”

Abdulaziz Alhagbani, a 28-year-old Saudi from Riyadh, graduated in both the nanodegree and data analyst program from Udacity. “Data analytics subject has been getting a lot of attention in Saudi and there is a huge demand to attract employees with skills in data analysis,” he said. “Such skills will help us in building artificial intelligence models and algorithms.”

He said the future would be built on data itself. “Since data is booming in these years and will be in the coming years, we need the latest technologies to use that data and make sense of it,” he said. “We can extract insights and prediction models that way. Every organization, at least in Saudi, has a massive amount of data and the skills of data manipulation and engineering are very important.” 

To make sense of data, he spoke of the need for manipulation and data cleansing. “When you clear it and make it ready for predictive modeling, then comes the power of AI and machine learning,” he added. “I was also interested in statistics. It gives you the power to look into data and see if it’s valid, which will help us build a prediction model.”

Alhagbani started working as a data analyst at the National Center of Performance Management in the Kingdom. “I apply these skills in my everyday job,” he said. “The most important thing I learnt is natural language processing, which was part of the initial learning in nanodegree. We do sentimental analysis on textual data, which allows me to distinguish the feelings of Saudi citizens on government services.” 

The move is a part of the country’s Vision 2030 as it emphasizes citizen satisfaction. “Data provides suggestions where we can improve our services and processes.”




Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the architect of Saudi Vision 2030.

Yusra Alonaizan, a 23-year-old Saudi from the Eastern Province, also works in data science. “I decided to pursue my passion when I majored in computer science,” she said. “I love mathematics and data science is mainly based on that. I’m interested in learning about a vast variety of fields, and data science brings in many fields.”

She studied the data analysis degree at Udacity, where she built a vehicle crash hotspot prediction system for Saudi’s Eastern Province. “You have to input a specific date and time which will tell you road sections expected to have accidents based on historical data,” she said. “I then went to Japan for a month this summer to find areas where I could find new applications of data science in different fields like renewable energy. It gave me an introduction, but I feel like I need more.”

She was recently taken on by data science company Mozn as a data scientist. “As long as I’m doing what I enjoy, my family is happy,” Alonaizan said. “It’s a new technology that’s transforming many fields and it could solve a lot of challenges we have today. We have a new amount of data that is unused. It’s a very powerful tool which could minimize a number of issues.” 

She was driven by the excitement in the new field. “These are areas that are needed in the future,” she added. “The program was well-structured, and the support was perfect. They don’t tell you the answer. They teach you how to learn and what to do when you’re stuck.”

For Udacity, tech innovation has ushered visionary governments in the GCC to plan ahead for tech-driven services and fully-fledged Smart Cities. “Yet, rather than focusing on industry veterans and professionals with years of experience under their belt to lead this transformation, we see these governments not only including their youth in their future visions, but also tapping them for public offices,” said Hisham Elaraby, regional director of MENA at the company. “In the face of Saudi Arabia’s 2030 Vision, which plans to diversify the Kingdom’s economy and open it for business, the Saudi youth are challenged to up-skill their talent and develop new capabilities that will allow them to complement and augment their government’s visionary plans.”

“In a region like MENA, where 60 percent of the population is below 25, there is an obvious need to develop and up-skill the youth in order for them to fill today’s talent needs,” Elaraby said. “Having a pipeline of tech talent is the most important factor in bringing new jobs to local economies, facilitating business growth and lifting more local residents into the middle class.”

Companies also report that one of the main factors in deciding where to locate is the availability of skilled talent. “Research from economist Enrico Moretti shows that for each job in the average high-tech firm, five new jobs are indirectly created in local economies,” he added. “Udacity does not only invest in its students’ education, but we also help place our graduates in jobs in the tech industry, based on their nanodegree program credentials.”

Governments are now pressured to provide more jobs, as 30 per cent of the region’s unemployment is found in the public sector. 

Elaraby said: “The real challenge, however, is felt by universities, who are finding it difficult to keep up their curriculum with the pace of technology.”


Saudi king, crown prince congratulate Montenegro and Kiribati on their special days

Updated 14 July 2025
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Saudi king, crown prince congratulate Montenegro and Kiribati on their special days

JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia's king and crown prince on Sunday congratulated President Jakov Milatović of Montenegro on his country's National Day celebration. 

In a cable, King Salman wished Milatović "continued good health and happiness, and the government and people of Montenegro steady progress and prosperity," the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who is also the Kingdom's prime minister, sent a similar message in a separate cable, according to SPA.

Earlier on Saturday, the king and crown prince greeted Kiribati President Taneti Maamau on his country's Independence Day, wishing him and his constituents steady progress and prosperity.

Montenegro, located in southeast Europe, became part of Yugoslavia in 1918 during the realignment of nations after World War I. After Yugoslavia broke up in 1992, Montenegro formed a federation with Serbia, but opted later to become an independent republic in 2006.

Kiribati, an island republic in the central Pacific, gained its independence from the United Kingdom in 1979.

Both Montenegro and Kiribati are members of the United Nations.
 


Saudi artist rolls forward with bamboo paper

Jumanah Telity transforms bamboo paper into sturdy objects, from baskets to small-scale furniture and figurines. (Supplied)
Updated 13 July 2025
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Saudi artist rolls forward with bamboo paper

  • Jumanah Telity’s eco-conscious art form is as durable as it is creative

JEDDAH: Saudi artist Jumanah Telity has found an unusual medium for her creativity: bamboo paper.

Through a labor-intensive process she transforms it into sturdy objects, from baskets and storage boxes to small-scale furniture and figurines.

“This art, like any other art, requires specific techniques, sense, and artistic thought to produce creativity,” she told Arab News. “It differs from other arts in that it is a very strong and practical product that is used daily and also decoratively.”

Jumanah Telity transforms bamboo paper into sturdy objects, from baskets to small-scale furniture and figurines. (Supplied)

Originally an educator, Telity spent 19 years in schools, eventually serving as a principal.

In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, she decided to explore her long-time fascination with natural materials such as wood, bamboo, and rattan.

That is when she discovered bamboo paper weaving online and something clicked.

HIGHLIGHTS

• In 2020, Saudi artist Jumanah Telity decided to explore her long-time fascination with natural materials such as wood, bamboo, and rattan.

• She recently displayed her work at Balad Al-Fann in Jeddah’s historic district.

“It strangely attracted me. I felt like I found my passion here because it really appealed to me,” she said.

Telity says the method involves tightly rolling paper into sticks using a special needle. It is then woven into shape.

Jumanah Telity transforms bamboo paper into sturdy objects, from baskets to small-scale furniture and figurines. (Supplied)

“It begins with choosing the type of paper, its size, and the way it is cut,” she said. “After trying this art, you’ll be amazed at the strength of these products and how they can be washed with soap and water without being affected.”

She describes the art as eco-conscious because of the recycling involved in the process.

To hone her craft, Telity enrolled in intensive online courses specializing in the technique.

Jumanah Telity transforms bamboo paper into sturdy objects, from baskets to small-scale furniture and figurines. (Supplied)

“I found what I was looking for,” she said. “The study was online, intensive, daily, and very precise in how to teach and train step by step.”

Now among the first Saudi artists to specialize in this form of bamboo art, she credits the Kingdom’s growing cultural landscape for supporting artists exploring niche and rare forms of expression.

“This type of art is considered one of the rarest arts in the world,” she added. “It requires precise skills and a deep understanding of transforming paper into a wood-like material.”

Telity recently displayed her work at Balad Al-Fann in Jeddah’s historic district. She was struck by how strongly the art resonated with visitors. “I noticed people’s amazement and admiration for this art and how they were attracted by the type of art, method of weaving and the strength and ability to withstand external factors,” she said.

She now plans to hold workshops to pass on her skills, with the goal of eventually becoming a certified trainer.

With growing interest from aspiring crafters and a renewed push for cultural innovation across Saudi Arabia, Telity believes the future of this art form is bright.

 


Once a symbol of Najdi homes, Al-Roshen fades from view

Though most contemporary homes are no longer built with an Al-Roshen, the spirit behind it remains. (Supplied)
Updated 13 July 2025
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Once a symbol of Najdi homes, Al-Roshen fades from view

  • Today, Saudis continue to express hospitality in new ways — hosting events in gardens, villas, or special venues, while maintaining the warmth and generosity that have always defined social gatherings

RIYADH: As Saudi Arabia rapidly modernizes, some elements of its traditional architecture are becoming rarer, but not forgotten.

Once a hallmark of Najdi homes, Al-Roshen remains a cherished symbol of Saudi hospitality and social values, even as lifestyles and housing designs evolve.

“Al-Roshen is a room for special guests,” said Mohammad Alhouti, a resident of Riyadh’s Aldeerah neighborhood.

Though most contemporary homes are no longer built with an Al-Roshen, the spirit behind it remains. (Supplied)

“As soon as a person enters the house through the door, there is a ground-floor sitting room and a staircase. This staircase leads to Al-Roshen, separate so that the guest can go up as soon as they enter the house.”

Unlike the more common majlis, Al-Roshen offered a secluded space for important visitors.

According to Abdulrahman Alhouti, some people would add plaster to the walls of Al-Roshen, creating shapes and decorations that would make it stand out from the main majlis in the house.

FASTFACTS

• Once a hallmark of Najdi homes, Al-Roshen remains a cherished symbol of Saudi hospitality and social values, even as lifestyles and housing designs evolve.

• Unlike the more common majlis, Al-Roshen offered a secluded space for important visitors.

Though most contemporary homes are no longer built with an Al-Roshen, the spirit behind it remains.

Mohammad and Abdulrahman are a part of Thuluthiyyat Almasmak, a weekly cultural gathering held in front of Riyadh’s Al-Masmak Palace.

(From L to R) Abdulrahman Al-Houti, Fahad Al-Hidyyan and Mohammad Al-Houti, members of Thuluthiyyat Almasmak. (AN photo by Jaafer Alsaleh)

Their group includes Fahad Alhidyyan, helping document and share Riyadh’s history through stories of its neighborhoods, streets, schools and everyday life.

Their weekly gathering has reached its seventh year and the group has welcomed all types of visitors, from locals to international tourists coming to Riyadh, to discuss the past and present of the Kingdom’s capital.

“(The gathering) tells the story of the history of Riyadh, its old alleys, streets, schools, farms and everything old, from the time of King Abdulaziz until the beginning of the development,” Abdulrahman said.

Al-Roshan was similar to Almajlis, but with a separate seating area and cushions. It was a room on the second floor in the house where special guests are hosted. (Supplied)

Today, Saudis continue to express hospitality in new ways — hosting events in gardens, villas, or special venues, while maintaining the warmth and generosity that have always defined social gatherings.

“In the past, receiving guests was of great importance. The host would take great care in welcoming his guests, making every effort to provide them with the best he could,” Alhidyyan said.

“People now meet during Eid, weddings, or planned gatherings, though often outside the home. There is a difference, but the intention remains.”

Rather than fading away entirely, Al-Roshen now lives on through cultural forums and conversations that highlight the evolution of tradition in a rapidly changing society.

For those preserving these stories, the goal is not to resist change but to carry forward the values and meaning behind these cultural symbols.

 


Deputy minister receives Ukraine’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia

Abdulrahman Al-Rassi (R) and Anatolii Petrenko in Riyadh. (Supplied)
Updated 13 July 2025
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Deputy minister receives Ukraine’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia

  • Saudi Ambassador to Greece Ali Al-Yousef recently presented his credentials to the country’s president, Constantine Tassoulas

RIYADH: Abdulrahman Al-Rassi, the Saudi deputy minister for international multilateral affairs, received Anatolii Petrenko, Ukriane’s ambassador to the Kingdom, in Riyadh on Sunday.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed bilateral relations as well as prominent developments in regional and international arenas, the foreign ministry wrote in a post on X.

Meanwhile, Saudi Ambassador to Greece Ali Al-Yousef recently presented his credentials to the country’s president, Constantine Tassoulas.

 


Lebanon’s envoy wraps up tenure with visit to Arab News

Lebanon’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia Dr. Fawzi Kabbara visited Arab News’ headquarters in Riyadh on Sunday. (AN photo)
Updated 13 July 2025
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Lebanon’s envoy wraps up tenure with visit to Arab News

  • Kabbara acknowledged the long-standing relationship between Saudi Arabia and Lebanon and praised Arab News for promoting understanding between the two

RIYADH: Lebanon’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Dr. Fawzi Kabbara, on Sunday ended his tenure with a visit to Arab News Editor-in-Chief Faisal J. Abbas at the newspaper’s Riyadh headquarters.

During the meeting, Kabbara acknowledged the long-standing relationship between Saudi Arabia and Lebanon and praised Arab News for promoting understanding between the two with its “insightful reporting.”

“It is an honor to celebrate the enduring ties between Lebanon and Saudi Arabia during a time of significant change in the Kingdom under the leadership of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman,” he said.

He highlighted the publication’s commitment to journalistic integrity and said it enriched the media landscape and supported diplomatic relations by keeping diplomats informed on local and regional news.

Lebanon’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia Dr. Fawzi Kabbara and Editor-in-Chief Faisal J. Abbas view editions dating back to the newspaper’s founding in 1975. (AN photo by Huda Bashatah)

Kabbara also emphasized the pivotal role the media played in shaping public opinion and fostering cross-cultural dialogue.

During his tour of the newspaper’s headquarters, the envoy viewed editions dating back to its founding in 1975, including its first Christmas cover, the transformation under Abbas’ leadership in 2016 and award-winning editorial cartoons capturing key moments in world history.

Looking ahead, Kabbara said this was not the end of his time in the Kingdom. He expressed his eagerness to return “wearing a different hat” so he could witness the growth of Lebanon-Saudi relations and Arab News’ evolving role.

He concluded by expressing sincere gratitude to Arab News and Abbas. For his part, Abbas thanked the ambassador for his visit and wished him success in his future endeavors.