JEDDAH: The airports in Madinah, Taif and Abha are hazardous for landing and takeoff due to their topography, say pilots.
A local publication has quoted a number of flight captains as saying that these airports are challenging.
This has prompted the General Authority for Civil Aviation (GACA) to insist that only professional pilots fly aircraft to and from these airports. “Copilots are prevented by GACA from flying here,” the publication said.
A Saudia pilot spoke about the difficulties faced by pilots flying toward the new Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Airport, which is located between two mountains. “The airport is located on the south side near volcanic areas, which interact with air temperatures in summer and cause imbalances in air density.”
He referred to individual solutions such as communications with the air tower to warn pilots to take a much higher altitude to avoid the volcanic area. “Most pilots are aware of this and are thus capable of avoiding any catastrophe.”
Another pilot referred to the negative effects on the aircraft’s engines because of the variation in air density. “Such situations pose a threat to the flight unless the air navigation crew is well trained to fly aircraft in such conditions.”
A pilot with a Saudi private airliner classified the two airports in Taif and Abha among the airports located at the highest points above sea level. “Abha airport is more than 6,000 feet above mean sea level, and the two airports are surrounded by dangerous mountains.”
He linked the altitude of the airports with the performance of plane engines, saying: “Such airports suffer from the problem of difference in air pressure and oxygen saturation, which in turn have an impact on fuel combustion and engine performance.”
A GACA official said there is no reason to worry about these flights. “All pilots are highly trained to fly to these airports. In any case, civil aviation authorities prevent such flights by copilots. All local and international air crew are fully aware of the air navigation bulletins before the launch of any flight.”
Saudi pilots soar with stellar skills
Saudi pilots soar with stellar skills
Future Minerals Forum in Riyadh looks to bolster global links
- Mining leaders from 85 countries gather next week to discuss challenges, outlook
RIYADH: Leading mining representatives from more than 85 countries will meet in Riyadh next week as the Future Minerals Forum discusses challenges and developments in the global mineral industries.
Key stakeholders, including governments, international organizations, business federations, investors, and sector leaders, will take part in the forum from Jan. 14-16 at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center.
The event is being organized by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources under the patronage of King Salman.
According to the ministry, the fourth annual international ministerial meeting of mining ministers, due to take place on Jan. 14 as part of the forum, will feature its largest-ever number of government representatives and topics to be discussed.
Among the 85 countries represented will be 16 nations from the G20. At least 50 ministers and 13 deputy ministers are taking part, the ministry said.
The ministry said that over 50 official and nongovernmental organizations, along with trade unions and leading figures in the global mining industry, will attend the event, reflecting the significance of the gathering as a global platform to discuss mining and mineral industry affairs, ways to meet the growing demand for strategic and critical minerals, and new opportunities for development in mineral-producing and processing countries.
The meeting will focus on several issues, including progress made during the previous year concerning the three ministerial meeting initiatives, which include developing a strategic framework for critical minerals increasing value-added processing in mineral-producing countries, producing green minerals using modern technologies and renewable energy, and ensuring sustainability and transparency in supply chains.
Discussions will also focus on the establishment of centers of excellence in major mining regions to enable investment, build capabilities, and develop human resources.
Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Alkhorayef will chair the meeting and deliver the opening address, highlighting Saudi Arabia’s commitment to sustainable mineral development and emphasizing its leadership role in advancing the sector’s future.
He will also discuss opportunities for global cooperation to face challenges and invest in the vast potential offered by the mineral sector.
Among the ministers attending the meeting are Italian Minister for the Environment and Energy Security Gilberto Pichetto Fratin; UK Secretary of State for Business and Trade Jonathan Reynolds; Brazilian Minister of Mines and Energy Alexandre Silveira; Indian Minister of Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy; South African Minister of Trade, Industry, and Competition Parks Tau; Democratic Republic of Congo Minister of Mines Kizito Pakabomba; Egyptian Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Karim Badawi; Nigerian Minister of Solid Minerals Development Henry Dele Alake; and Moroccan Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development Leila Benali.
Vice Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources for Mining Affairs Khalid bin Saleh Al-Mudaifer said that the meeting represents an important step toward achieving sustainable development in the global mining and minerals sector.
He said that the international ministerial meeting provides an ideal platform for finding solutions and developing legislation on best practices in sustainable mining, exploring ways to invest in mining projects to achieve economic and social development in producing countries.
Future Minerals Forum in Riyadh looks to bolster global links
- Mining leaders from 85 countries gather next week to discuss challenges, outlook
- The event is being organized by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources under the patronage of King Salman
RIYADH: Leading mining representatives from more than 85 countries will meet in Riyadh next week as the Future Minerals Forum discusses challenges and developments in the global mineral industries.
Key stakeholders, including governments, international organizations, business federations, investors, and sector leaders, will take part in the forum from Jan. 14-16 at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center.
The event is being organized by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources under the patronage of King Salman.
According to the ministry, the fourth annual international ministerial meeting of mining ministers, due to take place on Jan. 14 as part of the forum, will feature its largest-ever number of government representatives and topics to be discussed.
Among the 85 countries represented will be 16 nations from the G20. At least 50 ministers and 13 deputy ministers are taking part, the ministry said.
The ministry said that over 50 official and nongovernmental organizations, along with trade unions and leading figures in the global mining industry, will attend the event, reflecting the significance of the gathering as a global platform to discuss mining and mineral industry affairs, ways to meet the growing demand for strategic and critical minerals, and new opportunities for development in mineral-producing and processing countries.
The meeting will focus on several issues, including progress made during the previous year concerning the three ministerial meeting initiatives, which include developing a strategic framework for critical minerals increasing value-added processing in mineral-producing countries, producing green minerals using modern technologies and renewable energy, and ensuring sustainability and transparency in supply chains.
Discussions will also focus on the establishment of centers of excellence in major mining regions to enable investment, build capabilities, and develop human resources.
Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Alkhorayef will chair the meeting and deliver the opening address, highlighting Saudi Arabia’s commitment to sustainable mineral development and emphasizing its leadership role in advancing the sector’s future.
He will also discuss opportunities for global cooperation to face challenges and invest in the vast potential offered by the mineral sector.
Among the ministers attending the meeting are Italian Minister for the Environment and Energy Security Gilberto Pichetto Fratin; UK Secretary of State for Business and Trade Jonathan Reynolds; Brazilian Minister of Mines and Energy Alexandre Silveira; Indian Minister of Coal and Mines G. Kishan Reddy; South African Minister of Trade, Industry, and Competition Parks Tau; Democratic Republic of Congo Minister of Mines Kizito Pakabomba; Egyptian Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Karim Badawi; Nigerian Minister of Solid Minerals Development Henry Dele Alake; and Moroccan Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development Leila Benali.
Vice Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources for Mining Affairs Khalid bin Saleh Al-Mudaifer said that the meeting represents an important step toward achieving sustainable development in the global mining and minerals sector.
He said that the international ministerial meeting provides an ideal platform for finding solutions and developing legislation on best practices in sustainable mining, exploring ways to invest in mining projects to achieve economic and social development in producing countries.
NEXTG3N Hackathon: Shaping future skills through Web3, gaming
- Event gathered international, Saudi innovators in Riyadh
- The event was spearheaded by Princess Nourah Al-Faisal, founder and CEO of Adhlal, in collaboration with W3 ff Venture Builder
RIYADH: As the world rapidly evolves, projections indicate that 65 percent of future jobs are yet to be created. Hence, Saudi Arabia is proactively preparing its youth for this dynamic landscape.
The NEXTG3N Hackathon, which started Jan. 9 and ends Jan. 11 at Princess Nourah University in Riyadh, gathered international innovators alongside Saudi talent to develop groundbreaking solutions at the crossroads of Web3 and gaming.
The event was spearheaded by Princess Nourah Al-Faisal, founder and CEO of Adhlal, in collaboration with W3 ff Venture Builder.
Participants were invited to create practical solutions that addressed critical areas such as education, digital inclusion, and emerging technologies.
This initiative aimed at empowering the next generation with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in a world increasingly influenced by technological advances.
The hackathon leveraged Web3’s decentralized framework and gaming’s engaging approach to address the critical challenge of preparing the next generation for an uncertain job market.
Selected innovations from the hackathon will be showcased at the World Economic Forum in Davos, highlighting Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in the global digital and creative landscape.
This initiative aligns with Saudi Vision 2030’s goals, creating a platform from which Saudi youngsters collaborate with global innovators to tackle shared challenges and shape the future of work.
The first day of the event featured an impressive lineup of speakers who are pioneers in their respective fields. Among them were Princess Nourah; Hamad Al-Owaishiq, founder and CEO of the Saudi Youth Society; Tanja Ludwig from W3 ff Venture Builder in Germany; Dalia Samra-Rohte from the Algemeine Handels Kamer; and Xavier Prost from Veridos UAE, one of the event’s sponsors.
Princess Nourah spoke of the importance of creating a safe online environment for children through Web3 technology. She highlighted how blockchain can provide a secure space for young users, fostering their engagement with digital platforms. She introduced Adhlal as a research-based community and design consultancy focused on innovation and creativity in design.
Princess Nourah remarked on the significance of soft skills in preparing the youth for future challenges, and added: “When we think about the evolving landscape over the next few years, we must consider how to foster innovation and creativity among youth.”
Al-Owaishiq said: “Web3 is the focus of the current global discourse, and it’s crucial for young people to be aware of this paradigm shift. They need to develop skills that allow them to engage with Web3 technology creatively and innovatively.”
His emphasis on youth empowerment underscored the hackathon’s goal of equipping participants with the tools to navigate and lead within the new digital landscape.
Sabrina Goerlich, a Web3 consultant, emphasized the vision behind NEXTG3N, saying: “Our objective is to create a safe, hybrid space that utilizes technologies like blockchain and Web3 to empower the younger generation. We aim to cultivate tomorrow’s architects of change.”
She noted that the collaboration with W3 ff Venture Builder brought both technological and business perspectives, enhancing the overall impact of the initiative.
The NEXTG3N Hackathon represented a strategic effort to harness creativity and technology for the betterment of society. By bringing together diverse talents, the event sought to inspire participants to develop solutions that addressed real-world challenges, while fostering a culture of innovation.
As Saudi Arabia continues to invest in the future of its youngsters, events like the NEXTG3N Hackathon highlight the nation’s commitment to preparing its workforce for the jobs of tomorrow.
By focusing on Web3 and gaming, the hackathon aimed to equip participants with essential skills, ensuring they are not only consumers of technology but also innovators and leaders in the digital economy.
Tuwaiq Academy opens registration for cybersecurity bootcamp
- Scheduled to begin on Feb. 16, 2025, the five-month bootcamp will be held at the academy’s headquarters in Riyadh
- The program aims to cultivate exceptional national talent in diverse cybersecurity domains
RIYADH: Tuwaiq Academy has opened registration for the Tuwaiq Cybersecurity Bootcamp, a program offering employment opportunities to top-performing participants.
Scheduled to begin on Feb. 16, 2025, the five-month bootcamp will be held at the academy’s headquarters in Riyadh.
The program aims to cultivate exceptional national talent in diverse cybersecurity domains, providing participants with the opportunity to earn professional certifications in collaboration with OffSec.
The Tuwaiq Cybersecurity Bootcamp provides participants with the opportunity to earn the Security Operations Center-200 professional certification, which equips them with critical skills for SOC operations, including advanced system defense techniques and strategies to mitigate cyber threats.
The program also offers a chance to obtain the PEN-200 professional certification, focused on building expertise in advanced penetration testing.
The academy has opened registration for the Tuwaiq Cybersecurity Bootcamp, along with over 150 professional camps and programs, available through its website: https://tuwaiq.edu.sa
Tuwaiq Academy CEO Abdulaziz Al-Hammadi highlighted the academy’s dedication to cultivating outstanding national talent in cybersecurity.
This commitment is reflected in its professional boot camps and programs conducted in collaboration with leading international organizations.
Additionally, the academy partners with government and private sector entities to create job opportunities for its graduates. Ninety percent of participants in previous Tuwaiq Cybersecurity Bootcamp were employed within three months of graduation.
Tuwaiq Academy is the first specialized institution dedicated to cultivating national talent in advanced technology.
Through partnerships with global companies such as Apple, Meta, Microsoft, Google, IBM, and Amazon, the academy offers a range of professional boot camps.
The initiative is designed to bridge the gap between the rapid evolution of modern technologies and the needs of the labor market.
Parliamentary Foreign Vice-Minister Matsumoto to visit Saudi Arabia, Jordan
TOKYO: Japan’s Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Matsumoto Hisashi will visit the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Jordan from Jan. 11 to 15, the foreign ministry said on Friday.
During the visit, Matsumoto is scheduled to exchange views with government officials of Saudi Arabia and Jordan on bilateral relations as well as regional and international situations.
Matsumoto is scheduled to arrive in Riyadh on Jan. 12, according to the ministry.
A version of this article appeared on Arab News Japan.
