Saudi Arabia, which has been making an effort over the past decade to produce more scientists, has been struggling with how to approach the science of investigating outer space.
During the past 30 years, the Kingdom has only produced 25 astronomers.
As NASA’s Curiosity Rover collects data on Mars daily and there is a renewed interest in the US in returning to the moon, the need to know about the stars, moons and planets appears to have taken a backseat among Saudi Arabia’s future scientists.
Some astronomers say one reason behind the low number of Saudis in the profession is the confusion among Muslims between astronomers and astrologists.
Astronomers study the universe. Astrologers attempt to predict the future by interpreting the stars.
“There is a tendency to mix up astronomy with astrology, which is commonly related to things such as fortune telling and horoscopes signs, which is forbidden by Islam,” said Majed Abu Zara, head of Astronomical Society in Jeddah.
“Astronomy is fundamentally and completely different from astrology,” said Mulehim Hindi, an astronomer and researcher at King Abdulaziz University Astronomy Department. “Astronomy is based on mathematical calculations, and perhaps without this knowledge, human beings were not going to be able to place satellites into the orbit, land on the moon, and send unmanned vehicles to Mars, or determine prayer times accurately and the start of the lunar months.”
Saleh Mohammed, general supervisor of the National Center of Astronomy, said there are moral issues.
“In general, disregard of astronomers’ opinion is the biggest moral obstacle facing them in the field,” Mohammed said. “Decision-makers view astronomy as luxury and not a necessary science.”
He said those decision-makers are unaware of astronomy as a science and the nature of scientists’ work.
“The problem of confusing astronomy for astrology has created a negative impact on astronomy’s reputation as a science,” Mohammed said. “It also shook people’s confidence in it and in accepting its outcomes.”
‘A’ for astronomy: Only 25 KSA stars shine in 30 years
‘A’ for astronomy: Only 25 KSA stars shine in 30 years
Misk Global Forum 2024 set to start in Riyadh
- Event seeks to bring together young leaders from Kingdom, around the globe
RIYADH: The eighth edition of the Misk Global Forum is set to take place at Mohammed bin Salman Nonprofit City, otherwise known as Misk City, on Nov. 18-19.
Boasting the theme “By Youth for Youth,” this year’s forum seeks to bring together young leaders from the Kingdom and around the globe, creating a platform for dialogue and collaboration.
The prominent international event will feature more than 150 speakers in over 100 panel discussions, along with 30 interactive workshops.
The event will showcase a roster of high-level figures in its panel discussions, including Badr Al-Badr, the CEO of the Misk Foundation, who is committed to empowering youth through education and innovation.
Abdullah Alswaha, the minister of communications and information technology, will bring his expertise in digital transformation and policymaking to the conversation, emphasizing the role of technology in shaping the future.
In addition, Steve Wozniak, the co-founder of Apple Computer, will share his insights on entrepreneurship and innovation, drawing from his extensive experience in the tech industry.
The leaders will engage in thought-provoking discussions that aim to inspire and equip young minds for the challenges of tomorrow.
Discussions are expected to cover topics such as sustainability, education, innovation, technology, health, culture, and climate change.
The topics will encourage those participating in the event to think creatively and work together on solutions to challenges faced by today’s youngsters.
MGF 2024 invites young people worldwide to come together, share ideas, and explore future possibilities.
The Misk Foundation is a nonprofit organization established in 2011 by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Through its various initiatives — including Misk City, Misk Art Institute, Manga Productions, Science Center, and Misk Schools — the foundation aims to foster an environment conducive to creativity and innovation.
Saudi Arabia condemns Israeli strike on UNRWA school in Gaza
- Foreign Ministry said the Kingdom reiterates its “categorical rejection of the Israeli occupation’s continued targeting of civilians and relief agencies”
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia condemned on Sunday an Israeli strike that killed at least 10 Palestinians and wounded at least 20 others on Saturday at a school in Gaza City’s Shati refugee camp currently sheltering displaced families.
The Abu Assi school is run by United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), the main agency that has been procuring and distributing aid in the Gaza Strip.
The Foreign Ministry said the Kingdom reiterates its “categorical rejection of the Israeli occupation’s continued targeting of civilians and relief and humanitarian agencies amid the silence of the international community.”
It called on the international community to assume its responsibilities towards ongoing Israeli violations that increase the suffering of the Palestinian people and undermine the chances of achieving peace in the region.
Recently passed Israeli laws have effectively banned UNRWA activities in Israel and the the commissioner-general of the agency Philippe Lazzarini has warned that this will leave a vacuum that will cost more Palestinian lives and create further instability in Gaza and the West Bank.
Olive presses in Tabuk process harvest from 1.8 million trees
RIYADH: Olive presses in the Tabuk region are currently processing the harvest from more than 1.8 million olive trees, which yield 94,000 tonnes of olives and more than 12,250 tonnes of olive oil.
The primary olive varieties are Arbequina, Arbosana, nabalie and souri, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The geography of the Tabuk region and its proximity to a Mediterranean climate, makes it one of the Kingdom’s most important areas for producing various crops.
In addition to olive oil, the region is known for its grapes, apricots, peaches, strawberries, mangoes, oranges and mandarins, with several varieties cultivated to prioritize quality over quantity.
Agriculture is a key economic sector in Saudi Arabia, contributing to self-sufficiency and exports. The government has prioritized the sector by providing farmers with soft loans, agricultural machinery, pumps and other essential equipment.
The regional branch of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture supports farmers by encouraging the use of advanced agricultural technologies and offering specialized consultations to maximize yields.
It also organizes seasonal agricultural festivals in cities, governorates and centers in the region, timed to coincide with harvest seasons.
The Olive Festival is the region’s premier seasonal event, providing a vital marketing platform for farmers to sell olive products and derivatives.
It is held alongside other events throughout the region, supporting the agricultural community and promoting local produce.
Thai business meets Arab flair in Riyadh
- Fair highlights products, brands aiming to tap into Saudi market
RIYADH: The Thailand International Mega Fair brought Thai businesses in contact with Arab flair in Riyadh.
The three-day event, which concluded on Sunday, showcased Thailand’s presence in the Middle East by featuring innovative Thai products and services across various industries.
Marking a historic collaboration between Thailand and Saudi Arabia, the fair signaled a new era of trade, investment, and cultural exchange.
One of the featured brands was Oud Era, a Thai lifestyle brand offering oud-infused products including perfumes, oils, oud chips, and body care items. Its perfumes incorporate Arabian notes like musk, rose, and amber.
Kasaama Pohsa, chief brand officer at Oud Era, said that the oud is sourced directly from the brand’s agarwood factory, ensuring an entirely in-house production process.
Thailand is recognized as one of the leading exporters of oud, which is valued for its longevity and a scent that intensifies as the wood matures. Pohsa said that her clientele primarily comprises customers from Gulf countries.
Pohsa said: “The reason that we came to this exhibition is because we saw the high potential of the Saudi market. It is a very big market with high purchasing power.”
The fair also showcased fashion brands like Marada Clothing, a label known for its distinctive textiles and bold designs.
Panasan Suksanguan, brand officer of Marada, told Arab News that the brand aims to establish itself in the Middle Eastern market with its unique take on long dresses.
Suksanguan said: “We want to be the first ones from Thailand to be here. Whenever you think about fashion in Thailand, you think of me.”
The event showcased more than 200 brands offering prominent Thai products across sectors including food and beverages, tourism and hospitality, health, automotive parts, smart agriculture, innovation, and fragrances.
It was organized by Index Creative Village in collaboration with the Chamber of Commerce and Board of Trade of Thailand, and Cosmos Events company, with support from the Royal Thai Embassy in Saudi Arabia, and the Tourism Authority of Thailand.
The event attracted thousands of visitors, including specialists and buyers, and helped to create opportunities to connect with industry experts, suppliers, and sector leaders to foster partnerships and support business expansion in the Kingdom.
Visitors also participated in various events, including seminars, discussion panels, and forums, which provided valuable insights into the region’s economic landscape.
New project to plant 90,000 trees in Hali Wildlife Park
RIYADH: The National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification has launched a project to restore Hali Wildlife Park in Al-Qunfudhah governorate, Makkah region.
Part of the Saudi Green Initiative, the project aims to enhance vegetation cover and promote sustainable environmental goals, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
The initiative involves planting 90,000 native and wild trees, such as vachellia tortilis, tamarix aphylla, vachellia seyal, balanites aegyptiaca, maerua crassifolia, delonix elata, salvadora persica, leptadenia pyrotechnica and acacia nilotica.
The trees will cover approximately 6 million sq. meters, irrigated using water from nearby dams. A 6-kilometer pipeline will be built to channel water from Wadi Hali Dam to the park.
Hali Wildlife Park is known for its scenic landscapes, diverse vegetation and proximity to Wadi Hali Dam, attracting local and international visitors.
The center’s afforestation efforts contribute to creating green spaces, preserving endangered native plants, lowering temperatures, improving air quality, and controlling sand encroachment.
The center is committed to enhancing and managing vegetation sites, protecting natural resources, combating illegal logging, and safeguarding biodiversity, the SPA reported.
