JEDDAH: Taif University and the Saudi company BAE Systems signed a five-year cooperation agreement to financially support special graduation projects and offer students scientific lectures.
Turkey Al-Thubaity, university vice president for planning, development and community service, expressed the university’s appreciation for the scientific and financial support provided by BAE Systems to the university students. He highlighted the unique partnership with the company.
He noted the importance of this specific agreement between the company and the university, which helps develop the skills of students and motivates them.
He urged students to produce outstanding graduation projects in order to win the awards provided by the company. He said the support will help create a “remarkable competitive environment.”
Musleh Al-Harthy, engineering faculty dean, said the agreement entails cooperation in various fields. The company’s financial support is given as an award for special graduation projects during specific semesters. The program also enables students to attend scientific lectures on a quarterly basis to allow students to benefit from the company’s scientific and practical expertise.
He said that under the agreement BAE Systems will grant the university SR240,000 for one university year, SR200,000 of which was used as financial rewards for remarkable projects in both semesters, and SR40,000 for scientific lectures.
He said the company will announce the winning projects at the beginning of the semester to give an incentive to students to produce their projects. The winners are announced through different media outlets.
Al-Harthy said that the university will assess the winning projects, but will also allow the company to have its input based on specific standards set by the university.
BAE Systems to support outstanding Taif University graduation projects
BAE Systems to support outstanding Taif University graduation projects

Saudi, Iraqi defense ministers discuss cooperation in phone call

RIYADH: Saudi Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman received a phone call from his Iraqi counterpart Thabet Al-Abbasi on Tuesday, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The two discussed Saudi-Iraqi relations and cooperation between the two countries in the military and defense fields, SPA added.
They also spoke about regional developments and shared efforts to enhance security and stability in the region and beyond.
RSAF personnel complete training in US missile defense system

- US-led THAAD program involved operational exercises, combat simulations
- Training part of Kingdom’s strategy to enhance armed forces’ capabilities
RIYADH: A second company from the Royal Saudi Air Force graduated this week after completing their training in an American anti-ballistic missile defense system.
The graduation ceremony, held at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas, was attended by Maj. Gen. Pilot Abdullah bin Mohammed Al-Rabiah, the Royal Saudi Air Defense Forces Institute commander and other representatives from the two countries.
The US-led program involved technical and operational exercises, combat simulations and advanced field training supervised by representatives of the manufacturers of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system and military experts, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Another company of RSAF graduates completed the program last year as part of the Ministry of Defense’s strategy to enhance the capabilities of its forces through professional training.
The THAAD system is considered one of the most advanced and precise methods to tackle ballistic missile threats and has been adopted by the Kingdom as part of its air defense strategy.
Saudi fund signs $10m loan for renewable energy project in Solomon Islands

- Deal will help island nation reduce its reliance on conventional energy
- Since 1974, SaudFund for Development has financed 800 projects worth more than $21bn
RIYADH: The Saudi Fund for Development on Tuesday signed a $10 million development loan agreement with the Solomon Islands to support a renewable energy project.
The deal was signed by the fund’s CEO Sultan Al-Marshad and the Solomon Islands’ Finance and Treasury Minister Manasseh Sogavare.
The project aims to develop renewable energy infrastructure in the country by establishing solar power plants with a total capacity of 35.5 megawatts and energy storage systems.
This will reduce its reliance on conventional energy and support sustainable development goals for economic and environmental growth, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The loan is the fund’s first to the Solomon Islands and demonstrates its commitment to supporting developing countries and small island states in overcoming economic, social and environmental challenges.
Since its foundation in 1974, the fund has financed more than 800 projects worth more than $21 billion in more than 100 countries.
Through its global initiatives, the fund enhances livelihoods, expands access to services and empowers communities, fostering inclusive growth and creating opportunities worldwide.
On the sidelines of the signing, Al-Marshad and his delegation met Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele. They discussed the fund’s 50-year development efforts and ways to strengthen cooperation.
Five Arabian sand gazelles born in Buraidah Oasis

- Environmental achievement reflects national efforts to resettle wildlife, restore ecological balance in the Kingdom, and enhance the sustainability of its natural resources
- Center continues to implement its strategic plans to preserve wildlife and enrich biodiversity in the Kingdom, in line with the SGI, the National Environment Strategy, and Vision 2030
RIYADH: The National Center for Wildlife has announced the birth of five endangered Arabian sand gazelles in the Buraidah Oasis, as part of the center’s breeding and resettlement programs.
This environmental achievement reflects national efforts to resettle wildlife, restore ecological balance in the Kingdom, and enhance the sustainability of its natural resources, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.
The center continues to implement its strategic plans to preserve wildlife and enrich biodiversity in the Kingdom, in line with the Saudi Green Initiative, the National Environment Strategy, and Vision 2030.