RIYADH: King Abdul Aziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) through the Badir program is seeking to establish more than 600 additional companies that would contribute to the creation of 3,600 jobs.
Nawaf Al-Sahhaf, chief executive officer of Badir, said here that the program has incubated 127 technical projects through its five incubators, generating a market value of SR331 million ($88.26 million) for 34 of these projects alone.
He added that some 786 jobs for young Saudis were created as a result. Also, the program is in the process of opening new incubators in the cities of Abha, Buraida, Dammam, and other cities around the Kingdom by 2020.
KACST is seeking to promote incubators and accelerators, and expand activities into nine regions, in line with the Kingdom’s vision at the technical level, and help stimulate the national economy and development.
This plan falls within KACST’s policy to encourage, support and promote the cognitive economy and entrepreneurship. It is a step in the government’s efforts to diversify economic sources by developing non-oil technical industries and promoting innovations and creations.
“Saudis and Saudi companies, when properly empowered, can deliver extraordinary innovative solutions to local and regional problems. We foresee further innovation in solving issues in the fields of medicine and energy, with the use of IT applications to innovate solutions that further streamline the everyday tasks that we do,” Al-Sahhaf said.
KACST Badir program to set up 600 more companies to provide 3,600 jobs
KACST Badir program to set up 600 more companies to provide 3,600 jobs
New initiative to train Saudis in generative AI
RIYADH: A professional training program in generative artificial intelligence has been launched at King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals in Dhahran.
The program is offered by the Gen AI Academy in collaboration with the Saudi Data and AI Authority and NVIDIA.
This initiative marks the first step in a plan to train 4,000 Saudi citizens, according to the Saudi Press Agency report.
The program will train and qualify Saudi citizens in generative AI. It aims to build the next generation’s capabilities in AI, enhance participants’ expertise to foster innovation, and underscore the Kingdom’s advanced position in the field.
It targets individuals with a solid foundation in computer science or related fields, as well as academic professionals and practitioners.
The training includes advanced, up-to-date materials provided by certified Saudi experts from NVIDIA.
Participants will engage in a blend of virtual self-learning modules and interactive in-person workshops.
On completion, participants will receive professional certifications accredited by NVIDIA, recognized globally as leading credentials in generative AI.
The program is part of the authority’s efforts to promote learning and build national AI capabilities, reinforcing the Kingdom’s position among data- and AI-driven economies.
Security exhibition showcases KSA’s tech advancements
RIYADH: The Ministry of Interior’s Security Oasis exhibition recently concluded at the King Abdulaziz Camel Festival in Al-Sayahid, northeast of Riyadh.
Visitors were immersed in the Kingdom’s rich history of security and service, spanning from its founding to the present day, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
The exhibition highlighted the ministry’s key development projects, investments in technology, AI applications and digital solutions aimed at enhancing public safety, environmental sustainability, traffic safety, and Hajj and Umrah services.
Visitors also learned about the ministry’s security services for individuals, businesses and government entities through platforms like Absher and the 911 call centers, the SPA reported.
The exhibition showcased anti-drug smuggling efforts, border security awareness, search and rescue operations, and land and sea monitoring.
A major highlight of the exhibition was the shooting range, where visitors enjoyed supervised shooting experiences under the guidance of professional trainers.
It also featured captivating military scenarios, performances by musical bands, camel and cavalry bands, and engaging folk performances from various regions of the Kingdom.
First Saudi aid plane arrives at Damascus International Airport, second despatched
RIYADH: Saudi aid agency KSrelief sent the first two relief planes to Damascus on Wednesday morning.
Carrying medical, food and shelter supplies, the planes are part of a fleet set to provide urgent relief over the next few days.
The total aid provided by the Kingdom to the Syrian people from 2011 to the end of 2024 amounted to 856 million and 891 thousand US dollars, state news agency SPA reported.
لحظات مغادرة الطائرة الأولى من الجسر الجوي السعودي الإغاثي إلى #سوريا
— العربية السعودية (@AlArabiya_KSA) January 1, 2025
عبر:@mhsen93 pic.twitter.com/Kp4t11yRUU
Saudi crown prince offers condolences to British PM after brother dies
- Nick Starmer died on Dec. 26 at the age of 60 after a battle with cancer
- Keir Starmer met Crown Prince Mohammed earlier in December during a visit to Saudi Arabia
RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman sent a cable of condolences to British Prime Minister Keir Starmer after the passing of his younger brother, Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.
Nick Starmer died on Dec. 26 at the age of 60 after a battle with cancer.
“My brother Nick was a wonderful man,” Starmer said at the time.
“He met all the challenges life threw at him with courage and good humour. We will miss him very much.”
Keir Starmer met Crown Prince Mohammed earlier in December during a visit to Saudi Arabia.
Economic support reflects Saudi Arabia’s commitment to stability in Yemen, cabinet says
- The cabinet strongly condemned Israel’s ongoing attacks on Al-Aqsa Mosque, rejected any attempt at altering Jerusalem’s historical and legal status
RIYADH: The Kingdom’s latest aid package to Yemen reflects its commitment to stability in the country, the Cabinet said on Tuesday.
On Friday, Saudi Arabia announced new economic support worth $500 million. It comprises a $300 million deposit into the Central Bank of Yemen to improve economic and financial conditions and $200 million to address its budget deficit, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
During a meeting on Tuesday, the cabinet said the support aimed to strengthen Yemen’s economic, financial and monetary foundations, build the capacity of government institutions and empower the private sector to drive sustainable growth and create job opportunities.
The meeting also discussed regional and international developments and emphasized the Kingdom’s continuous efforts to foster cooperation through relations with other countries and its membership of multilateral organizations and groups.
The cabinet also strongly condemned Israel’s ongoing attacks on Al-Aqsa Mosque, rejected any attempt at altering Jerusalem’s historical and legal status and called upon the international community to hold the Israeli authorities accountable for violations against civilians and Islamic holy sites in Palestine. It also reiterated its support for the Palestinian people.
The condemnation came after Israel’s Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir ascended to the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem on Thursday for what he said was a “prayer” for hostages in Gaza, challenging rules over one of the most sensitive sites in the Middle East.
The cabinet also reviewed the performance indicators of key economic sectors and commended the growth of the non-profit sector, which plays a crucial role in supporting healthcare, education, research and other vital areas, in line with Saudi Vision 2030 goals.
