RIYADH: The inauguration of the new Taif projects by King Salman is a great event that reflects his attentiveness to the country’s development and proof that all Saudi provinces are in his heart, Prince Sultan bin Salman, the president and chairman of the board of the Saudi Commission for Tourism and National Heritage (SCTH), said.
“The inauguration of these tourism and development projects in Taif are just for starters,” Prince Sultan said, adding that “more will be accomplished in this city which has a rich cultural heritage and unique tourist attractions.”
In a press statement, Prince Sultan explained that Taif’s cultural richness, along with its history and bright future were the reasons why it won the attention of the king, who is always keen on increasing efforts to restore the city’s splendor, its status as a tourist attraction and its contribution to the national economy.
“These projects will contribute to the development of Taif’s economy and tourism,” Prince Sultan said, “alongside other major projects, such as the development of the city’s historic center, Souk Okaz City, the New Taif and Taif International Airport.”
He described Souq Okaz City as the first complete tourist attraction in the Kingdom and the region. “The SCTH has recently finalized this project’s main plan.”
He said: “This city includes cultural centers, museums, recreational areas, a conference center and a city for receiving those who have come for Hajj and Umrah, as well as portfolios for investors to execute more than 18 complementary projects.”
“Taif is receiving the support and attention of King Salman, as well as the devotion of the Makkah governor and the hospitality and great efforts of the people of Taif, and this will result in the city’s economic prosperity and the creation of more job opportunities for its citizens.”
New Taif projects reflect King Salman’s attentiveness to country’s development: Prince Sultan
New Taif projects reflect King Salman’s attentiveness to country’s development: Prince Sultan
Light fantastic: Countdown begins to Noor Riyadh 2024
- Event ‘embodies the essence of striving toward new horizons,’ curator says
- World’s largest light art festival gets underway on Nov. 28
RIYADH: The start of this year’s Noor Riyadh Festival is now just two weeks away and preparations for the annual event are well underway.
Launched in 2021, the festival is a celebration of light and the arts and includes contributions from leading Saudi and international artists. It also features community activities, workshops, discussions and shows.
Billed as the largest light art festival in the world, Noor Riyadh is part of the broader Riyadh Art initiative and aims to support and inspire young artists to drive the Kingdom’s creative economy.
This year’s theme is “Light Years Away” and a host of activities are planned at three key locations — King Abdulaziz Historical Center, Wadi Hanifa and Diriyah’s JAX District — between Nov. 28 and Dec. 14.
The title is inspired by the Thuraya star cluster, which has long been a guiding light and symbol of aspiration, according to Dr. Effat Abdullah Fadag, the curator of Noor Riyadh 2024 and board member of the Visual Arts Commission.
“This year’s theme explores our journey from Althara, or Earth, toward Althuraya, or the stars, celebrating how art can bridge the physical and metaphysical,” she told Arab News.
“‘Light Years Away’ is a theme that embodies the essence of striving toward new horizons, where light is used as a metaphor for hope, creativity and resilience.
“We want the audience to feel connected to the stars above and the Earth below, experiencing how art can unite diverse elements such as science, technology, philosophy and spirituality, fostering a shared sense of inspiration and identity.”
Among the 60 artworks on offer this year are sculptural light installations and laser shows from artists like Ali Alruzaiza and Javier Riera, who use light to reimagine iconic sites like Murabba Palace.
“The works of artists like Saad Al Howede, Kimchi and Chips explore our relationship with the environment, challenging us to reflect on our impact on the Earth,” Fadag said.
“The landscapes of Wadi Hanifa serve as a living canvas, inviting the audience to consider how we can preserve the environment and the beauty of our natural heritage.
“The JAX District is a hub for innovation, experimentation and digital creativity. Originally an industrial area, it has now transformed into a space that bridges art and technology. Here, traditional and modern techniques converge in an environment that supports the creative economy.”
Fadag said she hoped visitors would leave the festival with a renewed sense of curiosity and wonder.
“The Noor exhibition reminds us that, as individuals, we aspire to connect and engage. Art and light have the power to bring us together, inspire us and illuminate new paths forward.
“I believe these experiences will remain alive long after the festival ends, encouraging visitors to carry the festival’s light with them and continue exploring their own journeys, connecting the Earth to the sky in their unique ways.”
How a Saudi software developer is revolutionizing road safety with his AI driver-assist system
- Nasser Al-Khaldi is the mastermind behind a driver-assist system that performs well in congestion and makes roads safer
- Developed by Comma.ai, the system incorporates AI-driven real-time analysis, using cameras and radar to prevent collisions
JEDDAH: Nasser Mansour Al-Khaldi is the researcher and automotive expert behind the Saudi-made version of an innovative artificial intelligence self-driving system that can be fitted to regular cars.
A native of Taif province, his passion for technology started at a young age through attempts to customize video games — including hacking his Xbox 360.
Since 2015, he has been focusing on autonomous driving technology — self-driving systems powered by AI. In 2023, the results of his efforts became apparent when he launched the first autopilot system in the Kingdom.
Al-Khaldi and his team — in cooperation with their partner, California-based startup Comma.ai — have developed an open-source software that runs the system, allowing motorists to install a driver-assist feature. The software enables the car to drive itself on motorways, staying in one lane and keeping a safe distance from the car in front, and to follow the vehicle immediately in front in traffic without human assistance.
“It took me around five years to develop a device that records vehicle data in order to analyze it and add more advanced safety and smart driving systems to existing vehicles on the market,” Al-Khaldi told Arab News.
“Yes, it is made in collaboration with our partner in the US, but we upgraded our own version and it has more features. So, you can say it is ‘made in Saudi Arabia’ by a very intelligent Saudi team,” he added.
DID YOUKNOW?
• The Saudi-made AI driver-assistance system was trained on over 100 million miles.
• It incorporates AI-driven real-time analysis, using cameras and radar to prevent collisions.
• It is compatible with more than 64 car models not supported by Comma.ai’s original tech.
• The Saudi-made device has been exported to the US, Europe, Africa, and the Arab world.
Although the base technology, Open Pilot, was developed by Comma.ai, Al-Khaldi explained that his version has been significantly developed to align with local needs, expanding compatibility to work with more than 64 car models not supported by the original.
The Saudi programmer also developed the autonomous driver technology to function at low speeds, improving its effectiveness in the stop-start traffic that is common in the Gulf region.
He explained that the self-driving device “leverages AI and remote sensing technology to continuously analyze and understand the vehicle’s surroundings.”
The unit has been on the Saudi market for about a year and a half, and approximately 500 have been sold, according to Al-Khaldi.
“In addition to our presence in the Saudi market, we have also exported our device — which can be adapted to almost any modern car — to the US, Europe, Africa and other parts of the Arab world,” he added.
Arab News joined 29-year-old Al-Khaldi to experience the driver-assistance system, which is installed in his Toyota Highlander. We began the ride on the highway north of Jeddah.
The results were impressive. From the driver’s seat, with his hands removed from the steering wheel, Al-Khaldi said: “At this point our (system) can handle all types of curves. On the highway, you can drive for hours without any user intervention. I just drove from Taif to Jeddah on curvy, hilly roads without any user intervention.”
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Al-Khaldi said that the system integrates multiple components to provide “a safe and efficient autonomous driving experience,” controlling steering, acceleration, and braking. It uses open-source AI technology, trained on over 100 million miles and able to adapt to a variety of driving conditions.
“The system relies on high-resolution cameras and radar sensors to detect lanes, track nearby vehicles, and analyze data in real time. This analysis helps prevent collisions and ensures the vehicle stays in its lane,” he explained.
“One of our customers who lives in the US installed our device in his car and recently, while driving down a long stretch of highway heading to another state, he lost consciousness and the car drove itself for two hours until he woke up. He later messaged us and expressed his thanks for our device’s reliability,” he added. “Following this event, the system received an enhanced safety update. Now, if the driver’s eyes remain fixed and unresponsive, signaling potential loss of consciousness, the system prompts the driver to touch the steering wheel, providing an additional layer of safety during medical emergencies like seizures or sudden loss of consciousness.”
According to the US website Consumer Reports, Open Pilot is currently the most advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) on the market.
Al-Khaldi and his team are now exploring ways to tailor the system to various levels of driving experience. “I think we’ll find better ways of doing it that will be simpler and allow more users access to the technology,” he said.
Al-Khaldi envisions a future where AI powers self-driving cars across the Kingdom. He said: “Saudi Arabia has an ambitious vision that embraces artificial intelligence technologies. Self-driving has become one of the most important AI tools.”
Saudi crown prince, French president discuss relations and regional developments
- Leaders discussed progress of relations between Kingdom and France
- Also addressed current regional developments in Palestine and Lebanon
RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman spoke on the phone on Thursday with French President Emmanuel Macron, Saudi Press Agency reported.
The leaders discussed the progress of relations between Saudi Arabia and France, emphasizing their ongoing cooperation across various fields, SPA added.
The conversation also addressed current regional developments in Palestine and Lebanon and the efforts being made to enhance security and stability in the region.
The discussion underscores the commitment of both nations to strengthen ties and collaborate on shared strategic interests.
Asir launches campaign to promote organic food culture
- Ahmed Al-Mojathel: Our goal is to highlight the importance of organic products and foods as a safer, healthier dietary system
- Initiative forms part of a broader strategy to promote organic food consumption throughout Saudi society
ABHA: A public awareness campaign by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture kicked off Organic Food Day 2024 in Saudi Arabia, reported Saudi Press Agency.
Ahmed Al-Mojathel, director of the ministry’s Asir branch, said: “Our goal is to highlight the importance of organic products and foods as a safer, healthier dietary system.
“We are working to enhance consumer awareness about the benefits of organic foods while encouraging innovation and excellence in organic product quality.”
The initiative forms part of a broader strategy to promote organic food consumption throughout Saudi society.
Al-Mojathel said the campaign also aimed to achieve economic and social objectives supporting the development of the organic food sector across the Kingdom.
Officials detained as investigators smash drug-smuggling operation at Al-Jouf Airport
- 9 people arrested, including Ministry of Interior employee, 4 people associated with the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority, and a Saudi Electricity Company worker
RIYADH: A drug smuggling operation at Al-Jouf International Airport in Saudi Arabia, in which several government and other public-sector officials allegedly were involved, has been shut down following an extensive investigation.
An official source at the Ministry of Interior said on Thursday that nine people were detained, including a ministry employee, four people associated with the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority, and one from the Saudi Electricity Company.
Their alleged roles in the smuggling network included helping to get the drugs into the Kingdom, ensuring shipments bypassed inspections, transporting them, and concealing them in homes and at other locations.
They also engaged in the promotion and distribution of the narcotics in the country, the Saudi Press Agency reported. The amount and type of drugs involved was not immediately apparent.
The Ministry of Interior said it remains committed to confronting all threats to national security and will take stringent action against anyone who jeopardizes the safety and stability of the country.
