ALKHOBAR: A face-to-face encounter with an angry elephant, a near-fatal bite from a venomous snake — Dr. Zoltan Takacs’ love of the wild has given this Hungarian scientist more than his fair share of adventure.
Takacs, a leading toxicologist, joined other National Geographic scientists and adventurers on stage at the Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University in Dammam to present his “Deadliest Lifesavers” show, which outlined his work developing new medicines from the venom of some of the world’s most dangerous creatures.
In an exclusive interview with Arab News afterwards, the scientist described the dangers he has faced on his research trips. “When I came face-to-face with an elephant, I was not really far from getting myself killed,” he said.
“I thought to myself, well, Zoltan, maybe you pushed the limit too much this time.
“Then, when I was bitten by a snake and had a bad allergic reaction, I thought, am I going to die this time?”
Takacs said he sometimes regrets the risks he has taken — “but never the whole experience.”
The Hungarian scientist was brought to the Kingdom for the first time by the General Entertainment Authority and Time Entertainment.
Takacs told his audience he was excited to discover Saudi Arabia’s wildlife. “The venom of snakes, scorpions, spiders and many marine creatures remains unexplored by scientists. It is a huge untapped reserve that should be explored for the benefit of Arabia and global medical innovations,” he said.
Takacs praised the people of the Kingdom. “I love their enthusiasm and the professionalism. In my brief visit, I was fortunate enough to work with extremely professional, dedicated, and courteous people,” he said. “I hope I will come back for a joint research projects.”
The scientist said he was looking for Arabian partners, institutions or universities “so that we can discover these hidden gems.”
“For example, Tirofiban, a lifesaving drug used for heart patients, comes from an Arabian snake, Echis carinatus, or “efa.”
“Most of Arabia’s venomous creatures — snakes, scorpions, spiders and many marine creatures — remain unexplored by scientists. It is a huge untapped reserve that should be explored for the benefit of the Kingdom and global medicine.”
The sea anemone and venomous marine snails are also found in Saudi Arabian waters and are a source of drugs in clinical trials for autoimmune diseases.
Takacs was born and raised in Hungary, and gained his PhD in pharmacology from Columbia University, New York. He was a researcher at Yale University and Rockefeller University, then a faculty at the University of Chicago School of Medicine. He now runs a biotech lab to study the use of venoms in medical treatment, but his research often takes him out of the lab and into the wild.
Takacs said his fascination with snakes began when he was a child in Hungary. “I loved the mystery and the beauty of nature and I love animals. “So, this is what I followed — the mystery and beauty.”
As a National Geographic adventurer, Takacs needs to pack any number of gadgets and tools on his research trips. But asked about the one thing he would never leave home without, he said: “Number one is the driving force — passion. Some people would call it craziness, but to do exploration you have to be a little bit on the edge.”
The adventurer has a long-held interest in Middle Eastern and Arabic culture. “As a child in eastern Europe, my parents would tell me and my siblings tales from the ancient Middle Eastern culture every night.
“To me, the Middle East is the definition of beauty and mystery.”
Takacs first visited the Middle East about 20 years ago, and his visit to the Kingdom has reinforced his fascination. “Everything here is magical — the nature, food, spices, the people. I love it.”
Renowned adventurer tells Arab News of his quest to discover Saudi wildlife
Renowned adventurer tells Arab News of his quest to discover Saudi wildlife
Bahrain’s king receives Saudi minister of state in Manama
- King Hamad conveyed greetings to King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman
RIYADH: Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa received Saudi Arabia’s Minister of State and Cabinet Member Prince Turki bin Mohammed bin Fahd bin Abdulaziz in Manama on Wednesday.
Prince Turki conveyed greetings from King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
King Hamad, who welcomed Prince Turki and his delegation at Al-Safriya Palace, highlighted the strong ties between Riyadh and Manama, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
King Hamad also conveyed his greetings to King Salman and the crown prince, the SPA added.
Makkah developing smart solutions to counter natural disasters
- Plan includes improving efficiency and operational capabilities of the city’s control room
RIYADH: Makkah municipality is planning to develop several artificial-intelligence and other smart solutions to help mitigate natural disasters, particularly flooding, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.
The municipality recently signed an agreement with a specialist company to develop these technical solutions, which includes improving the efficiency and operational capabilities of the city’s control room.
In addition, the plan is to enhance governance frameworks that support quality and sustainability goals, and accelerate digital transformation initiatives within the city.
Key features of this collaboration include the development of a smart system for infrastructure monitoring. The Makkah region has experienced heavy rainfall regularly this year.
By improving service efficiency, boosting infrastructure safety, and leveraging technology, the city aims to significantly enhance the quality of life for both residents and visitors, aligning with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, the SPA reported.
Earlier this year the municipality expanded e-services and applications, and developed the city’s infrastructure with multi-level parking lots, and technology-operated facilities.
As a result, Makkah is now ranked 52nd in the global Smart City Index, fifth in the Arab world, and second in the Kingdom after Riyadh.
All these services are contributing to a sustainable urban environment in Makkah, according to the municipality.
Makkah’s new developments are also aimed at enhancing services for the increasing number of pilgrims and visitors traveling to the holy city.
Digital clinic to open new horizons for autism care in Saudi Arabia
- Prince Saud bin Abdulaziz: ‘This is just the beginning of our plans’
RIYADH: Following the success of the Taif Aziz Caravan for people with autism, the Society of Autism Families is gearing up for the launch of the Kingdom’s first digital clinic powered by a team of experts, doctors, and specialists.
The Taif Aziz Caravan was the first of its kind to travel across Saudi Arabia. Launched by the Society of Autism Families in June 2023, it offered integrated healthcare services to those with autism spectrum disorder and their families, as well as specialized medical consultations and free services.
In collaboration with the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, Taif Aziz Caravan raised awareness about early detection of autism spectrum disorder.
The convoy lasted nearly four months, covering about 12,000 km and visiting 53 cities in the Kingdom. The initiative earned the Society of Autism Families the International Excellence Award in Corporate Social Responsibility in London recently.
Prince Saud bin Abdulaziz, chairman of the organization, told Arab News: “This award holds immense importance for social work worldwide. Winning it for our innovative Taif Aziz Caravan project is a well-deserved recognition of the association's exceptional community contributions.”
Introducing the digital clinic project, he said: “Our work is ongoing and boundless, driven by a passionate commitment to serve.”
He went on to say that the Digital Autism Clinic will provide rehabilitative, medical, and therapeutic services to people with autism across the Kingdom. “This is just the beginning of our plans for greater advancements in this field, God willing.”
The organization’s digital platform allows beneficiaries to easily register and access all available services.
“No pioneering project is without its challenges. However, we tackle these obstacles with well-established strategies and meticulous planning,” Prince Saud said, noting that despite challenges, the convoy achieved its goal within a short timeframe, ensuring the necessary support, and conducting comprehensive social and psychological assessments.
“Awareness empowers society to embrace diversity and enhances the quality of life for everyone. Community understanding is fundamental to supporting individuals with autism effectively,” he added.
The association actively promotes awareness through various initiatives and projects, “as we recognize the significant impact of community awareness about autism spectrum disorder and its profound effect on various areas of life,” the chairman said.
Noting the collaborative efforts taking place in the Kingdom to uplift communities, Prince Saud said: “In Saudi Arabia, collaboration between institutions from all sectors — governmental, private, and nonprofit — is a hallmark of our approach to achieving collective progress.
“I take this opportunity to thank our partners across these sectors for their unwavering support. Together, we achieve both impact and development.”
The Society of Autism Families raises awareness through various initiatives, including high-quality media productions such as the play “Sala 4” in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, the world’s first 3D series on autism, under the supervision of a team of specialists, as well as the production of the first song in the world featuring people with autism, among other initiatives.
“Continuous presence and active participation in major events, exhibitions, and conferences, along with social media platforms, are key mechanisms for highlighting inspiring real-life stories and advocating for change,” Prince Saud added.
According to the association's website, autism spectrum disorder refers to a collection of conditions marked by difficulties in social skills, repetitive behaviors, and non-verbal communication, alongside unique strengths and differences.
The site explains that autism is not a single condition but a spectrum of diverse types, shaped by a combination of genetic and environmental factors, which influence each individual in a distinct way.
The term “spectrum” highlights the vast diversity in the challenges and strengths each child with this disorder may exhibit. While the most noticeable traits typically emerge between the ages of two and three, in some instances, early diagnosis can occur as young as 18 months.
The WHO reported that one in every 160 children worldwide is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.
Riyadh symposium explores challenges in theater training
- This year’s festival features 20 performances selected by experts, reflecting the diversity of Saudi theater and its developmental initiatives
RIYADH: The Riyadh Theater Festival, organized by the Theater and Performing Arts Commission, is being held at Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University until Dec. 26.
A dialogue symposium at the festival explored challenges and opportunities in theatrical training in the Arab world, focusing on issues such as limited specialized programs, financial constraints, and cultural barriers.
Participants emphasized the need for stronger partnerships between Arab countries to support training, research, and the role of theater in education and public awareness, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The symposium also highlighted the importance of innovative educational programs that foster skill development and produce tangible results in the performing arts.
Sultan Al-Bazie, CEO of the commission, called the festival a cornerstone for advancing theater in the Kingdom and raising public awareness of the performing arts.
This year’s festival features 20 performances selected by experts, reflecting the diversity of Saudi theater and its developmental initiatives.
It supports Saudi talent and enhances the Kingdom’s presence on regional and international stages. The event will conclude with awards for outstanding performers.
Saudi authorities seize drugs, arrest two suspects in Riyadh
- Authorities sezied 35 kg of hashish and 32,338 controlled medical tablets
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s drug control authority seized quantities of narcotics and arrested two suspects for drug promotion in Riyadh on Tuesday.
The General Directorate of Narcotics Control reported the seizure of 35 kg of hashish, 32,338 controlled medical tablets, as well as amphetamine and methamphetamine drugs.
It said that it had arrested two suspects in the case — a Syrian resident and a national — in Riyadh’s region, and referred them to prosecution, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Saudi security authorities are urging people to report any activities related to drug smuggling or promotion by calling 911 in the Makkah, Riyadh and Eastern Province regions, and 999 in the rest of the Kingdom.
Alternatively, information can be emailed to [email protected]. All reports are treated in confidence.
