JEDDAH: Top scientists of the Kingdom and experts from across the Gulf countries attended the recently concluded Scitech Astronomical Program 2018.
The event, which was first of its kind in the Eastern Province, was organized by the Sultan bin Abdul Aziz Center for Science and Technology (Scitech) of the King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM). The program took place at the center’s headquarters in Alkhobar.
The main aim of the program was to provide experts with a platform to share their experiences and thoughts and to come up with ideas to promote the study of this branch of science in the region.
The participants discussed various issues including astronomical photography, the James Webb telescope project, astronomical culture and the role of community organizations, and astronomy in Arabic literature etc.
Rabab Qudihi, a member of the Arab Union for Astronomy and Space Sciences, also gave a presentation on some of his findings on the subject. The program was accompanied by an interactive exhibition, some astronomical photos exhibition, debate sessions, presentations as well as an interactive children’s pavilion.
The interactive exhibition included a pavilion dedicated to Prince Sultan bin Salman’s flight to space.
Students of the University’s Aviation Engineering Club actively took part in various aspects of the exhibition. The exhibition included a pavilion on the exciting phases of a rocket’s separation and other facets of space travel.
The exhibition also showed a space flight with the help of the 9 dimensions technology though a virtual-reality device that had more than 350 shows.
The exhibition that welcomed more than 11,000 visitors and participants was decorated with photos of eclipses and nebulas. Photographers Mohammed Abdel Karim, Turki Al-Amri and Abdullah Al-Ayadhi took part in the exhibition.
The astronomical observatory at the University of Majmaah participated as well through its astronomical mobile dome. The dome enabled the visitors to watch an exciting display of celestial bodies.
Saudi experts discuss ways to promote astronomy
Saudi experts discuss ways to promote astronomy
Saudi crown prince receives phone call from Iraqi PM
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received a phone call from Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani on Tuesday.
During the call, they reviewed relations between their countries and ways to strengthen them in various fields, Saudi Press Agency reported.
Bangladeshi leader sends letter to Saudi crown prince about bilateral relations
RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received a letter on Tuesday from the head of Bangladesh’s interim government, Muhammad Yunus.
The Bangladeshi ambassador to the Kingdom, Delwar Hossain, presented the letter, which addressed relations between Riyadh and Dhaka, to Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Al-Khuraiji.
During their meeting in Riyadh on Tuesday, the envoy and the deputy minister discussed ways to strengthen ties between their countries in various sectors.
Saudi Arabia showcases heritage, digital innovation at Jusoor expo in Kosovo
- Exhibition’s introductory section showcases Al-Masmak Fort and Saudi coffee, highlighting authentic Saudi heritage and hospitality
- Visitors received detailed information about the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ Guests Program for Hajj and Umrah
RIYADH: The sixth Jusoor exhibition, organized by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Islamic Affairs at Skanderbeg Square in Pristina, Kosovo, is attracting a large number of visitors daily.
The exhibition’s introductory section showcases Al-Masmak Fort and Saudi coffee, highlighting authentic Saudi heritage and hospitality.
The technology pavilion at the 10-day event has attracted significant interest for its modern digital innovations highlighting the Kingdom’s technical progress, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.
It includes several ministry-developed applications, notably the Correct Citation app, which features a smart keyboard that accurately integrates Qur’anic verses and Prophetic hadiths, and allows them to be shared as text or images.
The 3D Hajj and Umrah app offers a virtual experience simulating pilgrimage rituals in multiple languages, while the Rushd app provides a comprehensive digital library with books and Islamic content in 51 languages.
Attendees praised the Kingdom’s efforts in serving Islam and promoting moderation, the SPA reported.
Visitors also received detailed information about the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ Guests Program for Hajj and Umrah, and its role in serving pilgrims.
Additionally, VR technology allows visitors to explore rare photos of Makkah and historic mosques, offering an engaging interactive experience of the Kingdom’s history and holy sites.
The ministry recently concluded the fifth Jusoor exhibition in Jakarta, Indonesia, which welcomed more than 1.25 million visitors from diverse backgrounds.
The 10-day exhibition at Istiqlal Mosque was one of the largest cultural and advocacy events organized by the ministry outside the Kingdom.
Saudi officials also distributed more than 150,000 copies of Qur’an, printed and translated into Indonesian by the King Fahd Qur’an Printing Complex in Madinah.
Indonesian visitors praised the exhibition for its blend of spiritual and cultural themes, strong organization, and diverse, informative content.
Saudi cabinet reviews Hajj preparations, regional developments
- Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman directed authorities to ensure top-level Hajj preparations and pilgrim services
- The cabinet highlighted record non-oil exports and praised Saudi Arabia’s global rise in digital governance and open data transparency
JEDDAH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman attended on Tuesday the weekly cabinet meeting in Jeddah that reviewd Hajj preperations and regional developments, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The crown prince welcomed Muslim pilgrims who began flocking to the Kingdom from various countries to perform Hajj this year.
He also directed relevant authorities to work with the highest levels of efficiency and excellence in implementing security, preventive and organizational plans to serve the pilgrim guests.
The crown prince also observed the record performance reports of the kingdom’s non-oil exports in 2024 and their continued upward trajectory. The reports reflect the accelerating steps towards diversifying sources of income and investment in the Saudi economy in line with Vision 2030.
Ministers also noted Saudi Arabia’s advancements in digital governance, including its top regional ranking for the third year in the UN’s e-government services index, and its leap of 92 places in the global Open Data Inventory.
On regional issues, the cabinet reiterated the Kingdom’s call for de-escalation across conflict zones, condemned Israeli strikes on Syria, urged an end to the war in Sudan through a local political solution, and reaffirmed support for the two-state solution as a path to lasting peace in Palestine.
New Saudi initiative focuses on water efficiency
- Project will estimate water needs of native species like haloxylon persicum, ziziphus spina-christi, calligonum comosum, and vachellia gerrardii in Riyadh and Qassim
- NCVC continues to implement initiatives to establish sustainable vegetation cover throughout the Kingdom
RIYADH: A new project launched in Riyadh aims to optimize water use and conserve resources, aligning with Vision 2030 goals, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.
Khaled Al-Abdulkader, CEO of the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification, and Yazeed Al-Asheikh, vice president for graduate studies and scientific research at King Saud University, launched the project.
It will estimate water needs of native species like haloxylon persicum, ziziphus spina-christi, calligonum comosum, and vachellia gerrardii in Riyadh and Qassim.
The project will also evaluate the impact of biochar on water efficiency and sustainable growth, according to the SPA.
Additionally, it will assess carbon storage potential of native species in Riyadh and Qassim, as well as mangroves in Asir and Jazan, across various ecosystems.
At the launch, the team presented the project’s objectives, phases, and expected outcomes. Field visits have begun to identify key locations and plant communities.
The center continues to implement initiatives to establish sustainable vegetation cover throughout the Kingdom, including conservation, ecosystem rehabilitation, biodiversity restoration, rangeland management, and the protection of natural resources.
