JEDDAH: King Abdul Aziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) has unveiled its Black Shark self-guided boat at the 38th GITEX Technology Week in Dubai. The vessel, which can carry out coastal surveillance and many other tasks, was developed in collaboration with Taqnia for Robotics and Smart Systems.
The development of the craft is part of a KACST initiative to localize and transform transport technology and logistics, to help achieve the aims of Vision of 2030.
The boat includes sensor systems that allow it to monitor and create a 3D map of a 200-meter area surrounding the boat, and automated control technology that gives it the ability to navigate independently and avoid collisions without human input. It can also be equipped with a flexible range of weapons, acting as a firearms platform that uses gyroscopic self-balancing technology. It has the ability to survey beaches at a range of 15 kilometers, in addition to accurately identifying its precise location with a margin of error of less than 20 centimeters using differential GPS, as well as specifying, monitoring and tracking targets.
The Black Shark also has long-range radar that covers up to 150 kilometers, and a telecommunication system to track its location, monitor its status and connect to multiple domains through command centers that allow wireless communication and remote control. It is fitted with a digital camera powered by electro-optic and infrared technology that can produce HD-quality video, and also has night vision capability.
As part of its initiative to develop transport technology and logistics, KACST has also worked on automated control technology, included self-driving heavy-duty trucks, with the University of California, Berkeley. These trucks are equipped with electronic pairing technologies, which effectively improve the shipping and distributing of goods, reduce human error, preserve resources, and reduce harmful emissions and fuel consumption.
The same technology can also, for example, transform a four-wheel-drive vehicle into a remote-controlled vehicle equipped with video cameras, infrared technology, a microphone and a control device wirelessly connected to a command center, where an operator can guide it using images from the video cameras.
King Abdul Aziz City for Science and Technology unveils self-guided Black Shark boat at 38th GITEX Technology Week
King Abdul Aziz City for Science and Technology unveils self-guided Black Shark boat at 38th GITEX Technology Week
- These trucks are equipped with electronic pairing technologies, which effectively improve the shipping and distributing of goods, reduce human error
Environment ministry intensifies inspection campaigns in Hail
HAIL: The Saudi Ministry of Environment has intensified its field monitoring campaigns in Hail.
These efforts focus on slaughterhouses, as well as meat, vegetable and fruit markets, to ensure compliance with precautionary measures and health regulations. The initiative aims to guarantee the safety of food products in preparation for Eid Al-Fitr.
Fahd bin Muidh Al-Hasani, director general of the ministry’s Hail branch, said that monitoring teams operated around the clock. They followed a field plan that included health, awareness and guidance inspections, with increased field visits to public markets and slaughterhouses during the Eid Al-Fitr holiday, particularly during peak times when consumer demand was high.
He said that the teams were actively engaged in sanitation and disinfection of slaughter areas to ensure a healthy and safe environment, and emphasized that the regulatory teams would impose the strictest penalties on those who violated health and safety protocols.
He urged store owners to adhere to the regulations and guidelines to avoid penalties that would be enforced in accordance with legal procedures.
Al-Baha prepares massive holiday celebration
AL-BAHA: Residents and visitors to Al-Baha region will experience a festive atmosphere this Eid Al-Fitr as local authorities launch an ambitious program featuring 55 recreational and cultural events across the city.
The municipality has embarked on extensive decorative efforts, adorning the cityscape with 45 artistic sculptures and illuminating 30,000 linear meters of street lamps with decorative lighting. Festive Eid greetings now grace bridge panels, tunnel displays, and electronic screens throughout the region.
“We have prepared 142 parks and gardens and 27 municipal plazas to welcome families during the holiday period,” Al-Baha Mayor Ali bin Mohammed Al-Sawat said.
“These venues, along with specially designated event locations in Al-Baha city and surrounding governorates, will serve as gathering points for our communities.”
Key celebration hubs in Al-Baha city include the popular Raghadan Forest Park, Prince Hussam Park in Al-Qayyim, the Market Square in the central district, and the scenic walkway along Imam Mohammed bin Saud Road in Al-Hawiyah.
According to the mayor, the festivities have been designed to accommodate everyone in the community — from children and families to elderly residents, youth groups, and people with disabilities.
KSrelief enables Zakat donations to Yemen, Somalia
RIYADH: The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center has enabled people to donate their 2025 Zakat Al-Fitr through the “Sahem” platform, ensuring timely and easy delivery to beneficiaries in Yemen and Somalia.
The Zakat Al-Fitr equals 3 kg of rice per person, and amounts to SR15 ($4) per individual for Yemen, and SR12 for Somalia.
The initiative aims to facilitate the process of Zakat donation and ensure it reaches the most needy groups, in accordance with Shariah regulations.
It is also part of the Kingdom’s efforts, represented by KSrelief’s support of needy people around the world.
The center said that the Zakat Al-Fitr donation can be made through the “Sahem” platform for Yemen and Somalia via the Sahem website.
Lebanese, Syrian defense ministers discuss border security during Jeddah meeting
- Border tensions between the two countries flared up earlier in March
JEDDAH: The defense ministers of Lebanon and the Syrian Arab Republic met in Jeddah on Thursday, Asharq reported.
The Syrian delegation was headed by Murhaf Abu Qasra and the Lebanese delegation was led by Michel Menassa.
The two ministers discussed enhancing border security and demarcation between both countries.
Border tensions flared up earlier in March after the new authorities in Syria accused Lebanese armed group Hezbollah of kidnapping three soldiers into Lebanon and killing them.
The Iran-backed group, which fought alongside the forces of toppled Syrian president Bashar Assad, denied involvement.
Cross-border clashes that followed left seven Lebanese dead.
In a statement, Saudi Arabia said it supported Syria and Lebanon resolving their differences through political and diplomatic dialogue while upholding sovereignty, stability, and international law, according to Asharq.
The Kingdom also highlighted the importance of security coordination, especially in border control, to address shared challenges such as smuggling and the influence of armed groups.
Kingdom celebrates Saudi Green Initiative
- Program launched in 2023 to raise environmental awareness, improve well-being
- Scheme seeks to bind sustainable programs with broader green objectives
RIYADH: Thursday marked the second anniversary of the Saudi Green Initiative, a Kingdom-wide program designed to increase environmental awareness and motivate people to play their part in securing a healthier future for generations to come.
Its goal to bring people together and bolster community engagement is key to raising the quality of life for all citizens and residents and aligns with the sustainable development goals of Saudi Vision 2030.
"The actions we take today will define the environmental legacy we leave behind,” Dr. Khaled Al-Abdulkader, CEO of the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification, told Arab News.
He went on to praise the “bold leadership, pioneering strategies, and … unwavering commitment to sustainability” of Saudi Arabia.
The initiative, launched in 2023, seeks to bind sustainable programs with the nation’s broader green objectives, such as reducing toxic emissions, improving afforestation and land restoration, and preserving land and marine ecosystems.
It is also testimony to the leadership’s green vision and drive to position the Kingdom at the forefront of sustainable development on both a local and global scale.
Saudi Arabia’s leading role in protecting the environment was highlighted in December when it hosted the 16th session of the Conference of the Parties of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification, or COP16.
The global gathering provided a platform for policymakers, business leaders and other experts to share ideas and insights on tackling environmental challenges and developing a collective path for green transformation.
At the local level, the Kingdom’s leaders have initiated a number of campaigns to raise awareness of the need for sustainable practices.
Among them is Ramadan of Goodness, which encourages people to minimize food waste and be more aware of their consumption of vital resources like electricity and water during the holy month.
It encompasses more than 85 environmental protection and green development programs, including the rehabilitation of 18,000 hectares of degraded land and the reintroduction of more than 7,500 endangered species through breeding programs.
