ISLAMABAD: Saudi Arabia has announced 583 fully funded scholarships for Pakistani students at 23 leading universities in the Kingdom.
In a joint announcement, Saudi and Pakistani officials said that the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan will process applications and award 400 scholarships to students studying for bachelor’s degrees, 100 for master’s degrees and 83 for Ph.D. students hoping to study at Saudi universities.
The scholarships will cover all disciplines, except for health and medicine.
Planning for the scholarships was handled by Nawaf bin Said Al-Malki, the Saudi ambassador to Pakistan, and Ali Mohammed Hawsawi, the Kingdom’s cultural attache in Islamabad.
Hawsawi said Saudi Arabia has been awarding limited scholarships to Pakistani students for several years, but would now offer a much larger number.
“Pakistani students can gain admission at all Saudi universities in any subject of their choice, unlike in the past,” Hawsawi said. “We are brother countries and we hope this opportunity will benefit both Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.”
Hawsawi and Al-Malki discussed the selection procedure of students with Pakistan’s Education Ministry. In the past, Pakistani students had to apply directly to Saudi universities for scholarships or make inquiries through the Ministry of Education. Now only the HEC will process scholarship applications.
“We hope when Pakistani students return after the completion of their studies in Saudi universities, they will be able to contribute positively in their respective fields,” Hawsawi said.
The HEC is advertising the scholarships on Pakistan national media with Jan. 31 as an application deadline.
“This is a welcome addition to the HEC’s foreign scholarships program and we hope this collaboration with Saudi Arabia will continue in the years to come,” Ayesha Ikram, HEC’s media director, said.
She said all scholars would be selected “purely on merit” through a system devised by the commission. A total of 250 students would be selected for scholarships and the remainder would be picked next year.
The Kingdom will provide health care for students and their families as well as accommodation, food, return air tickets and special allowances, such as two months’ stipend on arrival in Saudi Arabia and three months’ graduation allowance for shipping books.
Tertiary institutes where Pakistani students can apply include King Abdul Aziz University, King Saud University, King Faisal University, King Khalid University, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, and Princess Nourah bint Abdul Rahman University.
“I am searching for my relevant discipline at Saudi universities and will apply for the scholarship in a couple of days,” said Azka Noreen, who plans to pursue a doctorate in biochemistry.
“This will help me to study at a top university in Saudi Arabia and also explore many historic places in the Kingdom.”
Saudi Arabia expands study grants for Pakistani students
Saudi Arabia expands study grants for Pakistani students
- Government offers 583 fully funded scholarships in 23 leading universities
- All scholars would be selected “purely on merit” through a system devised by the commission
Al-Ahsa’s bishts are exquisitely tailored, rich cultural symbols
- Known across the Arab world for their elegance, quality and intricate embroidery
RIYADH: Al-Ahsa is known for its diverse industries and handicrafts, particularly the Hasawi bishts, which are sought-after across the Arab world for their exquisite tailoring, quality and intricate embroidery.
The Hasawi bisht is favored by dignitaries, officials and businesspeople for its aesthetics as well as the rich culture it represents, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently.
They come in dark or light fabrics depending on taste, the occasion and season.
These garments are often adorned with silk thread, as well as golden and silver zari embroidery in shades of yellow, reddish hues, and white, the SPA reported.
Handmade bishts continue to be in demand despite machine-made options.
Certain families in Al-Ahsa and elsewhere in the Kingdom are renowned for their expertise in crafting handmade and artisanal bishts, with meticulous attention to design, shape and embroidery.
Prices vary based on craftsmanship, fabric quality, and the type of zari used. Fabrics from Japan or Kashmir, along with German zari, are factors in determining cost.
Winter bishts, woven from camel hair, come in varying quality and are distinguished by their thickness and weight compared to those made for summer.
Bisht fabrics are woven in Saudi Arabia, Syria and Jordan, with China and India offering similar manufactured options, the SPA added.
The embellishment of the winter Hasawi bisht initially had silk thread, and later incorporated golden and silver.
Stitching the karmuk, the wide section adorned with zari, can take 14 days by hand, while a machine can complete the task in two hours.
Riyadh to host Saudi orchestra concert
- Starting on Jan. 16 at the King Fahd Cultural Center, the three-day event is part of efforts to promote Saudi music to local audiences
- Concert marks the sixth stop on the Saudi National Orchestra and Choir’s global tour
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Music Commission is to host the “Marvels of Saudi Orchestra” concert in Riyadh for the first time.
Starting on Jan. 16 at the King Fahd Cultural Center, the three-day event is part of efforts to promote Saudi music to local audiences.
It will be held under the patronage of Culture Minister and Music Commission Chairman Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan.
The concert marks the sixth stop on the Saudi National Orchestra and Choir’s global tour, reports the Saudi Press Agency.
The orchestra and choir have brought Saudi heritage to prestigious stages worldwide, beginning in Paris at the Theatre du Chatelet and followed by performances at the National Theatre in Mexico, New York’s Metropolitan Opera House, Central Hall Westminster in London, and Tokyo Opera City Concert Hall.
The Riyadh concert promises a captivating musical experience, with timeless melodies that guide the audience through the Kingdom’s heritage and highlight its cultural legacy and artistic depth.
Historic exhibit in Makkah spotlights Prophet Muhammad’s journey
- At the heart of these events is the Revelation Exhibition, which tells the powerful story of the honorable prophets, from Adam to Prophet Muhammad
RIYADH: The Hira Cultural District in Makkah is alive with activities as part of the Hira Winter events, coinciding with the mid-year vacation.
A variety of attractions and services are being offered to visitors until Jan. 10, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
At the heart of these events is the Revelation Exhibition, which tells the powerful story of the honorable prophets, from Adam to Prophet Muhammad.
The exhibition focuses on the first revelation to Prophet Muhammad, immersing visitors in the pivotal moment of his life, the SPA added.
Guests can explore the revelation story, the Cave of Hira and learn about Khadija bint Khuwaylid, the Mother of Believers, and the angel Gabriel through interactive museum displays.
Using cutting-edge technology like interactive screens and realistic simulations, the exhibition offers an immersive experience for visitors.
Historical artifacts are also on display, including a photocopy of the Qur’an attributed to Uthman bin Affan, one of the oldest surviving mushafs, highlighting Muslims’ dedication to preserving the holy book.
The exhibition also showcases ancient stone inscriptions with Qur’anic verses, reflecting Muslim efforts to safeguard sacred texts.
The district also offers a unique shopping experience, with handicrafts and traditional products. It is located near the Cave of Hira and the iconic Jabal Al-Nour.
Oud, sandalwood planting initiative launched in Madinah
- Project aims to cultivate environmentally and economically valuable tree species like coffee and sandalwood
RIYADH: Madinah Gov. Prince Salman bin Sultan has launched a project to cultivate agarwood and sandalwood trees across the region, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The event was attended by Dhafer Al-Fahad, CEO of the Jazan Mountainous Development Authority, and featured a presentation highlighting the authority’s work, achievements, and partnerships.
Prince Salman emphasized the initiative’s strategic role in promoting environmental sustainability and enhancing the region’s vegetation.
The project aims to cultivate environmentally and economically valuable tree species like coffee and sandalwood, support the local economy, and raise awareness about biodiversity conservation in the Madinah region, aligning with the environmental goals of Saudi Vision 2030 and the Saudi Green Initiative.
The green initiative, launched by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in March 2021, plans to plant 450 million trees by 2030 and rehabilitate 8 million hectares of degraded land by 2030, which would cut about 200 million tonnes of carbon emissions per year.
Saudi cabinet praises results of Syrian delegation talks in Riyadh
The Saudi Cabinet, chaired by King Salman, praised on Tuesday the outcomes of recent talks held between senior Saudi officials and a high-ranking delegation from Syria's new administration.
The cabinet reaffirmed Saudi Arabia's commitment to supporting Syria's security and stability, as well as continuing its humanitarian and relief assistance to the Syrian people.
In a statement following the session, Minister of Media Salman bin Yousef Al-Dosari highlighted the Kingdom's rejection and condemnation of Israeli crimes against Palestinians in Gaza, emphasizing Saudi Arabia's stance on international law and humanitarian principles.
Domestically, the cabinet reviewed the progress of development programs aimed at enhancing services for citizens and diversifying the economy, alongside updates on various agenda topics, including those coordinated with the Shura Council and other government bodies.
