JEDDAH: Representatives from the Saudi Arabian Boy Scouts Association have discussed plans to improve domestic training exercises in collaboration with their US counterparts, at a meeting between the two associations in Texas.
Dr. Abdullah bin Sulaiman Al-Fahd, the vice president of the Saudi scouts, and Allan Lamport, vice president of the US association, met to explore the viability of joint training programs in the fields of volunteering and disaster and crisis management.
They also discussed plans for Saudi participation in the upcoming 24th World Scout Jamboree, which will take place between July 22 and Aug. 2 in West Virginia, and will be co-hosted by the Boy Scouts of America, Scouts Canada and the Asociacion de Scouts de Mexico.
Lamport praised the Saudi association and its preparations for the event, which will follow the theme “Unlock a New World,” adding that the Saudi scouts’ interest in training members to help with crowd management during the Hajj and Umrah was in keeping with the World Scouting Initiative “Messengers of Peace,” established in 2011 to facilitate international peace movements and projects.
Today 18 countries from the Middle East and North Africa form the Arab Scout Region with a 19th, Western Sahara, hoping to join soon. The first Arab Scout Jamboree — a mass gathering of Scouts — took place in 1954 in Syria and the 32nd was held in early September in Algeria.
There are more than 50 million Scouts in the world and 28 million of them are Muslim. Indonesia alone has about 21 million Scouts. The Arab region, with 5 million, accounts for a tenth of the total global membership of what is the world’s largest voluntary organization for boys and girls, with a presence in every country except North Korea, China and Cuba.
The Saudi association joined the World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM) in 1963 and hosted the Arab Jamboree in Taif in 2000.
US and Saudi scouts discuss training exchanges
US and Saudi scouts discuss training exchanges
- The first Arab Scout Jamboree — a mass gathering of Scouts — took place in 1954 in Syria and the 32nd was held in early September in Algeria
Japanese nanotube pioneer inspires Saudi youth at Riyadh science oasis
- The session included participation from several high school students
- Known as the father of carbon nanotubes, his 1991 discovery revolutionized the field of nanotechnology
RIYADH: King Salman Science Oasis in Riyadh hosted a scientific discussion featuring Japanese professor Sumio Iijima, the discoverer of carbon nanotubes and recipient of the 2025 King Faisal Prize in Science.
The session included participation from several high school students, along with various scientists and specialists, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The event was part of the center’s initiatives aimed at enhancing communication between scientists and younger generations, and inspiring students to engage in scientific research and innovation.
During the session, Iijima shared his academic journey and the early challenges he faced, discussing the motivations that led him to discover carbon nanotubes using an electron microscope.
Known as the father of carbon nanotubes, his 1991 discovery revolutionized the field of nanotechnology. His efforts established a new field in solid-state physics and materials science.
The discussion also addressed the importance of nanomaterials for future applications and their use in diverse fields such as electronics, energy storage and biomedicine. His discovery laid the foundation for countless technological innovations in the 21st century.
Iijima answered numerous questions related to scientific research and offered advice and encouragement to those interested in science and technology.
King Salman Science Oasis is a leading national initiative dedicated to promoting scientific culture and stimulating creativity and innovation across all segments of society.
Saudi university prepares talent for AI hackathon
- The three-day program equips participants with essential skills
- Participants will learn to develop innovative, functional prototypes
JEDDAH: In partnership with the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority, King Saud University has launched a training program for the upcoming Transformation Hackathon.
The three-day program equips participants with essential skills to thrive in high-performing hackathon teams. It focuses on building technical abilities and hands-on experience with AI tools.
Participants will learn to develop innovative, functional prototypes that address key challenges during the hackathon, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The training is a key step ahead of the main event, set for April 24–27.
The Transformation Hackathon is a strategic initiative to enhance education at King Saud University, support national talent in data and AI, and advance Saudi Vision 2030 through innovation and future-ready skills.
Kingdom arrests 20,688 illegals in one week
Riyadh: Saudi authorities arrested 20,688 people in one week for breaching residency, work and border security regulations, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.
A total of 12,372 people were arrested for violations of residency laws, while 4,750 were held over illegal border crossing attempts, and a further 3,566 for labor-related issues.
The report showed that among the 1,264 people arrested for trying to enter the Kingdom illegally, 61 percent were Ethiopian, 36 percent Yemeni, and 3 percent were of other nationalities.
A further 93 people were caught trying to cross into neighboring countries, and 27 were held for involvement in transporting and harboring violators, the SPA reported.
The Ministry of Interior said that anyone found to be facilitating illegal entry to the Kingdom, including providing transportation and shelter, could face imprisonment for a maximum of 15 years, a fine of up to SR1 million ($260,000), as well as confiscation of vehicles and property.
Suspected violations can be reported on the toll-free number 911 in the Makkah and Riyadh regions, and 999 or 996 in other regions of the Kingdom.
Strict Hajj rules for pilgrims’ safety says ministry
- Ministry warns against scams on social media
RIYADH: The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has stressed that individuals intending to perform Hajj this year must obtain a permit through the Nusuk platform, which is integrated with the unified Tasreeh system for issuing official permits.
It also said that no type of visa grants the right to perform Hajj, and that full compliance with regulations is essential to ensure the safety of pilgrims and a smooth Hajj experience, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The ministry warned against fraudulent activities and deceptive Hajj campaign advertisements on social media that falsely promise accommodation and transportation within the holy sites.
The ministry urges the public to report suspicious activities by calling 911 in Makkah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province, or 999 in other areas of the Kingdom. Misleading ads should also be reported to relevant authorities in all countries.
The ministry has announced that April 29 is the final departure date for Umrah visa holders, in preparation for the Hajj season, the SPA reported.
The General Directorate of Public Security has said that Hajj regulations will begin on April 23. All residents intending to enter Makkah must obtain a valid entry permit from the relevant authorities. Those without a permit will be denied entry at security checkpoints, the SPA added.
The directorate emphasized that Hajj procedures will be strictly enforced. Vehicles and residents without a work entry permit, a Makkah resident ID or an official Hajj permit will be turned back.
It further clarified that entry permits for residents working during Hajj are issued electronically via the Absher Individuals platform and the Muqeem portal, through integration with the unified digital Hajj permit platform.
KSA showcases literary, religious heritage in Rabat
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Islamic Affairs is taking part in the 30th Rabat International Book and Publishing Fair, running until April 27 in the Moroccan capital.
It reflects the ministry’s efforts to promote the Kingdom’s message of moderation and tolerance, and its commitment to printing, publishing and teaching the Holy Qur’an, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The ministry’s pavilion features a section from the King Fahd Complex for the Printing of the Holy Qur’an in Madinah, showcasing a wide range of printed Qur’ans and translations in various languages.
Another section highlights the Makkah Library, displaying rare and historical Islamic manuscripts from renowned writers, linguists and scholars.
Represented by the General Secretariat for Exhibitions and Conferences, the ministry is also presenting a range of digital applications and programs for fair visitors.
The Kingdom’s Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission is also taking part, showcasing initiatives aimed at advancing the publishing industry and enriching cultural activities.
These include supporting Saudi publishers and literary agents globally, presenting the Kingdom’s intellectual heritage, highlighting its cultural traditions and promoting local literary output.
