TABUK: A submerged floating bridge could be built in the $500 billion megacity NEOM after it won a competition to contribute to the giga-project’s construction, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.
NEOM, backed by the Kingdom’s Public Investment Fund, will operate as an independent economic zone that is powered solely by renewable energy sources and has its own laws and regulations.
Dozens of young Saudi men and women entered the “Dream NEOM” challenge, which was organized in conjunction with Crown Prince Mohamed bin Salman’s Misk Foundation.
Entrants were tasked with providing creative solutions to the challenges facing NEOM in the fields of energy, health, sustainability, environment and technology.
The winning team created a “Submerged Floating Tunnel Bridge” that will be kind to marine life and help limit air pollution while operational.
Second place was awarded to “Magna Storage Park” team that designed a pumping system to store water and compensate for the energy fluctuation that may result from cloud cover and breaks in the wind.
The third place went to the “NEOM Assist” team for presenting a solution for three health care challenges in the city of NEOM. It is based on providing assistive technologies for people with special needs, while conducting advanced health care and development research.
“NEOM is not seeking ideas from outside the box. It wants to go above and beyond to find innovative and unique ideas,” said NEOM CEO Nadhmi Al-Nasr. “We will consider all the projects that have been put forth to properly incorporate them in our national project that longs to integrate Saudi men and women.”
Misk Foundation said its Fellowship and Training Initiative sought to attract the best young minds to help accomplish NEOM’s vision, create opportunities and achieve the impossible.
The competition saw the participation of 12 teams that showcased their best innovations and solutions for the NEOM project.
The “Renewable Beauty” team presented technologies to identify energy sources in a way that complemented the megacity’s natural landscapes.
“NEOM Hot Rocks” devised a sustainable and carbon-free project that focused on using energy from rocks to strengthen the economy and improve the quality of life, while “Eco-Clusters” found a way to transform waste through a vertical farming facility.
“Cybuild” set up a pioneering architectural project allowing robots to undertake construction tasks from start to finish. “NeoMe Fit” team found a solution that includes health in the city’s future lifestyle.
The entire NEOM project encompasses 26,500 sq. km of land, ranging from scenic coastline to desert to snow-capped mountains.
There is a plan to establish a network of airports in NEOM that will include an international airport with world-class standards. Project planners have identified 16 economic sectors to create a sustainable economy which are expected to eventually generate an estimated annual income of $100 billion.
Submerged floating bridge wins ‘Dream NEOM’ contest in KSA
Submerged floating bridge wins ‘Dream NEOM’ contest in KSA
- Entrants were tasked with providing creative, sustainable solutions for $500bn giga-project in Saudi Arabia’s northwest
New initiative to train Saudis in generative AI
RIYADH: A professional training program in generative artificial intelligence has been launched at King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals in Dhahran.
The program is offered by the Gen AI Academy in collaboration with the Saudi Data and AI Authority and NVIDIA.
This initiative marks the first step in a plan to train 4,000 Saudi citizens, according to the Saudi Press Agency report.
The program will train and qualify Saudi citizens in generative AI. It aims to build the next generation’s capabilities in AI, enhance participants’ expertise to foster innovation, and underscore the Kingdom’s advanced position in the field.
It targets individuals with a solid foundation in computer science or related fields, as well as academic professionals and practitioners.
The training includes advanced, up-to-date materials provided by certified Saudi experts from NVIDIA.
Participants will engage in a blend of virtual self-learning modules and interactive in-person workshops.
On completion, participants will receive professional certifications accredited by NVIDIA, recognized globally as leading credentials in generative AI.
The program is part of the authority’s efforts to promote learning and build national AI capabilities, reinforcing the Kingdom’s position among data- and AI-driven economies.
Security exhibition showcases KSA’s tech advancements
RIYADH: The Ministry of Interior’s Security Oasis exhibition recently concluded at the King Abdulaziz Camel Festival in Al-Sayahid, northeast of Riyadh.
Visitors were immersed in the Kingdom’s rich history of security and service, spanning from its founding to the present day, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
The exhibition highlighted the ministry’s key development projects, investments in technology, AI applications and digital solutions aimed at enhancing public safety, environmental sustainability, traffic safety, and Hajj and Umrah services.
Visitors also learned about the ministry’s security services for individuals, businesses and government entities through platforms like Absher and the 911 call centers, the SPA reported.
The exhibition showcased anti-drug smuggling efforts, border security awareness, search and rescue operations, and land and sea monitoring.
A major highlight of the exhibition was the shooting range, where visitors enjoyed supervised shooting experiences under the guidance of professional trainers.
It also featured captivating military scenarios, performances by musical bands, camel and cavalry bands, and engaging folk performances from various regions of the Kingdom.
First Saudi aid plane arrives at Damascus International Airport, second despatched
RIYADH: Saudi aid agency KSrelief sent the first two relief planes to Damascus on Wednesday morning.
Carrying medical, food and shelter supplies, the planes are part of a fleet set to provide urgent relief over the next few days.
The total aid provided by the Kingdom to the Syrian people from 2011 to the end of 2024 amounted to 856 million and 891 thousand US dollars, state news agency SPA reported.
لحظات مغادرة الطائرة الأولى من الجسر الجوي السعودي الإغاثي إلى #سوريا
— العربية السعودية (@AlArabiya_KSA) January 1, 2025
عبر:@mhsen93 pic.twitter.com/Kp4t11yRUU
Saudi crown prince offers condolences to British PM after brother dies
- Nick Starmer died on Dec. 26 at the age of 60 after a battle with cancer
- Keir Starmer met Crown Prince Mohammed earlier in December during a visit to Saudi Arabia
RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman sent a cable of condolences to British Prime Minister Keir Starmer after the passing of his younger brother, Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.
Nick Starmer died on Dec. 26 at the age of 60 after a battle with cancer.
“My brother Nick was a wonderful man,” Starmer said at the time.
“He met all the challenges life threw at him with courage and good humour. We will miss him very much.”
Keir Starmer met Crown Prince Mohammed earlier in December during a visit to Saudi Arabia.
Economic support reflects Saudi Arabia’s commitment to stability in Yemen, cabinet says
- The cabinet strongly condemned Israel’s ongoing attacks on Al-Aqsa Mosque, rejected any attempt at altering Jerusalem’s historical and legal status
RIYADH: The Kingdom’s latest aid package to Yemen reflects its commitment to stability in the country, the Cabinet said on Tuesday.
On Friday, Saudi Arabia announced new economic support worth $500 million. It comprises a $300 million deposit into the Central Bank of Yemen to improve economic and financial conditions and $200 million to address its budget deficit, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
During a meeting on Tuesday, the cabinet said the support aimed to strengthen Yemen’s economic, financial and monetary foundations, build the capacity of government institutions and empower the private sector to drive sustainable growth and create job opportunities.
The meeting also discussed regional and international developments and emphasized the Kingdom’s continuous efforts to foster cooperation through relations with other countries and its membership of multilateral organizations and groups.
The cabinet also strongly condemned Israel’s ongoing attacks on Al-Aqsa Mosque, rejected any attempt at altering Jerusalem’s historical and legal status and called upon the international community to hold the Israeli authorities accountable for violations against civilians and Islamic holy sites in Palestine. It also reiterated its support for the Palestinian people.
The condemnation came after Israel’s Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir ascended to the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem on Thursday for what he said was a “prayer” for hostages in Gaza, challenging rules over one of the most sensitive sites in the Middle East.
The cabinet also reviewed the performance indicators of key economic sectors and commended the growth of the non-profit sector, which plays a crucial role in supporting healthcare, education, research and other vital areas, in line with Saudi Vision 2030 goals.
