RIYADH: The Saudi Industrial Development Fund’s Academy (SIDF Academy) has launched an executive education program to provide Saudi industry leaders with innovative business and leadership skills that will enable them to navigate through critical times and pursue growth opportunities in their industries.
The 12-week program, Leading Creative Transformation in Critical Times, is offered by SIDF Academy in collaboration with the Stanford Center for Professional Development (SCPD).
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Saudi academy kick-starts training program
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Saudi academy kick-starts training program
- The 12-week program, Leading Creative Transformation in Critical Times, is offered by SIDF Academy in collaboration with the Stanford Center for Professional Development
Effat University conference maps out pathways for sustainable tech
JEDDAH: Experts at the 22nd International Learning and Technology Conference have underlined the critical role of synergy between humans and machines in driving sustainability and educational innovation.
The event, organized by Effat University in Jeddah, had the theme “Human-Machine Dynamics: Fueling a Sustainable Future” and brought together speakers who discussed how technology could be harnessed to address global challenges like climate change and resource scarcity.
It focused on the transformative potential of human-machine dynamics in education, emphasizing innovative approaches that combined human insights and machine intelligence to address sustainability challenges.
The two-day conference featured a dynamic exchange of ideas through keynote speeches, an engaging panel discussion and interactive workshops, all highlighting the latest advancements in human-machine dynamics.
The keynote speakers at the inaugural session were Dina Hasan Al-Nahdy, chair of CES Consulting; Mohammed-Slim Alouini, Al-Khawarizmi distinguished professor at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology; and Ahmed Hassan, president of Elsewedy University of Technology.
In her speech, “Technological Innovations for Sustainability,” Al-Nahdy stressed the need for the optimal use of technology to reduce emissions.
“It is required to capture emissions before entering and polluting the atmosphere by converting it into energy,” she said, adding: “Technology is the heartbeat of driving sustainability.”
Alouini spoke on “Towards Connecting the Remaining Unconnected,” while Hassan addressed “Generative AI for University Contributions to SDGs.”
Effat University President Dr. Haifa Jamalallail said the university reviewed and accepted 70 papers out of a total of 117 submissions from 330 authors and researchers worldwide. She added the university has been committed to sustainability over the years, recognizing its importance in addressing global climate change crises.
“The outcome of the conference is that sustainability is not only a word but an action that needs to be taken into account to make sure academia are interactors with other stakeholders like governments and industries in reducing emissions and ensuring sustainability,” she said.
Referring to the role of Effat University in research, community service, and teaching and learning, Jamalallail said the conference significantly contributed to achieving sustainability by bridging learning and technology.
“These days technology is the one that helps us significantly in reducing emission footprint and thus we are joining with the global mission in ensuring sustainability,” she said.
In her opening remarks, conference chair and dean of Effat College of Engineering, Akila Sarirete, highlighted the legacy of the university in organizing the conference since 2002.
She said the conference offered groundbreaking insights into areas such as human-machine interfaces, sustainable education, smart campuses, technological transformation, policy ethics, human-centric technology in education, and the role of artificial intelligence in health and environmental well-being.
“These discussions offered fresh perspectives on integrating advanced technologies into educational frameworks,” she added.
This year’s event also featured a high school competition, themed “Human-Machine Fusion,” in which 30 local schools took part. Students from Pakistan International School Jeddah secured both first and second prizes, while third place went to International Indian School Jeddah.
Jazz legend Herbie Hancock hopes to expand his training institute to Saudi Arabia
- Jazz-funk pioneer wants to have a footprint in the Kingdom
- ‘Great experience’ performing in Riyadh, Hancock said
RIYADH: American jazz legend Herbie Hancock hopes to expand his music training program to Saudi Arabia, he revealed in an interview with Arab News.
“We’d love to have a presence here in some way, you know, and some activities here,” Hancock told Arab News.
“Then this would be a place I could visit and have my footprint here in some way. That would be absolutely amazing,” he said.
The 14-time Grammy winner was referring to the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz at UCLA, which is a nonprofit education organization that uses internationally-acclaimed jazz masters to train promising young musicians.
Hancock made the comments during a week-long visit to Riyadh accompanied by Janis Siegel, and the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz Performance Ensemble.
The group performed at the capital’s King Fahad Cultural Center alongside Saudi jazz vocalist Nourah Alammary on Tuesday, in an event organized in collaboration with the US Embassy in Riyadh and the Saudi Music Commission.
“She was fantastic … she has enormous potential, extremely talented. The way she was improvising and it was really great,” Hancock said.
Speaking about his experience performing in Riyadh, Hancock said: “I was just overwhelmed when I looked at it and saw the incredible design, and the futuristic parts of its display were amazing because there’s a sense of history there, but a sense of the future in its design. It was really, really a great experience.”
During their time in Riyadh, Hancock and the delegation also led a masterclass for Saudi music students at the Music Hub, a roundtable on women in the arts with female Saudi artists, and an event with Saudi traditional musicians at the Ahmed Mater Studio.
“We’ve gone to Ahmed Matar’s studio and met some of the young students that are working there, I saw his library,” he said.
“I saw so much of his equipment. Some of it’s very old … that he bought over the several years that he’s been really mastering his work. And, I mean, he’s a very learned person.
“And, and he’s a lover of jazz too, he had a bunch of jazz records, (a) bunch of my records that were there,” Hancock said.
When asked how his experience in the Kingdom has been, Hancock proudly stated: “It’s been really amazing. I’ve been treated like a king, really it’s been fantastic.”
Siegel highlighted her experience in the Kingdom, stating: “I have to say, the people have been so warm and welcoming.
“It just feels fantastic. And I didn’t know what to expect, so I’m so happy,” she said.
Speaking about her performance alongside Hancock at the King Fahad Cultural Center, Seigel said: “First of all, let me say that it’s a gorgeous hall. It’s stunning. And the sound is very good as well.
“I just saw a sea of smiling faces out there. And I felt in a way, that people were moved by the music and the rhythm, but they didn’t quite know how to express it... they seemed to really know and appreciate Herbie’s contribution to this art form and his place in music history,” Siegel said.
Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Michael Ratney welcomed the visit, saying: “Saudi Arabia’s cultural scene is evolving at an incredible pace, and hosting a legend like Herbie Hancock is a huge milestone.
“His music has inspired generations and having him here is a testament to the Kingdom’s remarkable cultural transformation.”
Chinese consul general in Jeddah visits Al-Serrian archaeological site
Arab News
JEDDAH: Chinese Consul General in Jeddah Wang Qimin visited the archaeological site of Al-Serrian Port in Al-Lith to observe excavation work being carried out by a joint Saudi-Chinese team.
During the meeting, Qimin was briefed on the different stages of the work and its key findings to date, reported the Saudi Press Agency on Sunday.
He said the Al-Serrian Port site represented a significant milestone in the history of the Maritime Silk Road, reflecting important chapters of the friendship between China and the Arab world. The consul general also wished the team success in their endeavors as the work progressed.
The excavation project is part of the executive program of the recently signed agreement between the Saudi Heritage Commission and China’s National Cultural Heritage Administration. The initiative aims to expand archaeological excavation efforts at the site and foster partnerships with universities and international heritage research centers.
It is also helping to strengthen cultural ties between Saudi Arabia and China and is in line with efforts by the Ministry of Culture and other cultural entities to explore new horizons for national heritage.
The Al-Serrian archaeological port is one of the most significant landmarks in the Al-Lith governorate, serving as a crucial link between Arab and Chinese civilizations for over 2,000 years. It also contains relics from ancient civilizations that once inhabited the region.
Egyptian artist’s debut exhibition in Riyadh blends anime with 3D printing
RIYADH: Egyptian artist Ali Kamel’s solo exhibition in Riyadh, “The Arrival,” was a significant milestone in his career.
Held in the JAX district from Jan. 14–18, the innovative event merged two worlds: the nostalgic charm of anime and the cutting-edge technology of 3D printing.
The exhibition highlighted Kamel’s ability to weave people’s stories, cultural inspirations, and creations into what he describes as “Alien Technology.”
Using 3D printing — a medium of boundless creative potential — Kamel presented a collection of artworks reflecting his life experiences and the diverse cultural influences encountered on his journey.
He told Arab News: “Each piece embodies the fusion of art and technology, pushing the boundaries of artistic expression while celebrating cultural diversity.”
Kamel’s creative process is deeply rooted in the philosophy of complexity and richness, echoing architect Robert Venturi’s famous saying, “Less is a bore.”
He explained: “I embrace complexity in my art, believing that it leads to deeper connections with the audience.”
His approach involves extensive sketching, modeling, and experimenting with various materials and 3D technologies.
Using computer-aided design, Kamel refines his concepts before bringing them to life through 3D printing, exploring a variety of finishing techniques to enhance the visual impact of his works.
While acrylic paints are his primary medium, Kamel also uses oils, sprays and other materials to create diverse textures and effects.
“Each material choice is intentional,” Kamel said. “I aim to convey specific qualities and emotions in my work.”
This journey of exploration and innovation allows him to create dynamic pieces that resonate deeply with his personal experiences.
Looking ahead, Kamel is excited about an upcoming project exploring the contemporary superheroes of today’s world.
“These modern-day icons surround us, and I want to capture the essence of their narratives and significance. It’s a fascinating exploration of cultural impact,” he said.
A particularly poignant piece from “The Arrival” draws inspiration from Kamel’s enduring love for anime, especially from the 1980s and early 1990s.
One standout artwork is inspired by the renowned anime series “Astroganger,” known as “Jongar” in the Arab world. This creation holds deep significance for Kamel, symbolizing a challenging yet transformative period in his life.
He said: “This piece represents a moment of personal growth, embodying the resilience and hope I found during tough times. It serves as a reminder of the strength that creativity can provide.”
In “The Arrival,” Kamel invited viewers on a journey that wove together nostalgia, cultural diversity and the boundless potential of 3D printing, offering a truly captivating experience.
As he aptly said: “Art has the power to connect us all, transcending boundaries and celebrating our shared humanity.”
KSrelief delivers prosthetic services, food supplies in Yemen, Lebanon and Pakistan
RIYADH: The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center’s (KSrelief) ongoing philanthropic work in Yemen, Lebanon and Pakistan continues with the provision of prosthetic services and food supplies in Yemen, Lebanon and Pakistan.
In Yemen’s Hadhramaut governorate, the Prosthetics and Rehabilitation Center in the Seiyun district provided various medical and prosthetic services in December last year to 523 Yemenis who lost limbs, with support KSrelief. Services included the fitting and rehabilitation of prosthetic limbs, physical therapy and specialized consultations.
In Lebanon’s Akkar governorate and Miniyeh District, the aid agency’ fourth phase of the Al-Amal Charity Bakery Project last week distributed 175,000 bags of bread to Syrian and Palestinian refugees as well as the communities hosting them.
The distribution benefited 12,500 families, equivalent to 62,500 individuals.
In Pakistan’s Dadu and Sanghar areas of Sindh province and the Torghar area of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, KSrelief recently handed out 1,500 food boxes to families in areas affected by floods. The latest activity is part of the aid agency’s 2025 Food Security Support Project for the south Asian nation.
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