JEDDAH: Saudi high school students are enrolling in the Mawhiba Ambassadors program, which is organized by the King Abdul Aziz and his Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity (Mawhiba) in cooperation with prestigious universities in the US and UK.
This year there were 105 students who were selected to take part in the program, which is held with famous institutions including Yale, Columbia, Johns Hopkins and Tufts.
The foundation supports students throughout, from registration to completion of the program. Accommodation is normally provided but, due to the ongoing pandemic, participation is remote.
“This is a rich experience for school students, as they mix with talented students of the same age group from all over the world, enrich their scientific and linguistic knowledge, and participate in the programs of the world’s
highest-ranked universities,” Mawhiba said. “This helps students determine their scientific field in the future, highlights their abilities, prepares them to support the Kingdom’s transformation into a knowledge society, enhances students’ communication with international universities, opens promising prospects for them to continue studying and learning, and develops their personal skills.”
There were 1,131 students who took part in the Mawhiba Ambassadors program from 2011 to 2020. Mawhiba carried out more than 258 international programs, benefiting 562 students.
The Mawhiba Ambassadors program is one of 20 offered to students in the fields of science and engineering, with their chance to participate based on their grades and abilities.
Programs have academic, scientific and research aspects in the fields of science and engineering but also include activities to develop student skills. They take place during the summer vacation and the duration ranges from two to six weeks.
Saudi high school students enroll in Mawhiba Ambassadors program
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Saudi high school students enroll in Mawhiba Ambassadors program
- There were 1,131 students who took part in the Mawhiba Ambassadors program from 2011 to 2020
Big 5 Construct Saudi 2025 expands offering to two weeks
- 1st week to showcase foundational aspects of construction, while 2nd presents finishing phases
RIYADH: The Big 5 Construct Saudi, organized by dmg events, returns as the largest construction event in the Kingdom, taking place across two weeks, from Feb. 15-18 and Feb. 24-27, 2025, at the ROSHN Front Exhibition and Conference Center in Riyadh.
A gateway to Saudi Arabia’s $1.7 trillion construction industry, supporting the ambitious Vision 2030 goals, Big 5 Construct Saudi has attracted in past editions over 75,000 visitors and featured over 2,000 local and international exhibitors from more than 60 countries showcasing over 20,000 products across eight specialized events.
This year, the exhibition spans an impressive area of 140,000 square meters, doubling from 2024.
“The 13th edition of Big 5 Construct Saudi marks a monumental step forward in supporting the Kingdom’s dynamic construction sector. This two-week format provides an unparalleled platform for exhibitors to showcase cutting-edge innovations, sustainable solutions and transformative technologies,” said Muhammed Kazi, senior vice president of construction, dmg events.
“By aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, the event enables local and international industry leaders to connect, collaborate and contribute to the Kingdom’s giga projects and economic diversification goals.”
Expanding its footprint, Big 5 Saudi will spotlight the Kingdom’s vibrant construction landscape and build on its legacy as a platform for significant business engagements and partnerships.
The event’s two-week format is tailored to meet the specific needs of the construction industry’s various phases.
In the first week (Feb. 15-18), the event will focus on heavy construction, concrete, HVAC (heat, ventilation and air conditioning) and related sectors, under the theme “Strong foundations from design to build.” This week will feature the launch of specialized shows such as “Heavy Saudi Arabia” and “Totally Concrete Saudi Arabia,” addressing the foundational aspects of construction.
In the second week (Feb. 24-27), the event will shift focus to the finishing phases of construction, including windows, doors, facades, urban planning, hospital construction and facilities management, under the theme of “Transforming projects from fit-out to services.”
Tea ceremonies, sushi workshops, and manga classes at Ithra’s ‘Japan Cultural Days’
- Event highlights deep-rooted ties between Saudi Arabia and Japan, organizers say
- Kingdom and East Asian nation celebrate 70 years of diplomatic relations this year
DHAHRAN: A vibrant celebration of Japanese culture including tea ceremonies, sushi workshops, and manga drawing classes will be held in Dhahran from Jan. 23 to Feb. 8 as part of the “Japan Cultural Days” event hosted by the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture, or Ithra.
Organizers say that the event highlights the deep-rooted friendship and cultural exchange between Saudi Arabia and Japan as the two nations mark 70 years of diplomatic relations this year.
“The ‘Japan Cultural Days’ are an important part of Ithra’s wider mission to make a tangible and positive impact on human development by offering local audiences meaningful opportunities for cultural exchange,” Noura Al-Zamil, Ithra’s Head of Programs, said in a statement.
Visitors can expect to be immersed in a wide variety of activities that showcase the richness of Japanese tradition and innovation.
Offerings such as the Japanese House Experience, which introduces the art of the tea ceremony, and the creation of wagashi (Japanese sweets), will emphasize the themes of mindfulness and harmony that are central to Japanese culture.
For those with a passion for cinema, a ticketed selection of Japanese films will be screened, spanning both classic and modern works, from heartfelt dramas to vibrant animations.
Workshops will be a key element of the 17-day celebration, providing plentiful opportunities to engage with Japanese traditions.
Visitors can learn about the intricacies of creating and decorating masks and making traditional-inspired Japanese fans and postcards.
Additionally, participants can learn about the centuries-old practice of cultivating miniature trees, combining art and nature.
There is also a sushi-making workshop, in addition to one centered on kintsugi, where participants can learn how to repair broken pottery with lacquer dusted with powdered gold.
There will be workshops dedicated to manga writing and drawing, a calligraphy class and sessions dedicated to origami, the art of folding paper into shapes.
Participants will be able to solve riddles and visit thematic stations at the Cultural Quest section, deepening their understanding of Japanese customs and traditions in a fun and interactive way.
A kimono exhibition will offer spectators the chance to view traditional Japanese garments and learn about their cultural significance.
The event will also host a classic car exhibit, showcasing iconic Japanese automobiles and their impact on the automotive world.
The event will feature a series of captivating performances that highlight the dynamism of Japanese arts.
Among these is the Kingdom’s debut of the much-anticipated Drum Tao performance, blending traditional taiko drumming with flute and harp melodies and contemporary choreography.
Lush Gardens will also offer a Japanese bazaar experience and a flower arranging station, as well as eight live outdoor shows.
These include a traditional kabuki theater production and a live kendama performance, led by Tokyo 2022 Olympics opening performer Waaonwagi and Guinness Record winner Ito Yusuke.
Young visitors will not be left out. The Children’s Museum will offer numerous hands-on workshops and storytelling sessions designed for youngsters that will bring Japanese folklore to life.
For more details and the full schedule of events, visit Ithra’s official website or their social media channels.
Saudi ministry sets deadline for international offices to complete Hajj service contracts
MAKKAH: The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has announced that Feb. 14 will be the deadline for Hajj affairs offices in various countries to finalize their contracts for services related to this year’s Hajj season.
The ministry said that these contracts must be completed through the Nusuk Masar platform, designated for Hajj pilgrims from abroad, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.
To ensure the best services for pilgrims, the ministry highlighted the importance of adhering to regulations set by the relevant authorities in Saudi Arabia, including requirements for air and ground transportation.
It also urged compliance with security, health and procedural guidelines outlined in the Hajj agreement between the ministry and the pertinent offices in various countries, the SPA added.
The ministry said that after the deadline, no additional contracts will be accepted, and the actual quotas for pilgrims from various countries will be determined.
The visa issuance process will commence immediately afterward, the SPA reported.
The ministry requested Hajj offices to educate their pilgrims about the necessity of following Hajj regulations and instructions, ensuring that they obtain visas and permits through official channels.
Pilgrims also need to carry identification documents, such as the Nusuk Card, from the moment of their arrival in the Kingdom.
Saudi space agencies launch competition to develop innovative space-based solutions
RIYADH: The Communications, Space and Technology Commission and the Saudi Space Agency, in partnership with Neo Space Group, have launched the global SpaceUp Competition to develop innovative space-based solutions.
The contest aims to promote space entrepreneurship, support local companies specializing in space-based solutions, attract global entrepreneurs, startups and small and medium-sized enterprises, and encourage the adoption of space-based solutions across various sectors.
SpaceUp offers six challenge tracks with contractual opportunities of around $28 million, in addition to providing direct access to end-users and localization.
The first track, “Monitoring Date Palms Pest and Disease,” sponsored by the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture and the Weqaa Center, focuses on space-based solutions to monitor palm farms and detect pests.
The second, “Improving City Livability by Monitoring Urban Heat Islands,” by the Quality of Life Program, aims to solve the problem of rising temperatures in crowded cities.
“Monitoring the Impact of Infrastructure Development,” by Riyadh Infrastructure Projects Center, promotes infrastructure projects and traffic management.
The fourth and fifth tracks, both sponsored by the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing, are “Optimizing Urban Road Assets,” which aims to provide solutions to detect urban road damage and improve maintenance, and “Mapping of Urban Trees,” focused on monitoring and maintaining urban green spaces.
The final track, “Greening Saudi Arabia,” seeks to monitor tree growth and support sustainability efforts related to the Saudi Green Initiative.
“The SpaceUp Competition extends the efforts of CST and the SSA in enhancing investment opportunities in the Saudi space sector and stimulating research and innovation,” said a statement released by the CST on Monday.
Registration for the competition starts on Jan. 20 and will be open until April 12 via the competition webpage at https://new.cst.gov.sa/en/about/program-and-initiatives/spaceup-competition
Al-Kharj dates, coffee festival records $2.6m in sales
- 10-day festival featured 30 companies and shops offering over 26 varieties of dates and other products
RIYADH: Sales at the first Al-Kharj Festival of Saudi Dates and Coffee has exceeded SR10 million ($2.6 million), the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.
Visitors were drawn to Saudi Arabia coffee and dates due to special offers, the approaching holy month of Ramadan, and access to specialized markets with daily promotions.
The 10-day festival featured 30 companies and shops offering more than 26 varieties of dates and related products, according to the SPA.
Additionally, 20 coffee shops were selling 2 to 3 tonnes of the brew daily, with sales increasing to around 5 tonnes on weekends.
The festival, supported by various government departments and institutions within the governorate, underscored the importance of these two products in Saudi Arabia culture, the SPA added.
Dates represent the Kingdom’s agricultural heritage and its status as one of the world’s leading producers and exporters, while local coffee is a vital part of the national identity, symbolizing generosity and social authenticity.
Abdulaziz Al-Sharif, chairman of the festival’s organizing committee, said the event provided an opportunity for small- and medium-sized enterprises and specialized companies to connect with a wider audience and showcase their products.
The festival’s primary goal was to enhance Al-Kharj’s reputation as a vibrant tourist and heritage destination, while promoting local products on both national and international levels, the SPA reported.
