Saudi schools to undergo tech-based learning revolution, expert tells panel

A panel of leading tech experts discussed the future of XR technology, which includes virtual reality, augmented reality and 360-degree video content. (Supplied)
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Updated 11 August 2022
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Saudi schools to undergo tech-based learning revolution, expert tells panel

RIYADH: Extended reality technologies will soon revolutionize the educational environment in Saudi Arabia, NEOM Academy Managing Director Dr. Ali Al-Shammari has told a panel of leading tech experts.

Al-Shammari joined the panel to discuss the future of XR technology, which includes virtual reality, augmented reality and 360-degree video content.

As VR headsets and software become more accessible than ever, fields including education are adopting the technology around the world to enhance knowledge-building, Al-Shammari said.

Speaking to Arab News, Al-Shammari, also dean of e-learning and distance education at the University of Tabuk, said: “Medical science is actually the biggest field that includes some VR immersive learning environment technologies, including natural sciences like physics, chemistry, biology and biochemistry — and it keeps growing.”

Previously, the teacher-centered education system emphasized learning from a sole source while discrediting alternatives, he added.

“Right now, we focus more on students themselves, and how to provide them with the tools and resources in order to develop their skills, knowledge and values,” Al-Shammari said.

As technology begins to play a larger role in all facets of human life, Al-Shammari believes that it is an educator’s job to guide students on finding the appropriate communication methods to learn.

“In the past we used to have a one-size-fits-all model, where we put students all together regardless of the individual differences between them, because we want to have workers.

“We want to have students who can perform a certain list of tasks in a specific job. These days, students can learn on their own; they can learn from different resources … I am not going to say that technology will replace teachers, but I am saying technology will replace teachers who don’t know how to use technology,” he added.

“With personalized learning models, we focus more on the individual differences between students. We try to give them freedom to decide what they want to learn, and how they want to learn it,” Al-Shammari said, comparing new educational trends to past models of strict rote learning.

The prevalent public education system in most countries around the world is “seat-time based,” Al-Shammari said, meaning that students have to be in a classroom for a certain number of hours to be eligible to move forward to the next grade.

But the new personalized learning model taking off in the Kingdom focuses more on individual learning differences, such as interests, abilities, styles and personal beliefs.

And with the growth of that movement comes the introduction of cutting-edge technology: Immersive learning environments are constructed using XR technologies to create simulations that students can use to apply their knowledge.

“In an immersive learning environment, you are the actor. You perform the actions with this — you see the consequences of your actions, you get the immediate feedback and you write the story,” Al-Shammari said.

However, many parents are concerned over the use of technology in the classroom, and often compare it to recreational gaming.

But Al-Shammari said: “Sometimes it’s difficult to bring the reality to your classrooms. Think of the costs or the safety … If I want to teach you about, for example, snakes or explosive weapons, or something dangerous, I cannot bring that to the classroom. But I can put you in a situation where you can see all the environments around you.”

That also applies to the moral education of students. Instead of instructing students to react to a certain situation, you can, figuratively, be in someone else’s shoes and experience it personally through the use of XR technology.

“When I put you in an immersive learning environment and that environment is about homeless people, you will experience what it looks like to be a homeless guy — you will hear what people say about you … your value system will change,” Al-Shammari said.

As the newer philosophy of constructivism begins to play a prominent role in changing educational systems around the world, future technologies like the metaverse also have a role to play, Al-Shammari said.

“In the metaverse, I can learn based on my own speed, my own pace, the way I want and using the technology or the platform I prefer. It’s not like you have to learn that concept through VR, whether you like it or not…. I would say the metaverse is the next big thing in education,” he added.

And the rollout of these technologies could happen sooner than expected in the Kingdom. “I imagine that we will see K-12 in the next few months. I don’t wanna say years, but as I said, it’s growing very fast,” Al-Shammari said.


Saudi crown prince calls Qatari emir as Kingdom condemns ‘unjustifiable’ Iran attack on Qatar

Interceptor missiles are fired, after Iran’s armed forces say they targeted the Al-Udeid base in a missile attack.
Updated 24 June 2025
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Saudi crown prince calls Qatari emir as Kingdom condemns ‘unjustifiable’ Iran attack on Qatar

  • Kingdom affirmed solidarity and full support for Qatar, is deploying all capabilities to support country in all measures it takes
  • Widespread Arab condemnation following attacks

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia on Monday condemned strikes launched by Iran on targets in Qatar, a foreign ministry statement said.

“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia condemns and denounces in the strongest terms the aggression launched by Iran against the sisterly State of Qatar, which constitutes a flagrant violation of international law and the principles of good neighborliness,” the statement said. 

“It is unacceptable and cannot be justified under any circumstances,” it added.

Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman made a phone call to Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of Qatar.

During the call, the Crown Prince affirmed the Kingdom’s full support for Qatar and its condemnation of the unjustified blatant aggression launched by Iran against the gulf state, the Saudi Press Agency said.

The Crown Prince also affirmed that the Kingdom has deployed all its capabilities to support Qatar as it takes measures to protect its security and preserve its sovereignty.

The Kingdom affirmed its solidarity and full support for Qatar and is deploying all its capabilities to support the country in all measures it takes, the statement added. 

Iran launched missile attacks Monday on a US military base in Qatar, retaliating for the American bombing of its nuclear sites in the early hours of Sunday morning.  

Qatar condemned the attack on Al-Udeid Air Base attack, but said it successfully intercepted the missiles and no casualties were reported. It said its airspace is now safe.

UAE condemnation

The UAE described the attack as a flagrant violation of Qatar’s sovereignty and airspace, and a clear contravention of international law and the UN Charter.

In a statement, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirmed its categorical rejection of any attack that threatens Qatar’s security and safety and undermines the security and stability of the region.

The ministry expressed the UAE’s full solidarity with Qatar and its unwavering support for all measures aimed at protecting the security and safety of its citizens and residents.

It also stressed the need for an immediate halt to military escalation, warning that the continuation of such actions would undermine regional security and drag the region down dangerous paths with disastrous repercussions for international peace and security.

The statement further called for diplomatic solutions and the principle of good neighborliness, stressing that serious dialogue remains the only way to overcome current crises and safeguard the region’s security, stability, and the safety of its people.

Egypt concerned

Egypt also expressed its strong condemnation and denunciation of the Iranian attacks, considering them a “violation of its sovereignty, a threat to its territorial integrity, and a violation of international law and the United Nations Charter.”

Egypt also expressed its “deep concern over the rapidly escalating and dangerous situation in the region,” stressing its "complete rejection of all forms of military escalation or infringement on the sovereignty of states,” according to a statement from the Egyptian Foreign Ministry.

Bahrain urges international action

Bahrain affirmed its “full support for the sisterly State of Qatar following the Iranian attack on its territory."

Bahrain expressed its solidarity as “required by the bond of brotherhood and blood, and affirms the solidarity of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries in these sensitive circumstances facing the region, to exert the necessary efforts to exercise self-restraint, avoid escalation, and resolve all disputes through peaceful means,” according to the Bahrain News Agency.

The kingdom called on the international community and the UN Security Council to shoulder their responsibilities in condemning the attacks, and taking effective steps to deter Iran's irresponsible actions. It also urged cooperation to restore stability and prevent further escalation in the region, embracing dialogue and diplomacy to preserve the security of the region and the peace of its people.

Omani rejection

Oman condemned the ongoing escalation in the region. An official spokesperson for the Omani Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the Iranian missile attack on Qatar as “a rejected and condemned act” that violated the sovereignty of a Gulf Cooperation Council state, contradicted the principles of good neighborliness, and risked expanding the conflict to devastating effect.

Kuwait

Kuwait also denounced the Iranian strike, calling it a “blatant violation” of Qatari sovereignty and airspace and “a dangerous escalation that threatens peace, security, and stability in the region.”

Iraq’s deep concern

The Iraqi Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed deep concern over the “dangerous and accelerating escalation,” describing the attack on Qatar as a turning point that could expand the conflict and warned of the risks posed by the involvement of new actors in the confrontation.

Jordan

Jordan strongly condemned the missile strike, calling it a “flagrant violation” of Qatar’s sovereignty and international law. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates affirmed Jordan’s “absolute solidarity” with Qatar in confronting threats to its security and stability.

Wider Arab response

Morocco joined the chorus of condemnation, with its Ministry of Foreign Affairs describing the attack as a “blatant missile strike” and reiterating the Kingdom’s full solidarity with Qatar.

Gulf Cooperation Council Secretary-General Jassim Mohammed Al-Budaiwi said the organization was “surprised” but strongly condemned the Iranian attack, calling it a direct threat not just to Qatar but to all GCC states. He reaffirmed the Council’s unity and expressed surprise that the strike came despite the GCC’s condemnation of Israeli actions and ongoing mediation efforts.

The Arab Parliament echoed these concerns, labelling the attack “a flagrant and unacceptable violation of Qatari sovereignty” and warning of the dangers of further escalation.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun condemned the strike as a violation of a sister nation’s sovereignty, cautioning that it would heighten tensions and hamper de-escalation efforts.

Palestine also issued a statement of support for Qatar, describing the attack as a “blatant violation” of its sovereignty and affirming solidarity with the Qatari people.

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French solidarity

French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday called for a return to negotiations after Iran’s attack.

“The spiral of chaos must end,” he wrote on X. “I call on all parties to exercise the utmost restraint, de-escalate and return to the negotiating table.” He expressed his solidarity with Qatar.

Speaking to broadcaster France 2, Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said: “This is a dangerous escalation in which Iran bears a heavy responsibility. It is a cycle of violence that puts the region at risk of a widespread conflagration, which would have very serious repercussions even here at home.”

 

 

UN chief ‘deeply alarmed’

The UN Secretary-General is deeply alarmed by the further escalation of the conflict in the Middle East, a spokesperson for Antonio Guterres said Monday.

“From the outset of the crisis, the Secretary-General has repeatedly condemned any military escalation in this conflict, including (Monday)’s attack by Iran on the territory of Qatar. He further reiterates his call on all parties to stop fighting,” the spokesperson said. 

“The Secretary-General urges all member states to uphold their obligations under the UN Charter and other rules of international law,” they added.


New Arabic program aids healthcare workers

The King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language. (SPA)
Updated 23 June 2025
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New Arabic program aids healthcare workers

  • The initiative is part of a broader effort to offer profession-specific Arabic courses

RIYADH: The King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language, in collaboration with the Riyadh Second Health Cluster, has launched the third edition of its Arabic for Health Purposes program, an educational initiative for non-Arabic-speaking healthcare professionals.

The program equips doctors and nurses with practical Arabic communication skills through an intensive two-month curriculum.

The initiative is part of a broader effort to offer profession-specific Arabic courses, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.

It blends classical Arabic with the Saudi dialect and includes cultural activities to support integration into the local community.

Delivered through a flexible model accommodating various learning styles, it aims to enhance healthcare workers’ performance in real-world settings.

The first edition in 2024 involved four Riyadh-based healthcare facilities and benefited more than 150 practitioners.

The second edition, completed in April, served 52 participants in partnership with the Riyadh First Health Cluster.

 


GCC secretary general attends Gulf parliament speakers' meeting

Jasem Al-Budaiwi poses for a group photo with GCC leaders and the President of the European Parliament. (Supplied)
Updated 23 June 2025
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GCC secretary general attends Gulf parliament speakers' meeting

  • Al-Budaiwi emphasized the importance of establishing a stable mechanism to regulate the relationship between the Gulf parliaments and the European Parliament

RIYADH: Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council Jasem Al-Budaiwi participated in a meeting of the speakers of the Shura, Representatives, National and Ummah Councils of the GCC states, alongside President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola in Abu Dhabi on Monday.

Al-Budaiwi emphasized the importance of establishing a stable mechanism to regulate the relationship between the Gulf parliaments and the European Parliament, an official report said.

“The importance of this meeting lies in its timing, which comes at a time when Gulf-European relations are witnessing a growing trend on most levels and a convergence of views on many regional and international issues,” he said in an official statement.

 


Iranian consul general commends Saudi Arabia for smooth pilgrim departure

Updated 23 June 2025
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Iranian consul general commends Saudi Arabia for smooth pilgrim departure

  • Smooth procedures reflect the care for pilgrims by the Kingdom and its leadership
  • Services provided to Iranian pilgrims confirm the Kingdom’s consistent respect for all nations

RIYADH: Consul General of Iran in Jeddah Hassan Zarnegar praised the organization and facilities provided to Iranian pilgrims during their departure via Arar airport and the Jadidat Arar border crossing in the Northern Borders region.

He said the smooth procedures reflect the care for pilgrims by the Kingdom and its leadership, and demonstrate attention to pilgrims from all countries, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.

Zarnegar added: “The streamlined procedures — from disembarkation and swift passport processing to organized bus transfers — reflect efficient pilgrim management.”

He said that the services provided to Iranian pilgrims confirm the Kingdom’s consistent respect for all nations.

He added that Saudi-Iranian relations are rooted in religious and neighborly ties, and the care shown to Iranian pilgrims reflects this spirit of brotherhood.

On behalf of himself and the Iranian ambassador, Zarnegar expressed gratitude to the Saudi leadership for their care and support, provided as part of an integrated system.

Meanwhile, Director General of the Border Guards Maj. Gen. Shaya Al-Wadaani inspected the work of personnel at the Jadidat Arar border crossing and monitored services supporting pilgrims’ departure after Hajj.

Al-Wadaani reviewed the procedures facilitating Iranian pilgrims’ exit, following directives from King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to ensure proper services and support.

He confirmed that the Border Guard has mobilized all resources, in coordination with relevant authorities, to deliver the best services and ensure a smooth departure process.


Hazaa plant flourishes in Saudi Arabia’s northern deserts

Updated 23 June 2025
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Hazaa plant flourishes in Saudi Arabia’s northern deserts

  • Due to its ability to handle high levels of drought and salinity, Hazaa has proved its ability to survive in difficult climatic conditions
  • Plant is known for its captivating aroma, and reaches a height of approximately 35 centimeters

RIYADH: Despite the harsh desert climate in Saudi Arabia’s Northern Borders province, native plants have found a way not only to survive but to thrive.

Among the local flora is the Hazaa plant, known scientifically as Ducrosia anethifolia.

The plant is native to the Arabian Peninsula, the Levant, Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan, and is part of the Apiaceae family of plants, which includes crops and medicinal plants, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

Due to its ability to handle high levels of drought and salinity, Hazaa has proved its ability to survive in difficult climatic conditions.

The plant is known for its captivating aroma, and reaches a height of approximately 35 centimeters.

In addition, its unique appearance comes from its long, oval-shaped gray-green leaves that have sharp points, making the plant easily recognizable among other plants in the wild.

Along with its pleasant smell, the plant produces small, light yellow, umbrella-like flowers during the flowering season, with 12 to 18 flowers on each stem.

The Northern Borders region is also home to other plant species, including Reseda alba, Salsola tetrandra shrubs and lavender.