Saudi coffee, chocolate festival offers tasty mix of attractions

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Visitors can sample or purchase coffee and chocolate from more than 50 vendors attending the event. (AN photo/Huda Bashatah)
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Local and international chocolate brands are also attending the event. (AN photo/Huda Bashatah)
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Local and international chocolate brands are also attending the event. (AN photo/Huda Bashatah)
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Local and international chocolate brands are also attending the event. (AN photo/Huda Bashatah)
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Robots are on hand serving bottles of water and Arabic sweets. (AN photo/Huda Bashatah)
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Local and international chocolate brands are also attending the event. (AN photo/Huda Bashatah)
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The Coffee and Chocolate Festival, running at the Dhahran Expo in Dammam until Sunday
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Visitors can sample or purchase coffee and chocolate from more than 50 vendors attending the event. (AN photo/Huda Bashatah)
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Visitors can sample or purchase coffee and chocolate from more than 50 vendors attending the event. (AN photo/Huda Bashatah)
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Visitors can sample or purchase coffee and chocolate from more than 50 vendors attending the event. (AN photo/Huda Bashatah)
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Visitors can sample or purchase coffee and chocolate from more than 50 vendors attending the event. (AN photo/Huda Bashatah)
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Updated 10 October 2022
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Saudi coffee, chocolate festival offers tasty mix of attractions

DAMMAM: Robot waiters, chocolate-covered headless dancers, and coffee galore are the tasty mix on offer at a four-day Saudi festival.

The Coffee and Chocolate Festival, running at the Dhahran Expo in Dammam until Sunday, coincides with World Coffee Day and the Kingdom’s own celebration of the year of Saudi coffee.

Visitors can sample or purchase coffee and chocolate from more than 50 vendors attending the event.

Robots are on hand serving bottles of water and Arabic sweets and crowds are being entertained by headless dancers smothered in chocolate.

Mohammed Barakah, sales representative for one of the vendors edafat+, said: “We have been participating in the Coffee and Chocolate Festival every year since we launched in 2017.

“This is such an important event in our industry, and we love to educate and interact with coffee lovers in Saudi Arabia.”

Rowel Guevarra, executive chef for edafat+, prepares recipes and manages tastes with a Saudi audience in mind. He noted that the most popular flavor served in the firm’s four branches was pistachio and he told Arab News that he loved helping emerging Saudi baristas perfect their recipes.

He said: “The reason why we are joining the festival here in Saudi is to offer help for newcomers to the business.”

The brand was showcasing its array of products imported from various countries and offering visitors not only iced and hot flavored coffees but also spicy chai mixes, matcha lattes, and syrup and fruit-based drinks.

Other vendors include Doha Roasters, Camel Step, Najdiya, and Al-Noman Brothers’ Al-Shayukh Golden Coffee.

Local and international chocolate brands are also attending the event.

Rolla Ahmad, manning the Lush booth, said: “The idea is that there is seven brands of chocolate and people come and taste and then give an assessment about the chocolate.” Voting takes place via a large screen.

With a buffet-style arrangement, different types of chocolate from various local brands are available for visitors to taste, then vote upon. A winner will be announced during the festival.

A Saudi latte art championship will also take place.




Local and international chocolate brands are also attending the event. (AN photo/Huda Bashatah)

The festival aims to highlight the latest innovations and recipes in the industry while providing a platform for networking.

Traditional music and oud performances also form part of the festival attractions.

One of the performers, Joana Cruz, from Portugal, said: “This is my first time in Saudi Arabia and at this wonderful show, and I’m very pleased to be here. And I’m performing too in the exhibition.

“I’m really enjoying this country and this experience. The coffee — it’s wonderful. And the chocolates are perfect. I hope to return another year.”

Tickets can be purchased online or at the venue priced between SR35 ($9) and SR55. The expo will be next held in Riyadh from Nov. 29 until Dec. 3.

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How a Saudi software developer is revolutionizing road safety with his AI driver-assist system

Updated 6 sec ago
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How a Saudi software developer is revolutionizing road safety with his AI driver-assist system

  • Nasser Al-Khaldi is the mastermind behind a driver-assist system that performs well in congestion and makes roads safer
  • Developed by Comma.ai, the system incorporates AI-driven real-time analysis, using cameras and radar to prevent collisions

JEDDAH: Nasser Mansour Al-Khaldi is the researcher and automotive expert behind the Saudi-made version of an innovative artificial intelligence self-driving system that can be fitted to regular cars.

A native of Taif province, his passion for technology started at a young age through attempts to customize video games — including hacking his Xbox 360.

Since 2015, he has been focusing on autonomous driving technology — self-driving systems powered by AI. In 2023, the results of his efforts became apparent when he launched the first autopilot system in the Kingdom.

Al-Khaldi and his team — in cooperation with their partner, California-based startup Comma.ai — have developed an open-source software that runs the system, allowing motorists to install a driver-assist feature. The software enables the car to drive itself on motorways, staying in one lane and keeping a safe distance from the car in front, and to follow the vehicle immediately in front in traffic without human assistance.

“It took me around five years to develop a device that records vehicle data in order to analyze it and add more advanced safety and smart driving systems to existing vehicles on the market,” Al-Khaldi told Arab News.

“Yes, it is made in collaboration with our partner in the US, but we upgraded our own version and it has more features. So, you can say it is ‘made in Saudi Arabia’ by a very intelligent Saudi team,” he added.

DID YOUKNOW?

• The Saudi-made AI driver-assistance system was trained on over 100 million miles.

• It incorporates AI-driven real-time analysis, using cameras and radar to prevent collisions.

• It is compatible with more than 64 car models not supported by Comma.ai’s original tech.

• The Saudi-made device has been exported to the US, Europe, Africa, and the Arab world.

Although the base technology, Open Pilot, was developed by Comma.ai, Al-Khaldi explained that his version has been significantly developed to align with local needs, expanding compatibility to work with more than 64 car models not supported by the original.

The Saudi programmer also developed the autonomous driver technology to function at low speeds, improving its effectiveness in the stop-start traffic that is common in the Gulf region.

He explained that the self-driving device “leverages AI and remote sensing technology to continuously analyze and understand the vehicle’s surroundings.”

​Aside from developing Saudi Arabia's first autopilot system, Nasser Mansour Al-Khaldi is the researcher also developed the autonomous driver technology to function at low speeds, improving its effectiveness in the stop-start traffic. (Supplied)

The unit has been on the Saudi market for about a year and a half, and approximately 500 have been sold, according to Al-Khaldi.

“In addition to our presence in the Saudi market, we have also exported our device — which can be adapted to almost any modern car — to the US, Europe, Africa and other parts of the Arab world,” he added.

Arab News joined 29-year-old Al-Khaldi to experience the driver-assistance system, which is installed in his Toyota Highlander. We began the ride on the highway north of Jeddah.

The results were impressive. From the driver’s seat, with his hands removed from the steering wheel, Al-Khaldi said: “At this point our (system) can handle all types of curves. On the highway, you can drive for hours without any user intervention. I just drove from Taif to Jeddah on curvy, hilly roads without any user intervention.”

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Al-Khaldi said that the system integrates multiple components to provide “a safe and efficient autonomous driving experience,” controlling steering, acceleration, and braking. It uses open-source AI technology, trained on over 100 million miles and able to adapt to a variety of driving conditions.

“The system relies on high-resolution cameras and radar sensors to detect lanes, track nearby vehicles, and analyze data in real time. This analysis helps prevent collisions and ensures the vehicle stays in its lane,” he explained.

“One of our customers who lives in the US installed our device in his car and recently, while driving down a long stretch of highway heading to another state, he lost consciousness and the car drove itself for two hours until he woke up. He later messaged us and expressed his thanks for our device’s reliability,” he added. “Following this event, the system received an enhanced safety update. Now, if the driver’s eyes remain fixed and unresponsive, signaling potential loss of consciousness, the system prompts the driver to touch the steering wheel, providing an additional layer of safety during medical emergencies like seizures or sudden loss of consciousness.”

Inspired by his team's successes, Nasser Mansour Al-Khaldi now envisions a future where AI powers self-driving cars across the Kingdom. (SPA photo)

According to the US website Consumer Reports, Open Pilot is currently the most advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS) on the market.

Al-Khaldi and his team are now exploring ways to tailor the system to various levels of driving experience. “I think we’ll find better ways of doing it that will be simpler and allow more users access to the technology,” he said.

Al-Khaldi envisions a future where AI powers self-driving cars across the Kingdom. He said: “Saudi Arabia has an ambitious vision that embraces artificial intelligence technologies. Self-driving has become one of the most important AI tools.”
 

 


Saudi crown prince, French president discuss relations and regional developments

Updated 14 November 2024
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Saudi crown prince, French president discuss relations and regional developments

  • Leaders discussed progress of relations between Kingdom and France
  • Also addressed current regional developments in Palestine and Lebanon

RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman spoke on the phone on Thursday with French President Emmanuel Macron, Saudi Press Agency reported.

The leaders discussed the progress of relations between Saudi Arabia and France, emphasizing their ongoing cooperation across various fields, SPA added.

The conversation also addressed current regional developments in Palestine and Lebanon and the efforts being made to enhance security and stability in the region.

The discussion underscores the commitment of both nations to strengthen ties and collaborate on shared strategic interests.


Asir launches campaign to promote organic food culture

Updated 14 November 2024
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Asir launches campaign to promote organic food culture

  • Ahmed Al-Mojathel: Our goal is to highlight the importance of organic products and foods as a safer, healthier dietary system
  • Initiative forms part of a broader strategy to promote organic food consumption throughout Saudi society

ABHA: A public awareness campaign by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture kicked off Organic Food Day 2024 in Saudi Arabia, reported Saudi Press Agency.

Ahmed Al-Mojathel, director of the ministry’s Asir branch, said: “Our goal is to highlight the importance of organic products and foods as a safer, healthier dietary system.

“We are working to enhance consumer awareness about the benefits of organic foods while encouraging innovation and excellence in organic product quality.”

The initiative forms part of a broader strategy to promote organic food consumption throughout Saudi society.

Al-Mojathel said the campaign also aimed to achieve economic and social objectives supporting the development of the organic food sector across the Kingdom.


Officials detained as investigators smash drug-smuggling operation at Al-Jouf Airport

Updated 14 November 2024
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Officials detained as investigators smash drug-smuggling operation at Al-Jouf Airport

  • 9 people arrested, including Ministry of Interior employee, 4 people associated with the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority, and a Saudi Electricity Company worker

RIYADH: A drug smuggling operation at Al-Jouf International Airport in Saudi Arabia, in which several government and other public-sector officials allegedly were involved, has been shut down following an extensive investigation.

An official source at the Ministry of Interior said on Thursday that nine people were detained, including a ministry employee, four people associated with the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority, and one from the Saudi Electricity Company.

Their alleged roles in the smuggling network included helping to get the drugs into the Kingdom, ensuring shipments bypassed inspections, transporting them, and concealing them in homes and at other locations.

They also engaged in the promotion and distribution of the narcotics in the country, the Saudi Press Agency reported. The amount and type of drugs involved was not immediately apparent.

The Ministry of Interior said it remains committed to confronting all threats to national security and will take stringent action against anyone who jeopardizes the safety and stability of the country.


Saudi Music Commission launches self-learn digital platform for budding musicians

Updated 14 November 2024
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Saudi Music Commission launches self-learn digital platform for budding musicians

  • MusiqAI offers interactive programs to the public and teaches skills for playing Arabic and Western instruments

RIYADH: The Saudi Music Commission has launched an interactive digital platform to teach music to enthusiasts wanting to start playing an instrument or further their musical knowledge.

MusiqAI is the first self-learn digital platform for music in Saudi Arabia and the Arab region. It offers interactive programs to the public and teaches skills for playing Arabic and Western instruments.

The platform name, which includes “AI,” the abbreviation for artificial intelligence, can be translated from Arabic as “My Music.”

The commission said in a statement that MusiqAI offers online courses and trains enthusiasts and professionals on the latest technologies in music production. It also provides accredited certificates, easy access to video streaming courses, and a self-paced learning experience, anytime and from anywhere.

MusiqAI aims to offer a unique way of learning various music genres — in Saudi Arabia and globally — whether by picking an Arabic or Western instrument such as the drums, guitar or oud, and communicating with trainers and experts on the platform.

The commission said nurturing and supporting musical talent are part of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals. In March, the commission launched the Saudi Music Memory initiative to highlight the history of Saudi art and offer academically documented research for musicians and researchers.

To register on the MusiqAI platform, visit the commission website: https://music.moc.gov.sa/en