Who’s Who: Hussain Al-Salahi, KSA’s regional director for Koch Engineered Solutions

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Updated 29 December 2022
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Who’s Who: Hussain Al-Salahi, KSA’s regional director for Koch Engineered Solutions

Hussain Al-Salahi is Saudi Arabia’s regional director for Koch Engineered Solutions. He is responsible for overseeing the company’s operations in the Kingdom and driving its strategic direction.

Al-Salahi is committed to delivering innovative solutions that meet the needs of KES’s clients while also focusing on sustainability and social responsibility.

Under his leadership, KES has made significant investments in the region, including acquiring the industrial facility in Dammam Second Industrial City in 2021, representing a critical step in the company’s growth and expansion in the Middle East. It also serves as the region’s technology and manufacturing hub for KES.

Al-Salahi joined Koch through John Zink Hamworthy Combustion in 2006, taking on various roles and earning an MBA from the University of Hull. In 2010, he helped establish the company’s first regional offices in Dubai; in 2016, he played a crucial role in setting up KES offices in Alkhobar.

He is committed to expanding the company’s regional offerings, focusing on energy efficiency, emissions reduction, and digital and smart solutions.

Al-Salahi holds a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals and has worked in a variety of fields, including engineering design, site work in the oil and gas and petrochemical industries, and project management.

He also has a strong background in the engineering and energy sectors.

His experience in project management and business development has helped him to expand Koch’s presence in the region and build a strong foundation for future growth.
 


Athka KSU event in Riyadh accelerates AI education, innovation

The program, attended by hundreds of students, included live applications and hands-on experiments. (X: @SDAIA_SA)
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Athka KSU event in Riyadh accelerates AI education, innovation

  • The event also highlighted the latest AI technologies used in the university’s labs, giving participants hands-on exposure to advanced applications

RIYADH: King Saud University in Riyadh hosted Athka KSU, one of the largest AI-focused events at universities in the Kingdom.

Academic experts told Arab News that the event reinforced the concept of “experiential learning” by providing a dynamic environment in which students and researchers could engage in hands-on experiences simulating real-world challenges.

Organized in collaboration with the Saudi Data and AI Authority, Athka KSU aimed to equip students, faculty, and staff with advanced technological skills.

Interactive challenges using AI technologies tested students' skills in a unique way that combined competition with innovation.  (X: @SDAIA_SA)

It featured an intensive program with a diverse range of activities designed to develop participants’ skills in AI, while enhancing their cognitive, personal, and practical abilities.

The program, attended by hundreds of university students, included live applications, hands-on experiments, and showcases of leading global AI advancements.

A series of interactive challenges tested students’ skills through direct engagement with AI technologies, offering a unique experience that blended competition with innovation.

Interactive challenges using AI technologies tested students' skills in a unique way that combined competition with innovation.  (X: @SDAIA_SA)

The event also highlighted the latest AI technologies used in the university’s labs, giving participants hands-on exposure to advanced applications.

As part of the event, King Saud University, in collaboration with SDAIA and Huawei, launched a research fellowship program and inaugurated AI Labs at the College of Food and Agriculture Sciences and the College of Computer and Information Sciences.

Rafiq Mahab Jamaluddin, professor of computer science at the university, said that the event equipped participants with critical thinking and problem-solving skills essential for keeping pace with the modern job market.

Interactive challenges using AI technologies tested students' skills in a unique way that combined competition with innovation.  (X: @SDAIA_SA)

“The success of such initiatives highlights the urgent need to modernize university curricula, ensuring alignment with the evolving demands of the Fourth Industrial Revolution,” Jamaluddin said.

“Universities should continue to bridge the gap between theoretical education and hands-on application, ensuring graduates are globally competitive and equipped to drive digital transformation.”

Majed Al-Azouni, a lecturer at Al-Manzala Academy of Science and Technology in Egypt, described the event as a bold, forward-looking initiative toward thriving digital transformation.

“AI-focused events, such as Athka KSU, serve as key drivers in shaping young minds and fostering innovation within advanced academic environments,” Al-Azouni added.

Al-Azouni, who is also a member of the Arab Scientific Society for Transport, emphasized that such initiatives go beyond knowledge transfer and offer students and researchers hands-on experiences that simulate real-world challenges, ultimately shaping a generation of specialists capable of transforming ideas into effective applications.

He said that collaboration between universities and the industrial sector is a fundamental pillar of these initiatives’ success, providing students with valuable insights into market needs, and enabling them to develop practical solutions that address industry demands.

“Engaging startups and research institutions paves the way for developing viable, market-ready projects,” Al-Azouni said.

 


GCC chief, NATO official discuss regional stability

Updated 15 February 2025
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GCC chief, NATO official discuss regional stability

  • Jasem Albudaiwi stressed need to intensify international efforts to end suffering of the Palestinian people

RIYADH: Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council Jasem Albudaiwi met with Adm. Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, chairman of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization Military Committee, on the sidelines of the 61st Munich Security Conference in Germany.

During the meeting, the two sides reviewed the latest regional and international developments, focusing on the situation in Gaza and the wider region, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

The GCC chief stressed the need to intensify international efforts to end the suffering of the Palestinian people and ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid.

Albudaiwi reaffirmed the GCC’s commitment to regional stability and international efforts to resolve humanitarian crises.

Dragone emphasized the important role of the GCC states in maintaining regional and international security and stability, praising their status in regional and international forums.


Saudi interior minister visits Italian Civil Protection Department

Updated 15 February 2025
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Saudi interior minister visits Italian Civil Protection Department

ROME: Saudi Arabia’s Interior Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif visited the Civil Protection Department (Protezione Civile) in the Italian capital of Rome, on Saturday.

He was received by Fabio Ciciliano, the head of the Civil Protection Department, and several senior officials, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Accompanied by the official delegation, Prince Abdulaziz toured the department’s sections and received a brief overview of its operations and assigned roles.


Perfumes Week brings luxurious showcase of niche fragrances to Jeddah

Updated 15 February 2025
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Perfumes Week brings luxurious showcase of niche fragrances to Jeddah

  • High-end brands in the spotlight

JEDDAH: Perfumes Week, hosted at the Benchmark Theater as part of the Jeddah Events calendar, attracted large crowds eager to explore a curated selection of premium fragrances.

The event, which was held from Feb. 6 to 14, featured both the rich cultural heritage of Arabian perfumes and modern Western fragrances, all crafted from high-quality ingredients.

Unlike other perfume events, Perfumes Week focused exclusively on high-end and niche brands only, offering a unique experience tailored to fragrance connoisseurs with a refined taste.

Omar Al-Ammari, a first-time attendee at Perfumes Week, said: “It was an amazing showcase of niche and luxury fragrances, with special promotions and discounts exclusive to the event, making high-end perfumes more accessible.

“From rare oud blends to stunning floral compositions, I came across scents I had never experienced before. It was also exciting to discover new brands I hadn’t known about.”

Ahmed Ghamdi, another visitor and a passionate perfume collector, said: “I’ve always loved collecting perfumes, particularly the finest Arabic fragrances.

“With Ramadan approaching, I usually focus on finding top scents like amber, cedarwood, and musk, and I was happy to find them here. Sometimes I even experiment with creating my own fragrance. At Perfumes Week I had the chance to mix and customize perfumes, which was an exciting experience.”

The event attracted 10,000 visitors daily and showcased over 20 brands specializing in both traditional Oriental and contemporary Western fragrances.

Yousef Al-Gharbawi, CEO of ALG Exhibitions, emphasized the event’s evolution, saying: “This year at Perfumes Week we were thrilled to introduce several exciting experiences that elevated the visitor experience. We incorporated technology with augmented reality features that allowed guests to engage with the fragrance stories and ingredients in a unique way.

“To keep the event fresh, we regularly seek feedback from past attendees and industry experts, ensuring that we incorporate new trends and ideas each year. Our partnerships with both local artisans and regional brands also helped us showcase a diverse range of fragrances, making the event a must-visit for enthusiasts.”

Beyond being a premier fragrance exhibition, Perfumes Week also plays a significant role in boosting Jeddah’s tourism industry.

Al-Gharbawi said: “Events like Perfumes Week play a pivotal role in elevating the tourism industry in Jeddah by creating a platform for both established and emerging brands.

“They foster networking opportunities, encourage collaboration, and stimulate interest in niche fragrances among consumers. Additionally, by attracting international visitors and media attention, we are helping to position Jeddah as a burgeoning hub for fragrance innovation in the region. This not only boosts local businesses but also contributes to the cultural exchange of ideas and trends in the global perfume industry.”

Suad Al-Shehri, an influencer from Makkah, who visited Perfumes Week with her family, said: “The moment you step into the hall you’re instantly surrounded by these amazing, aesthetic fragrances. I grew up watching my mom burn wood chips, and the scent of that would fill the furniture and stay on our clothes for weeks. She felt the same way about the brands here.”

In addition to the perfume showcase, a panel discussion featuring Kuwaiti perfumer Hassan Al-Sarraf and Saudi Sara Al-Dahlawi was held, with media professional Abdullah Al-Jredan moderating the session.

Titled “The Innovative Vision of Perfumer Hassan Al-Sarraf Through Scent Cinema,” the discussion explored Al-Sarraf’s unique approach to integrating perfumes with the entertainment industry.

Sharing details about his groundbreaking project, Al-Sarraf said: "My philosophy in perfume design revolves around the idea of capturing emotions and memories through fragrance notes.

“Perfume has evolved into an integral part of art and creativity. My project, ‘Perfume Design and Entertainment,’ aims to merge perfume design with the entertainment sector using innovative technologies.

“This unique initiative is already developed as a business plan, design, and concept, and I’m excited to bring it to life soon, with plans to launch it on a global entertainment platform like Riyadh Season or through the Saudi Entertainment Authority.”

Discussing “A Bright Future for the Industry … Designers Must Focus on the Creative Aspect,” Al-Dahlawi said: “Merging business with creative work is never easy, and designers must stay focused on their unique ideas and creative efforts.

“It’s crucial to carefully craft a fragrance identity and implement it according to the highest global standards and best practices.”

She also emphasized the power of fragrance in communication, adding: “Fragrances carry significant messages and meanings, and it’s important to understand how they convey these emotions.”

The event drew participation from famous regional perfume brands, including Thoughts of the Gulf, from Oman.

Amar Majed, sales manager at the Thoughts of the Gulf booth, said: “We came from Oman to showcase our exclusive range of products, including oud, amber, bakhour, incense, and perfumes that vary from strong to light scents.

“To make the experience even more special, we offered a 50 percent discount on most of our products, allowing customers to explore and enjoy the distinctive fragrances we bring to the market.”


Kingdom arrests 22,663 illegals in one week

Updated 15 February 2025
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Kingdom arrests 22,663 illegals in one week

RIYADH: Saudi authorities arrested 22,663 people in one week for breaching residency, work and border security regulations, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

A total of 13,799 people were arrested for violations of residency laws, while 5,594 were held over illegal border crossing attempts, and a further 3,270 for labor-related issues.

The report showed that among the 2,133 people arrested for trying to enter the Kingdom illegally, 63 percent were Ethiopian, 36 percent Yemeni, and 1 percent were of other nationalities.

A further 184 people were caught trying to cross into neighboring countries, and 14 were held for involvement in transporting and harboring violators, the SPA reported.

The Ministry of Interior said that anyone found to be facilitating illegal entry to the Kingdom could face imprisonment for a maximum of 15 years and a fine of up to SR1 million ($260,000).

Suspected violations can be reported on the toll-free number 911 in the Makkah and Riyadh regions, and 999 or 996 in other regions of the Kingdom.