Rakan Al-Shammari — a Saudi success story

Al-Shammari said his educational journey began in the desert, where he studied until the third grade of primary school, living in tents and drinking well water. (Al-Shammari’s Instagram)
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Updated 15 October 2023
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Rakan Al-Shammari — a Saudi success story

MAKKAH: Saudi engineer Rakan Al-Shammari has left an indelible mark on the railway industry in Germany.

His journey began with the pursuit of electrical engineering studies and he later taught at several German universities.

Al-Shammari’s path to success began while working as a project manager at Rail Power System GmbH. His dedication and passion for trains led him to excel in the field. The journey was not without its difficulties, as it required him to learn German, pursue bachelor’s and master’s degrees, and eventually take on teaching responsibilities.

Al-Shammari said: “In 2006, after graduating from high school, I applied for the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Foreign Scholarship Program. I spent a year studying the German language, followed by preparatory studies, and then I joined the University of Kassel to major in electrical and communications engineering. During my final year at university, I undertook practical training at the German Railways Company.”

He noted that after completing the practical experience, he pursued further education as a graduate student. “While studying for my master’s, I was offered a position as a lecturer at the university under a contractual arrangement, where I taught electricity to first and second-year students.”

He received a job offer in 2017 and joined a company specializing in railway project management in Germany. “This company managed new construction projects, particularly in infrastructure, as the German Railway Company itself does not execute such projects,” he noted.

Al-Shammari told Arab News that his educational journey began in the desert, where he studied until the third grade of primary school, living in tents and drinking well water. He later attended Al-Yarmouk Primary School in the city of Rafha for grades four to six and completed his secondary education in the city of Al-Uwaiqliyah.

Al-Shammari firmly believes that Saudi Arabia is on the cusp of a transportation revolution and is already reaping the rewards. He emphasized that the Kingdom will emerge as a developed country in the coming years, not solely reliant on oil and energy, but also due to the strength of its people and leadership, and their commitment to continual development and competition.

He expressed pride in having visionary leaders who invest in the talents of their citizens. He also noted Germany’s openness to creative minds and its support for them, attracting skilled individuals from around the world. He believes that effective resource management enhances the economy and strengthens Germany’s global position.

Al-Shammari acknowledged the initial difficulties he faced in studying in Germany, as it was his first experience living outside his familiar surroundings.

His advice to everyone is to embrace their sense of responsibility, seize opportunities, and pursue continuous learning in order to contribute to their country. He also emphasizes the importance of diversifying educational sources and collaborating with experts and scholars to develop a unique persona capable of competing on a global scale.

Finally, Al-Shammari expressed gratitude to the Saudi leadership, his family and friends, and the Saudi Cultural Mission in Germany. He acknowledged the mission’s continuous support, including increased stipends for Saudi students who excelled academically, enabling them to perform to the best of their abilities during their scholarships.


Saudi Arabia condemns Israeli decision to block humanitarian aid to Gaza

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Saudi Arabia condemns Israeli decision to block humanitarian aid to Gaza

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia strongly condemned on Sunday the Israeli government’s decision to halt the entry of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip, calling it an act of "blackmail and collective punishment" that violates international law.

In a statement on Sunday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed its denunciation of Israel’s move, warning that it constitutes a direct violation of international humanitarian law amid the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

"The Kingdom renews its call on the international community to stop these serious Israeli violations, activate international accountability mechanisms, and ensure sustainable access to aid," the statement said.

The condemnation comes as Israel blocked the entry of aid trucks into Gaza, escalating tensions over a truce that had temporarily halted fighting for the past six weeks.

Hamas has called on Egyptian and Qatari mediators to intervene in the standoff.

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office announced that Israel had adopted a proposal from US envoy Steve Witkoff for a temporary ceasefire during the upcoming Ramadan and Passover periods. If agreed upon, the truce would pause hostilities until the end of Ramadan around March 31 and the Jewish Passover holiday around April 20.


Saudi FM discusses regional developments in call with Algerian counterpart

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and his Algerian counterpart Ahmed Attaf. (File/AFP)
Updated 02 March 2025
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Saudi FM discusses regional developments in call with Algerian counterpart

RIYADH: The Kingdom’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan made a phone call to his Algerian counterpart on Sunday, Saudi Press Agency reported.

During the call with Ahmed Attaf, Prince Faisal discussed the latest developments in the region and efforts made with regard to them.


Saudi entities sign housing deal to support vulnerable families

Updated 02 March 2025
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Saudi entities sign housing deal to support vulnerable families

  • This partnership builds on a previous agreement that secured housing for 1,000 families

RIYADH: The National Developmental Housing Foundation, known as Sakan, and the Social Development Bank have partnered to provide 4,000 housing units for eligible families across Saudi Arabia as part of the second phase of the Joud Regions campaign.

The agreement was signed during a ceremony attended by Minister of Municipalities and Housing Majed Al-Hogail, Minister of Human Resources and Social Development Ahmed Al-Rajhi, and Deputy Minister of Interior Nasser Al-Dawood.

This partnership builds on a previous agreement that secured housing for 1,000 families. The initiative directly supports Vision 2030’s goal of increasing homeownership rates among citizens, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.

Sakan Secretary-General Abdulaziz Al-Karidis and Social Development Bank CEO Sultan Al-Humaidi signed the agreement.

Al-Humaidi confirmed that the agreement is part of the bank’s efforts to strengthen strategic partnerships that provide sustainable financing solutions.

He noted that cooperation with Sakan through the construction completion program will help eligible families complete their housing units.

The program aims to finance 5,000 beneficiaries nominated by Sakan from social security recipients and similar categories, according to SPA.

Al-Humaidi said: “At the Social Development Bank, we are committed to leveraging our capabilities to support the most vulnerable groups and enable them to access suitable housing.

“We believe housing stability is key to enhancing quality of life and achieving the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 targets of increasing homeownership rates among citizens.”

Al-Karidis explained that the agreement is part of efforts to develop sustainable solutions for eligible families and highlighted the bank’s crucial role in supporting housing empowerment for beneficiaries.

He thanked the attending ministers for their continued support of developmental and housing initiatives, emphasizing that this collaboration reflects the integration of concerned entities to achieve Vision 2030 goals of providing suitable housing and enhancing quality of life.

Meanwhile, the Joud Regions campaign headquarters was inaugurated at Misk City in Riyadh on Saturday under the patronage of Al-Hogail.

During the ceremony, the regional governors announced their participation in the initiative, demonstrating strong support for community programs aimed at enhancing housing stability for citizens.

Al-Hogail expressed his gratitude to King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their generous support of the campaign, which included an SR150 million ($40 million) contribution, and for their ongoing interest in supporting developmental housing programs and community initiatives.

He emphasized that the campaign embodies the spirit of social solidarity and strengthens the partnership between the government and the community in achieving the objectives of Vision 2030.

Al-Karidis also praised the vital role of governmental, nonprofit entities, and individuals in supporting housing initiatives that help ensure housing stability for needy families.

The initiative allows both citizens and residents to contribute to housing support for vulnerable families through the Joud Housing platform and application, furthering national efforts to enhance quality of life and promote sustainable development in the housing sector.


Saudi Arabia launches national food safety campaign

Updated 02 March 2025
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Saudi Arabia launches national food safety campaign

RIYADH: The Saudi Food and Drug Authority, in collaboration with the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing, has launched a nationwide regulatory campaign to enhance food safety during Ramadan.

The campaign focuses on verifying the quality of commonly consumed foods and ensuring compliance with health regulations, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

It includes intensified inspections of food warehouses, sales outlets, and distribution centers to check the accuracy of food and nutritional data, assess compliance with transportation and storage requirements, and examine product tracking mechanisms.

These measures aim to keep markets free of unfit products while ensuring adherence to technical regulations and standard specifications, the SPA reported.

Alongside inspections, the campaign features food safety training programs for food establishment employees to enhance compliance with health requirements and ensure the availability of safe, high-quality products.

Special attention is given to Makkah and Madinah, where independent control plans address the high influx of Umrah performers and visitors to the Two Holy Mosques, ensuring food safety and quality, according to the SPA.

The authority remains committed to continuous inspection efforts across all branches and offices to uphold health standards and verify product safety throughout manufacturing, storage, and distribution, reinforcing food security during Ramadan.


Umrah guests tour Qur’an printing complex in Madinah

Guests of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Program for Umrah and Visit tour the King Fahd Complex for the Printing of Qur’an.
Updated 02 March 2025
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Umrah guests tour Qur’an printing complex in Madinah

  • Group comprised 250 Umrah performers from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Turkiye, Sri Lanka, Nepal, the Maldives, Kazakhstan, and other countries

RIYADH: The guests of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Program for Umrah and Visit toured the King Fahd Complex for the Printing of the Holy Qur’an in Madinah, as part of a cultural program organized by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs.

The group comprised 250 Umrah performers from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Turkiye, Sri Lanka, Nepal, the Maldives, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Georgia, Australia, New Zealand, and Russia.

During the visit, which coincided with the start of Ramadan, the guests were briefed on the extensive work involved in serving the Holy Qur’an, including printing, publishing, translation and distribution.

Guests learned about the Kingdom’s efforts in preserving the Qur’an, along with the rigorous processes of review and verification to ensure the highest standards of accuracy and quality.

At the end of the visit, the complex presented the guests with copies of the Holy Qur’an, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.

The visitors expressed their gratitude to the Kingdom and its leadership for its significant efforts in serving Islam and Muslims worldwide.

They also toured several historical and religious sites in Madinah, including the Quba Mosque, Mount Al-Ramah, and the Uhud Martyrs’ Cemetery.

They likewise visited the International Fair and Museum of the Prophet’s Biography and Islamic Civilization before heading to Makkah to perform the rituals of Umrah.