Ithra’s Learning Beyond Conference highlights role of storytelling, design thinking in education

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Ithra transformed into a massive learning hub for the Learning Beyond Conference in Dhahran at the weekend. (Supplied)
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Ithra transformed into a massive learning hub for the Learning Beyond Conference in Dhahran at the weekend. (Supplied)
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Ithra transformed into a massive learning hub for the Learning Beyond Conference in Dhahran at the weekend. (Supplied)
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Ithra transformed into a massive learning hub for the Learning Beyond Conference in Dhahran at the weekend. (Supplied)
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Ithra transformed into a massive learning hub for the Learning Beyond Conference in Dhahran at the weekend. (Supplied)
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Updated 21 January 2024
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Ithra’s Learning Beyond Conference highlights role of storytelling, design thinking in education

  • Ithra has been at the forefront of merging old and new, consistently pivoting innovative technology while honoring the past

DHAHRAN: The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture, Ithra, transformed into a massive learning hub for the Learning Beyond Conference in Dhahran at the weekend.

The two-day event featured 22 interactive talks, 50 speakers, four book signings, and 15 workshops, inviting educators, parents, content developers, intellectuals, lifelong learners, and education entrepreneurs to explore the theme of “storytelling.”

Since its inception, Ithra has been at the forefront of merging old and new, consistently pivoting innovative technology while honoring the past. The goal is to amplify Saudi narratives across various mediums. At the Learning Beyond Conference, diverse interactive spaces, including picture books, photography, traditional methods, and ChatGPT, catered to every learning style.

Many sessions were conducted in both English and Arabic, exploring topics such as sensory storytelling, designing intellectually stimulating learning environments, immersive storytelling, songwriting, and utilizing technologies like artificial intelligence for storytelling, among other topics.

A dedicated space showcased the art of Hasawi bisht, a decorative garment from Al-Ahsa worn during special occasions. Local Hasawi experts were invited to weave the symbolic golden thread, while musicians adorned the space, telling stories through oud strumming or piano keys, each piece conveying a unique tale.

Arab News attended a session called SPAN, which alluded to how our day is split into various spans of time and how each competes for our attention. Hosted by Benjamin Jacobs, a 30-year veteran educator, creative manager Yasmeen Fekak, and marketing professional Muhannad Alhammadeh.

These seasoned professionals engaged 20 participants in a workshop. After a brief presentation, educators were divided into four groups to brainstorm innovative ways to teach complex topics in the classroom.

“What is design thinking? This might be the hardest and easiest question,” Alhammadeh told Arab News. “If you think about design thinking, it’s the way that we were trying to deliver a mindset for educators to be able to build a solution every time they face a problem — while delivering information or content for students or trainees.

“It is just an introduction to unlock whatever skills, whatever tools that you might have. Design thinking is this method that will give you shortcuts to solutions and an enhancement to whatever you're doing in a very, very simple and broken-down way.“

The SPAN session took place in a classroom filled with colorful sticky notes for scribbling ideas and ample opportunities to discuss the most effective teaching or learning methods and their reasons.

“Tonight, it was a drop-in; we were hoping for 16, and we had 20. I would say it was a good problem to have,” Jacobs told Arab News after the successful session.

Fekak shared with Arab News her perspective on the dual roles of learning and teaching. She said: “Sometimes you are the receiver of the information; sometimes, you’re the one handing it out. Sometimes, you are the educator, sometimes you are the student; so it’s all about going back to design thinking and learning.

“What did I learn today? I learned that for us all … we were able to recall our previous experiences as students and able to recall what worked for us and what didn’t and that helped us in trying to come up with solutions that we could actually transfer later,” she added.


Health campaign promotes quality care in Saudi Arabia

Updated 04 November 2024
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Health campaign promotes quality care in Saudi Arabia

RIYADH: The Ministry of Health has launched a campaign to promote health by enhancing access to and the quality and efficiency of health services and raising awareness of health risks, the Saudi Press Agency reported Monday.

The campaign “A Vibrant, Healthy Nation” introduces a modern healthcare model, offering integrated, individual-centered services aligned with Vision 2030’s goal of fostering a healthy society.

The ministry is committed to “enhancing public health, improving quality of life, and raising the Kingdom’s global healthcare standing.”

The campaign highlights the health transformation initiative’s positive impacts and informs citizens about its main features, aiming to engage all segments of society, SPA reported.

It emphasizes a shift from treating illness to prevention, involving primary care doctors and early detection programs.


Saudi environment ministry launches program to develop green tech

Updated 04 November 2024
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Saudi environment ministry launches program to develop green tech

  • Scheme seeks new ways to repurpose wastewater, looks at impact of microplastics

RIYADH: The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture has opened applications for a new program to find ways to develop sustainable technologies in Saudi Arabia.

The Sustainable Innovation Fellowship Program aims to find ways to repurpose by-products from water treatment for the benefit of the environment; develop sustainable technologies for recycling membranes used in water treatment; and explore methods to reuse treated wastewater in desert and arid regions.

Supported by the Environment Fund and the Research, Development and Innovation Authority, the fellowship program will also assess the environmental impact of microplastics in water treatment plants, sewage, and wastewater.

In line with Saudi Vision 2030, the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture is also introducing new e-services in accordance with international standards.


Industry meets creativity at Athar festival in Riyadh

Updated 04 November 2024
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Industry meets creativity at Athar festival in Riyadh

  • With workshops, discussions, and awards, the festival aims to drive growth in Saudi Arabia’s creative sectors

The second Athar Saudi Festival of Creativity will take place in Riyadh from Nov. 5 to 6.

Hosted by UAE-based Motivate Media Group and communications consultancy TRACCS, the festival will gather over 1,500 professionals and leaders from the creative marketing industry, featuring 100 regional and international speakers.

Ian Fairservice, managing partner and group editor in chief of Motivate Media Group, will chair the event, alongside Vice Chairman Mohammed Al-Ayed, CEO of TRACCS.

Pre-festival activities began on Nov. 3 with the Young Talent Academies, including the Student Creative Academy (in partnership with the Middle East Communications Network), the Student Marketers Academy, the NextGen Creative Academy, and the NextGen Marketers Academy.

These academies, featuring keynote sessions from industry experts, workshops, and a 24-hour hackathon, are open to full-time university students aged 18 to 25 and professionals under 30 in creative communications, marketing, or advertising.

The festival will continue on Tuesday and Wednesday with panel discussions, presentations, and fireside chats focused on redefining and growing the creative landscape in Saudi Arabia, the Middle East, and beyond, covering various sectors such as sports, entertainment, and tourism.

The event will conclude with the Athar Awards ceremony on the evening of Nov. 6.

Notable speakers include Sir Martin Sorrell, founder and executive chairman of S4 Capital PLC; Matt McKie, director of marketing for Manchester United; Waseem Kashan, executive director of marketing at ROSHN Group; Yahya Hamidaddin, vice president of corporate communications at ACWA Power; and Houda Tohme, CEO of Havas Media Middle East.

Sessions and keynotes will explore themes such as purpose-driven marketing, brand growth strategies, artificial intelligence, technology, cross-sector innovation, and unlocking creative potential.


Saudi Arabia and Iraq sign MoU on military cooperation

Updated 04 November 2024
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Saudi Arabia and Iraq sign MoU on military cooperation

  • Two defense ministers reviewed longstanding relations between their countries, focusing on ways to enhance defense ties

RIYADH: Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman and his Iraqi counterpart Thabet Al-Abbasi signed a memorandum of understanding on Monday aimed at strengthening cooperation in the military field.

The agreement, signed during a high-level meeting in Riyadh, represents a significant step forward in defense collaboration between the Kingdom and Iraq, Saudi Press Agency reported.

During their discussions, the two ministers reviewed the longstanding relations between their countries, focusing on ways to enhance defense ties.

They emphasized the importance of continued cooperation to foster regional security and stability, particularly amid ongoing regional tensions.

Both ministers discussed recent developments and shared efforts aimed at de-escalating conflicts, prioritizing actions that support peace and security in the region.

The MoU establishes a framework for increased collaboration on military matters, allowing Saudi Arabia and Iraq to address shared security challenges more effectively and pursue mutual goals in defense, SPA added. 


Saudi Islamic affairs minister receives Chinese envoy

Updated 04 November 2024
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Saudi Islamic affairs minister receives Chinese envoy

Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance Dr. Abdullatif Al-Asheikh received Chinese Ambassador to the Kingdom Chang Hua in Riyadh on Monday.

During the meeting, they exchanged cordial talks and discussed issues of common interest, particularly those related to Islamic work and promoting moderation and peaceful coexistence, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Riyadh Gov. Prince Faisal bin Bandar received Ambassador of Iran to the Kingdom Alireza Enayati in Riyadh on Monday. They discussed bilateral relations and other topics of common interest.