RIYADH: KSrelief has signed an agreement with a civil society organization to implement the water and sanitation project in Yemen’s Hajjah governorate, benefiting 30,422 people with $1.1 million in funding.

The project includes drilling and rehabilitating solar-powered wells, installing pumping networks, building and restoring tanks, and setting up water desalination plants.

The project will also facilitate the transportation and distribution of water by trucks, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Ahmed Al-Baiz, assistant supervisor general of operations and programs at KSrelief, signed the deal in Riyadh.

Meanwhile, Saudi aid convoys carrying 4,494 shelter kits arrived in northern Gaza to support residents and displaced families, the SPA reported.

The kits include blankets, mattresses, cooking utensils and water containers to help families cope with the harsh conditions.

The Saudi Center for Culture and Heritage, KSrelief’s executive partner in Gaza, will begin immediate distribution to alleviate suffering amid severe cold and the ongoing siege.

RIYADH: The Kingdom’s Museums Commission has appealed for applicants for its virtual reality competition, an innovative initiative aimed at enhancing education and promoting technological advancement in the sector, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The competition, which opened on Dec. 6, invites young people to create immersive and interactive educational experiences that utilize virtual reality to spotlight Saudi Arabia’s cultural heritage and help transform the role of museums in society, the SPA added.

The competition targets a diverse range of participants, including students and graduates specializing in information technology, computer science, digital design, and fine arts.

Developers and programmers with an interest in virtual reality, as well as artists and designers keen to blend technology with art, have also been encouraged to apply.

The initiative also welcomes culture enthusiasts with a technological background who want to explore VR applications in museums, as well as storytellers with a passion for narrating the history and civilization of their cities or regions.

Successful participants will undergo a four-month training program designed to develop their skills in virtual reality design and programming.

The competition will unfold in four stages: the selection of trainees, VR training and development, the creation of interactive educational experiences, and the evaluation and judging of entries.

Winners will be celebrated through regional ceremonies held across the Kingdom.

The Museums Commission said its ambition was to inspire future generations and foster a deeper appreciation for cultural heritage through the initiative. By integrating cutting-edge technology and storytelling, the competition aims to reimagine museums as dynamic platforms for learning and engagement, it added.

Registration for the competition can be made on the official Museums Commission website and its social media channels.