ISG Dammam hosts first TEDx, showcases students’ oratory skills 

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The event featured a wide variety of topics, with students offering unique insights and personal antidotes. (ISG/Raghad Badahdah)
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Updated 10 October 2024
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ISG Dammam hosts first TEDx, showcases students’ oratory skills 

  • The event featured talks by students across grades 7-12 on a variety of topics, ranging from personal growth to global issues

DAMMAM: The International School Group Dammam celebrated a significant milestone on Thursday by hosting its first-ever TEDx event, marking a momentous occasion for the school as 11 students took to the stage to present their ideas and insights. 

The event, themed “Imagine the Impossible,” featured talks by students across grades 7-12 on a variety of topics, ranging from personal growth to global issues.

TEDx refers to independently organized events licensed by TED, a popular global platform known for its short, punchy and powerful talks. 

While TED itself stands for Technology, Entertainment and Design, TEDx events are live talks that are community-driven and organized by local groups using the same format as TED conferences, made popular on YouTube. The “x” signals that the event was independently organized while adhering to the stringent TED guidelines and format.

English teacher Nadia Iqbal, who coached the students, shared her pride in their efforts. “The students have put endless hours of work — and the scripts are original. They have really worked from articulating that idea to growing that idea and thinking what we can offer TEDx that was not offered before,” she told Arab News.

Iqbal organized the event alongside the school librarian, Betsey Hawkins.

The TEDx stage was hosted by four students — Gen Grason Kitaoka-Aurelius, Safar Sultan Al-Qahtani, Ayesha Asher and Virginia Brookshire — who offered humorous commentary in between the various speakers. 

The event was attended by families and was also recorded for those unable to attend in person.

Senior Ahmed Faraz, who gave a talk on artificial intelligence in education, was the first speaker of the day. He felt it was a success — for him personally and for the entire school. “We’ve learned so much preparing over the course of a few months — I’m so proud of my school,” he told Arab News.

While nearing the end of his school journey, the 12th grader expressed admiration for the younger participants, noting that he could not have envisioned being able to do this TEDx talk earlier in his life. “Honestly, if I was their age, I would not step on that stage — I was not like them. My hat’s off to them,” Faraz added.

Seventh grader Yeon Elizabeth Kim, who initially joined the event to enhance her college application, spoke about her personal journey in Saudi Arabia from her native South Korea. “I felt really blessed to get the opportunity because I’m usually very quiet and introverted,” she shared with Arab News, adding that the event helped her build confidence.

Izabela Aquino Aniversario explained how overcoming challenges shaped her perspective. “Rejection is a universal experience and everyone should get to know the ‘good’ side of rejection,” she told Arab News, encouraging others to see failure as an opportunity for growth.

“When life gives you lemons, you make lemonade,” she said.

The event featured a wide variety of topics, with students offering unique insights and personal antidotes.

Other speakers included Haya Halaweh, who delved into the importance of valuing inner traits over physical appearance; Sarah Emad who addressed the impact of social media on relationships; Mohammed Hamza Jamsheed, who critiqued electric vehicles as a sustainable solution; and Maria Bassim reflected on the “art of procrastination.” 

Omar Majdi Hamdaan spoke about the concept of “grit” and its power in overcoming challenges, while Zarmeena Awan encouraged the audience to chase their dreams with confidence. 

Adam Elmorsy discussed the paradoxical nature of AI and Mohammed Mohid Alam Siddiqi’s talk was on how to prioritize mental health in the digital age.

Parents expressed pride in their children’s performances, with Faraz’s father saying: “The topic that he spoke about — I didn’t know about it ... it was great. It was a great journey.”

This TEDx event at ISG Dammam “reflects the school’s commitment to fostering creativity, leadership and critical thinking in its students,” the school said in a statement.

Students started prepping for their TEDx talk in May, putting in countless after-school hours to craft speeches that reflected their academic knowledge and personal experiences.

Principal Michael Schreider praised the students, telling Arab News that he could not wait for the next event.

“The kids worked very hard; it’s something that we just started last year for the first time, and everyone came together, worked very hard and made this happen,” he said.


Smart tech aids lifesaving care for Hajj pilgrim

King Abdullah Medical City in Makkah. (SPA)
Updated 07 June 2025
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Smart tech aids lifesaving care for Hajj pilgrim

  • After stabilization, she was equipped with a smartwatch linked to the Seha Virtual Hospital system for remote monitoring, enabling her to complete her pilgrimage safely

MAKKAH: A Moroccan pilgrim who had suffered a “severe” heart attack was admitted to King Abdullah Medical City in Makkah, where she received “urgent care supported by smartwatch technology and continuous virtual monitoring,” the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

The hospital, part of the Makkah Health Cluster, reported that the patient also suffered from chronic conditions including hypertension and diabetes.

She “underwent cardiac catheterization, during which a drug-eluting stent was placed in the left anterior descending artery,” the SPA reported.

After stabilization, she was equipped with a smartwatch linked to the Seha Virtual Hospital system for remote monitoring, enabling her to complete her pilgrimage safely.

Later, in Mina, the smartwatch detected abnormal readings as the patient experienced chest pain again, triggering an alert. The virtual care team directed her to Mina Al-Jisr Hospital, where she was evaluated and admitted for observation. Once stable, she was discharged with a treatment plan and continued virtual follow-up.

This case “illustrates the strength of Saudi Arabia’s digital health infrastructure during Hajj and reflects the Ministry of Health’s progress toward Vision 2030, prioritizing high-quality, smart healthcare for pilgrims,” the SPA wrote.

 


Nusuk app guides more than 35k pilgrims on Eid Al-Adha

Updated 07 June 2025
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Nusuk app guides more than 35k pilgrims on Eid Al-Adha

  • Available in 10 languages, the app offers more than 120 digital services to support pilgrims’ arrival and rituals

MAKKAH: The Nusuk app — developed by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, played a “key role” on the first day of Eid Al-Adha, helping to guide more than 35,000 Hajj pilgrims, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

The app “highlights the ministry’s commitment to using technology for smooth pilgrim movement and effective crowd management at the holy sites, reflecting integrated technical and operational services during Hajj,” the SPA wrote.

Available in 10 languages, the app offers more than 120 digital services to support pilgrims’ arrival and rituals. With direct links to 25 government agencies and 10 private sector entities, Nusuk — a part of the ministry’s digital-transformation drive in line with Vision 2030 — “has become a comprehensive platform for the pilgrim journey,” the SPA reported.

For this year’s Hajj, the ministry added more than 30 new services to the app, including Nusuk AI — a digital assistant that provides guidance and responds to pilgrims’ inquiries via voice and text in multiple languages.

 


Saudi crown prince urges international community to end Israeli aggression in Gaza

Updated 07 June 2025
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Saudi crown prince urges international community to end Israeli aggression in Gaza

  • Prince Mohammed made the comments during a speech to dignitaries and officials marking Eid Al-Adha in Mina

MINA: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Saturday reaffirmed “the importance of the international community’s role in ending the disastrous consequences” of Israel’s “aggression” in Gaza.

He made the comments during a speech to dignitaries and officials marking Eid Al-Adha in Mina, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

“The suffering of our brothers in Palestine continues as a result of the ongoing Israeli aggression, he said.

“We reaffirm the importance of the international community’s role in ending the disastrous consequences of this aggression, protecting innocent civilians, and working toward a new reality in which Palestine can enjoy peace in accordance with international legitimacy and relevant resolutions.”

The crown prince was speaking during a meeting with Eid Al-Adha well-wishers at the Royal Court in Mina Palace.

“God Almighty has honored this country with the service of the Two Holy Mosques and their visitors, including pilgrims, Umrah performers and other guests,” he said, emphasizing that Saudi Arabia places this sacred duty at the forefront of its priorities, harnessing all its capabilities to serve the guests of God and ensuring that they are able to perform their rituals with ease and comfort.

The crown prince reiterated the Kingdom’s commitment to fulfilling this responsibility, recognizing both the great honor and the immense trust it entails.

“We ask God Almighty to perpetuate security and stability in our country, in all Muslim countries and across the world,” he said.

“May He accept the Hajj of the pilgrims to the House of God and return them safely to their families.”


MWL chief meets Syria’s Awqaf minister

Updated 07 June 2025
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MWL chief meets Syria’s Awqaf minister

  • They discussed a variety of topics of common interest

RIYADH: Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, secretary-general of the Muslim World League and chairman of the Organization of Muslim Scholars, met with the Syrian Arab Republic’s Minister of Awqaf Mohammad Abu Al-hair Shukri to discuss “a variety of topics of common interest,” the MWL wrote in a post on X on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance Dr. Abdullatif Al-Alsheikh recently met with the Malaysian delegation of Islamic leaders participating in the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Guests Program for Hajj, Umrah, and Visit, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

 

 


Saudi Crown Prince meets Maldivian, Mauritanian presidents to discuss partnership opportunities

Updated 07 June 2025
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Saudi Crown Prince meets Maldivian, Mauritanian presidents to discuss partnership opportunities

  • Two leaders exchanged Eid Al-Adha greetings and discussed ways to strengthen relations

MINA: Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met on Saturday with President Mohamed Muizzu of the Maldives at the Royal Court in Mina Palace, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The two leaders exchanged Eid Al-Adha greetings and discussed ways to strengthen relations and expand cooperation between their countries across various fields, SPA added.

The meeting reflected ongoing efforts to bolster Saudi-Maldivian ties and explore new avenues for partnership.

A number of senior Saudi officials attended the meeting, including Prince Saud bin Mishal bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Governor of Makkah Region; Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, Minister of Sports; Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Nayef, Minister of Interior; Prince Khalid bin Salman, Minister of Defense; and Prince Faisal bin Farhan, Minister of Foreign Affairs.

From the Maldivian side, the delegation included several ministers including Foreign Minister Abdulla Khaleel.

The high-level talks come as Saudi Arabia continues to deepen engagement with nations across South Asia, in line with its broader diplomatic and economic outreach initiatives.

Also on Saturday, Prince Mohammed held talks with President of Mauritania Mohamed Ould Ghazouani.

Prince Mohammed held talks with President of Mauritania Mohamed Ould Ghazouani. (SPA)

They also exchanged congratulations on the occasion of Eid Al-Adha, in addition to discussing overall relations and ways to enhance them in various fields, SPA reported.