Digital economy must include all communities, says Digital Cooperation Organization’s secretary-general
Over a third of world lacks access to internet, says Deemah Al-Yahya
Tech leaders must develop ‘responsibly, transparently’ for ‘everyone’
Updated 19 February 2025
Sulafa Alkhunaizi
AMMAN:More than one third of the world’s population still lacks access to the internet, said Deemah Al-Yahya, secretary-general of the Digital Cooperation Organization, who stressed that underserved communities must be included in the digital economy.
Al-Yahya highlighted the current status of digital transformation during the International Digital Cooperation Forum in Amman on Tuesday.
Although the digital economy is expected to hit $16.5 trillion by 2028, accounting for 17 percent of the globe’s gross domestic product, the divide in digital exclusivity remains deep despite this rapid progress, Al-Yahya said.
“This gathering is the beginning of a new era for a global collaboration … in today’s world digital transformation is no longer a choice, it is imperative.”
Speaking on artificial intelligence, Al-Yahya said the global market value of AI is expected to exceed $800 billion by 2030, yet it is available in only a handful of countries.
Al-Yahya asked the question: “Will AI (deepen) existing divides or will it be a force for inclusion and prosperity?”
“Leaders in technology must ensure that AI and developing technologies are developed responsibly, transparently, and for the benefit for everyone and all.
“The voices of young people, women, and underserved communities must not just be included, but must be given the power to shape policies, lead initiatives and build the digital economy of the future.”
As a part of the event, a Digital Prosperity Awards ceremony celebrated the achievements of international and regional companies.
This included Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development which won an award for “Digital Transformation: Decision Making” and Tuwaiq Academy for “Digital Transformation: Cooperation.”
Sami Smeirat, Jordan’s minister of digital economy and entrepreneurship, spoke about the power of the event: “Together we can shape the future where digital cooperation unlocks new opportunities and creates lasting prosperity for all.”
The event features panels and discussions with leading experts from across the world.
The DCO was founded in November 2020 and currently has 16 nations as members including Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Pakistan, Bahrain, Bangladesh and Oman. It also has 39 observer partner organizations.
The DCO member states have a collective GDP of $3.5 trillion and serve a combined market of nearly 800 million people, more than 70 percent of whom are under the age of 35.
Healthy demand — pumpkin production on the rise in Qassim
Promising crop supports local food safety and achieves notable economic revenues
Updated 20 June 2025
Arab News
BURAIDAH: It may be classed as a fruit, but pumpkin has become a key ingredient in cuisines around the world, thanks to its versatility and nutritional value.
And in Qassim, thanks to a favorable climate and agricultural conditions coupled with rising local demand, pumpkin production is enjoying significant growth.
Farmer Saleh bin Hamad Al-Saab spoke to the media about his experience of growing the fruit. (SPA)
Recorded health benefits of eating pumpkin include enhanced vision and better immunity. It also supports heart health, helps weight loss and promotes healthy skin and hair, as well as providing important nutrients and being low in calories.
Farmer Saleh bin Hamad Al-Saab spoke to the media about his experience of growing the fruit.
Possible, beneficial and promising
“Pumpkin cultivation in Qassim is not only possible, but also beneficial and promising,” he said.
“There are different kinds, including field pumpkin, butternut squash, kabocha squash, and even spaghetti squash, which is gaining increasing popularity.”
Each variety has its own uses and benefits. Field pumpkin is used in soups and baked goods, while butternut squash is a rich source of beta-carotene and spaghetti squash is a healthier alternative to pasta. As for white pumpkin, it is especially popular for festive decorations and seasonal occasions.
Recorded health benefits of eating pumpkin include enhanced vision and better immunity. (FILE/AFP)
Al-Saab said that as pumpkin did not need huge amounts of water or pesticides to grow successfully, and it could be stored for long periods without deteriorating, it was considered a promising economic crop. Drip irrigation systems and the cultivation of diverse varieties have also significantly enhanced crop quality and boosted productivity.
The farmer highlighted the public’s growing awareness of pumpkin as a healthy food choice and said there were a number of opportunities to develop other industries around the crop, such as juices, dehydrated foods and cosmetics.
This promising crop supports local food safety and achieves notable economic revenues, reflecting the agricultural sector’s role in meeting the Kingdom’s sustainable development targets.
Solstice ushers in start of summer 2025 on Saturday
It is the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere
Updated 20 June 2025
Arab News
RIYADH: The summer solstice, which marks the season’s astronomical beginning, will take place on Saturday, June 21, according to the Jeddah Astronomical Society.
The Kingdom will witness the solstice at 5.42 a.m. Makkah time, when the sun will be directly overhead above the Tropic of Cancer, latitude .
The skies of the Kingdom and the rest of the Northern Hemisphere will witness the summer solstice Saturday at 5:42 am Makkah time.
At this moment, the sun will be directly overhead above the Tropic of Cancer, latitude 23.5 degrees north. This year, the summer will last for 93 days.
Majed Abu Zahra, head of the Jeddah Astronomical Society, said: “On this day, the sun rises from the far northeast and sets in the far northwest. At noon, the shadows of objects are the shortest of the year, and the sun’s apparent path takes its highest arc northward, placing it at its highest altitude in the sky during the year, especially in areas north of the equator.”
The summer solstice occurs when the sun reaches its apparent northernmost point in the sky. This coincides with the Earth reaching a position in its orbit where its axis is tilted at the maximum angle (23.5 degrees) toward the sun, causing the longest day and shortest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. In the Southern Hemisphere, the situation is reversed.
Abu Zahra added: “The summer solstice does not occur on the same day every year, but rather between June 20 and 22, due to the difference between the calendar year (365 days) and the tropical year (365.2422 days), along with the gravitational effects of the moon and planets and the slight fluctuations in the Earth’s rotation, which are compensated for by adding a leap day every four years.”
He said it was important to differentiate between the astronomical summer and climatic summer.
Meteorologists consider summer to extend from June 1 to August 31, while in astronomy, summer begins when the sun reaches its maximum altitude — the day of the summer solstice.
Abu Zahra said although this was the longest day of the year in terms of the number of hours of sunlight, it was not necessarily the hottest.
This is because the oceans, land and atmosphere take time to absorb and store solar energy, and then release it again. This delay in the perception of heat is known as “seasonal lag,” so temperatures typically peak in July or August.
Ancient Greek scholars, led by Eratosthenes, used their observations on the summer solstice to calculate the Earth’s circumference with amazing accuracy using simple geometric principles.
After the summer solstice, the sun will appear to move southward again in the sky, and daylight hours will gradually decrease until the autumnal equinox on Sept. 22.
How AI and microtools are empowering the next generation of Saudi entrepreneurs
AI-powered tools can save small business owners up to 10 hours weekly, boosting efficiency and freeing time for growth
Social media remains a key starting point, but surveys show long-term success depends on managing a dedicated digital presence
Updated 20 June 2025
SALEH FAREED
JEDDAH: Digitalization has reshaped how entrepreneurs get started — particularly in the early stages. Increasingly, small businesses are launching via platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and WhatsApp, bypassing the traditional route of setting up a dedicated website.
These social-first entrepreneurs are meeting customers where they already spend time, turning social media from a communication tool into a sales platform.
“Generative AI is reshaping the future of business, and when combined with digital marketing, the results are transformative,” Selina Bieber, vice president for international markets at the US-based web hosting company GoDaddy, told Arab News.
With the right mix of AI and easy-to-use tools, turning a side project into a long-term venture is more achievable than ever. (Supplied)
According to the GoDaddy 2025 Global Entrepreneurship Survey, 22 percent of small business owners in the Middle East and North Africa now run their businesses primarily on social media.
This trend highlights the rising importance of social commerce, especially for solo founders and part-time business operators.
However, running a business solely on social platforms comes with risks. Visibility may be high, but ownership and control are limited. Algorithm changes or policy shifts can dramatically affect a business’s ability to reach customers or generate income.
Shoppers also tend to look for additional signals of trust before making a purchase. A professional website, for example, often strengthens a business’s credibility.
According to The State of Digital Commerce in MENA 2024 report by Checkout, 73 percent of online shoppers in the region are more confident buying from businesses that have a website, rather than relying exclusively on social media accounts.
In response to this shift, new digital tools have emerged to support social-first entrepreneurs.
Features such as branded microsites, product catalogues, and smart links — often packaged into accessible platforms — help founders establish a more centralized and professional presence online without needing advanced technical knowledge.
Artificial intelligence is also playing a growing role in this transition, helping entrepreneurs move more quickly from concept to launch. It can assist in writing product descriptions, developing pricing strategies, and automating customer engagement.
Beyond time savings, AI helps to level the playing field by making it easier for people to launch and scale businesses with minimal upfront investment. (Supplied)
Internal data suggests AI-powered tools can save small business owners up to 10 hours a week — a meaningful benefit for entrepreneurs managing limited time and resources.
Beyond time savings, AI helps to level the playing field by making it easier for people to launch and scale businesses with minimal upfront investment.
Saudi Arabia has emerged as a particularly dynamic arena for these digital shifts.
In 2023, GoDaddy signed a partnership agreement with the Kingdom’s General Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises — Monsha’at — to equip Saudi entrepreneurs with the digital tools and training needed to build their online presence.
Signing of the Go Daddy-Monsha'at partnership by Mohammed Alamro, general manager of entrepreneurship planning at Monsha’at, and Selina_Bieber, Go Daddy's VP for international markets. (Go Daddy photo)
The agreement, signed during the Biban 23 entrepreneurship forum in Riyadh, aimed to empower aspiring business owners through workshops, seminars, and a planned business accelerator.
It also included support for Monsha’at Academy and content initiatives to share local success stories.
“We’re inspired to see Saudi entrepreneurs and small business owners feel confident in embracing technology and in their approach to entrepreneurship,” said Bieber.
While social media remains a powerful tool for customer engagement, long-term growth often requires a more permanent digital footprint.
A dedicated website, complemented by tools like GoDaddy’s Show in Bio, can provide an added layer of credibility and security — something that social media accounts alone may not guarantee.
With the rise of impersonation and questionable accounts online, many customers check whether a business has a standalone website before making a purchase.
The latest generation of entrepreneurs is pragmatic and digitally fluent. While they may start on social media, many are increasingly looking for tools that offer more autonomy, control, and brand distinction.
Combining a social-first approach with a professional online presence can offer the credibility and resilience needed for sustainable growth.
“GoDaddy continues to level the playing field by offering powerful, affordable tools that allow small businesses to elevate their marketing and achieve real success,” said Bieber.
With the right mix of AI and easy-to-use tools, turning a side project into a long-term venture is more achievable than ever.
Social media may be where the journey starts — but building lasting value depends on owning and shaping your own digital presence.
KFUPM jumped to 67th in the 2025 QS World University Rankings from 101st last year
Updated 19 June 2025
Arab News
DHAHRAN: King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals has achieved a milestone by entering the list of the world’s top 100 establishments, ranking 67th in the 2025 QS World University Rankings after being 101st last year.
The transformation has taken place across academic, research, and administrative domains. Nearly 100 new programs have been launched, including innovative undergraduate and graduate offerings.
The university has also introduced the region’s first entrepreneurship program, granting students and researchers full ownership of their startups in a move that reflects a modern, innovation-driven academic culture focused on economic empowerment.
In addition, the university has adopted the FAST transformation model and the AI+X initiative, which integrates artificial intelligence as an integral knowledge component across all disciplines, making it a core academic requirement for all students.
The university has also achieved the highest female enrollment rate in engineering programs globally, and attracted students from more than 75 countries, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
Adventurous couple travel across GCC states on motorcycle
Driven by faith and adventure, the couple traveled thousands of miles in 24 days, enduring long hours on the road, all to reach their target
Updated 20 June 2025
SALEH FAREED
JEDDAH: Two Jeddah-based Indian-Saudi bikers have covered a distance of 6,218 kilometers across the Gulf Cooperation Council region on their motorcycles.
Driven by faith and adventure, the couple traveled thousands of miles, crossing the GCC borders — Saudi Arabia, UAE, Oman and Bahrain — and enduring long hours on the road, all to reach their target.
Their 24-day trip stands as a powerful testament to their devotion, determination, and love for an adventurous journey.
Mir Shakeel Ur Rahman from Hyderabad and Amal Ahmed from Jeddah started biking together 6 years ago after their marriage. It has been a journey of self-discovery, shared interest and passion that has made their biking experience more surreal.
The couple have rode across Saudi Arabia to Makkah, Jazan, Abha, Hail, Riyadh, Dammam, and Al-Ahsa to promote Saudi tourism, but this time, the duo decided to go on an epic adventure across the GCC states. “We were excited to start the journey and tackle a route new to us,” said Shakeel.
Mir and Amal taking timeout for a selfie along the road. (Supplied)
For Shakeel and Ahmed, this journey is about much more than reaching and discovering new destinations. It is also about the motorcycle friends they have met and respect.
“Actually this journey was aimed to visit our dear friends and celebrate with them their national days. We really wanted to attend Oman’s national day, UAE’s national days and Bike Week in Bahrain.”
The couple officially left Jeddah at the end of November 2024 to Makkah followed by Taif before riding through Riyadh from where they crossed the border over to Abu Dhabi.
During their stay in Riyadh, the couple met with a number of motorcyclists from all regions of the Kingdom as well as riders from Iraq, and Bahrain. They also participated in the celebration held at the Embassy of the Sultanate of Oman to mark the 54th Omani National Day.
Mir and Amal at the UAE border. (Supplied)
“On our way to the border of UAE from Riyadh, it was not as easy as we expected because of the sandy weather we faced, but we managed to get through with the great help we received from the Saudi patrol officers who kept us safe all the way,” added Shakeel.
Once they reached Abu Dhabi, the couple contacted Sheikh Suhail Bin Hasher Al-Maktoum, widely known as the “Father of All Bikers” in the UAE who invited them to celebrate the UAE’s 53rd National Day along with other motorcyclists from all over the world at his farm.
“It was a great night with Sheikh Suhail who gathered all bikers from all over the world, it was also a great opportunity to exchange our deep relations with our friends while celebrating the UAE’s national day. Actually, we were surrounded by people who were trying their best to help us in any way they can to make our journey safe,” said Ahmed.
The couple with Sheikh Suhail Bin Hasher Al-Maktoum in Abu Dhabi. (Supplied)
Keen to take things further, the pair continued their journey to Oman. Shakeel found riding through Oman particularly enjoyable, from exploring the historic Nizwa Fort and Souq to venturing into the surrounding mountains.
“It was a truly a new experience. It allowed us to explore Oman’s diverse landscapes, immerse ourselves in its rich history, and create lasting memories,” he said.
His wife stated that visiting Oman’s iconic Jebel Akhdar — the Green Mountain — was probably the highlight of their journey.
She added: “Our Omani motorcycle friends also were extremely generous with us all the time we were there; they took us on tours to various parts of Oman and also were very helpful in maintaining our bikes.”
After enjoying their stay for few days in Oman, they rode toward Bahrain and attended the annual Bahrain Bike Week, which featured various activities like motorcycle races, concerts, and street festivals.
“We had wonderful days and the event was filled with energy, passion, and the love for two wheels,” said Shakeel.
While they had reached their final destination, they were informed by KALAM’s World Record that they had officially set the record for the longest motorcycle expedition as a couple.
“It was a great news for us to be recognized by KALAM’s World Record which is an organization that celebrates achievements across various fields. We are extremely happy and I am dedicating this achievement for my wife. We are looking forward to receive this award on Sept. 16, 2025,” said Shakeel.
The couple have no intention of settling down and are already planning their next adventure.
