Saudi study launched in first crewed polar orbit flight with SpaceX

A Saudi mission to study the effects of low gravity on the microbiome of the human eye joined the launch of SpaceX’s Fram2 flight on Monday night. (Reuters)
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Updated 01 April 2025
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Saudi study launched in first crewed polar orbit flight with SpaceX

  • Crew of four to go into polar orbit for first time in history
  • Mission carries samples of human eye microbiome as part of Saudi study

RIYADH: Biological samples for a Saudi study into the effects of low gravity on the microbiome of the human eye have been launched into orbit on a SpaceX rocket.

Monday night marked a historic moment in both Saudi and global history as health-tech startup SDM and nonprofit FALAK for Space Science and Research launched the Falak Mission to explore the ocular microbiome in space aboard SpaceX’s Fram2 from Florida’s Space Coast.

“This is the first time that astronauts have gone into the polar (orbit) space, not the equatorial … this is the first time globally that any specimens have gone to the polar space (orbit) with live astronauts,” Prof. Dr. Selwa Al-Hazza, CEO and founder of SDM, told Arab News.

SpaceX’s Fram2 Falcon 9 rocket took off on March 31 at 9:47 p.m. carrying with it ocular microbiome samples.

The mission is part of global efforts to study the impact of microgravity on the ocular microbiome in space — a critical yet under-researched aspect of eye healthcare.

It will track the genetic and protein changes that may occur as a result of exposure to microgravity.

The experiment also aims to evaluate the ability of microbes to form biofilms, which may increase the risk of infection in space, as well as analyzing changes in microbial resistance to antibiotics after exposure to microgravity.

The project “will contribute to achieving qualitative progress in education and research in space and associated technologies,” Dr Ayoub Al-Subehi, CEO of Falak, told the Saudi Press Agency ahead of the launch. 

Al-Hazza, who has 39 years of experience in fields spanning ophthalmology, image analysis, artificial intelligence, diabetic retinopathy, and ocular genetic diseases, underlined that this mission represents a significant step in the Kingdom’s commitment to scientific innovation and its expanding role in the global space sector.

She told Arab News: “After 39 years of being in ophthalmology, there has to be treatment for every disease. Why can’t we do something with these microbiomes?

“To spend 40 years and trying to treat patients and they do not respond, all of the pharmaceuticals and drugs, and patients going back and forth – to be able to find the mutation of what happens to the microbiomes ... What does this mean to me? To be able to treat every single (patient) ... to be able to take the microbiome and to find a solution for all of the sick patients through a simple mutation, staying away from drugs and staying away from the back and forth — that, to me, is a dream come true,” she said.

“I thought, what if we take his microbiome to the microgravity, why don’t we take it up to space, let’s see what effect the space has on the microbiome. I am sure there has to be some sort of mutation, I am sure there has to be some sort of change in its structure,” Al-Hazza added. 

Over the last 18 months, Al-Hazza and her team, along with SDM co-founder Naif Al-Obaidallah, have connected with specialists at Johns Hopkins Hospital, where Al-Hazza was a professor, as well as microbiome experts in Malta and Turkiye.

Al-Hazza worked with these specialists who have knowledge and expertise in the sector to explore medical solutions in space.

“With my 39 years of expertise in ophthalmology, we put our minds together we got the mission, we saw it last night.”

Al-Hazza shared the sense of pride she felt as the SDM team, in partnership with FALAK, carried the Saudi flag representing an important step in the Kingdom’s commitment to innovate and enhance its growing role in the global space sector.

She underlined that the mission had the support of King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, at which she is an adviser, as well as the Saudi Space Agency and Communications, Space and Technology Commission.

The study is part of the Fram2 mission, which was launched from the Kennedy Space Center, has a crew of four and is the first human spaceflight to follow a polar orbit.

The Falcon 9 rocket is expected to land on April 3 with a specific time yet to be announced.


Authorities foil drug trafficking across Kingdom

Updated 12 sec ago
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Authorities foil drug trafficking across Kingdom

  • Suspects arrested in multiple regions as authorities tighten grip on drug trade

Riyadh: Saudi authorities carried out multiple drug-related arrests across the Kingdom, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Thursday. 

Border Guard land patrols in the Halat Ammar sector of the Tabuk region foiled the smuggling of 352,275 amphetamine pills.

In Asir’s Al-Raboah sector, authorities arrested two Ethiopians with 50 kg of qat, while another operation led to the arrest of four Ethiopians smuggling 120 kg of qat.

In Jazan’s Al-Dayer sector, an Ethiopian was caught with 155,400 regulated tablets, and another smuggling attempt involving 995 kg of qat was thwarted.

The General Directorate of Narcotics Control arrested a Pakistani resident in Riyadh with 6.5 kg of methamphetamine, locally known as shabu.

Two citizens were arrested in the Hail region with 16,132 amphetamine tablets and 7.5 kg of hashish.

Preliminary legal procedures were completed, and all seized items were transferred to the relevant bodies.

Authorities have urged the public to report drug smuggling or selling by calling 911 in Makkah, Riyadh and the Eastern Province, or 999 in other regions.

Reports can also be submitted, in strict confidence, to the General Directorate of Narcotics Control at 995 or via email at 995@gdnc.gov.sa.


KSrelief provides urgent medical, food assistance to crisis-hit regions worldwide

Updated 26 min 3 sec ago
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KSrelief provides urgent medical, food assistance to crisis-hit regions worldwide

RIYADH: The Kingdom’s aid agency, KSrelief, is providing humanitarian assistance to assist some of the world’s most vulnerable people, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Thursday.

In Yemen, KSrelief delivered the fourth batch of dialysis solutions and supplies for kidney patients in Al-Mukalla district of Hadramout governorate.

Hadramout Assistant Deputy Gov. Fahmi Badhawi highlighted the importance of the supplies and expressed gratitude to Saudi Arabia for its support for Yemen’s healthcare sector and humanitarian efforts.

The scheme is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader efforts through KSrelief to provide healthcare services to patients and the injured, while improving Yemen’s medical sector, the SPA reported.

Meanwhile, KSrelief delivered food baskets to 155 families in Sahnaya town, Rif Dimashq governorate in the Syrian Arab Republic, benefiting 769 people. The agency also provided clothing parcels to 140 families in Aleppo governorate.

In Lebanon, KSrelief provided food baskets to 828 families in Western Bekaa, Akkar and Dannieh, and 467 food baskets in Beirut, benefiting 2,335 people.

In Sudan, KSrelief handed out 2,000 food baskets to displaced and needy families in Berber locality, River Nile State, benefiting 12,811 people, and 800 food baskets in Jebeit, Red Sea State, benefiting 4,720 people.

Since launching in May 2015, KSrelief has implemented 3,389 projects worth almost $7.9 billion in 106 countries, partnering with more than 300 local, regional and international organizations.

A recent KSrelief report shows the countries and territories benefiting the most from the agency’s projects: Yemen ($4.5 billion), Palestine ($514 million), Syria ($479 million), Somalia ($235 million) and other countries totaling $929 million.

Programs cover food security, early recovery, water sanitation and hygiene, health, camp coordination, education, protection, emergency aid, nutrition, and logistics and telecommunications.


Civil Defense issues heavy rain alert until Monday

Updated 03 April 2025
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Civil Defense issues heavy rain alert until Monday

  • The directorate indicated that moderate to heavy rain is expected in the Tabuk, Madinah, Jouf, Northern Borders, Eastern Province, Hail, Qassim, Baha and Asir regions

Riyadh: The public should exercise caution as thunderstorms and heavy rains are expected to continue across most regions of the Kingdom until Monday, according to the General Directorate of Civil Defense. 

Residents are advised to stay in safe locations, avoid valleys and areas prone to flooding, and refrain from swimming in them, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Thursday. 

According to the report, there will be dust-stirring winds, and moderate to heavy rain may fall in the Makkah and Riyadh regions.

The directorate indicated that moderate to heavy rain is expected in the Tabuk, Madinah, Jouf, Northern Borders, Eastern Province, Hail, Qassim, Baha and Asir regions.

The Jazan region will see light to moderate rain, while the Najran region will experience light rainfall, the report said.

The Civil Defense has urged the public to monitor official channels and social media platforms for the latest weather updates.


Saudi consulate in Los Angeles celebrates Eid Al-Fitr

Among those attending the event were Saudi Consul General Bandar Al-Zaid and officials from the US State Department. (Supplied)
Updated 02 April 2025
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Saudi consulate in Los Angeles celebrates Eid Al-Fitr

  • The celebration underscored the consulate’s commitment to strengthening ties with the local community and fostering cultural exchange

LOS ANGELES: Saudi Arabia’s Consulate General in Los Angeles marked Eid Al-Fitr with a festive celebration attended by Consul General Bandar Al-Zaid, officials from the US State Department, the Vice Mayor of Irvine James Mai, the former mayor of Irvine, and accredited consul generals.

The celebration underscored the consulate’s commitment to strengthening ties with the local community and fostering cultural exchange, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Through such initiatives, the consulate aims to highlight the Kingdom’s rich heritage.

 


Arabic Language Month begins in Spain

Updated 02 April 2025
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Arabic Language Month begins in Spain

  • It features an exhibition, seminars, training courses, linguistic proficiency tests, and student competitions in partnership with Spanish universities and academic institutions

RIYADH: The King Salman Global Academy for the Arabic Language is hosting the Arabic Language Month program in Spain throughout April, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The event is a comprehensive initiative aimed at developing Arabic language curricula, promoting the language, and highlighting Saudi Arabia’s efforts in this field.

The progeam is designed to strengthen academic and educational ties between Saudi Arabia and international institutions, the SPA reported.

It features an exhibition, seminars, training courses, linguistic proficiency tests, and student competitions in partnership with Spanish universities and academic institutions.

As part of the academy’s global Arabic teaching program, the initiative has been implemented in countries such as Uzbekistan, Indonesia, China, India, France, Brazil, Thailand and Malaysia, expanding its international reach and fostering global partnerships.