JEDDAH: In partnership with the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority, King Saud University has launched a training program for the upcoming Transformation Hackathon.
The three-day program equips participants with essential skills to thrive in high-performing hackathon teams. It focuses on building technical abilities and hands-on experience with AI tools.
Participants will learn to develop innovative, functional prototypes that address key challenges during the hackathon, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The training is a key step ahead of the main event, set for April 24–27.
The Transformation Hackathon is a strategic initiative to enhance education at King Saud University, support national talent in data and AI, and advance Saudi Vision 2030 through innovation and future-ready skills.
Saudi university prepares talent for AI hackathon
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Saudi university prepares talent for AI hackathon
- The three-day program equips participants with essential skills
- Participants will learn to develop innovative, functional prototypes
Riyadh’s latest group game spot encourages social connection
- Center designed to engage people physically, mentally
RIYADH: As Saudi Arabia encourages more active and social lifestyles, a group of young Saudi entrepreneurs in Riyadh has created a space that blends movement, mental challenges, and social connection.
Opened in 2024, Pixel Games is a locally developed gaming center designed to engage people both physically and mentally. It is also a testament to the vision and drive of young Saudis, who are shaping the Kingdom’s entertainment landscape.
Riyadh has no shortage of entertainment options, and Pixel Games adds to the city’s growing roster of homegrown concepts.
While the founders would like to keep a low profile, they are working behind the scenes to address the local appetite for interactive social spaces that go beyond traditional arcades or seasonal pop-ups.
FASTFACTS
• Activities at Pixel Games range from strategic puzzles to movement-based games, all designed for groups of friends and families to enjoy together.
• Each session lasts an hour, and visitors can reserve private rooms for a more personal experience.
The center features nine themed “moving rooms,” with more than 40 group-based physical and mental challenges.
Activities range from strategic puzzles to movement-based games, all designed for groups of friends and families to enjoy together. Each session lasts an hour, and visitors can reserve private rooms for a more personal experience.
Visitors have responded positively to the experience. Nawaf Aloggayel, a recent guest, said: “The place is beautiful, the games are different and fun, and the prices are reasonable.
“I advise people to come … it’s the best entertainment place in Riyadh so far.”
Ahmed Al-Ahmed, marketing representative for Pixel Games, said: “Pixels is an entertainment center that gathers challenges and fun into a group of different movement activities.
“Groups can enjoy a private room, which makes it more exciting and comfortable.”
What sets it apart is its year-round availability, making it a go-to spot for spontaneous plans or scheduled outings. It provides a safe and stimulating environment where children can burn off energy, develop problem-solving skills, and socialize with their peers.
Whether you are looking for a quick group activity, a family outing, or a way to try something new with friends, Pixels offers a low-key alternative for playful competition and connection.
Biotech program to empower Saudi innovators
- The seven-month program offers participants mentorship, capacity development, and networking opportunities with local and international investors and experts
RIYADH: The Ministry of Health has launched a biotechnology accelerator program to empower Saudi innovators in biotechnology and life sciences.
The initiative aims to enhance their scientific and commercial readiness, attract investment, and expand their global market reach, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
It also seeks to boost their contributions to healthcare quality, aligning with the National Biotechnology Strategy and the Health Sector Transformation Program under Vision 2030, which envisions a thriving, innovation-driven economy and a vibrant society with sustainable health and quality of life.
The seven-month program offers participants mentorship, capacity development, and networking opportunities with local and international investors and experts.
It includes workshops, seminars, individual consultations, and a chance to present innovations at the BIO 2025 Conference.
The application deadline is May 8. Interviews and initial selection will take place from May 15-20, with final acceptances announced on May 25.
The ministry continues to advance health innovation and accelerate the progress of promising national projects. It encourages all Saudi innovators, entrepreneurs, and startups to register for the program and inquire via redbiotech@moh.gov.sa
Insan spends SR55m on beneficiary families in first quarter of 2025
- Programs aim to meet needs through seasonal initiatives, monthly services, direct assistance
RIYADH: The Charitable Society for Orphans Care in Riyadh, also known as Insan, implemented several programs during the first quarter of 2025 aimed at meeting the needs of families through seasonal initiatives, monthly services, and direct assistance.
Total expenditure on services and initiatives provided during the first quarter amounted to SR55.09 million ($14.66 million), which included basic, seasonal, and other services.
The society deposited SR27.6 million into families’ bank accounts for basic expenses (cash, clothing, and food).
It also deposited SR2,790,600 for the Ramadan Basket Project, benefiting 9,251 families to meet their needs during the holy month of Ramadan, and SR1,060,800 for the Eid Gift Project, helping 5,304 through special gifts during Eid Al-Fitr.
There were more than 21,000 beneficiaries from the Zakat Al-Fitr project during the first quarter, covering their food needs before Eid Al-Fitr, at a cost of SR3.86 million.
The quarterly report issued by Insan highlighted the numerous programs and activities provided by it, including Imaniyat, Pioneers of the Future, Be a Human Compass, Mualham, and Medad.
These programs included developmental and empowerment paths, helping 2,853 beneficiaries.
In line with its commitment to meeting the needs of beneficiary families, Insan provided 7,725 diverse services during the first quarter, including emergency assistance, social and health support, bill payments, housing expenses, furnishing and maintenance, contributions to home purchases, healthcare, and other services. The society spent SR19,773,339 on these services.
It also conducted 1,469 visits to families in the first quarter. These assessed conditions, listened to needs, and identified requirements. The family satisfaction rate reached 93 percent.
In an effort to empower beneficiaries in various fields, the society conducted 436 applications for training, diploma, bachelor’s degree, employment, and project financing.
Saudi deputy minister receives newly appointed Spanish ambassador
- Al-Sati welcomed the Spanish ambassador and wished him success in his new duties
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Minister for Political Affairs Saud Al-Sati received the new Ambassador of Spain to the Kingdom Javier Carbajosa Sanchez in Riyadh on Monday.
Al-Sati welcomed the Spanish ambassador and wished him success in his new duties, the Foreign Ministry wrote in a post on X.
Separately, the Saudi deputy minister met with Ambassador of Iraq to the Kingdom Safia Taleb Al-Suhail and discussed bilateral relations and issues of common interest.
Qatari emir invites Saudi leaders to attend global social development summit
- The 2nd World Summit for Social Development will take place in Doha from Nov. 4 to 6
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman have each received an invitation to attend the Second World Summit for Social Development, which will take place in Doha from Nov. 4 to 6.
The letters, sent by Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, were presented by the nation’s ambassador to the Kingdom, Bandar Al-Attiyah, to the Saudi minister of foreign affairs, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, in Riyadh on Monday.
Other officials present at their meeting included Abdulrahman Al-Rassi, the undersecretary for multilateral international affairs at the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
