RIYADH: The Geneva International Exhibition of Inventions presented a gold medal to Abdullah Bugshan Chair’s research team who was studying the catalytic factors of bone building, receiving an honorary certificate from the judging committee that is awarded only to a very few exceptions whose innovations are of a high degree of excellence and interest. This is the highest honorary degree granted on such an occasion.
This award was given due to the positive results of research initiated by the chair since 2003. At one stage, researchers discovered that they could use a new catalyst for the rehabilitation of nerves of the teeth without the need for the usual work of treating nerves, especially for young people, in addition to materials covering the nerve as well as measuring the amount of protection formed above the nerve. This is the first medical discovery in this field on a global level.
The supervisor and head of the research team was Dr. Khalid Al-Huzaimi, assistant professor at the Department of Preventive Dental Medicine. He is also consultant in the treatment of roots and nerves, dental gum surgery and dental implants at the Faculty of Dentistry at King Saud University and visiting professor at the University of Southern California.
The other members were Dr. Khalid Al-Fawzan, a health consultant for the treatment of roots and nerves of the teeth at the National Guard and Military Hospital; and Dr. Mansour Al-Askar, a master's degree student at Tufts University near Boston.
The team members won several international awards and earned advanced positions in several exhibitions and conferences with their research, including at the Malaysian Exhibition of Innovation 2012, where they received the gold medal for team research. Al-Huzaimi pointed out that this wide interest from research and scientific centers is evidence of their scientific achievements and the future that awaits this innovation once applied to patients. This usage is the first of its kind in the treatment of roots and teeth nerves that may allow for retaining the nerves of the teeth instead of removing them.
Al-Huzaimi also said that the importance of this accomplishment lay in the new therapeutic method that was given to the patients and proven clinically effective and largely successful. He added that the research and efforts spanned more than eight years beginning in 2003, and all phases of research were done within the Kingdom, such as in the labs and clinics of King Saud University and the National Guard Hospital.
He emphasized that this accomplishment was also due to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah who led a scientific renaissance in the country and supporting scientific research and as well as university cities across the Kingdom. He also thanked Crown Prince Naif, deputy premier and minister of interior.
Coauthor Al-Fawzan said this scientific discovery was the first in this area and is the fruit of close and strong cooperation between King Saud University and the chair of Abdullah Bugshan.
“I would like to take this opportunity to extend thanks and appreciation to King Saud University for its support of clinical research that has helped to make this scientific discovery known to the world,” he said, adding that King Saud University attached great interest to health and considered it an investment for future generations.
Al-Fawzan also said the research team had brought this accomplishment and presented it to King Abdullah for his support and sponsorship of scientific research.
Saudi dentists given medals for innovative technique
Saudi dentists given medals for innovative technique
KSrelief’s 11th aid plane lands at Damascus airport
- KSrelief dispatched dozens of aid trucks and planes after collapse of Assad regime
RIYADH: The 11th Saudi relief plane landed at Damascus International Airport in Syria on Wednesday as part of a humanitarian airlift launched by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre.
After the collapse of Bashar Assad’s regime early in December, KSrelief has sent dozens of trucks and planes loaded with food, shelter, and medical supplies to meet the urgent basic needs of Syrians.
Experts discuss AI’s role in enhancing pilgrim experiences
- Discussions at Jeddah conference focus on crowd control, personalized services, sustainable solutions
- Tamer Bdran, vice president of NEC Saudi Arabia Ltd., discussed the role of global technical solutions tailored to the unique needs of Hajj and Umrah
JEDDAH: Industry experts gathered to discuss how artificial intelligence can enhance the Hajj and Umrah experience for millions of pilgrims worldwide.
The discussions took place at the fourth Hajj and Umrah Services Conference and Exhibition in Jeddah, running until Jan. 16.
The event, themed “The Road to the Nusuk,” is hosted by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and the Pilgrim Experience Program, featuring over 300 local and international organizations showcasing innovations to improve the pilgrim experience.
The conversation began with an overview of the current state of Hajj and Umrah, with speakers noting that only 5 percent of available technical capabilities have been utilized so far.
Mohammed Al-Hamid, director of the AI Center at the Ministry of Interior, shared in the session “Personalizing Services for the Guests of Allah: Data and Digital Solutions” that the ministry has made significant progress in data and AI infrastructure.
He added that the ministry has played a key role in transforming the Hajj and Umrah experience into a seamless journey driven by technological innovation.
Al-Hamid said that AI can help manage crowds by tracking movements, identifying potential hazards, and making real-time adjustments to traffic flow.
“We are using AI to develop long-term solutions that enhance the sustainability of Hajj services, including managing human density by analyzing crowd flow and predicting congestion, offering multilingual guidance, utilizing big data to anticipate pilgrims' needs, and efficiently distributing human and technical resources,” he added.
Speakers then expressed optimism about how AI could address the urgent need for faster and more effective services.
Abdulaziz Al-Matahami, deputy minister of planning and digital transformation at the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, said that the ministry first digitized traditional services, then moved to integrate government agencies to offer customized services for each pilgrim and Umrah performer.
He highlighted the new version of the Nusuk app, which provides comprehensive services such as hotel and flight reservations, historical tours, and permits for the Two Holy Mosques.
Al-Matahami also announced the launch of the Nusuk Business platform, aimed at enhancing integration with entrepreneurs to deliver innovative solutions for serving pilgrims.
In another session titled “Advanced Solutions and Technologies for Effective Crowd Management,” Fahad Al-Ghamdi, CEO of human resources at National Security Services Co., explained that the company operates as an integrated security system, offering consulting, risk analysis, and advanced technical solutions, such as mobile command and control centers with cameras supported by AI to analyze data in real time.
Tamer Bdran, vice president of NEC Saudi Arabia Ltd., discussed the role of global technical solutions tailored to the unique needs of Hajj and Umrah.
He said: “Technologies such as facial and fingerprint recognition, along with simulating crowd flow using supercomputing, have improved planning and reduced waiting times at ports and airports.”
Meanwhile, Saudi Ambassador to Spain Princess Haifa Al-Mogrin visited the Ministry of Interior’s pavilion at the conference. She was briefed on the ministry's efforts and initiatives to ensure a safe Hajj experience, including AI-enhanced security systems, digital solutions for crowd management at holy sites, the “No Hajj Without a Permit” campaign, and the Makkah Route initiative.
Saudi FM arrives in Thailand on official visit
RIYADH: Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan arrived in Bangkok for an official visit to Thailand on Wednesday.
The prince is set to discuss the relationship between Thailand and Saudi Arabia, leading the Kingdom’s delegation at the inaugural meeting of the Saudi-Thai Coordination Council.
Saudi commission registers 3,202 new heritage sites
- Newly registered sites include 16 in Riyadh, eight in Makkah, one in Qassim, two in the Eastern Province, 3,170 in Asir, two in Hail, one in Najran, and two in Baha
- Commission encouraged citizens and residents to report unregistered heritage sites via the Balagh platform, official social media accounts, or local branches
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Heritage Commission has registered 3,202 new sites in the National Urban Heritage Register, bringing the total to 28,202.
This reflects the richness of Saudi Arabia’s heritage and efforts to document and protect it, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.
The newly registered sites include 16 in Riyadh, eight in Makkah, one in Qassim, two in the Eastern Province, 3,170 in Asir, two in Hail, one in Najran, and two in Baha.
This registration follows the promulgation of the Antiquities, Museums and Urban Heritage Law; and a decision by the commission’s board of directors authorizing its CEO to register and protect heritage and archaeological sites.
The commission encouraged citizens and residents to report unregistered heritage sites via the Balagh platform, official social media accounts, or local branches.
Saudi FM discusses regional developments with Russian counterpart
RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan discussed regional developments and bilateral relations during a phone call with Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov on Wednesday.
The ministers discussed bilateral ties and regional developments, a statement on the Saudi foreign ministry account on platform “X”.
