Apple VP visits developer academy in Riyadh

Lisa Jackson meets female tech developers from the academy who showcased the apps they had developed. (Supplied)
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Lisa Jackson meets female tech developers from the academy who showcased the apps they had developed. (Supplied)
Apple VP visits developer academy in Riyadh
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Apple's Vice President of Environment, Policy, and Social Initiative, Lisa Jackson and the Academy director, Ohood Alnayel. (Supplied)
Apple VP visits developer academy in Riyadh
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Apple's Vice President of Environment, Policy, and Social Initiative, Lisa Jackson using the Vivid app, an AR app that enables you to create virtual graffitis. (Supplied)
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Updated 20 May 2023
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Apple VP visits developer academy in Riyadh

Lisa Jackson meets female tech developers from the academy who showcased the apps they had developed. (Supplied)
  • Einas Al-Turki, one of four developers who worked on Sabeel, said of the app: “Sabeel is a free communication app developed to help autistic children easily communicate with their caregivers through a picture exchange communication system

RIYADH: Apple’s Vice President of Environment, Policy, and Social Initiative Lisa Jackson recently visited the Riyadh-based all-female Apple Developer Academy.

The academy was established in 2021 in collaboration with the Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, the Tuwaiq Academy and the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming and Drones with the aim of helping women entrepreneurs and developers begin careers in the app economy.

During the tour of the facility with Ohood Al-Nayel, the director of the academy, Jackson met with female tech enthusiasts from the academy who showcased the apps they had developed.

HIGHLIGHT

The app ideas developed by the academy’s young women range from finding the right skincare products to bridging communication with autistic children.

“The facility is beautiful. The university and the federation should be commended because they really did provide an atmosphere that matched the aspiration of these learners,” said Jackson.

The app ideas developed by the academy’s young women range from finding the right skincare products to bridging communication with autistic children.

“From the first-year program, we had an app called Traffic Channel, which after joining the Visionary Program at the academy and after our market research, we pivoted into BoxE,” said Ranin Al-Marghalani, co-founder and CEO of BoxE.

“When you are checking out from an online store, instead of typing your home address each time you shop, you will click on an icon in the app and add your information and location once, which then can be used each time you shop online,” explained Al-Marghalani.

Einas Al-Turki, one of four developers who worked on Sabeel, said of the app: “Sabeel is a free communication app developed to help autistic children easily communicate with their caregivers through a picture exchange communication system.

“With a single tap, autistic children can send notifications to their caregivers, expressing their wants and needs, and caregivers can create their own customized (PECS).”

On meeting with the young app developers at the academy, Jackson said: “Today I heard things that inspire me, that I will keep with me, and that, I think, is the beauty of the collaboration that is happening here.”

Jackson sat down for a round table discussion with some students from the Visionary Program, which is an intensive six-month program for second-year students that aims to support ambitious and innovative Apple Developer Academy graduates with minimum viable products.

“I think the most important thing is for a woman to see herself in that job and to see role models and to know when we talk about developers, that is who we are talking about,” said Jackson.

She added: “I think this is the only academy we have that is devoted to females. I was curious myself to see how that manifested.”

 

 


Saudi specialist hospital announces new technology for autism spectrum disorder

Saudi specialist hospital announces new technology for autism spectrum disorder
Updated 15 sec ago
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Saudi specialist hospital announces new technology for autism spectrum disorder

Saudi specialist hospital announces new technology for autism spectrum disorder
  • Innovative new approach has received recognition as a patent filed in the US Patent and Trademark Office
  • King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center scores in top 25 percent for innovations globally

RIYADH: The King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center announced a new advanced technological process in screening for autism spectrum disorder, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The technology, which is the first of its kind, uses eye tracking and specific visual stimuli integrated with artificial intelligence.

This innovative new approach has received recognition as a patent filed in the US Patent and Trademark Office and is among the top 25 percent of innovations in its field worldwide.

The method differs from traditional and personal screening methods, providing an effective and more accurate alternative in screening for ASD, which is characterized by sensitivity and specificity.

The innovation came as a result of a study that included a diverse group of male and female participants across a wide age range, and required patients to share a visual stimulus to conduct an effective examination.

The hospital’s new approach facilitates early detection and more effective treatment of ASD, which improves the quality of life of people with autism and reduces the burden on healthcare and educational institutions.

This achievement is part of KFSH&RC’s commitment to addressing urgent health challenges and improving standards at a national and global level through innovative methods.


GCC leaders, President Erdogan accuse Israel of violations of international law in Gaza, demand end to occupation

GCC leaders, President Erdogan accuse Israel of violations of international law in Gaza, demand end to occupation
Updated 48 min 28 sec ago
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GCC leaders, President Erdogan accuse Israel of violations of international law in Gaza, demand end to occupation

GCC leaders, President Erdogan accuse Israel of violations of international law in Gaza, demand end to occupation

RIYADH: Members of the GCC have condemned Israel for committing “clear violations” of international law and reitterated their demand for an end to the Israeli occupatiuon of the Palestinian territories.

In a statement issued at the end of the 44th session of the Gulf Cooperation Council on Tuesday, the leaders of the six nations condemned Israel’s ongoing military actions in Gaza, “which have led to the forced displacement of the civilian population, and the destruction of civilian facilities and infrastructure, including residential buildings, schools, health facilities, and places of worship.”

The statement of decleration went on to say such actions were “in clear violation of international law and international humanitarian law,” and they expressed their dissatisfaction with the “blatant Israeli aggression against the Palestinian people”.

The summit, which was attended by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman as the lead member of the Saudi delegation, was in Qatar.

The representatives of the six Gulf nations were joined by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan who said there had been $23bn worth of trade between Turkiye and the GCC countries.

He went on to condemn Israel’s continued bombardment of  the Gaza Strip, adding: “

Netanyahu is committing war crimes against humanity in Gaza.”

And he said that Netanyahu “is pushing the entire region into danger for the sake of his political future.”

The meeting of GCC leaders took place in Qatar as Israeli forces launched their long-awaited storm of the main city in the southern Gaza Strip, where hospitals were overrun with scores of Palestinian dead and wounded.
In what appeared to be the biggest ground assault since the truce collapsed last week, residents said Israeli tanks had entered the eastern parts of Khan Younis for the first time, crossing from the Israeli border fence and advancing west.
Some took up positions inside the town of Bani Suhaila on Khan Younis’ eastern outskirts, while others continued further and were stationed on the edge of a Qatari-funded housing development called Hamad City, residents said.
After days of ordering residents to flee the area, Israeli forces dropped new leaflets on Tuesday with instructions to stay inside shelters during the assault.
“In the coming hours, the IDF (Israel Defence Forces) will begin launching an intensive attack on your area of residence to destroy the terrorist organization Hamas," said the leaflets.
“Don’t move out yet. For your safety, stay in the shelters and the hospitals where you are. Don’t get out. Going out is dangerous. You have been warned.”

But Israel’s bombardment has driven 80 percent of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents from their homes, most fleeing south – an area more densely populated than London.

And according to Gaza health officials deemed reliable by the United Nations, more than 15,800 people are confirmed dead, with thousands more missing and feared buried under rubble.

 

The declaration went onto to call for the immediate resumption of a humanitarian truce in the Gaza Strip in order to achieve a sustainable ceasefire and the assurance of that all humanitarian aid would reach its intended destinations.

The declaration went onto to call for the immediate resumption of a humanitarian truce in the Gaza Strip in order to achieve a sustainable ceasefire and the assurance of that all humanitarian aid would reach its intended destinations.

The summit pledged its ongoing support for the Palestinian people and its continued support to alleviate the suffering of the residents of the Gaza Strip.

The GCC statement also agreed to help rebuild “what the Israeli war machine destroyed in its attacks on the Strip during the past years.”

The GCC leaders warned that if the war continued there was a danger of the conflict expanding to other regions in the Middle East, something it warned would lead to “dire consequences for the peoples of the region and for international peace and security.”

And they called on the international community to intervene to establish a ceasefire and protect civilians.

The council reiterated its demand for an end to the occupation of Palestine, and its support for the sovereignty of the Palestinian people over all the occupied territories.

It praised Saudi Arabia’s continued efforts and its initiative in partnership with the Arab League, the European Union, the Arab Republic of Egypt and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan to revive the peace process, in accordance with international law, United Nations resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative of 2002.

Earlier in his opening remarks, Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani called on the UN Security Council to force Israel to return to the negotiating table over the war in Gaza.

“It is shameful for the international community to allow this heinous crime to continue for nearly two months, during which the systematic and deliberate killing of innocent civilians continues, including women and children,” he said at the summit. 

The Qatari ruler said his country was “constantly working to renew” the truce, which he added was “not an alternative to a permanent ceasefire”.

He called for “an international investigation into the massacres committed by Israel” and condemned the targeting of civilians of all nationalities and religions.

The GCC council released a declaration at the end of the summit, with Qatari Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani saying that their primary goal now is to stop the war in Gaza, adding that mediation talks on Gaza are still ongoing.  

The minister reiterated how it is unacceptable to prevent humanitarian aid from reaching the besieged strip.

(With Reuters)


Saudi camping: exploring the untamed beauty surrounding Riyadh

The rainy season in Riyadh announces with it winter and the start of the camping season. (Visit Saudi/Supplied)
The rainy season in Riyadh announces with it winter and the start of the camping season. (Visit Saudi/Supplied)
Updated 05 December 2023
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Saudi camping: exploring the untamed beauty surrounding Riyadh

The rainy season in Riyadh announces with it winter and the start of the camping season. (Visit Saudi/Supplied)
  • Adventurers and nature lovers should not miss these spots during winter

RIYADH: Camping in Saudi Arabia provides an opportunity to immerse oneself in the beauty of the vast wilderness. The desert, with its mesmerizing dunes stretching as far as the eye can see, offers a serene setting for those seeking solace away from the bustle of city life.

Camping offers an unforgettable experience for adventurers and nature enthusiasts. With the Kingdom’s diverse landscapes and warm hospitality, the country welcomes visitors to connect with nature and forge lasting memories in the heart of the Arabian Peninsula.

The rainy season in Riyadh announces with it winter and the start of the camping season. (Visit Saudi/Supplied)

From late October to early February, the rainy season in Riyadh announces with it winter and the start of the camping season.

During this time of the year, people flock to the desert, spending time with family, friends and loved ones, enjoying the beautiful warm weather away from city life and hectic schedules.

For those interested in camping, it is recommended to start with a visit to Reef Shaqra.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Reef Shaqra and Al-Rimaya are local store for camping supplies.

• Rawdat Khuraim is a popular spot about 110 km from Riyadh.

• King Salman Park, great for family picnics, is 40 km to the northeast.

Reef Shaqra is one of the local stores providing camping supplies — from food to spices to grilling tools, all organized perfectly and ready to be used.

Al-Rimaya is another excellent store to visit prior to a camping trip. The store, opened 25 years ago, specializes in camping and outdoor equipment such as tents, portable fire pits and camping fridges.

They also offer a service where they prepare the vehicle with all the necessary equipment for enthusiasts who spend days in the desert.

The rainy season in Riyadh announces with it winter and the start of the camping season. (Visit Saudi/Supplied)

“Recently, we have been seeing women customers more than men, not only buying camping equipment but also requesting car preparations,” said Sultan Abdulaziz, one of the store workers.

“There are many accessories we offer, like attaching tents to the car. The tent will be set perfectly to your car where you won’t need to prepare it by yourself every time you go on a trip.”

Rawdat Khuraim is 110 km from the capital and one of the well-known camping sites in the region.

Recently, we have been seeing women customers more than men, not only buying camping equipment but also requesting car preparations.

Sultan Abdulaziz, Al-Rimaya staff

The beautiful landscape has been transformed into a reserve to preserve its innate beauty. The area is not completely a desert but more of a green landscape due to the rains during the season.

Another popular destination close to the city is King Salman Park, 40 km to the northeast. It is a family picnic area, with facilities provided to create a safe and comfortable camping experience.

For those who have more of an adventurous spirit and love to spend a camping trip in complete isolation, the locations can be endless. Since the country, generally speaking, is known for being mostly desert, visitors can find camping spots almost everywhere.

Al-Rimaya sells supplies and also prepares the vehicle with equipment necessary for a trip to the desert. (AN photo by Haifa Alshammari)

There is nothing better than gathering around the campfire for a delicious meal. Dishes include mandi, kabssa and jamriyah, with kunafah among the recently trending meals.

With fine food and the allure of the stars in a dark sky, the music of oud sets the perfect atmosphere. Among activities young people enjoy are oud playing around the fire. Some musicians even offer services for music sessions during the camping trip.

As the popularity of camping in Saudi Arabia continues to grow, tour operators, officials and local communities are actively promoting responsible and sustainable practices.

 


Tuwaiq Sculpture event to display works from 30 artists

Qian Sihua’s ‘Harmony in Diversity’ (2023) expresses the power of form shaped by harmony and difference. (Riyadhart)
Qian Sihua’s ‘Harmony in Diversity’ (2023) expresses the power of form shaped by harmony and difference. (Riyadhart)
Updated 05 December 2023
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Tuwaiq Sculpture event to display works from 30 artists

Qian Sihua’s ‘Harmony in Diversity’ (2023) expresses the power of form shaped by harmony and difference. (Riyadhart)
  • This includes interactive workshops, school visits and discussion sessions, covering elements of architecture, sculpture, art and design

RIYADH: The Riyadh Art program’s Tuwaiq Sculpture 2024 event, which will be held from Jan. 14 to Feb. 24, will feature 30 prominent local and international artists who will showcase their work under the theme “Dimensions of Movement.”

The registration for the fifth edition of the event witnessed an overwhelming response, attracting more 650 applications from 80 countries. A committee of experts in art and sculpture meticulously evaluated the submissions, culminating in the selection of 30 artists representing 20 countries.

Tuwaiq Sculpture stands as a creative platform to inspire artists worldwide to craft distinctive artworks. (SPA)

The artists will create public art sculptures using stones sourced from the Kingdom, thereby enriching the cultural and artistic landscape of the capital.

FASTFACT

The artists will create public art sculptures using stones sourced from the Kingdom, thereby enriching the cultural and artistic landscape of the capital.

Marek Wolynski, lead curator of Tuwaiq Sculpture 2024, said that the fifth edition of the event will offer an immersive experience that amalgamates innovation, ambition and expansion.

He added that the event’s thematic focus on “Dimensions of Movement” mirrors the transformation of the capital through various projects under the Riyadh Art program.

The judging panel for Tuwaiq Sculpture 2024 comprises experts in the fields of art and sculpture.

Tuwaiq Sculpture stands as a creative platform to inspire artists worldwide to craft distinctive artworks.

The collaboration among artists from diverse cultures and backgrounds is integral to the event, with the fifth edition incorporating an expanded community partnership program.

This includes interactive workshops, school visits and discussion sessions, covering elements of architecture, sculpture, art and design.

 


Saudi, Malaysian firms sign strategic partnership at Halal Expo London

Saudi, Malaysian firms sign strategic partnership at Halal Expo London
Updated 04 December 2023
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Saudi, Malaysian firms sign strategic partnership at Halal Expo London

Saudi, Malaysian firms sign strategic partnership at Halal Expo London

LONDON: Saudi Arabia’s Halal Products Development Company (HPDC) concluded on Monday its participation in the Halal Expo London 2023, one of the most prominent global halal events.

HPDC, a wholly owned Public Investment Fund (PIF) entity, signed a strategic partnership with Malaysia’s Halal Development Corporation Berhad (HDC), to stimulate the growth of the halal industry in Saudi Arabia and globally.

According to the terms of the agreement, the two companies will exchange information on industry-leading practices and successful models of halal ecosystems.

“Through our partnerships and strategic agreements, we at HPDC strive to connect vendors, distributors, and businesses operating in the halal industry across the world,” HPDC CEO Fahad S. AlNuhait said.

“We are excited to enter into this landmark agreement which allows us to leverage shared resources to make a significant contribution to the expansion of the industry.

“With this agreement, our aim is to establish a dynamic ecosystem in Saudi Arabia that enhances the local economy, invites international investors, and increases halal trade worldwide,” he added.

The two organizations will continue to collaborate with key stakeholders in the global halal industry, and jointly work toward shaping the halal ecosystem, ensuring transparency and efficiency all the way.

“This collaboration transcends mere business alignment; it embodies a shared vision to propel the halal industry to new heights globally,” HDC CEO Hairol Ariffein Sahari said.  

“With HDC’s vast experience in building a comprehensive halal ecosystem, we will provide specialized advisory, investment strategies, innovation collaboration, technology transfer and Industry Thought Leader sharing.

“We believe HDC can provide a proven effective operational model, along with a sustainable halal ecosystem that not only brings substantial benefits to Saudi Arabia but also extends its positive impact to a global scale and beyond,” he added.