Saudi engineer teaches Arabic to children, refugees in Europe

Saudi engineer teaches Arabic to children, refugees in Europe
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Mohammed Al-Taweelie, who has work experience in Germany, said that he observed a lack of Arabic language content and fluency among the Arab community and refugee children in the West. (Supplied)
Saudi engineer teaches Arabic to children, refugees in Europe
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The Arabic stories are written in various categories for age groups 6-8 years and 9-12 years. (Supplied)
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Updated 07 August 2024
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Saudi engineer teaches Arabic to children, refugees in Europe

Saudi engineer teaches Arabic to children, refugees in Europe

MAKKAH: A Saudi engineer is helping Arab children and refugees in the West connect with their culture and roots through Arabic language lessons.

Mohammed Al-Taweelie, who has work experience in Germany, said that he observed a lack of Arabic language content and fluency among the Arab community and refugee children in the West.

It led him to launch Daad with personal funding. The initiative provides storytelling and learning activities for children through their online database. “This project has produced over 140 high-quality Arabic stories with audio and video available for free,” he told Arab News.

The Arabic stories are written in various categories for age groups 6-8 years and 9-12 years.

Dadd has officially been registered as a voluntary, nonprofit organization in Germany, he said.

Al-Taweelie said that the initiative’s purpose was “to enhance Arabic electronic content in Europe, aiming to enrich Arabic content and address its deficiencies in various fields of knowledge. The initiative included programs and competitions for students, resulting in over 50 million visits to scientific articles.”

Saudi students have done remarkably well abroad, he said. Speaking about activities he had been involved in, he said: “I founded several student clubs to support foreign and German students. I gained the trust of students at the Technical University of Dortmund, where I was elected by the university’s students in many associations.”

Al-Taweelie also served as a spokesperson for foreign students and students of the faculty of electrical engineering and communication at the university, as well as for the Student Relief and Support Fund at the Technical University of Dortmund.

He was honored by the Saudi Embassy in Berlin and twice received a distinction award from the Saudi Cultural Mission in Germany because, beyond his contributions at university, he also volunteered to work with the city of Dortmund through volunteer and social responsibility programs, especially refugee support programs.

Al-Taweelie, who studied at Al-Jazeera High School in Tabuk, has a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering and a master’s degree in electrical and communications engineering, specializing in robotics and automotive technology. His research at the Technical University of Dortmund focused on artificial intelligence.


Experience global cultures as Riyadh Season launches 3 zones with exciting events

Experience global cultures as Riyadh Season launches 3 zones with exciting events
Updated 10 sec ago
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Experience global cultures as Riyadh Season launches 3 zones with exciting events

Experience global cultures as Riyadh Season launches 3 zones with exciting events
  • Boulevard World expands with new cultural zones, while Boulevard City introduces thrilling interactive adventures
  • Al-Suwaidi Park launches with a community spotlight, starting with Indian Week

RIYADH: Riyadh Season 2024 has announced the opening of three zones for the public: Boulevard World, Boulevard City, and Al-Suwaidi Park. These zones will host a series of weeks dedicated to communities.

Boulevard World will open its doors to the public daily from 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. This season has seen several updates, including a 30 percent increase in zone size and the addition of five new zones: Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, Iran, Africa, and Courchevel.

With 22 zones representing various cultures worldwide, it boasts 300 restaurants and cafes and more than 890 shops, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.

The zones representing Egypt, Spain and Italy in Boulevard World have also been upgraded with 21 new activities suitable for different age groups, including theatrical performances and showcases from several countries, enhancing their appeal as an entertainment destination.

On Saturday night, the season’s opening was held at the Kingdom Arena with boxing matches, musical performances by hip-hop moguls Busta Rhymes, Missy Elliott, and Ciara. A member of the audience was selected to win a Mercedes-Benz G-Class, presented by General Entertainment Authority Chairman Turki Al-Sheikh.

This year, Boulevard City at Riyadh Season introduces new entertainment experiences, such as PUBG Mobile, where visitors can join a team and engage in immersive laser battles, competing to be the last one standing.

Visitors can also dive into the mysterious and exciting world of Detective Conan, where they become detectives in an effort to solve puzzles, uncover crime secrets, and find hidden treasures. This experience includes multiple stages filled with interactive challenges that require critical thinking and analysis.

Fans of family adventures and fantasy can embark on imaginative journeys with Bluey and Bingo World.

The Five Nights at Freddy’s experience returns for horror enthusiasts with a new, more thrilling, and challenging version. Visitors will confront high levels of fear as they attempt to survive the dangers surrounding them within the eerie shopping center.

These new experiences make Boulevard City an unmissable destination within the Riyadh Season events this year, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in exceptional adventures that blend excitement, fantasy, and horror.

Al-Suwaidi Park, one of Riyadh Season 2024’s most attractive destinations, spans 140,000 sq m and will host events from 4 p.m. to midnight. The series of community-dedicated weeks starts with Indian Week.

Indian Week will feature performances by renowned artists, impressive shows, traditional Indian cuisine, and opportunities to purchase clothing reflecting India’s rich cultural diversity. 
 


Foreign Ministry hosts cybersecurity awareness event

Foreign Ministry hosts cybersecurity awareness event
Updated 16 min 38 sec ago
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Foreign Ministry hosts cybersecurity awareness event

Foreign Ministry hosts cybersecurity awareness event
  • The event featured six interactive stations educating visitors on cybersecurity threats and safety tips

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in partnership with the National Cybersecurity Authority, held an exhibition in Riyadh to promote cybersecurity awareness.

Under the patronage of Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan, the event featured six interactive stations educating visitors on cybersecurity threats and safety tips.

Visitors could test their cybersecurity knowledge and learn about safe online practices, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs recently signed strategic agreements with the Saudi Information Technology Co. to enhance its cybersecurity.

Abdulhadi Al-Mansouri, assistant minister for executive affairs, and Majed Al-Mazyad, governor of the National Cybersecurity Authority, attended the signing.

Three contracts were signed in Riyadh, with Saad Al-Aboudi, CEO of the Saudi Information Technology Co., in attendance.

This collaboration aims to strengthen the ministry’s cybersecurity system, aligning with the Kingdom’s goals in this sector.
 


Saudi Civil Defense warns of thunderstorms until Friday

Saudi Civil Defense warns of thunderstorms until Friday
Updated 14 October 2024
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Saudi Civil Defense warns of thunderstorms until Friday

Saudi Civil Defense warns of thunderstorms until Friday
  • The Makkah region is expected to experience moderate to heavy rainfall

RIYADH: The General Directorate of Civil Defense has issued a warning that there will be thunderstorms in several regions of Saudi Arabia until Friday.

The Makkah region is expected to experience moderate to heavy rainfall, accompanied by flash floods, hail and strong winds, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.

Taif, Maysan, Adham and Al-Ardiyat are particularly at risk, while Turabah may have light rainfall.

The Riyadh region will also be affected, with light to moderate rain forecast for Wadi Al-Dawasir, Al-Sulayyil, Al-Aflaj, Hawtah Bani Tamim and Al-Kharj.

Moderate to heavy rainfall is expected in Baha, Asir, Jazan and Najran, while the Eastern Province may experience light showers.

The Civil Defense has urged people to exercise caution, avoid areas prone to flash floods, including valleys, and refrain from swimming in flooded areas.

Members of the public should stay updated on the latest weather conditions through various media channels.

Autumn in Saudi Arabia is typically rainy, with rapid weather changes offering relief from the heat, according to the National Center for Meteorology.


Saudi Arabia sends second relief plane to Lebanon 

Saudi Arabia sends second relief plane to Lebanon 
Updated 14 October 2024
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Saudi Arabia sends second relief plane to Lebanon 

Saudi Arabia sends second relief plane to Lebanon 

RIYADH: The second Saudi relief plane, operated by KSrelief, departed on Monday from King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, carrying food, medical supplies and shelter aid to Beirut International Airport.

This mission follows the directives of King Salman and Crown Prince Prince Mohammed bin Salman to support the Lebanese people.

This aid aims to alleviate the suffering of those affected in Lebanon and is part of the Kingdom’s support across various humanitarian and relief sectors.


Caves in Saudi Arabia’s northern region are windows to history, gates to adventure

Caves in Saudi Arabia’s northern region are windows to history, gates to adventure
Updated 14 October 2024
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Caves in Saudi Arabia’s northern region are windows to history, gates to adventure

Caves in Saudi Arabia’s northern region are windows to history, gates to adventure
  • Caves and sinkholes offer glimpse into the past with their unique geological formations
  • Kingdom’s 1,826 caves have underground tunnels formed naturally in dry limestone areas

Riyadh: At least 542 caves and sinkholes discovered in Saudi Arabia’s Northern Borders region offer more destinations for the increasing number of tourists, adventurers and researchers interested in these structures, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.

Of varying shapes, these structures offer a glimpse into the past with their unique geological formations, said the report, quoting Burjas Al-Falih, a speleologist and a member of the Afaq Society for Astronomy.

Among the most famous caves in the Kingdom are the Jabal Qarah in Hufuf, Dahl Heet in Riyadh city, and Shuwaimis in Hail region.

 

Caves and sinkholes offer a glimpse into the past, often revealing the secrets of humanity and unique geological formations. (SPA)

Saudi Arabia’s National Center for Wildlife has recently begun examining these structures in the Northern Borders region as a part of its Caves Exploration Program, which began in 2022.

According to the center, there are at least 1,826 caves in the Kingdom.

These consist of underground passages and tunnels formed by natural processes in dry limestone areas — evidence of a historical era that experienced prolonged rainy conditions.

The breathtaking rock structures often feature stalactites and stalagmites.

The rock structures, often featuring stalactites and stalagmites, create breathtaking views. (SPA)

Al-Falih emphasized the importance of documenting cave explorations. By classifying locations, types and access, adventurers can explore these sites responsibly, he said.

Organizing official trips to these locations can also help ensure their protection, he added.

In an earlier SPA report, Dr. Mohammed Ali Qurban, the chief executive officer of the NCW, explained that the discoveries in the caves hold significant environmental value for the Kingdom.

“The cave ecosystems serve as a historical museum, providing evidence of the biological diversity that has existed in the Kingdom throughout various historical eras, as well as the spatial, environmental, and climatic changes in the Arabian Peninsula,” he was quoted as saying.

He said the center’s earlier discovery of Arabian cheetah mummies in a cave — with some skeletons estimated to be over 4,000 years old — provided the first evidence of the species’ presence in the Kingdom.

Researchers from the center had also discovered rare bats and the remains of several extinct animals, he said.

The cave ecosystem is one of the rarest and most important of its kind in the world, recognized as a part of a nation’s natural heritage by UNESCO.