Sharpen your pencils, children, it is time to go back to school

Stationery and school supply stores across the Kingdom are bustling with activity as parents and students stock up on supplies. (AN photo)
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Stationery and school supply stores across the Kingdom are bustling with activity as parents and students stock up on supplies. (AN photo)
Stationery and school supply stores across the Kingdom are bustling with activity as parents and students stock up on supplies. (AN photo)
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Stationery and school supply stores across the Kingdom are bustling with activity as parents and students stock up on supplies. (AN photo)
Stationery and school supply stores across the Kingdom are bustling with activity as parents and students stock up on supplies. (AN photo)
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Stationery and school supply stores across the Kingdom are bustling with activity as parents and students stock up on supplies. (AN photo)
Stationery and school supply stores across the Kingdom are bustling with activity as parents and students stock up on supplies. (AN photo)
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Stationery and school supply stores across the Kingdom are bustling with activity as parents and students stock up on supplies. (AN photo)
Stationery and school supply stores across the Kingdom are bustling with activity as parents and students stock up on supplies. (AN photo)
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Stationery and school supply stores across the Kingdom are bustling with activity as parents and students stock up on supplies. (AN photo)
Stationery and school supply stores across the Kingdom are bustling with activity as parents and students stock up on supplies. (AN photo)
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Stationery and school supply stores across the Kingdom are bustling with activity as parents and students stock up on supplies. (AN photo)
Stationery and school supply stores across the Kingdom are bustling with activity as parents and students stock up on supplies. (AN photo)
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Stationery and school supply stores across the Kingdom are bustling with activity as parents and students stock up on supplies. (AN photo)
Stationery and school supply stores across the Kingdom are bustling with activity as parents and students stock up on supplies. (AN photo)
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Stationery and school supply stores across the Kingdom are bustling with activity as parents and students stock up on supplies. (AN photo)
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Updated 14 August 2024
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Sharpen your pencils, children, it is time to go back to school

Stationery and school supply stores across the Kingdom are bustling with activity as parents and students stock up on supplies.
  • Seeing eager faces ready to learn is invigorating, says Saudi schoolteacher 

JEDDAH: A new academic year is set to begin in Saudi Arabia.

Stationery and school supply stores across the Kingdom are bustling with activity as parents and students stock up on supplies in preparation for the start of classes.

For many students the promise of new beginnings brings the excitement of purchasing stationery goods designed after their favorite characters, or that match their personal style — and the market is loaded with options to suit every aesthetic, from glittering pinks to classy shades of black.

Back-to-school shoppers like Neama Al-Sabea have expressed satisfaction with the diverse options and competitive prices offered by stationery and office supply stores during the busy season.

A mother of five, Al-Sabea told Arab News: “We’re thankful for a smooth return to school — a return to routine, learning, studying, and getting back into the swing of things. There are plenty of stores that offer beautiful school supplies at various price points.

“Each store has its own pricing, but we lean towards Al-Hadaya Center for its reasonable prices and wide range of quality products. Of course, Jarir Bookstore is an excellent option too, though a bit on the pricey side.”

Al-Sabea said that this year older children were leaning toward simple, sporty backpacks from brands like Adidas and Nike, favoring darker colors, while her daughter in the third grade is opting for bright colors, butterflies, and “all things cute.”

Most parents are in agreement that back-to-school shopping requires planning and time as it is usually not something that can be tackled in a day.

Al-Sabea has a routine, and said: “Getting everything ready for school takes more than just a day because there’s quite a bit to buy.

“We usually break the plan down to stationery shops for pens, notebooks, backpacks. One day for uniform shops, sportswear, shoes, socks, and hair accessories, and then Abaya for the older girls, which might take one day to sort out.”

At the forefront of the back-to-school rush is Al-Hadaya Center, where Sufyan Raya, a senior digital marketing specialist, told Arab News that the store’s promotional campaign, launched a month ago, has seen a surge in demand.

Among the center’s crown jewels this year is an exclusive range of products from globally recognized brands such as Adidas, Nike, Puma, Disney, and Marvel. Centrepoint and Jarir Bookstore are the two other stores that are offering the products in the western region of the Kingdom.

“Products adorned with characters will be exclusively available with us instead of traditional stationery to protect brand rights,” Raya told Arab News.

The store has also sourced products from international suppliers and from its own factories in Turkiye, China, and Malaysia.

“We make sure to offer very competitive prices in the store, which is why the demand this year has been, and continues to be, much higher than in previous years,” Raya added. “Our preparations for selecting and receiving the goods began six months ago.”

Mariam Shafea, a stationery shop owner in Makkah, recently launched her own business to capitalize on the heightened demand for school supplies.

“We’ve seen a significant surge in sales, particularly in stationery items,” she said.

When asked about online shopping, Al-Sabea noted a clear preference for bricks-and-mortar shops as she believes that the excitement of preparing for school is palpable, with children and parents alike getting ready for a fresh academic year.

She said: “Shopping in stores allows me to see and feel the items, check their size, and assess their quality firsthand — something that’s just not possible when shopping online.

“It’s so much more than just buying things; it’s an experience with your children. It’s fun to take the whole family along and engage together in the shopping process, making it a shared event rather than a solitary task.”

However, Al-Sabea does recognize the convenience of online shopping for certain items, especially when it comes to essentials like skincare products.

She added: “It’s (also) convenient for stocking up on healthy snacks for my kids. These are items where I trust the quality and don’t need to see them in person.”

The back-to-school season in Saudi Arabia brings a wave of enthusiasm and preparation as students, parents, retailers, and educators gear up for the new academic year.

For Dania Al-Mousa, a Saudi teacher in Jeddah, the return to school after the summer break is a time of anticipation and excitement.

“Seeing the eager faces of students ready to learn is truly invigorating,” Al-Mousa said.

“The break allowed us to recharge, but it’s the return to the classroom where we truly feel the impact we can make on our students’ lives.

“Each new year brings fresh challenges and opportunities, and I’m excited to guide my students through another chapter of their educational journey.”


How a Saudi startup is pioneering the cultivation of algae in the desert

How a Saudi startup is pioneering the cultivation of algae in the desert
Updated 20 September 2024
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How a Saudi startup is pioneering the cultivation of algae in the desert

How a Saudi startup is pioneering the cultivation of algae in the desert
  • From reducing carbon emissions to providing alternative food sources, algae represents a cornerstone of sustainability
  • Green Desert Tech uses innovative sensor technology to grow the crop at scale in the water-scarce Kingdom

RIYADH: If you have ever brushed against slimy green algae while swimming in the sea, you might not realize that this humble organism holds the key to some of the most promising innovations in food, energy and sustainability.

For Abdulmajeed Hashem, a Saudi chemist and founder of Green Desert Tech, algae is nothing short of revolutionary.

“Algae is the most water-efficient, land-efficient and protein-productive crop to exist in the world,” he told Arab News.

Hashem’s Jeddah-based startup is pioneering new methods to grow algae in the desert, using innovative outdoor cultivation systems that rely on advanced monitoring technology to overcome the environmental challenges of Saudi Arabia’s arid climate.

His journey began in Boston, where he earned a degree in chemical science before pursuing a master’s in organic chemistry at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology in Saudi Arabia.

Hashem’s initial focus was on macromolecule synthesis, but his passion for groundbreaking technologies led him to abandon his PhD to explore something that had “a bit more impact.”

Spirulina, a high-protein and nutrient-dense superfood, has been consumed by humans for centuries. (Greentech photo)

The turning point came from a conversation with his PhD adviser, Basem Moosa, who emphasized the untapped potential of algae as a renewable resource.

The notion fascinated Hashem, and after gaining hands-on experience in greenhouse technology at Red Sea Farms, another KAUST startup, he decided to launch Green Desert Tech.

Hashem’s choice to focus on algae was strategic. “If you look at the protein productivity per meter squared of algae, it’s higher than anything else that exists,” he said.

Algae’s water use is another major advantage. It can be grown using a fraction of the water required by traditional crops — about one-10th to one-15th — and the water it does consume can be fully recycled.

In a water-scarce region like the Arabian Peninsula, where many essential crops are imported, algae’s water efficiency is a game changer. Moreover, algae thrives in high temperatures and abundant sunlight — two resources that Saudi Arabia has in spades.

The challenge, however, lies in the need for high humidity, something less common in the region. Despite this, Hashem is confident that with the right technology, algae cultivation can flourish.

Green Desert Tech’s primary innovation lies in its sensor technology, which monitors and controls environmental variables in algae pools.

DID YOU KNOW?

• From reducing emissions to providing alternative food sources, algae represents sustainability.

• Algae can grow using a fraction of the water needed for traditional crops.

• Green Desert Tech’s sensor box monitors real-time environmental variables, improving productivity.

Hashem said current methods for cultivating algae are outdated and inefficient.

Open pool systems, while simple and cost-effective, are not optimized for maximum productivity. On the other hand, photobioreactors — closed systems with controlled lighting — are highly efficient but expensive to scale.

“If you think of a future where algae is our main source of biofuel, food and feed, it can’t be done through bioreactors,” Hashem said. “Scaling algae production will have to happen through open pools.”

The company’s first step toward optimization is better monitoring. If you are to optimize a system, “you have to know what’s going on,” Hashem said.

Green Desert Tech has developed a sensor box that provides real-time data on the pool’s conditions, from temperature to algae density, with readings every 10 seconds. 

“All of these sensors already exist,” Hashem said. “This is not something very novel. The way we integrate it into our system is.”

The sensor technology uses optics and transmittance to monitor algae growth. As algae grows, it absorbs more light, blocking signals from reaching a detector. By tracking the changes in these signals, the system can determine growth rates over time.

In the future, Hashem hopes to implement microscopy for even more accurate monitoring. It will not just provide a quantitative sense of the algae growth rate but also qualitative information, he said.

With microscopy, Green Desert Tech could track cell health, detect contaminants, and even observe potential damage to algae cells in real time.

Once the system gathers data, it uses control mechanisms to adjust conditions in the pool, ensuring optimal growth. For example, when pH levels fluctuate, the system automatically dispenses sodium bicarbonate to stabilize the environment.

For Hashem, the significance of algae extends far beyond its agricultural potential. He believes it offers a viable solution to some of the world’s most pressing environmental challenges.

One of the most exciting aspects of algae cultivation is its ability to absorb carbon dioxide at rates far higher than traditional plant life. 

A hectare of algae is 10 to 20 times more efficient at absorbing carbon dioxide than a hectare of trees, Hashem said. This makes algae a powerful tool in the global effort to combat climate change.

Algae also has potential as an alternative animal feed. Currently, about 70 percent of fish produced globally are used to make fish feed, which is unsustainable in the long run. Hashem believes algae could offer a nutritious and eco-friendly substitute.

“You have a process that essentially takes nothing from the Earth and even gives back,” he said. Algae not only cleans the air by absorbing carbon dioxide but also produces a high-value biomass that can replace traditional feed or energy sources.

Green Desert Tech is now moving from the prototype stage to a larger production scale. Having successfully tested its technology in a 50-square-meter prototype facility in Tahlia, Jeddah, the company is expanding to a new 10,000-square-meter facility in Huda Al-Sham.

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This new site will serve as a production center and a research and development hub, where the team can continue refining their technology while producing algae for commercial purposes.

Hashem envisions a future where several industries can benefit from algae. The goal is to make it easy and economically feasible for producers to grow algae, he said. 

Green Desert Tech has already started selling sensor boxes to algae pool owners, sharing its cutting-edge technology with the broader industry. Hashem hopes that as more algae pools adopt these sensors, they can collectively build a vast data bank on algae cultivation.

“With AI (artificial intelligence) and generative AI models becoming more prevalent, the data is one of the most valuable commodities we will produce,” he said. As more data flows into the system, AI could help refine algae production methods, driving further efficiencies.

For Hashem, algae represents a cornerstone of sustainability. From reducing carbon emissions to providing alternative food sources, he believes it has the potential to reshape industries and ecosystems worldwide.

Green Desert Tech’s mission is to unlock that potential, making algae cultivation more efficient, scalable and accessible.


 


Art, music, fireworks shows on for Saudi National Day celebrations

Art, music, fireworks shows on for Saudi National Day celebrations
Updated 20 September 2024
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Art, music, fireworks shows on for Saudi National Day celebrations

Art, music, fireworks shows on for Saudi National Day celebrations
  • Events taking place in Riyadh, Jeddah, AlUla over 4-day holiday
  • Traditional arts, theater events also on the schedule nationwide

RIYADH/JEDDAH/ALKHOBAR: With the Saudi National Day holiday running from Friday to Monday, what better way to mark the annual Sept. 23 occasion than by immersing oneself in the Kingdom’s most breathtaking landscapes as well as fireworks, music and art shows.

The General Entertainment Authority has announced there will be fireworks displays across Saudi Arabia. On Sept. 22, Umm Ajlan Park in the capital is hosting, for free, the nation’s biggest fireworks display, a drone show, and a folklore event, starting at 9 p.m.

Saudi folklore shows, air shows and many other events are taking place across the Kingdom as part of Saudi National Day celebrations. (SPA)

There will also be fireworks displays at Jeddah Promenade from Friday to Monday starting at 6 p.m. On the same day, as a part of the festivities, there will be an air show at Jeddah’s North Corniche with planes flying in formation and leaving green smoke trails across the sky.

Having started on Sept. 19, the Mishkat Interactive Exhibition is hosting the “Energy of Glory” celebration until Sept. 21, from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., focusing on Saudi Vision 2030 and the nation’s sustainable energy goals.

September 23 will feature a local band performing traditional and modern songs, a Saudi folklore show, and a marine show at the Jeddah Yacht Club. (Supplied)

At Nakheel Mall Riyadh, Fontana Circus will be performing with gravity-defying aerialists. There will also be a musical fountain on display.

At The Globe, one of Riyadh’s most iconic dining spots, which is a glass-enclosed venue with panoramic city views, diners can enjoy afternoon tea from Sept. 20 to 23.

In Alkhobar, the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture will have a series of curated interactive cultural programs from Sept. 20 to 23. (Supplied)

Other dining options in the capital include the Mandarin Oriental and Al-Faisaliah where cuisine from the Kingdom’s 13 regions is on the menu.

At Jeddah Yacht Club and Jeddah Art Promenade, a local band will perform traditional and modern songs, in addition to a Saudi folklore show, and a marine show on Sept. 23.

One of the standout events this weekend is “Shojaa,” a family-friendly musical show at The Club in Al-Shallal Theme Park. Running from Sept. 20 to 23, this performance celebrates Saudi Arabia culture with music, storytelling, and a homage to the Year of the Camel.

In Jeddah’s Historic District, the cultural history of Saudi Arabia will be presented at the Tariq Abdulhakim Center. From Sept. 21 to 24, the center will host museum tours, karaoke sessions, art workshops, face painting for children, and an Arabic calligraphy booth.

Zawiya 97 in the Historic District will have an artisan souq on Sept. 23, with handmade crafts for sale, and educational and cultural offerings. From Sept. 22 to 23, there will be performers playing traditional music on the oud at Social Shot Lounge & Bar.

In AlUla, the Azimuth Festival is on from Sept. 19 to 21 at Wadi Al-Fann, featuring international and regional artists. Also, Hero Experiences Group is offering hot-air balloon flights above AlUla’s ancient landscapes

Also on offer is the Sharaan Platinum Dinner Safari, a tour of the nature reserve led by expert guides in the afternoon. There will be tours of canyons with ancient petroglyphs and rock formations. Canapes will be available as the sun sets over the valley.

In the evening, a traditional South African braai, or barbecue, will be on offer in a canyon aglow with lanterns, and later a stargazing session under the vast desert sky.

In Alkhobar, the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture will have a series of curated interactive cultural programs from Sept. 20 to 23. The activities include live performances, workshops, exhibitions and film screenings which highlight Saudi heritage.

In addition, there will performances of traditional Saudi art forms, including the Al-Ardah dance.

From Sept. 19 to 23, Alkhobar’s new performing arts center, Fantakah, will stage an original play titled “The Law of Attraction.” Fantakah founder and chief operating officer, Husain Zaber, is the writer and director.

 


Saudi tourism practices in spotlight in Jazan

Brainstorming sessions were conducted to promote critical thinking and idea generation during the event. (SPA)
Brainstorming sessions were conducted to promote critical thinking and idea generation during the event. (SPA)
Updated 20 September 2024
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Saudi tourism practices in spotlight in Jazan

Brainstorming sessions were conducted to promote critical thinking and idea generation during the event. (SPA)

JAZAN: The Higher Institute for Tourism and Hospitality, in cooperation with UN Tourism’s regional office in Riyadh, recently organized a workshop called “Innovative Approaches for Sustainable Tourism Practices” at the institute’s headquarters in Jazan.

The workshop featured an introduction to sustainable tourism, under the supervision of Luis Nicolas Barrios, regional manager for innovation, education and investments at the UN Tourism Regional Office.

Brainstorming sessions were conducted to promote critical thinking and idea generation during the event. (SPA)

Those participating in the event undertook brainstorming sessions aimed at promoting critical thinking and the generation of ideas.

Ali bin Saeed bin Jaber, director of the institute, explained that the initiative was part of the body’s ambitious plans for providing job opportunities for Saudi youngsters while helping them toward meeting the needs of the international hotel and tourism industry through the institute’s programs. These had been designed in cooperation with international academic institutes and the local private sector.

 


4 Ethiopians arrested for drug smuggling in Saudi Arabia’s Asir

Saudi authorities have arrested individuals carrying illegal drugs in Jazan. (SPA)
Saudi authorities have arrested individuals carrying illegal drugs in Jazan. (SPA)
Updated 20 September 2024
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4 Ethiopians arrested for drug smuggling in Saudi Arabia’s Asir

Saudi authorities have arrested individuals carrying illegal drugs in Jazan. (SPA)
  • In Al-Ardah, also in Jazan, they thwarted an attempt to smuggle 435 kg of qat

ABHA: The Kingdom’s Border Guard land patrols in Dhahran Al-Janub, Asir, arrested four Ethiopians for illegal entry and attempting to smuggle 40 kg of hashish into the country.

The initial regulatory procedures were completed, and the seized narcotics were handed over to the relevant authority.

Meanwhile, Border Guard land patrols in Al-Dayer, Jazan, thwarted an attempt to smuggle 165 kg of qat.

In Al-Ardah, also in Jazan, they thwarted an attempt to smuggle 435 kg of qat.

Security authorities urge citizens and residents to report all information regarding activities related to drug smuggling or selling by calling the numbers 911 for Makkah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Region, and 999 for the rest of the Kingdom.

 


Saudi aid center expands relief efforts in Chad and Sudan

The distributions are part of a broader series of relief and humanitarian projects implemented by KSRelief. (SPA)
The distributions are part of a broader series of relief and humanitarian projects implemented by KSRelief. (SPA)
Updated 20 September 2024
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Saudi aid center expands relief efforts in Chad and Sudan

The distributions are part of a broader series of relief and humanitarian projects implemented by KSRelief. (SPA)
  • KSrelief extended its humanitarian reach to Sudan, where it distributed 600 shelter kits in the Merowe area of Northern State

N'DJAMMENA: In a significant humanitarian initiative, the Saudi aid agency KSRelief recently distributed aid packages in Chad and Sudan, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s commitment to supporting vulnerable communities in Africa.

In Chad, KSRelief distributed 3,299 food baskets in several cities. This distribution, part of the 2024 food security support project in Chad, benefited 19,794 individuals from the neediest families. The operation underscores the agency’s ongoing efforts to address food insecurity in the region.

Simultaneously, KSrelief extended its humanitarian reach to Sudan, where it distributed 600 shelter kits in the Merowe area of Northern State. This initiative, which is part of the 2024 urgent shelter assistance project for Sudan, helped 3,056 individuals from families severely affected by heavy rains and flooding.

The distributions are part of a broader series of relief and humanitarian projects implemented by KSRelief. The agency serves as the Kingdom’s humanitarian arm, providing assistance to the Sudanese people during the ongoing humanitarian crisis in their country.