Science and tech festival kickstarts in Riyadh

Science and tech festival kickstarts in Riyadh
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Ahmed Salim is the founder of 1001 Inventions, a science and cultural heritage organization that is responsible for producing the STEAM Festival. (AN Photo/Huda Bashatah)
Science and tech festival kickstarts in Riyadh
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Ibtesam Badhrees is the chairman of the festival’s scientific committee and chief scientist at King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology. (AN Photo/Huda Bashatah)
Science and tech festival kickstarts in Riyadh
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The 2024 STEAM Festival which has begun at King Salman Science Oasis has as its focus the development of future scientists. (AN Photo/Huda Bashatah)
Science and tech festival kickstarts in Riyadh
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The 2024 STEAM Festival which has begun at King Salman Science Oasis has as its focus the development of future scientists. (AN Photo/Huda Bashatah)
Science and tech festival kickstarts in Riyadh
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The 2024 STEAM Festival which has begun at King Salman Science Oasis has as its focus the development of future scientists. (AN Photo/Huda Bashatah)
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Updated 02 September 2024
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Science and tech festival kickstarts in Riyadh

Science and tech festival kickstarts in Riyadh
  • Ahmed Salim: ‘We want people to create technology and create engineering projects that are also works of art themselves’
  • Ibtesam Badhrees: ‘The festival highlights local content and Saudi innovations’

RIYADH: The 2024 STEAM Festival which began on Monday at the King Salman Science Oasis is aimed at developing scientists, the event’s director Ahmed Salim told Arab News. 

Held under the theme “Fun Chemistry” until Sept. 30, the festival aims to offer visitors an educational, informative, and entertaining experience. 

There will be 100 workshops, panel discussions, live shows, and other activities in STEAM fields. 

It was organized by the King Salman Science Oasis in collaboration with the ministries of education and industry and mineral resources, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, and the Saudi National Commission for Education, Culture and Science. 

Salim, Founder of 1001 Inventions, a science and cultural heritage organization responsible for producing the STEAM Festival, told Arab News the Kingdom’s push for technological and scientific advancements means there is a “massive demand for scientists.” 

He hopes STEAM will showcase the importance of science.

“We’re taking everyday objects and then we’re reverse engineering them to work out what was the chemical processes involved to create that,” he said. 

“They (students) would give more value to the science of chemistry because they understand that chemistry is impacting their lives every day.”

STEAM, previously referred to as STEM, now includes art due to the unique value it has in elevating people’s approach to creating technology and engineering, Salim explained. 

“We want people to create technology and create engineering projects that are also works of art themselves,” he added. 

Ibtesam Badhrees, chairman of the festival’s scientific committee and chief scientist at King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, said the event would strengthen the links between science, technology, industry, research and development, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

Badhrees, who also oversees programs and activities at the King Salman Science Oasis, added: “The festival also highlights local content and Saudi innovations, focusing on sustainable practices and modern technologies. 

“It seeks to open new horizons for future generations in STEAM fields, in line with the strategic objectives of Vision 2030. 

“The festival provides quality educational opportunities for all segments of society, including students, families, teachers, researchers, and science enthusiasts.”

The festival will have more than 25 pavilions covering the history of chemistry, modern innovations related to the petrochemical industry, future environmental challenges, and sustainable solutions that are a part of Vision 2030.


Experts show off skills at Riyadh culinary event 

Experts show off skills at Riyadh culinary event 
Updated 03 October 2024
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Experts show off skills at Riyadh culinary event 

Experts show off skills at Riyadh culinary event 
  • Sirha Arabia gathered 300 exhibitors from the Kingdom and around the world to share their expertise in the culinary and hospitality sectors

RIYADH: In collaboration with the Culinary Arts Commission and the Saudi Conventions & Exhibitions General Authority, Sirha Arabia gathered 300 exhibitors from the Kingdom and around the world to share their expertise in the culinary and hospitality sectors on Thursday.

“The experience is extremely positive: Sirha brought to Arabia a very high-profile audience and the organization has been premium, we could feel its quality,” Vittorio Rocchi, the CEO of Sitaf Saudi Co. for Trade, told Arab News.

Sitaf was established in 1976 and currently has a list of more than 3,000 products.

It was one of the main exhibitors presenting during Sirha Arabia with two large booths.

The company showcased live cooking shows in their kitchens offering guests the opportunity to sample pizzas, pasta, dairy products, and seafood.

“There is a fantastic production of fresh sushi and sashimi with dedicated Japanese chefs,” Rocchi told Arab News. “The highlight was the live cutting of a 180 kg fatty tuna, performed by a professional tuna cutter. Simply amazing,” he said.

The Kingdom is working to expand its position as a global player in the catering and hospitality sectors embracing international trends while showcasing local and international products and companies such as Sitaf.

Sirha Food is organized by Sirha Lyon, a globally renowned food service event, taking place every two years in Lyon, France.

The event has expanded to include Saudi Arabia on its list of host countries.

“This is the first time ever for Sirha in KSA and we believed a lot in it. We will continue our path with Sirah for the years to come and grow together,” Rocchi said.

Sirha Arabia consisted of 60 speakers and three pavilions: the Sirha Food Forum, the Sirha Food Masters, and Newcomers for exhibitors presenting for the first time.

The exhibition also served as a one-stop shop for chefs and businesses looking to start a restaurant or expand their at-home culinary portfolio.

The exhibition also hosted a masterclass in macaroons led by the executive pastry chef, Steve Thiery, and other international chefs.

Discussion sessions were hosted which highlighted topics such as Saudi and intentional flavor fusions, “inspiring the next generation of culinary and hospital experts,” dairy trade and export, and navigating the challenges of different markets.

Discussing the reactions of visitors, Rocchi said: “Most visitors were amazed by the size and display of the booth, but most importantly they were impressed by the chefs cooking at the live stations.

“They could enjoy the best flavors of Italian cuisine and this made everyone really happy,” he added.

“For sure, Sitaf is the leading Saudi company in gourmet food,” he stressed. “Sitaf has a range of 70 percent Italian products, we are very proud to be representing this country in the Kingdom. But Sitaf is more, we consider products all over the world as long as it is genuine and high quality,” he said.

On trade relations between Saudi Arabia and Italy, Rocchi said: “We would like to see more Saudi products expand their market share in Italy, I am sure they will because they are of very high quality.” 

He added: “On our hand, we will work to help Saudi brands and products improve and increase, it will work very well.“


‘Riyadh Reads’: Pakistani panelists at book fair push for cultural diplomacy

‘Riyadh Reads’: Pakistani panelists at book fair push for cultural diplomacy
Updated 03 October 2024
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‘Riyadh Reads’: Pakistani panelists at book fair push for cultural diplomacy

‘Riyadh Reads’: Pakistani panelists at book fair push for cultural diplomacy
  • Annual Riyadh International Book Fair began Sept. 26, ends Oct. 5
  • Over 2,000 publishers from 30 countries are participating in event

ISLAMABAD: Pakistani panelists at Saudi Arabia’s largest annual book fair said this week “cultural diplomacy” could open new arenas of cooperation between the two nations as they called for more quality translations of literature in the Arabic and Urdu languages and an exchange of writers and artists.

The Riyadh International Book Fair, themed “Riyadh Reads” and spread over 800 pavilions, is organized yearly by the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission.

It began on Sept. 26 and runs to Oct. 5, with over 2,000 publishing houses from 30 countries participating, according to the Saudi Press Agency. The schedule includes seminars, panel discussions, poetry recitals, stage performances and workshops.

On Tuesday, the fair hosted a panel titled “Shared Voices: Literature and Art as Bridges of Culture and Understanding.”

It featured Ahmad Farooq, ambassador of Pakistan to Saudi Arabia, Suljuk Mustansar Tarar, ambassador of Pakistan to the Netherlands, and Ameena Saiyid, a well-known Pakistani publisher and the founder of the famed Karachi Literary Festival.

The panel was moderated by Yazed Almulhem, a strategic planning consultant with the Saudi Tourism Investment Company.

“Saudi Arabia and Pakistan historically shared close ties, but cultural diplomacy offered a new vista of deepening the relationship even further, as cultural affinities brought people together,” the Pakistani embassy said in a statement shared with media on Wednesday.

In pursuance of these efforts, the embassy said it was “meaningfully engaged” with Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Culture through 11 cultural commissions, and several projects were in the pipeline.

Speaking to Arab News, ambassador Tarar, an author and the son of renowned writer Mustansar Hussain Tarar, said books “unified nations” and thus better translations were necessary for cross-acculturation.

“Having quality translations of good fiction and literature in Arabic and Urdu is very important to develop a stronger understanding of each other,” he said.

The author said the book fair was a “great opportunity” for an engaging conversation on culture’s role as a “bridge builder,” and its impact on fostering understanding across different societies and cultures.

“The messaging was very useful that indeed arts and literature can provide a great opportunity to connect different countries, especially countries from the wider Islamic world or Global South,” Tarar added.

“It is a very important tool for countries like us, such as Pakistan or even Saudi Arabia, to proactively pursue public diplomacy or cultural diplomacy in bringing forth the overall context of our society.”

Another panelist, Saiyid, a publisher and former managing director of the Oxford University Press, said literature festivals were essential as a “platform for cross-cultural dialogue.”

“They encourage us to engage with unfamiliar perspectives by listening to diverse voices, and through that, we actually break down stereotypes, and we foster greater understanding across borders,” she told Arab News over the phone from Riyadh.

“In our discussion, I actually emphasized the importance of exchange programs that bring artists and writers from Pakistan to Saudi Arabia and vice versa, as this fosters understanding, helps us appreciate different viewpoints, and breaks down existing stereotypes.”

Saiyid, who in 2005 became the first Pakistani woman to be awarded the Order of the British Empire for her services to women’s rights, education, and intellectual property rights, said she hoped more Arab writers and artists would visit Pakistan.

This would allow them to “become a part of our festivals, which will help to promote understanding of cross-cultural literature and art,” she added.


Successful marketing tour of China and Singapore concludes

Successful marketing tour of China and Singapore concludes
Updated 03 October 2024
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Successful marketing tour of China and Singapore concludes

Successful marketing tour of China and Singapore concludes

JAZAN: The Saudi Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu, represented by the Jazan City for Primary and Downstream Industries, has ended its 28-day marketing tour of China and Singapore.

The trip took in the International Logistics and Supply Chain Fair in China and the Seafood Expo Asia 2024 in Singapore. Both events are leaders in their field and offered a chance to highlight investment opportunities available in Jazan.

The tour also included a total of 33 visits across 12 cities to several major companies and factories specializing in the food industry and logistics services.

It also included organizing meetings in several Chinese provinces that were attended by more than 600 investors.


Four new imams appointed at the Two Holy Mosques

Four new imams have been appointed at the Two Holy Mosques. (@PRAGOVSA)
Four new imams have been appointed at the Two Holy Mosques. (@PRAGOVSA)
Updated 03 October 2024
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Four new imams appointed at the Two Holy Mosques

Four new imams have been appointed at the Two Holy Mosques. (@PRAGOVSA)
  • Sheikh Badr bin Muhammad Al-Turki and Sheikh Al-Waleed bin Khalid Al-Shamsan were appointed as imams at the Grand Mosque
  • Sheikh Muhammad bin Ahmed Barhaji and Sheikh Abdullah bin Abdul Mohsen Al-Qarafi were appointed as imams at the Prophet’s Mosque

RIYADH: Two new imams have been appointed at the Grand Mosque in Makkah and another two at the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah, Saudi Press Agency reported on Thursday.

Sheikh Badr bin Muhammad Al-Turki and Sheikh Al-Waleed bin Khalid Al-Shamsan were appointed to the prestigious position at the Grand Mosque while Sheikh Muhammad bin Ahmed Barhaji and Sheikh Abdullah bin Abdul Mohsen Al-Qarafi were appointed at the Prophet’s Mosque.

The appointments were made by royal decree, SPA said.


Netzero and Goumbook forge partnership to accelerate reforestation, carbon offset efforts

Netzero and Goumbook forge partnership to accelerate reforestation, carbon offset efforts
Updated 03 October 2024
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Netzero and Goumbook forge partnership to accelerate reforestation, carbon offset efforts

Netzero and Goumbook forge partnership to accelerate reforestation, carbon offset efforts

RIYADH: Netzero, a Saudi Arabian environmental startup revolutionizing tree planting, signed an agreement last week with Goumbook, a UAE-based social enterprise emphasizing sustainability and environmental initiatives in the region.

Mohammed Alkhalid, founder and CEO of Netzero, said that the partnership represented a significant milestone, offering global expansion as it showcased Goumbook’s expertise and environmental networks to broaden the impact of Netzero’s creative tree-planting technique.

“This partnership represents a powerful step forward in our mission to reshape the future of our planet,” Alkhalid said. “Together, we are merging technology with nature, community with purpose, and vision with action.

“We believe that afforestation is more than planting trees — it’s about planting the right species in the right place, ensuring transparency in the process, and connecting people to the land and restoring balance to our ecosystems. We are excited to grow this vision together, with a dedicated partner,” he said.

The partnership aims to achieve environmental outcomes throughout the region, including leading large-scale projects for afforestation across the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

The project will emphasize biodiversity, specifically where each tree will be planted and tracked using artificial intelligence to ensure long-term growth and carbon offset accuracy.

Another objective is establishing a community engagement plan, where people will connect with the two companies through a platform, allowing schools and local communities as well as businesses to sponsor tree planting, and providing them with an opportunity to contribute to environmental protection and sustainable development.

Tatiana Antonelli Abella, founder of Goumbook, said: “We are thrilled to join forces with Netzero in this transformative partnership, which amplifies our shared commitment to environmental stewardship.

“At Goumbook, we believe that every tree planted is a symbol of hope and action — an investment in the future of our planet. By merging Netzero’s AI-driven technology with our deep-rooted knowledge of sustainability and regional ecosystems, we are paving the way for more impactful, data-driven reforestation and afforestation efforts.”

“Together, we are not just planting trees, we are creating resilient ecosystems, empowering communities and taking meaningful steps toward long-term environmental change,” she said.

Netzero is a part of the Sidra Initiative by the Ministry of Environment Water and Agriculture, focused on using artificial intelligence to improve reforestation and land management to reduce carbon emissions worldwide.