Saudi Arabia set to host International AI Olympiad

The next edition of the International AI Olympiad (IAIO) gets underway in Riyadh on Sunday. (IAIO)
The next edition of the International AI Olympiad (IAIO) gets underway in Riyadh on Sunday. (IAIO)
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Updated 07 September 2024
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Saudi Arabia set to host International AI Olympiad

Saudi Arabia set to host International AI Olympiad
  • Representatives from 25 countries scheduled to take part

RIYADH: A global edition of the International AI Olympiad gets underway in Riyadh on Sunday, with teams from 25 countries expected to take part.

The event, which will run until Thursday, is being organized by the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority in collaboration with UNESCO, the International Center for AI Research and Ethics, and the International Research Center on Artificial Intelligence, in Slovenia.

The SDAIA hopes the olympiad will serve as a platform for AI competitions, and nurture talent while fostering skills development, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The event will be a forum for scientists and enthusiasts from around the world to compete and also exchange ideas, enhance capabilities, and explore the latest advances in the field, the SPA added.

The SDAIA has prepared for the event over the past five weeks by holding a series of virtual lectures on AI designed to qualify international teams for the competition and empower students from various countries to expand their knowledge in the sector.

The lectures covered topics such as the social impact of AI and working with data.


4,000-year-old town discovered hidden in Arabian oasis

4,000-year-old town discovered hidden in Arabian oasis
Updated 31 October 2024
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4,000-year-old town discovered hidden in Arabian oasis

4,000-year-old town discovered hidden in Arabian oasis
  • Then an ancient 14.5 kilometer-long wall was discovered at the site
  • When Al-Natah was built, cities were flourishing in the Levant region along the Mediterranean Sea from present-day Syria to Jordan

Paris: The discovery of a 4,000-year-old fortified town hidden in an oasis in modern-day Saudi Arabia reveals how life at the time was slowly changing from a nomadic to an urban existence, archaeologists said on Wednesday.
The remains of the town, dubbed Al-Natah, were long concealed by the walled oasis of Khaybar, a green and fertile speck surrounded by desert in the northwest of the Arabian Peninsula.
Then an ancient 14.5 kilometer-long wall was discovered at the site, according to research led by French archaeologist Guillaume Charloux published earlier this year.
For a new study published in the journal PLOS One, a French-Saudi team of researchers have provided “proof that these ramparts are organized around a habitat,” Charloux told AFP.
The large town, which was home to up to 500 residents, was built around 2,400 BC during the early Bronze Age, the researchers said.
It was abandoned around a thousand years later. “No one knows why,” Charloux said.
When Al-Natah was built, cities were flourishing in the Levant region along the Mediterranean Sea from present-day Syria to Jordan.
Northwest Arabia at the time was thought to have been barren desert, crossed by pastoral nomads and dotted with burial sites.
That was until 15 years ago, when archaeologists discovered ramparts dating back to the Bronze Age in the oasis of Tayma, to Khaybar’s north.
This “first essential discovery” led scientists to look closer at these oases, Charloux said.
Black volcanic rocks called basalt concealed the walls of Al-Natah so well that it “protected the site from illegal excavations,” Charloux said.
But observing the site from above revealed potential paths and the foundations of houses, suggesting where the archaeologists needed to dig.
They discovered foundations “strong enough to easily support at least one- or two-story” homes, Charloux said, emphasising that there was much more work to be done to understand the site.
But their preliminary findings paint a picture of a 2.6-hectare town with around 50 houses perched on a hill, equipped with a wall of its own.
Tombs inside a necropolis there contained metal weapons like axes and daggers as well as stones such as agate, indicating a relatively advanced society for so long ago.
Pieces of pottery “suggest a relatively egalitarian society,” the study said. They are “very pretty but very simple ceramics,” added Charloux.
The size of the ramparts — which could reach around five meters (16 feet) high — suggests that Al-Natah was the seat of some kind of powerful local authority.
These discoveries reveal a process of “slow urbanism” during the transition between nomadic and more settled village life, the study said.
For example, fortified oases could have been in contact with each other in an area still largely populated by pastoral nomadic groups. Such exchanges could have even laid the foundations for the “incense route” which saw spices, frankincense and myrrh traded from southern Arabia to the Mediterranean.
Al-Natah was still small compared to cities in Mesopotamia or Egypt during the period.
But in these vast expanses of desert, it appears there was “another path toward urbanization” than such city-states, one “more modest, much slower, and quite specific to the northwest of Arabia,” Charloux said.


Bahrain king receives Saudi interior minister

Bahrain’s King Hamad receives Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Interior Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz in Manama.
Bahrain’s King Hamad receives Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Interior Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz in Manama.
Updated 30 October 2024
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Bahrain king receives Saudi interior minister

Bahrain’s King Hamad receives Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Interior Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz in Manama.
  • Prince Abdulaziz was also received by Bahrain’s Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al-Khalifa and Interior Minister General Sheikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al-Khalifa

RIYADH: Bahrain’s King Hamad received Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Interior Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz at the Sakhir Palace on Wednesday.

Discussions on the close relations and security cooperation between the two countries took place during the meeting, Saudi Press Agency reported. 

King Hamad acknowledged the efforts of the security coordination committee which is a part of the Saudi-Bahraini Coordination Council, and highlighted the importance of ongoing collaboration, SPA said. 

Prince Abdulaziz was also received by Bahrain’s Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al-Khalifa and his Bahraini counterpart General Sheikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al-Khalifa on Wednesday. 


Feline beautiful: Saudi Arabia hosts International Cat Show

Feline beautiful: Saudi Arabia hosts International Cat Show
Updated 30 October 2024
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Feline beautiful: Saudi Arabia hosts International Cat Show

Feline beautiful: Saudi Arabia hosts International Cat Show
  • 200 pets compete for prizes at family-friendly event in Riyadh

RIYADH: Feline fanciers from across the Kingdom gathered in the capital this week for the country’s first ever International Cat Show.

Organized by the World Cat Federation, in collaboration with the Middle East Cats Association, the event was held at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center as part of the Saudi Pet and Vet Expo.

The show, which ended on Wednesday, featured more than 200 cats competing in multiple categories and provided a platform for breeders, enthusiasts and the public to share their love for their furry friends and learn about responsible pet ownership.

The judging panel was led by WCF President Anneliese Hackmann and included experts from around the world.

The competing cats, all of which were aged between three months and a year, were judged on their physical attributes, such as head structure, eye shape, profile, chin, ear placement, body proportions, tail length and coat quality.

The top three winners in each category received a certificate, trophy and a ribbon from the WCF, with the runners-up given lots of useful pet care supplies.

Competitor Sara Binsaeed told Arab News: “Life is only once, so I should try it out for once at least. It’s not important that my cat wins, but at least we tried.”

That sentiment was echoed throughout the event, with participants taking the opportunity to celebrate their pets and create lasting memories with fellow cat lovers.

The Saudi Pet and Vet Expo included a range of activities designed to entertain and educate visitors, including the My Pet in My Life competition, in which people shared stories and photos that captured the special bonds they have with their pets.

There was also an adoption booth managed by the Rahmah Association for Animal Welfare, which sought to raise awareness of the benefits of adoption and the responsibilities that come with it.

At the Mini Farm booth, visitors were able to learn about sustainable pet care practices and pick up tips on how to better understand their animals.

There were also workshops and lectures on animal health, disease prevention and advancements in veterinary care, and even a mobile grooming station.

The expo, which attracted huge crowds to its family-friendly attractions, was part of Saudi Arabia’s growing commitment to raising awareness of responsible pet ownership and improving animal welfare.


Song and dance ring in Korean cultural celebrations in Riyadh

Song and dance ring in Korean cultural celebrations in Riyadh
Updated 30 October 2024
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Song and dance ring in Korean cultural celebrations in Riyadh

Song and dance ring in Korean cultural celebrations in Riyadh
  • Saudi-Korean bilateral ties are stronger than ever, says Korean Embassy official

RIYADH: South Korea has showcased the richness and beauty of its culture in Riyadh as Korea Week 2024 celebrations began on Tuesday.

Prince Sultan University played host to Korean Traditional Cultural Day, which was organized by the South Korean Embassy.

It included a series of cultural dances and musical performances from the Korea National University of Arts.

Junghoon Chang, a second secretary and consul from the embassy, told Arab News that while K-pop is very popular in Saudi Arabia, he hoped that the event would bring more aspects of Korean culture to people in the region.

“These K-pops are really based on our heritage. So, I thought showing our heritage could foster understanding of Korea for Saudis,” he said.

In terms of Saudi-South Korean ties, Chang said they are “stronger than ever, and getting stronger every day,” citing South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol’s visit to Saudi Arabia in October 2023, and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visit to Seoul the year before.

Chang added that cultural shows and exchanges like this one also build a “solid foundation for our bilateral relationships.”

The contemporary and traditional dances each bore a different theme, including self-discovery, time and its gift of temporality, interpersonal connections, our connection to nature and the delicate balance of life itself.

The first dance was titled “Who Are You?” It pondered whether we should or should not ask ourselves who we are and what our purpose is. It was followed by “If There Are Two Girls,” showcasing the different perspectives that can exist in the same time and space. “Distance” was about the love and fear born out of the distance between two individuals.

“The East Sea Rhapsody” showed a more traditional angle, with shamanistic music leading the dancers to the sight of the East Sea, representing new hope. Finally, “A Reversed Dawn” was inspired by the novel “Into the Morning” by Min Gyu Park, presenting a reflection on modern societal problems.

Once the dances were complete, a display of traditional musical group performances called Samulnori took to the stage.

Samulnori uses four basic percussion instruments; “samul” meaning “four” and “nori” meaning play.

Kim Wonmin, a professor at the Korean National University of Arts, said: “In the past, people tried to alleviate the hardships of work by using the instrument as a tool.

“These percussion instruments were also used when people were celebrating the gathering of crops, sharing and also giving thanks for the crops they have made.”

Four Samulnori dances were performed. The first, “Samdo Seol Janggu” emphasizes the janggu, a double-headed drum. It combines the melodies of three Korean provinces — Central, Yeongnam and Honam — and is performed in a “call and response” format signifying the performers’ synergy.

The “Samdo Nongak Garak,” an instrumental dance involving metal and leather tools, symbolized yin and yang, the balance between opposing forces that is vital in Korean culture and is featured on the country’s flag.

“We can understand them easily as negative and positive powers. However, in our philosophy, yin and yang are not countering aspects, in fact they are complementary and interdependent,” Wonmin said.

Citing performance as an embodiment of life, Wonmin said that Korean music symbolizes natural elements.

“The four instruments you have seen on stage, they all resemble aspects of nature,” he said.

The sharp sounds produced by the kkwaenggwari represent lighting and thunder. Janggu imitates the sound of raindrops, jing, the sound of the wind, and the buk represents the clouds.

The night finished off with Pan Gut and the Lion Dance, both of which incorporated more movement. Originating from the Hwanghae-do region, the Lion Dance is a ritual where performers wear lion masks to cleanse the space of any negativity, showing off the lion’s power.

Korea Week will continue until Nov. 4, including the Korean National Day reception at the Korean Embassy on Oct. 30 with the attendance of Ambassador Byung Hyuk Choi.

The week will also include taekwondo performances by the Kukkiwon Demonstration Team at Alasala University in Dammam on Nov. 2 and at Riyadh Misk School on Nov. 4.

Chang highlighted the biggest similarity between the Korean and Saudi cultures: Kind treatment of others, which serves as a strong basis for diplomacy.

“Diplomacy is all about people, and how you treat people,” he said.


Japanese envoy Iwai to conclude Saudi tenure, take on new post in Egypt

Japanese envoy Iwai to conclude Saudi tenure, take on new post in Egypt
Updated 30 October 2024
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Japanese envoy Iwai to conclude Saudi tenure, take on new post in Egypt

Japanese envoy Iwai to conclude Saudi tenure, take on new post in Egypt

Ambassador of Japan to Saudi Arabia Iwai Fumio, whose tenure in the Kingdom witnessed substantial achievements in diplomatic and cultural spheres since he was appointed in 2019, is now preparing to take on a new role as ambassador to Egypt.

During his time in Saudi Arabia, Iwai oversaw several key projects that aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, a strategic initiative to diversify the economy and reduce the Kingdom’s reliance on oil.

Working closely with Saudi leaders, he facilitated Japanese support in sectors like technology, renewable energy and infrastructure development.

The ambassador’s efforts to foster Japanese investment in the Kingdom led to agreements that brought advanced technology and expertise, particularly in robotics, artificial intelligence and sustainable energy projects.

Iwai also oversaw former Japanese Prime Minister Kishia Fumio’s and former Foreign Minister Hayashi Yoshimasa’s visits to the Kingdom.

He was an ambassador of culture as much as diplomacy, promoting numerous events that introduced Japanese art, cuisine and traditional performances to Saudi audiences.

His focus on cultural exchange strengthened people-to-people ties and fostered mutual respect and understanding.

Iwai promoted youth engagement, encouraging scholarship programs and exchange opportunities that allowed Saudi students to study in Japan.

As ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Iwai was well-known on social media for his Arabic-language video messages throughout the years, in which he would celebrate Saudi National Day, Founding Day, Ramadan, Eid Al-Fitr and Eid Al-Adha.

Before he started his role in the Kingdom, Iwai was the Japanese ambassador to Iraq.

He entered the Foreign Ministry in 1984 after graduating from the faculty of law at Kyoto University in Japan. He previously served as director general of the Secretariat of the Cabinet Office’s International Peace Cooperation Headquarters.