Young Saudi paves way in tech, artificial intelligence

Young Saudis are forging a path in sectors such as technology and artificial intelligence. (Supplied)
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Young Saudis are forging a path in sectors such as technology and artificial intelligence. (Supplied)
Abdullah Hakeem embodies the spirit of a new generation of young Saudis supported by the nurturing ecosystem of Vision 2030. (Supplied)
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Abdullah Hakeem embodies the spirit of a new generation of young Saudis supported by the nurturing ecosystem of Vision 2030. (Supplied)
Young Saudis are forging a path in sectors such as technology and artificial intelligence. (Supplied)
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Young Saudis are forging a path in sectors such as technology and artificial intelligence. (Supplied)
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Updated 08 September 2024
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Young Saudi paves way in tech, artificial intelligence

Abdullah Hakeem embodies the spirit of a new generation of young Saudis supported by the nurturing ecosystem of Vision 2030.
  • Abdullah Hakeem is pursuing his dream to advance AI in the Kingdom
  • His journey has led to his involvement in the upcoming Global AI Summit

RIYADH: As the Kingdom forges ahead in the tech industry, young Saudis like Abdullah Hakeem are playing a crucial role in shaping its future while inspiring others to follow in their footsteps.

The King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals graduate, 25, is tapping into the power of technology to bridge gaps, enhance communication, and empower communities.

Hakeem’s story began during his studies at KFUPM, where he quickly became a well-known figure among students for his inventive spirit. His first major project was a WhatsApp bot designed to enhance the platform’s functionality.




Abdullah Hakeem, SDAIA strategic competitiveness specialist

“It was a learning tool for me,” Hakeem told Arab News. “I applied new skills and implemented user-suggested features, evolving it based on feedback.”

The bot garnered over 1,000 users, primarily students at the university.

One notable challenge was maintaining the bot’s efficiency amid numerous simultaneous requests. “I overcame this by employing various technical solutions and continuously refining them over time,” he explained.

Understanding the value of community-building, he founded around 30 WhatsApp groups that fostered connections among students interested in development and skill enhancement.

Contributing to the success of my country is a key goal for me.

Abdullah Hakeem, SDAIA strategic competitiveness specialist

Hakeem also organized competitions to encourage peers to challenge themselves and learn. “Bringing people together to learn and grow has always been my passion,” he added.

This commitment to community engagement facilitated a collaborative environment in which students could share knowledge and support one another.

His internship at Takamul Technologies in 2022 marked a pivotal moment in his career. Tasked with resolving a critical issue on the company’s website, he reduced the load time of the 3D section from a cumbersome 70MB to a lightning-fast 100KB.

“This impressive feat earned me a part-time job offer from the CEO, a rare opportunity for an intern,” he said. “It was a confidence boost (to have) my abilities recognized in a professional setting.”

This experience fueled his desire to tackle complex challenges in the tech industry. His innovative spirit culminated in a series of competitions, notably the KFUPM Innovation Hackathon last year, in which he led his team to victory in both web and mobile development tracks.

“I adapted my approach to motivate each team member according to their needs,” he said about his participation in the Metathon competition held last year. “Being closely involved in every task allowed me to guide the project effectively.”

The Metathon was particularly significant for Hakeem, as his team won the competition, earning a prize of SR150k ($40k). This recognition not only bolstered his confidence but also showcased his team's capabilities on a larger stage.

Hakeem’s graduation project won first place at the KFUPM Graduation Expo in May last year. The project involved integrating with Foodics, the largest point-of-sale system in the Middle East.

He said: “One of our major challenges was securing a partnership with a restaurant to facilitate the integration process. We designated one team member to manage communications with Foodics and the sponsorship, allowing the rest of us to focus on development.”

This strategic division of responsibilities proved crucial in overcoming obstacles and delivering the project.

Recognition followed, especially through social media. Hakeem and his team shared their journey on X, attracting almost 400,000 views. This exposure led to an invitation from the MISK Foundation to join the prestigious MISK Launchpad program in 2023, where they secured a grant to bring their product to market.

“The experience taught me to build real products, not just software solutions,” he said.

The program provided valuable insights into the product development process, shaping Hakeem’s perspective on the importance of creating meaningful solutions that address real-world problems.

His talents caught the eye of major players in the tech industry. During the Metathon competition toward the end of 2023, he impressed judges, including Rehab Alarfaj from the Saudi Data and AI Authority, who offered him a position on her team.

“Joining SDAIA (this year) was a dream come true,” he added. “It’s a sought-after opportunity in the tech community … my goal is to secure recognition for Saudi Arabia in global AI rankings.”

In his current role within the General Management of Partnership and Competitiveness, Hakeem is committed to advancing artificial intelligence in the Kingdom.

He is currently involved in organizing the Global AI Summit, which is set to take place between Sept. 10-12. This event will showcase the Kingdom’s advances in AI and foster collaboration among international experts.

“Contributing to the success of my country is a key goal for me,” Hakeem said.

As Hakeem continues to contribute and innovate, he embodies the spirit of a new generation of young Saudis supported by the nurturing ecosystem of Vision 2030, and dedicated to paving the way and leaving a mark on the tech industry and beyond.


Rare manuscripts on show at international book fair

Rare manuscripts on show at international book fair
Updated 28 September 2024
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Rare manuscripts on show at international book fair

Rare manuscripts on show at international book fair

RIYADH: Visitors to the King Fahd National Library pavilion at the 2024 Riyadh International Book Fair have been captivated by a collection of six rare historical manuscripts.

Among the treasures on display is an Arabic Qur’an manuscript dating back to 1009 AH featuring Persian interpretations in the margins, reported the Saudi Press Agency.

Other highlights include a Hebrew scroll and a manuscript of Ibn Al-Qayyim Al-Jawziya’s “Al-Kafiyah Ash-Shafiyah” from 1274 AH.

Since its establishment in 1983, the library has been dedicated to acquiring, organizing, preserving and disseminating intellectual works. Today it is a national institution housing over 6,000 rare original manuscripts.

The library’s book fair pavilion features several sections that highlight its various roles and contributions.

The manuscripts and rare books section features a collection of cultural and intellectual treasures, while the registration section demonstrates the library’s commitment to documenting and preserving Saudi intellectual and cultural heritage. An interactive screen section provides visitors with informative videos about the library’s services and activities.

Meanwhile, the Royal Institute of Traditional Arts pavilion offers experiences that combine exploration, entertainment and education by presenting the traditional art of Al-Sadu. The art form is a national heritage and a craft passed down through generations.

The pavilion gives visitors the chance to discover Al-Sadu tools and techniques and features a visual display of the weaving stages, as well as a coloring activity that features Al-Sadu patterns. It aims to enhance the Saudi national identity for both local and international visitors, highlighting the craft’s cultural value.

The Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission, which organizes the book fair, has introduced advanced technological services to elevate this year’s visitor experience. Artificial intelligence plays a pivotal role with robots equipped to communicate in multiple languages stationed throughout the fair.

They assist visitors in navigating the event, helping them locate publishing houses and specific books, and offer audio summaries that highlight key themes and content.

Participating pavilions have fully embraced digital technology, with many publishers integrating interactive digital devices, AI-operated robots and informative screens into their exhibitions. Some booths even feature printing devices that allow visitors to obtain stories and publications on demand.

The fair, under the theme “Riyadh Reads,” runs until Oct. 5 at King Saud University. More than 2,000 publishing houses from over 30 countries are participating, spread across over 800 pavilions.

The fair also features Saudi, Arab and international cultural organizations and institutions, making it a key platform for publishers, intellectual and cultural exchange, and a meeting point for writers, thinkers, and culture and book enthusiasts from both within and outside the Kingdom.

This year’s guest of honor is Qatar, offering visitors a rich cultural experience that emphasizes the country’s literary and intellectual achievements, cultural heritage, history and diverse arts.


Saudi embassy celebrates National Day in Tokyo

Saudi embassy celebrates National Day in Tokyo
Updated 28 September 2024
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Saudi embassy celebrates National Day in Tokyo

Saudi embassy celebrates National Day in Tokyo

TOKYO: The Saudi embassy in Tokyo celebrated Saudi Arabia’s 94th National Day with a reception at a local hotel attended by over 400 guests, including Japanese government officials, business leaders, diplomats, Saudi students and members of the Arab and Muslim communities.

The event started with the Saudi national anthem performed by Nahomi Koyasu, followed by the Japanese anthem.

In his opening remarks, Ambassador Dr. Ghazi Binzagr welcomed everyone and said: “It was a day to be proud of our beautiful kingdom, its past, present and future, and the vision of its leader who guided us to establish the firm foundations of our nation based on values of our Arab and Islamic identity, a Kingdom of peace and prosperity.

“Today, we have become a beacon in the worlds of science, industry, economy and trade, a destination for the dedicated, committed and honest, and a place where people from all over the world gather to work with great pride in our diverse institutions.”

Binzagr shared his vision for the future, adding: “Yesterday, we were an oil-producing nation. Tomorrow, we aim to be a leader in energy and a powerhouse for alternative energy. We aim to become the global logistical hub that connects the East with the West, localizing industry and technology. Our commitment is to lead the world towards a responsible digital transformation and ensure a high quality of life for every citizen.”

He also highlighted the strength of the Kingdom's relationship with Japan: “Our relationship is of utmost importance, especially as we approach the 70th anniversary of our diplomatic ties next year. It is a relationship built on trust, mutual respect, common interests and shared values. Today, we see cooperation between our nations in all political, social, cultural, and economic fields. Japan is one of our most important partners in achieving the vision of the Saudi leadership 2030.”


KSrelief signs deal to support WHO’s humanitarian efforts in Ukraine

KSrelief signs deal to support WHO’s humanitarian efforts in Ukraine
Updated 28 September 2024
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KSrelief signs deal to support WHO’s humanitarian efforts in Ukraine

KSrelief signs deal to support WHO’s humanitarian efforts in Ukraine

RIYADH: Saudi aid agency, KSrelief, has signed a $ 2million cooperation agreement with the World Health Organization (WHO) to support the organization’s humanitarian efforts in Ukraine, state news agency SPA reported.

The agreement was signed by KSrelief Supervisor-General Dr. Abdullah Al Rabeeah and WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on the sidelines of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly in New York.

It is part of KSrelief’s efforts to enhance joint coordination with UN organizations and its humanitarian agencies towards serving the vulnerable and war-hit communities, according to a statement. 

As part of its medical projects, KSrelief also launched a medical project to fit prosthetic limbs for Ukrainian refugees in the city of Rzeszow, Poland, from September 23 to 29.


KSrelief signs deal with WHO to support healthcare in earthquake-hit Syria 

KSrelief signs deal with WHO to support healthcare in earthquake-hit Syria 
Updated 28 September 2024
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KSrelief signs deal with WHO to support healthcare in earthquake-hit Syria 

KSrelief signs deal with WHO to support healthcare in earthquake-hit Syria 

RIYADH: Saudi aid agency, KSrelief, signed a $4.7 million cooperation agreement on Friday with the World Health Organization (WHO) to support emergency and specialized health services in earthquake-hit areas in northwestern Syria. 
The agreement aims to provide treatment to more than 1.2 million people, including the displaced and the host community in these areas.
The agreement targets enhancing primary, secondary, and specialized healthcare. It will also work on reducing the spread of epidemics, and provide a safe health environment for the most vulnerable. 
Dialysis services will also be supported in 20 centers. 
The agreement was signed by KSrelief Supervisor-General Dr. Abdullah Al Rabeeah and WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on the sidelines of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly in New York.


Saudi FM urges Security Council to act to contain Mideast crisis

Saudi FM urges Security Council to act to contain Mideast crisis
Updated 28 September 2024
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Saudi FM urges Security Council to act to contain Mideast crisis

Saudi FM urges Security Council to act to contain Mideast crisis
  • Prince Faisal spotlighted the growing rift between a divided Security Council and the international consensus

RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan on Friday urged the United Nations Security Council to get its act together and find a way to stop the Israeli-Palestinian conflict from widening further.
Speaking at a Security Council meeting in New York, Saudi Arabia’s top diplomat lamented that despite the successive resolutions passed by the General Assembly, there is no end in sight to the
“catastrophic  humanitarian situation” the people of Gaza are facing.
Prince Faisal made the plea as fighting between Israel and the Hezbollah continued to escalate, with Israel expanding its air strikes to the southern suburbs of the Lebanese capital, Beirut, while Hezbollah targeting key Israeli facilities with missiles.
He faulted members of the council for being quick to use the veto rather than find consensus to resolve the Gaza crisis. He noted that since last October there were six draft resolutions where the veto was used out of ten.
Even then, he said, the resolutions that were adopted failed to achieve a ceasefire, failed to address the catastrophic humanitarian situation, and failed to pave the way for a creditable political path towards peace.
Last March, Russia and China vetoed a US-proposed resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and an Israel-Hamas hostage deal. Other resolutions saw the US objecting and Britain abstaining.
In the 15-member Security Council, the permanent members — Britain China, France, Russia and the US — are entitled to a special voting power known as the ‘”right to veto.” A veto could defeat a resolution even if it is supported by a majority of the council members.
“What does the UNSC need to end the suffering, to implement international law?,” Prince Faisal said. “It is clear there is a widening gap between international consensus and divides within the Security Council, which undermine its performance.”
Prince Faisal cited the General Assembly for passing successive resolutions that reflected what countries where calling for: the urgent need for a ceasefire, providing humanitarian assistance to the Gaza Strip without interruption, and the right of Palestinians to self determination,
“We value the resolution of the General Assembly that recognized the eligibility of Palestine for full membership at the UN, by virtue of which Palestine received additional privileges, as well as the latest resolutions that called on Israel to end its occupation of Palestinian territory, he said.