Madinah workshop explores AI’s role in farms of the future

Madinah workshop explores AI’s role in farms of the future
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Devices predicting pest activity were also presented, enabling farmers to implement targeted control strategies, reducing crop losses and chemical use. (SPA)
Madinah workshop explores AI’s role in farms of the future
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Devices predicting pest activity were also presented, enabling farmers to implement targeted control strategies, reducing crop losses and chemical use. (SPA)
Madinah workshop explores AI’s role in farms of the future
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Devices predicting pest activity were also presented, enabling farmers to implement targeted control strategies, reducing crop losses and chemical use. (SPA)
Madinah workshop explores AI’s role in farms of the future
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Devices predicting pest activity were also presented, enabling farmers to implement targeted control strategies, reducing crop losses and chemical use. (SPA)
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Updated 17 September 2024
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Madinah workshop explores AI’s role in farms of the future

Madinah workshop explores AI’s role in farms of the future

JEDDAH: The use of artificial intelligence to revolutionize agriculture, cutting costs and improving efficiency, has been highlighted at a workshop held as part of the Madinah Dates Season.

The workshop, held at the Madinah Chamber of Commerce, brought together Prince Muqrin bin Abdulaziz University faculty, researchers, and AI enthusiasts to discuss the future of farming.

AI tools designed to monitor crop health, detect early signs of disease, and offer insights for treatment were showcased at the workshop, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

Devices predicting pest activity were also presented, enabling farmers to implement targeted control strategies, reducing crop losses and chemical use.

Experts explored the role of advanced electronic systems in revolutionizing Saudi agriculture, enhancing sustainability, addressing challenges, and boosting local production.

As part of this year’s Madinah Dates Season, the workshop also raised awareness of date palm varieties, nutritional value, and agricultural practices.

A dates hackathon, aiming to utilize AI in agriculture and resource management, will run until Oct. 3, with 233 teams of innovators, programmers, and students taking part.

The event's first track focuses on creating data sets to improve date cultivation and quality, aiming for sustainable agricultural development through AI systems that enhance efficiency and cut costs.

The second track addresses challenges such as water use, pest management, and crop monitoring, promoting smart systems for irrigation and automated processes.

Entries will be judged by AI experts on data quality, diversity, and innovation, with awards for the top three teams in each track. The prize pool is SR900,000 ($240,000).

The Madinah Dates Season, organized by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, features auctions of harvests from more than 29,000 farms, showcasing a range of date varieties.

Traditional Saudi arts, and palm waste recycling are also featured as part of the three-month season.

Madinah, with 6.5 million palm trees and an annual production of 263,000 tonnes, is central to Saudi Arabia’s food security goals and Vision 2030.


Saudi Arabia expresses concern over Lebanon situation, pledges medical and relief aid

Saudi Arabia expresses concern over Lebanon situation, pledges medical and relief aid
Updated 29 September 2024
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Saudi Arabia expresses concern over Lebanon situation, pledges medical and relief aid

Saudi Arabia expresses concern over Lebanon situation, pledges medical and relief aid
  • Kingdom also urged international community to take responsibility for safeguarding regional security and peace
  • Reaffirmed its support for the Lebanese people

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has expressed deep concern over the recent developments in Lebanon, calling for the preservation of Lebanon's sovereignty and territorial integrity, Saudi Press Agency reported. 

In a statement issued on Sunday, the Kingdom reaffirmed its support for the Lebanese people as they face the repercussions of ongoing events and emphasized the need to mitigate their humanitarian impact.

Saudi Arabia also urged the international community to take responsibility for safeguarding regional security and peace, stressing the importance of preventing further conflicts and tragedies in the region.

In line with its commitment to supporting Lebanon, the Kingdom’s leadership issued directives to provide urgent medical and relief aid to the Lebanese people.

This assistance aims to help Lebanon navigate its current challenges and alleviate the critical circumstances affecting the nation, SPA added.


Saudi Al-Huwaizi appointed as president of Union of Arab Chambers

Saudi Al-Huwaizi appointed as president of Union of Arab Chambers
Updated 29 September 2024
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Saudi Al-Huwaizi appointed as president of Union of Arab Chambers

Saudi Al-Huwaizi appointed as president of Union of Arab Chambers
  • Appointment made during UAC’s 135th session, being held in Doha

RIYADH: The Union of Arab Chambers appointed Hassan bin Moejeb Al-Huwaizi, President of the Federation of Saudi Chambers, as its first Vice President, Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.

The appointment was made during the UAC’s 135th session, which is being held in Doha.

In addition to his new role, Al-Huwaizi holds several prominent positions, including VP of the Federation of GCC Chambers, and president of the Abha Chamber, SPA added.

He thanked the Union of Arab Chambers for its confidence in his abilities, and Al-Huwaizi emphasized the need to strengthen intra-Arab trade.

Currently, intra-Arab trade constitutes just 13.8 percent of the total foreign trade of Arab countries, a figure he described as modest compared to other regional economic blocs.

Al-Huwaizi urged for intensified efforts to eliminate regulatory, customs, and procedural barriers that hinder trade among Arab nations.


Saudi Arabia announces monthly financial support to address humanitarian situation in Gaza

Saudi Arabia’s King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. (File/SPA)
Saudi Arabia’s King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. (File/SPA)
Updated 30 September 2024
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Saudi Arabia announces monthly financial support to address humanitarian situation in Gaza

Saudi Arabia’s King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. (File/SPA)
  • Support comes as a continuation of aid previously provided by the Kingdom to the Palestinian people which amounts to more than $5.3 billion

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia on Sunday announced the provision of monthly financial support to Palestinians to help address the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip and its surroundings.

The move is a result of the Kingdom’s keenness to provide all forms of assistance and support to Palestine and its people in the face of the suffering caused by the Israeli occupation and its flagrant violations of all international laws and norms, Saudi Press Agency said. 

The Kingdom reiterated its emphasis on the tireless efforts made by King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in communicating with members of the international community in order to reach a ceasefire, protect civilians, and provide more humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people.

The Saudi leadership is also keen to find a just and comprehensive solution to the Palestinian issue that enables the Palestinian people to obtain all their legitimate rights and establish an independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital.

The Kingdom affirmed that it pays the utmost attention to the Palestinian cause and has made every possible effort to contain the crisis in the Gaza Strip and address the critical humanitarian situation there since the beginning of the crisis last year. 

The Kingdom was able to unify the Arab and Islamic position toward this crisis by chairing the ministerial committee assigned by the joint Arab Islamic extraordinary summit held in November 2023 to support Palestinians, confront the Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip, and break the siege imposed on it, SPA said.

This resulted in a number of countries recognizing the State of Palestine and demanding that it be accepted as a full member of the United Nations, SPA added.

The support comes as a continuation of the humanitarian and development aid provided by the Kingdom to the Palestinian people in the past, which amounts to more than $5.3 billion. 


Saudi aid chief meets UN counterterrorism chief in New York

Saudi aid chief meets UN counterterrorism chief in New York
Updated 29 September 2024
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Saudi aid chief meets UN counterterrorism chief in New York

Saudi aid chief meets UN counterterrorism chief in New York
  • Voronkov praised the humanitarian projects provided by Saudi Arabia’s KSrelief agency

RIYADH: Dr. Abdullah Al-Rabeeah, general supervisor of the Saudi aid agency KSrelief, met with UN Under-Secretary-General for Counter Terrorism Vladimir Voronkov, at the 79th UN General Assembly meeting, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.

During the meeting, the two officials discussed humanitarian and relief issues.

Voronkov praised the humanitarian projects provided by the Kingdom through KSrelief to alleviate the suffering of people in need around the world.

 

 


Who’s Who: Abdullah Al-Oshaiwan, general manager of Imagination Saudi Arabia

Who’s Who: Abdullah Al-Oshaiwan, general manager of Imagination Saudi Arabia
Updated 30 September 2024
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Who’s Who: Abdullah Al-Oshaiwan, general manager of Imagination Saudi Arabia

Who’s Who: Abdullah Al-Oshaiwan, general manager of Imagination Saudi Arabia

Abdullah Al-Oshaiwan was appointed general manager of Imagination Saudi Arabia in 2024. He has been tasked with driving the company’s growth and overseeing its operations across the Kingdom, playing a critical role in expanding Imagination’s footprint in line with the goals of Vision 2030.

Before joining Imagination, he served as master event planner at the Saudi Esports Federation, where he was responsible for managing key events and large-scale projects.

One of his notable accomplishments was overseeing the 2024 Esports World Cup, the largest esports event globally, attracting over 1,500 international players and more than 2 million visitors.

Prior to that, Al-Oshaiwan held several senior positions, including as projects director at Mayadeen Events, where he was instrumental in building the company’s reputation and client base. He also played a key role in shaping cultural and esports events through his work with the Ministry of Culture and the Saudi Esports Federation.

Al-Oshaiwan was awarded the prestigious King Abdulaziz Medal by the Royal Court for his contributions to Saudi Arabia’s G20 presidency, which highlighted his ability to manage large-scale, high-profile events with excellence.

Commenting on his new position, Al-Oshaiwan said: “Joining Imagination at such a pivotal time of driving growth is a huge opportunity. With the company’s dynamic vision for the future and many exciting events on the horizon, I look forward to leading our team in delivering exceptional value to our clients and further establishing our footprint in this thriving market.”

Al-Oshaiwan holds a bachelor’s degree in supply chain management with a minor in leadership from Thompson Rivers University in Canada and is a certified project management professional.