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 foreign minister meets with WEF chief Klaus Schwab

Saudi foreign minister meets with WEF chief Klaus Schwab
Updated 20 sec ago
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Saudi foreign minister meets with WEF chief Klaus Schwab

Saudi foreign minister meets with WEF chief Klaus Schwab

RIYADH: Saudi foreign minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan on Monday received Founder and Executive Chairman of the World Economic Forum Klaus Schwab in Riyadh, state news agency SPA reported.

The officials discussed opportunities to boost cooperation and topics of common interest.


Experience global cultures as Riyadh Season launches 3 zones with exciting events

Experience global cultures as Riyadh Season launches 3 zones with exciting events
Updated 14 October 2024
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Experience global cultures as Riyadh Season launches 3 zones with exciting events

Experience global cultures as Riyadh Season launches 3 zones with exciting events
  • Boulevard World expands with new cultural zones, while Boulevard City introduces thrilling interactive adventures
  • Al-Suwaidi Park launches with a community spotlight, starting with Indian Week

RIYADH: Riyadh Season 2024 has announced the opening of three zones for the public: Boulevard World, Boulevard City, and Al-Suwaidi Park. These zones will host a series of weeks dedicated to communities.

Boulevard World will open its doors to the public daily from 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. This season has seen several updates, including a 30 percent increase in zone size and the addition of five new zones: Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, Iran, Africa, and Courchevel.

With 22 zones representing various cultures worldwide, it boasts 300 restaurants and cafes and more than 890 shops, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.

The zones representing Egypt, Spain and Italy in Boulevard World have also been upgraded with 21 new activities suitable for different age groups, including theatrical performances and showcases from several countries, enhancing their appeal as an entertainment destination.

On Saturday night, the season’s opening was held at the Kingdom Arena with boxing matches, musical performances by hip-hop moguls Busta Rhymes, Missy Elliott, and Ciara. A member of the audience was selected to win a Mercedes-Benz G-Class, presented by General Entertainment Authority Chairman Turki Al-Sheikh.

This year, Boulevard City at Riyadh Season introduces new entertainment experiences, such as PUBG Mobile, where visitors can join a team and engage in immersive laser battles, competing to be the last one standing.

Visitors can also dive into the mysterious and exciting world of Detective Conan, where they become detectives in an effort to solve puzzles, uncover crime secrets, and find hidden treasures. This experience includes multiple stages filled with interactive challenges that require critical thinking and analysis.

Fans of family adventures and fantasy can embark on imaginative journeys with Bluey and Bingo World.

The Five Nights at Freddy’s experience returns for horror enthusiasts with a new, more thrilling, and challenging version. Visitors will confront high levels of fear as they attempt to survive the dangers surrounding them within the eerie shopping center.

These new experiences make Boulevard City an unmissable destination within the Riyadh Season events this year, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in exceptional adventures that blend excitement, fantasy, and horror.

Al-Suwaidi Park, one of Riyadh Season 2024’s most attractive destinations, spans 140,000 sq m and will host events from 4 p.m. to midnight. The series of community-dedicated weeks starts with Indian Week.

Indian Week will feature performances by renowned artists, impressive shows, traditional Indian cuisine, and opportunities to purchase clothing reflecting India’s rich cultural diversity. 
 


Foreign Ministry hosts cybersecurity awareness event

Foreign Ministry hosts cybersecurity awareness event
Updated 14 October 2024
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Foreign Ministry hosts cybersecurity awareness event

Foreign Ministry hosts cybersecurity awareness event
  • The event featured six interactive stations educating visitors on cybersecurity threats and safety tips

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in partnership with the National Cybersecurity Authority, held an exhibition in Riyadh to promote cybersecurity awareness.

Under the patronage of Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan, the event featured six interactive stations educating visitors on cybersecurity threats and safety tips.

Visitors could test their cybersecurity knowledge and learn about safe online practices, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs recently signed strategic agreements with the Saudi Information Technology Co. to enhance its cybersecurity.

Abdulhadi Al-Mansouri, assistant minister for executive affairs, and Majed Al-Mazyad, governor of the National Cybersecurity Authority, attended the signing.

Three contracts were signed in Riyadh, with Saad Al-Aboudi, CEO of the Saudi Information Technology Co., in attendance.

This collaboration aims to strengthen the ministry’s cybersecurity system, aligning with the Kingdom’s goals in this sector.
 


Saudi Civil Defense warns of thunderstorms until Friday

Saudi Civil Defense warns of thunderstorms until Friday
Updated 14 October 2024
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Saudi Civil Defense warns of thunderstorms until Friday

Saudi Civil Defense warns of thunderstorms until Friday
  • The Makkah region is expected to experience moderate to heavy rainfall

RIYADH: The General Directorate of Civil Defense has issued a warning that there will be thunderstorms in several regions of Saudi Arabia until Friday.

The Makkah region is expected to experience moderate to heavy rainfall, accompanied by flash floods, hail and strong winds, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.

Taif, Maysan, Adham and Al-Ardiyat are particularly at risk, while Turabah may have light rainfall.

The Riyadh region will also be affected, with light to moderate rain forecast for Wadi Al-Dawasir, Al-Sulayyil, Al-Aflaj, Hawtah Bani Tamim and Al-Kharj.

Moderate to heavy rainfall is expected in Baha, Asir, Jazan and Najran, while the Eastern Province may experience light showers.

The Civil Defense has urged people to exercise caution, avoid areas prone to flash floods, including valleys, and refrain from swimming in flooded areas.

Members of the public should stay updated on the latest weather conditions through various media channels.

Autumn in Saudi Arabia is typically rainy, with rapid weather changes offering relief from the heat, according to the National Center for Meteorology.


Saudi Arabia sends second relief plane to Lebanon 

Saudi Arabia sends second relief plane to Lebanon 
Updated 14 October 2024
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Saudi Arabia sends second relief plane to Lebanon 

Saudi Arabia sends second relief plane to Lebanon 

RIYADH: The second Saudi relief plane, operated by KSrelief, departed on Monday from King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, carrying food, medical supplies and shelter aid to Beirut International Airport.

This mission follows the directives of King Salman and Crown Prince Prince Mohammed bin Salman to support the Lebanese people.

This aid aims to alleviate the suffering of those affected in Lebanon and is part of the Kingdom’s support across various humanitarian and relief sectors.