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Saudi university prepares talent for AI hackathon

Saudi university prepares talent for AI hackathon
Participants will learn to develop innovative, functional prototypes that address key challenges during the hackathon. (SPA)
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Updated 19 April 2025
Arab News
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Saudi university prepares talent for AI hackathon

Saudi university prepares talent for AI hackathon
  • The three-day program equips participants with essential skills
  • Participants will learn to develop innovative, functional prototypes
Updated 19 April 2025
Arab News
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JEDDAH: In partnership with the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority, King Saud University has launched a training program for the upcoming Transformation Hackathon.
The three-day program equips participants with essential skills to thrive in high-performing hackathon teams. It focuses on building technical abilities and hands-on experience with AI tools.
Participants will learn to develop innovative, functional prototypes that address key challenges during the hackathon, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The training is a key step ahead of the main event, set for April 24–27.
The Transformation Hackathon is a strategic initiative to enhance education at King Saud University, support national talent in data and AI, and advance Saudi Vision 2030 through innovation and future-ready skills.

Topics: Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority King Saud University Transformation Hackathon

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Abdullah bin Sharaf Al-Ghamdi, head of the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority
Dr. Majid Mohammed Al-Tuwaijri, supervisor at the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority
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Dr. Majid Mohammed Al-Tuwaijri, supervisor at the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority

KSrelief distributes 1,500 food baskets in Umm Rawaba, Sudan

KSrelief distributes 1,500 food baskets in Umm Rawaba, Sudan
Updated 16 May 2025
SPA
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KSrelief distributes 1,500 food baskets in Umm Rawaba, Sudan

KSrelief distributes 1,500 food baskets in Umm Rawaba, Sudan
Updated 16 May 2025
SPA

NORTH KORDOFAN: The Saudi aid agency KSrelief recently distributed 1,500 food baskets in Umm Rawaba in the North Kordofan state of Sudan, benefiting 2,820 individuals. The initiative was part of the third phase of the aid agency’s food security support project in the country.

Ahmed Abelwahed, the executive director in Umm Rawaba, reaffirmed the locality’s full support for KSrelief’s efforts.

Mohammed Al-Badri, the humanitarian aid commissioner, praised the Kingdom for standing with the Sudanese people, and confirmed the commission’s readiness to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid.

The initiative reflects the Kingdom’s ongoing commitment, through KSrelief, to support people and countries in need around the world.

Topics: KSrelief

Norway’s ambassador underlines need to scale up and find new ways of working together

Norway’s ambassador underlines need to scale up and find new ways of working together
Updated 16 May 2025
Rashid Hassan
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Norway’s ambassador underlines need to scale up and find new ways of working together

Norway’s ambassador underlines need to scale up and find new ways of working together
  • Envoy reaffirms commitment to strengthen ties with Saudi Arabia at National Day celebration
  • The ambassador said: “Our two countries are committed to a rules-based international order”
Updated 16 May 2025
Rashid Hassan

RIYADH: Kjersti Tromsdal, Norwegian ambassador to the Kingdom, on Thursday night confirmed her country’s determination to further strengthen bilateral cooperation with Saudi Arabia by finding new ways of cooperation as Norway celebrated its National Day in Riyadh.

The mayor of Riyadh, Prince Faisal bin Abdulaziz bin Ayyaf, attended the National Day reception hosted at the Norwegian Embassy in the Diplomatic Quarter.

Speaking at the reception, Tromsdal said: “Today, we celebrate the signing of the Norwegian constitution on May 17th, 1814. In Norway, the National Day, or the Constitution Day, is huge — a day full of children parading with flags and happy cheers in the streets. It’s a day when we celebrate tradition, pride and unity.

“The bilateral relationship between Saudi Arabia and Norway goes back to 1961. The two kingdoms have proud histories and ambitious futures. For decades, we have had fruitful exchanges in the energy sector as major oil and gas producers. Saudi Arabia and Norway are also maritime nations with an interest in safeguarding the marine environment,” she said.

“Both our countries are committed to accelerating the green transition. There is a need to develop and scale up new technologies and find new ways of working. This is an area where we see an increased number of partnerships between Norwegian and Saudi companies,” she added.

Norwegian companies that contribute to the implementation of Vision 2030 are an important part of the solid bilateral relations between our two countries, Tromsdal said, adding that the small Norwegian community in the Kingdom is growing, and that she was happy to see an increasing number of Saudi citizens visiting Norway.

The ambassador said: “Our two countries are committed to a rules-based international order, and see the value of mediated solutions to conflict. Norway believes in dialogue and constructive engagement for conflict resolution and appreciates the important role Saudi Arabia is taking in the region, and beyond, today.

“We value very much the close cooperation with Saudi Arabia in the Global Alliance for the Implementation of a Two-State Solution and we commend the efforts of Saudi Arabia in finding a path to fulfilling the rights of the Palestinian people,” she added.

Norway is a country renowned for its crisp air, green mountains, deep blue fjords and clear water.

“Today, we invite you to have a taste of Norway. And we know Saudis love Norwegian salmon. Together with the Norwegian Seafood Council and our sponsors we have brought high-quality Norwegian seafood to Riyadh. Our renowned chef Daniel and his assistants have travelled all the way from Norway to prepare the dishes for us. Our history as a seafood nation stems back to long before the Viking era with fishing, catching and trading of seafood,” the ambassador said.

Norway today, she said, is the world’s largest exporter of seafood, despite being a small country with a smaller population than Riyadh city.

Norway’s natural resources combined with one of the world’s longest coastlines, are the reasons for its lengthy traditions and practices in the seafood industry.

Atlantic salmon farming was “invented” in Norway 60 years ago and is today the world leader in salmon farming and aquaculture technology, she added.

“I am also glad to see many Norwegian companies and their Saudi partners here. Jotun, who celebrate 40 years in the Kingdom this year; Hydro Technal; DNV; Interwell; Corporater; Bravo Seafood; Norsk Sjomat; Pelagia; Arabian Fisheries; Tine; and Eira Water; and not least, our partnership with the Norwegian Seafood Council.”

The ambassador thanked her colleagues at the embassy with the words: “This is my first national day as ambassador in Riyadh, and I am so grateful to be here and to be part of this fabulous team.”

Topics: Prince Faisal bin Abdulaziz bin Ayyaf Kjersti Tromsdal Norwegian National Day Norwegian Embassy in Saudi Arabia

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Saudi students win nine Special Awards at ISEF 2025

Saudi students win nine Special Awards at ISEF 2025
Updated 16 May 2025
Arab News
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Saudi students win nine Special Awards at ISEF 2025

Saudi students win nine Special Awards at ISEF 2025
  • More than 1,700 students representing 70 countries participated in this year’s ISEF
  • The Saudi team this year consisted of 40 students
Updated 16 May 2025
Arab News

RIYADH: Students from Saudi Arabia have picked up nine Special Awards at this year’s Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF), which was held in Colombus, Ohio, in the US from May 10 to 16. At the time of writing, winners of the Grand Awards had yet to be announced.

More than 1,700 students representing 70 countries participated in this year’s ISEF, which is billed as the largest global platform for research and innovation projects by school students. Entries are evaluated by more than 1,000 international science experts.

The Saudi students who won Special Awards were Fatima Al-Arfaj (chemistry), Areej Al-Qarni and Saleh Al-Anqari (environmental engineering), Abdulrahman Al-Ghannam (materials science), and Sama Bukhamseen (embedded systems). Imran Al-Turkistani (energy), and Lana Nouri (translational medical sciences) each won two awards.

Saudi Arabia, represented by The King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity (Mawhiba) and the Ministry of Education, has participated in the annual fair every year since 2007. It has now won 169 awards, including 110 Grand Prizes and 59 Special Prizes.

The Saudi team this year consisted of 40 students selected from among the Grand Prize winners of the National Olympiad for Scientific Creativity — the finals of which featured projects from 200 students. The Olympiad is one of the dozens of programs offered annually by Mawhiba for gifted students.

Topics: Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair ISEF Ohio

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Center’s agreement aims at combating desertification

Center’s agreement aims at combating desertification
Updated 16 May 2025
Arab News
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Center’s agreement aims at combating desertification

Center’s agreement aims at combating desertification
  • Solutions contribute to sustainable environmental development
  • The signing followed a decision by the Council of Ministers in December 2024
Updated 16 May 2025
Arab News

JEDDAH: The National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification has signed an agreement with the Gansu Desert Control Research Institute to enhance cooperation in combating desertification.

The deal was signed by Khaled bin Abdullah Al-Abdulkader, the CEO of the center, during the visit of Abdulrahman Al-Fadli, the Saudi minister of environment, water and agriculture, to China.

The signing followed a decision by the Council of Ministers in December 2024.

The agreement aims to foster collaboration in combating desertification, sand encroachment, drought, land degradation, and the impact of drought in arid areas, while promoting the sustainable management of drylands.

Al-Abdulkader also held strategic meetings with several prominent Chinese companies to explore potential collaborations with a view to attracting investment to Saudi Arabia.

Discussions took place on initiatives such as natural asset management, rangeland rehabilitation, desert resort development, and the transfer of greening and desertification control technologies, supporting Saudi Arabia’s vision for a green economy and sustainable land use.

Al-Abdulkader met BGI Group representatives in Beijing to explore cutting-edge technologies for mangrove cultivation, which plays a key role in coastal protection, vegetation expansion, and environmental sustainability.

He also held discussions at Shanghai Mengfu Environmental Protection Technology Company, focusing on innovative solutions for converting invasive plant species into marketable, eco-friendly products.

In the field of environmental design, Al-Abdulkader met representatives from LWK Engineering and Landscape to oversee the company’s portfolio of ecological design projects and examine opportunities for collaboration in the planning and development of national parks, botanical gardens, and wetland areas.

These engagements reflect the center’s commitment to strengthening international partnerships, promoting green investment, and adopting forward-looking solutions that contribute to sustainable environmental development, in line with Saudi Arabia’s strategic objectives.

Topics: National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification Gansu Desert Control Research Institute Abdulrahman Al-Fadli China

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Red-carpet launch in Riyadh: Gerard Butler kicks off ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ premiere

Red-carpet launch in Riyadh: Gerard Butler kicks off ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ premiere
Updated 16 May 2025
Rahaf Jambi
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Red-carpet launch in Riyadh: Gerard Butler kicks off ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ premiere

Red-carpet launch in Riyadh: Gerard Butler kicks off ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ premiere
  • Reprising his role as Stoick the Vast, Butler’s visit marked a major moment for Saudi Arabia’s growing entertainment scene
Updated 16 May 2025
Rahaf Jambi

RIYADH: Gerard Butler kicked off his international press tour for “How to Train Your Dragon” with a special red-carpet premiere at Vox Cinemas, Roshn Front in Riyadh. 

Reprising his role as Stoick the Vast, Butler’s visit marked a major moment for Saudi Arabia’s growing entertainment scene.

Fans filled the venue, eager to catch a glimpse of the Hollywood star. Butler took his time meeting attendees, posing for photos, and signing autographs, a gesture that was met with huge enthusiasm, especially from young fans.

In a press chat, Butler spoke about the significance of launching the film in Saudi Arabia, praising the Kingdom’s rising profile in the global entertainment industry. 

“It’s an honor to be here,” he said. “The energy of the crowd has been incredible, and I’m excited to share this story with everyone.”

He also recorded an exclusive interview with Arab News, set to be published soon.

“How to Train Your Dragon,” directed by three-time Oscar nominee Dean DeBlois, is a live-action remake of the beloved DreamWorks franchise. The film, releasing on June 12, follows the bond between Hiccup and Toothless, with Butler’s character playing a key role. The cast includes Julian Dennison, Gabriel Howell, and Bronwyn James.

The evening not only celebrated the film but also reflected Saudi Arabia’s efforts to position itself as a key player in the global film industry.

Topics: Saudi Arabia Gerard Butler

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