AlUla to hold astronomy seminar

AlUla to hold astronomy seminar
(SPA/File)
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Updated 08 October 2025
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AlUla to hold astronomy seminar

AlUla to hold astronomy seminar
  • AlUla is renowned for its dark skies, considered among the clearest in the world

RIYADH: The Royal Commission for AlUla will organize an educational seminar as part of the “Journey Through the Stars” series on Oct.12 at 5 p.m.

The event will be staged in collaboration with King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology and the team from AlUla Manara, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The seminar will be presented by specialist in physics and astronomy Dr. Thamer Al-Refay and will cover the fundamentals of astronomy and methods for identifying its components.

The “Journey Through the Stars” series is an educational initiative launched by the RCU to raise awareness of astronomy, in collaboration with several entities, including KACST.

The series features seminars and educational sessions in Arabic, focusing on astronomy, stars, and space science concepts, with an emphasis on connecting astronomical knowledge to the local environment.

AlUla is the site of several pioneering projects in this field, most notably the AlUla Manara observatory project, the first of its kind in the region, as a research and astronomical center that opens new horizons for scientific discoveries.

AlUla is renowned for its dark skies, considered among the clearest in the world.

The RCU obtained DarkSky accreditation for the AlUla Manara observatory site and the Gharameel Nature Reserve, making them the first certified dark-sky locations in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf region.

The recognition reflects the RCU’s commitment to promoting astro-tourism and stargazing, as well as supporting space sciences and scientific discoveries.


New program to spark creativity and innovation

New program to spark creativity and innovation
Updated 3 sec ago
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New program to spark creativity and innovation

New program to spark creativity and innovation
  • It aims to turn creative ideas into sustainable projects aligned with the Kingdom’s entertainment development goals

RIYADH: The General Entertainment Authority has launched the “Entertainment Innovations” program to boost creativity and innovation in Saudi Arabia’s entertainment sector.

Aimed at empowering talent and entrepreneurs, the program helps develop solutions that enhance sector growth and global competitiveness, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

Registration is now open for the program. More than 100 participants will form diverse teams supported by mentors and industry experts, the SPA added.

The program includes several phases: registration via the authority’s website, screening and team selection for a virtual bootcamp, and a three-day challenge culminating in final presentations before judges, where winners will be honored.

The program focuses on building business models, brand identity, prototypes, and go-to-market strategies, the SPA added.

It aims to turn creative ideas into sustainable projects aligned with the Kingdom’s entertainment development goals and foster collaboration among creators, investors, and experts.

The program targets three goals: promoting innovation in entertainment, attracting specialized talent in technology, design, and entrepreneurship, and expanding the pool of young creatives in the sector.

In total, SR300,000 ($80,000) in prizes and support packages worth more than $1 million will be awarded to the top three winners.