Category: Inventions, Innovations (wef. Feb 01sy, 2022

QATAR : Doha’s Umm Al Seneem Park Opens the World’s Largest Air-Conditioned Jogging Tracks

Minister of Municipality H E Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Subaie yesterday inaugurated Umm Al Seneem Park, with the largest air-conditioned jogging tracks in the world,  in  Umm Al Seneem, Al Rayan Municipality, breaking Guinness World Records.

The 1,143-metre-long air-conditioned jogging tracks received the title of Guinness World Records for the ‘longest air-conditioned outdoor path’ on October 17, 2022.

The jogging tracks, ensuring temperatures about 26 degree Celsius aim at encouraging visitors for exercise in a bid to make them fit and healthy. 

Speaking to the media, Minister of Municipality said that Umm Al Seneem Park spreads over an area over 130,000sqm is part of an initiative of the Ministry to improve the quality of life by increasing green spaces in Qatar.

“We have increased the green spaces in the country over 10 times, compared to those in 2010 by building parks, landscaping and green areas,” said the Minister.  He said that public parks are equipped with fitness machines, children play areas and joggers trackers, including some of them air-conditioned for the comport of visitors.

“The parks have been built following sustainability goals to cut the carbon footprint and provide fresh air to visitors,” said the Minister, adding that the efforts will continue to open more new parks in near future. 

Speaking to The Peninsula, Director of Public Parks Department, Muhammad Ali Al Khouri said that the jogging tracks of Umm Al Seneem Park has been registered in the Guinness World Records and an official certificate for the title of the record was issued by the officials about a week ago. 

The Umm Al Seneem Park was developed by the Public Works Authority (Ahghal) in coordination with the Ministry of Municipality.

The park, stretching over an area of 130,105sqm, can accommodate about 6,000 visitors per day. The green spaces of the park covers 68 percent of total areas, 88,400sqm dotted with 912 trees of 18 types, including 75 local trees and 820sqm long green walls. The park includes many important facilities, including the outdoor air-conditioned jogging-track for running and walking with a length of 1,143 metres, which is in a circular shape around the park.

The cycling track is 1,135 meters long. There are three areas for exercises, a fitness box that allows visitors to exercise through a screen that displays a trainer teaching exercises. The park also has two children’s play areas, one for the age group 2 to 5, and the other for 6 to 12 years, with games dedicated to children with special needs.

There are seven service kiosks, including six for food and beverages, one kiosk for renting bicycles and bicycle parking, besides providing garden furniture, locally manufactured benches from Fiber Concrete (GRC) and Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP).

Energy-saving lighting poles haven installed. There are parking spaces for people with special needs, in addition to seven water fountains, prayer rooms, and bathrooms.

The eco-friendly air-conditioning system of jogging tracks relies on generating 60% of the electricity required to operate the air conditioners with solar panels, reducing electricity consumption while maintaining temperatures up to 26 degrees Celsius.

Director of Public Parks Department Muhammad Ali Al Khouri said that the number of public parks in Qatar increased from 56 in 2010 to 143 in 2022, recording 164% growth.

He said that green spaces jumped from 2,614,994sqm in 2010 to 43,861,133sqm in 2022, taking per capita share of green space from 1sqm in 2010 to 16.2sqm in 2022, recording 16-fold growth. “The total number of trees that have been planted across the country under ‘Plant Million Tree’ initiative has reached 1,193,665, surpassing the target, which is equivalent to 15,517,645sqm green areas,” said Al Khouri.

Eng Mohammad Arqoub Al Khaldi, Chairman of the Supervisory Committee of Beautification of Roads and Public Places in Qatar said Umm Al Seneem is an added value for achieving the environmental sustainability strategy, and enabling citizens and residents to adopt a healthy lifestyle.

Director of Building Affairs Department at Ashghal, Eng Jarallah Al Marri said that the park is eco-friendly as its air-conditioning system is powered by solar energy.

source/content: thepeninsulaqatar.com (headline edited)

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The Minister of Municipality of Municipality H E Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Subaie, with other officials at the Longest AC Outdoor Path Guinness Record park at Umm Al Saneem. Picture by Salim Matramkot/The Peninsula

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QATAR

ARAB INFLUENCE IN ASTRONOMY: Why do many star names have Arabic Origin?

Acamar, Rasalased, Kochab.. these words are examples of star names. At a first glance, they look unidentifiable. So where do they come from? The short answer is Arabic, but the long answer is a bit more nuanced than that.

The story begins in 8th century Middle East , Abbasid Caliphs became more and more interested in science and exploration. So they requested that the scientific works of previous translators be translated in Arabic, the rising scientific lingua franca of the world at that era. Greek and Roman scientific texts, notably Claudius Ptolemy’s Almagest, were translated into Arabic. But this was not merely a linguistic transfer; it also involved a comprehensive assimilation and expansion of knowledge. Ptolemy’s Almagest, translated in the 8th and 9th centuries, became a cornerstone in Islamic astronomy, enriched with commentaries and refinements by scholars of the time. It inspired many Arabs to take on the study of astronomy and carry on the study of space.

The advent of Islamic astronomy

Islamic astronomers like Al-Ḥasan Ibn al-Haytham and Ibn al-Shatir made significant strides in refining observational techniques and developing advanced instruments. Astrolabes and sundials, products of this new civilization, enabled precise measurements of celestial positions and movements. The practical application of astronomy was paramount in the Islamic civilization, particularly in the context of trade and navigation. The vast Islamic trade routes necessitated accurate navigation, and astronomy provided the means to achieve this. Bright stars, visible without telescopes, became vital reference points for navigation, leading to the naming of stars in Arabic, a practice that persisted due to its utility.

The influence extended beyond astronomy into mathematics, where the adoption of Arabic numerals revolutionized calculations. The spread of these numerals to Europe further increase the influence of Arab-Islamic scientific practices on the continent. As Europe entered the Middle Ages and Renaissance, Arabic astronomical texts, including star names, were reintroduced through translations. However, linguistic challenges and imperfect translations led to alterations and Latinizations of some names. Despite these modifications, many Arabic star names have endured and continue to be used in contemporary astronomy, which is why, while most of these names come from Arabic, they are often Latinized, and sometimes slightly modified. Other star names from Arabic include Altair, from Arabic Al-ta’ir, meaning the flying, Menkar, from Arabic Minkhar meaning the nostril, or Sulafat, from Arabic Sulahfat, meaning the tortoise.

source/content: kawa-news.com (headline edited)

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ARAB ASTRONOMY

SAUDI ARABIA: Young Saudi Designer Lamees Alfadhel Designed ‘Qitmeer’ which Produces Vegan Leather Sheets from Wasted Dates

The vegan leather-making machine Qitmeer works by grinding the dates, mixing them with additives, then pouring them into molds to start the first half of the drying process before preparing them for the finishing and coloring processes.

Curiosity was her guide, creatively unveiling the hidden wonders in the ordinary, and product designer Lamees Alfadhel designed Qitmeer, a machine that produces vegan leather sheets using damaged and wasted dates.

Qitmeer was the young designer’s graduation project. Fascinated by science, creativity, and the ability to shape human interaction with the world, Alfadhel explored several academic paths before discovering her passion and purpose in product design.

“While I may not have realized it immediately after high school, I soon discovered that product design brings together a captivating mix of different disciplines, allowing me to combine my interests and create innovative solutions,” said Alfadhel, a first-class honors product design graduate from Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University.

Alfadhel’s interest in culture, sustainability, and building a greener future through design sparked the young designer to base her graduation research in the natural leather industry in the Kingdom.

“I find inspiration in cultural designs that incorporate elements of my country, such as the iconic date palm trees,” she said.

She found two main challenges facing the natural leather industry in the Kingdom: the chemical damage resulting from the leather processes and the massive amount of wasted dates.

I’m looking forward to producing the most unique leather sheets in the industry. Sustainabilityisacore value guiding my work, dedicated to building a greener future through design.

Lamees Alfadhel, Product designer

“These challenges inspired me to design a machine that combines a solution for both issues,” said Alfadhel.

The vegan leather-making machine Qitmeer works by grinding the dates, mixing them with additives, then pouring them into molds to start the first half of the drying process before preparing them for the finishing and coloring processes.

The vegan leather sheets then become ready for the manufacturing and production operation, which includes the making of leather clothing and accessories.

Fibers are an essential part of the vegan synthetic leather-making process, and dates are the optimal choice for this industry, considering that they have a high fiber content.

“I’m looking forward to producing the most unique leather sheets in the industry. Sustainability is a core value guiding my work, dedicated to building a greener future through design,” said Alfadhel.

Qitmeer has been positively received by people. It encourages others to use elements and sources available in the Kingdom, explained Alfadhel.

Today, young creatives, including Alfadhel, have the opportunity to make their mark on the national and global art and design scene, with the Kingdom’s cultural renaissance supporting and inspiring a new generation, a key part of Saudi Arabia’s visionary economic and social plan to build a creative economy.

“The design community in the Kingdom has witnessed significant growth and recognition in recent years,” said Alfadhel.

“There are numerous initiatives, organizations, and government-backed programs that actively promote and support designers across various disciplines.”

Alfadhel has worked on several projects and her first was an interactive game with topic-based cards, designed to encourage teamwork.

She added: “Among the projects I’ve worked on, I take great pride in highlighting Qitmeer as my most significant achievement so far.”

Qitmeer was selected and featured in Tanween’s “Graduation Exhibition” at Ithra last November. The exhibition highlights the most outstanding work by graduates of design and architecture colleges and universities in the Arab world.

Alfadhel mostly uses Adobe Creative Cloud, Illustrator, and Photoshop for her designs. When sketching the initial idea, and 3D modeling, she uses the Fusion 360 platform.

“Fusion 360 is a fundamental part of my creative process, allowing me to bring ideas to life and refine them with attention to detail,” she said.

“Lately I’ve realized that the most used color in my designs is green, but that relies on the purpose of the product I design. Searching to understand the meaning of colors is an important step of my design process.”

The world has witnessed influential product designers who have set new standards in place, leaving a mark behind, and Alfadhel’s passion for design and unwavering commitment and determination to contribute to the design industry mark her out as a possible addition to the growing list.

She is currently working as a graphic designer and a marketing specialist in Riyadh and aspires to collaborate with local talents to foster the growth and development of young Saudi creatives in the Kingdom.

source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)

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Lamees Alfadhel designed Qitmeer, a machine that produces vegan leather sheets using damaged and wasted dates.

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SAUDI ARABIA

SAUDI ARABIA: ‘World’s Highest Hanging Prayer Room’ opens with Spectacular view of Kaaba and other Religious Landmarks in Mecca

Saudi Arabia’s record-breaking hanging prayer room offers spectacular Kaaba views.’

Saudi Arabia has set a new world record with the opening of the highest hanging prayer room, as recognised by Guinness World Records.

Situated at a breathtaking 483 meters above sea level, this architectural marvel offers unparalleled views of the Kaaba and other significant religious landmarks in Mecca.

Nestled within the bridge connecting the two towers of the Address Jabal Omar Mecca Hotel, the prayer room is not just a feat of engineering but also a testament to architectural ingenuity and creative prowess.

Using the latest technology and specially designed equipment, the 650-tonne steel bridge was initially assembled at 312 meters above ground before being elevated to its final position, linking the hotel’s twin towers across floors 36, 37, and 38.

The hall, which can accommodate up to 520 worshippers in a spacious 550 square meter area, blends traditional Arabic designs with modern luxury. Arabic calligraphy adorns its interiors, enhancing the room’s sanctity with the names of Allah and reflecting the rich Islamic heritage.

Worshippers in this prayer hall are treated to a spiritual experience filled with peace and tranquility. During Fajr prayers, they can witness the sunrise over Mecca, while the sunset bathes the chapel in warm.

source/content: gulfnews.com (headline edited)

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It was initially assembled at 312 meters above ground before being elevated to its final position, linking the hotel’s twin towers across floors 36, 37, and 38. / Image Credit: Courtesy of X/@ThamerAlbugami

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SAUDI ARABIA

SAUDI ARABIA: King Saud University granted US Cybersecurity Patent for Electric Cars

  • Invention scans for threats and informs driver on display or mobile
  • Boost for Saudi Arabia’s Ceer Motors, fledgling electric car industry, says lead developer

King Saud University in Riyadh has been granted a patent in the US for software that protects the computer systems of electric cars when linking to charging stations.

The invention is named the Motor Vehicle Cyber Inspection System. After conducting an inspection, the system notifies the driver of the cybersecurity status on a smart display or mobile device. The system can scan for malware, ransomware, backdoors, data leakage, and software vulnerabilities.

Announcing the receipt of the patent, the KSU media center said Thursday the team that achieved this success was led by Prof. Muhammad Khurram Khan and included Dr. Wazir Khan.

“This breakthrough patent achievement highlights KSU’s dedication to pioneering research and technological advancements, solidifying its position at the forefront of innovation in automotive cybersecurity,” it said.

The approval was granted by the US Patent and Trademark Office on Jan. 16, and the application was submitted in March 2023.

Khan, who led the team, told Arab News: “The granting of this US patent to the KSU represents a momentous achievement in the realm of cybersecurity, particularly for the burgeoning automotive sector in Saudi Arabia under Vision 2030. The invention holds substantial significance for the local automotive industry, particularly for entities like Ceer Motors and the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Company.”

“Saudi Vision 2030 emphasizes the importance of developing a skilled and knowledgeable workforce to meet the demands of a diversified economy. Therefore, the development and implementation of advanced technologies, as reflected in the patent, contribute to job creation and skill development,” he added.

Khan further said: “Integrating patented technology into vehicles and charging stations would offer a considerable competitive advantage. It would not only enhance the cybersecurity resilience of automotive products but also position local manufacturers at the forefront of technological innovation and economic diversification efforts while the Saudi automotive industry is taking off.”

He added that the “patent aligns with the national goals of technological innovation and localization. By implementing this technology locally, companies could contribute to building indigenous capabilities, fostering economic growth, and creating high-value jobs in the technology and automotive sectors.”

Under the Vision 2030 initiative, Saudi Arabia is actively diversifying its economy, with a particular emphasis on the automotive sector. This commitment is exemplified by the establishment of Ceer Motors, the Kingdom’s inaugural EV brand, dedicated to manufacturing local electric vehicles.

Moreover, a recent development includes the launch of the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Co., or EVIQ, a strategic initiative to bolster EV adoption. The firm aims to facilitate this transition by establishing a nationwide network of 1,000 charging stations consisting of 5,000 chargers by 2030.

source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)

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SAUDI ARABIA

MOROCCO: Forbes 50 Over 50 Spotlights Moroccan Scientist Rajaa Cherkaoui El Moursli

Rajaa Cherkaoui El Moursli was part of the research team that made the groundbreaking discovery of the Higgs Boson particle.

Moroccan prominent nuclear physicist Rajaa Cherkaoui El Moursli was featured this year on the list of Forbes 50 Over 50 for the Middle East and Africa (MENA) in recognition of her outstanding scientific contributions.

El Moursli’s research has helped prove the existence of the Higgs Boson, which is the particle responsible for the creation of mass. 

“While her almost 30-year-long career in science has been filled with achievements, it’s a career that would not have existed had she not convinced her father to let her seek out a graduate degree in France in the early 1980s,” Forbes wrote. This was a time when Moroccan women were “expected to leave home to marry and not pursue a vocation.” 

After earning her Ph.D in Nuclear Physics from the University of Joseph Fourier in Grenoble, France, El Moursli returned to Morocco in 1982.  There, she joined the Faculty of Sciences at the University Mohammed V in Rabat. 

Early in her career, she took the helm as the head of the Laboratory of Nuclear Physics in Rabat.  El Moursli’s research focuses on the applications of nuclear physics, medical physics, and high-energy physics. 

A pivotal moment in her career occurred in 1996 when she became an integral part of Morocco’s participation in the international ATLAS collaboration at the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN). The event marked her entry into one of the world’s most prestigious scientific research centers, located in Geneva.

El Moursli’s contributions have extended beyond the laboratory giving her membership with international organizations such ATLAS, KM3NET, and ANTARES. 

Within these roles, she has been vital in creating and implementing master’s degree programs at her university, notably creating Morocco’s first master’s program in medical physics. Currently, over thirty graduates from her program hold crucial positions as radio physicists in Moroccan hospitals.

Throughout her career, she has supervised numerous doctoral and master’s students and has played a crucial role in building and strengthening academic programs.

In 2015, she became the first Moroccan to receive the L’Oreal-UNESCO award for Women in Science, representing Africa and the Arab States. 

El Moursli served as VP of Research, Innovation, Cooperation, and Partnership at Mohammed V University.  She also chaired the competition program “My Thesis in 180 Seconds.” 

Her accolades include being a fellow of the World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) and serving on the “For Women in Science” international jury. 

In 2017, she was honored by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation for her outstanding contributions to science and technology in the Islamic world.

Now in 2024, El Moursli continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the global scientific landscape and showcasing Moroccan achievements to the world. 

source/content: moroccoworldnews.com (headline edited)

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Moroccan nuclear physicist Rajaa Cherkaoui El Moursli

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MOROCCO

SHARJAH, U.A.E: Al Qasimia University Honours ‘Islamic Economics Research Award’ Winners

Under the patronage of H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, Sharjah Centre for Islamic Economics (SCIE) at the university organised a ceremony to honour the winners of the Al Qasimia University Award for Islamic Economics Research, held in the university theatre, in the presence of the President of the University, members of the Board of Trustees, the University Rector, deans of colleges, and members of the Academic, and administrative bodies and students.

Professor Jamal Salem Al Tarifi, President of Al Qasimia University, honoured the award winners and congratulated them on the quality of research presented in Islamic economics studies.

Professor Dr. Awad Al Khalaf, Acting Chancellor of the University, expressed his highest thanks and gratitude to the Ruler of Sharjah, and founder of the University, for His Highness’s generous patronage of the award, as this sponsorship adds value to one of the most important scientific activities that contribute to the renaissance of the economic sector, and the dissemination of the principles and values of Islamic economics, according to scientific foundations, and qualitative scientific research taking into consideration the real need of building a solid economy that achieves UAE development.

The list of researchers included honouring Dr. Badr Al Zaman Khamqani, from the Republic of Algeria, winner in the field of economics, in his research entitled: “A proposed strategy to accelerate the pace of digital transformation in Islamic banks.” Dr. Ahmed Abdel Rahman Ahmed Al Majali, from the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, won in the field of law, in his research entitled: “blockchain technology compatibility with Islamic financial transactions.” Professor Dr. Aisha Muniza, from the Maldives, won in the field of economics, in her research entitled: “Development of a digital Islamic social stock exchange”.

Dr. Yasser Al Hosani, SCIE Director, announced the launch of the fourth edition of the award under the title “Smart Islamic Financial Engineering”.

source/content: wam.ae (headline edited)

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SHARJAH, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (U.A.E)

EGYPT: Nour El Refai Wins Architecture Masterprize 2023 Photography Award

The Egyptian architect turned photographer walks us through his award-winning photographs in Dubai.

Renowned Egyptian architectural photographer Nour El Refai was announced as the winner of Architecture Masterprize 2023 Photography Award in the ‘Healthcare-Exterior’ category for his work on Thukher Club, a seniors social club in Al Wasl, Dubai which was designed by Naga Architects. This is the second year in a row that El Refai wins the prestigious award, after his shots of Museum of the Future won the ‘Cultural-Interior’ category in 2022.

Capturing the organic architecture and layout of Thukher Club, the brilliance of El Refai’s photographs rest in their nuanced approaches. From meticulous compositions and dramatic perspectives to calm lighting and consistent tones, his work helped translate Naga Architects’s design and concept.

Over the past decade, El Refai has steadily grown into a benchmark in architectural photography within the MENA region. Whether it’s stunning summer houses or cultural centres, his work is helping document the design upheaval taking over the region. In Al Wasl, he delivers a masterclass in the relationship between architecture and lighting.

Light rain set the tone to the first day of photographing Thukher Club. “Clouds felt dramatic. For Naga Architects, it made sense to opt for a clear sky to define the architecture,” El Refai tells SceneHome. “I adjusted the composition based on the natural sky and clouds to balance the architecture without overshadowing it.”

A key parameter of El Refai’s work on Thukher Club was our yellow dwarf star. “The sun’s movement helped define the masses. I visited early in the day and imagined the shape of shadows against them,” he recalls. After almost completing his work, El Refai revisited Thukher Club at noon, which required a new set of permissions since it was during a peak time, when crowds of people would pass through. “When the sun’s perpendicular there’s contrast between the masses and the foreground. Human elements add a sense of scale. It shows you how the masses overlap, that’s why I needed the sun to be high. Had it been low, both surfaces would’ve been white and lacked shade.”

The exterior masses of Thukher Club featured irregular and organic forms. Its main entrance, covered by undulating architecture, was photographed from two different angles; one emphasises its curves before sunset and the other has a wider view that establishes context. “Lines guide me in terms of where to stand and look, and lenses provide the freedom to shift in direction,” El Refai says. Both perspectives guided him and how shifts were illustrated in the former entrance image.

“I exaggerated the curve by getting closer to the building with an acute angle. I wasn’t photographing elevations but accentuating them,” he says, referring to the dramatic perspective where the building appears in motion towards its vanishing point. On the far right side of the same image, Thukher Club’s logo (which is the abstracted layout of the buildings) appears from within the club. To get this shot, El Refai kept adjusting the frame until it felt right.

Every architectural project presents unique challenges to photographers. Once they’ve become confident in their process and tools, only then will they be able to showcase it in the best light possible. That’s something El Refai learned from practice. “Practice makes you understand that you don’t have to be perfect,” he says. “You understand the parameters of perfection but more importantly you’re able to tell when it’s enough, how to have vision and imagine situations in advance.”

In Al Wasl, El Refai predicted that night shots would be challenging because lamp posts close to the building switched between too many colours. A full day was spent solving the issue and as a result, instead of having 10 colours switching during twilight, there were only three. This was an example of the importance of preparing in advance and understanding the project.

From inside, Thukher Club was composed of three main spaces with skylights providing natural light. An all-white interior provoked nuanced approaches by El Refai, which conveyed the desired level of brightness intended by the design, highlighted the importance of toning and how subtle changes in composition make all the difference. In one of the shots, El Refai pictures a space flanked by a corridor, followed up by a closer shot that places viewers within the seating area.

“I tried to show different levels without appearing too overlapped,” El Refai says. “The oddity of photographing a 3D space into a 2D plane is that people don’t experience space in 2D, so when you add it on a page the masses blend together, and you have to figure out the point from which you’re photographing and the lens you’re using in order to ease the composition.”

Once the composition is settled, the rest of the process includes lighting, editing and adjusting the layers and tones. “Consistency of tones is crucial. Depending on camera measuring, sunlight and timings, tones are always changing but they need to remain consistent,” El Refai adds. Between day and night, there are naturally changes in tones but in both sets of images the tones of each need to remain consistent.

“Most of the work is in the composition and the rest is timing,” El Refai continues. “It’s all about enjoying the process. I roam around the project to get a feel for the spaces and the relationships between them.” To be able to get these shots, El Refai schedules the entire day and determines how much time each perspective will have, the window of opportunity so to speak.

presentation. “Transitioning from day to night needs to be seamless, unless designers request to emphasise different moods of the same space,” he says. “I prefer telling the story of the project as an experience, walking from one space to another. Visual storytelling is of paramount importance, I don’t deliver an album without ordering it. It may not be the same order of photography because that depends on context, presenting the images is a different story. The order depends on the story that I want people to feel.”

When asked for advice for upcoming photographers, El Refai says, “Research the designer and the design to understand the project. If you receive plans or renders, use them to envision the space. On the ground, there will be some changes but when you imagine the project’s architecture you can interpret it properly through images.”

If El Refai’s insights are an indication of anything, it’s that preparing for a shoot is equally as important as the shoot itself. Whether it’s the scheduling or communication, proper briefing and communication, when a photographer understands the context, they find the freedom to explore nuanced angles. With time, as demonstrated by El Refai’s serial award-winning approach, there will be less photos and more keepers.

Photography Credit: Nour El Refai

source/content: scenehome.com (headline edited)

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EGYPT

SAUDI ARABIA: AI will help find high-potential Mining targets in World’s First ‘Geoscience Data Analytics Center’

Saudi Arabia is set for a groundbreaking technological venture in the mining sector with the launch of the Geoscience Data Analytics Center. 

Commissioned by the Saudi government, the facility is expected to commence operations later this year. 

Speaking to Arab News at the Future Minerals Forum, Commissioner Rob Wood emphasized the interdisciplinary nature of the center and the significance of developing new programs to train professionals with hybrid skills. 

Wood said: “It will be the very first of its kind globally. It will become operational probably in late 2024.” 

Saudi Arabia boasts 31 critical minerals and strategic resources, ranging from gold, and silver to nickel and cobalt. 

The Kingdom is poised to establish a third industrial pillar centered on mining, with potential reserves estimated at $2.5 trillion, as Wood also highlighted the significance of the Kingdom’s commitment to diversify its economy. 

He emphasized that the Geoscience Data Analytics Center would play a pivotal role in utilizing AI to uncover potential mining deposits. 

The $2.5 trillion estimate, Wood clarified, is extrapolated from the known data available, emphasizing that extensive land exploration and data collection support this estimation. 

“The amount of land that we’ve actually explored and done data collection for. So, we know that there is a significant amount of opportunity left within the Kingdom that we haven’t explored yet,” he noted. 

Wood explained that there is a need to establish new interdisciplinary programs, where geologists will be trained in computer science. 

He highlighted novel aspects of the center, such as state-of-the-art robotic labs for core scanning and cumulative effects research.

“Literally, nobody on the planet is doing what we’re talking about,” he claimed, adding: “The intent is that the Kingdom will, in fact, have complete control and will be running the center for decades to come.” 

Wood elaborated on the ongoing data collection efforts, stating that the gathered information will be fed into a new artificial intelligence platform capable of conducting analytics to identify high-potential mining targets. 

The commissioner emphasized the use of AI in modeling mineral deposits, stating, “We’re using machine learning to uncover these high-potential deposits very early in the process.” 

He acknowledged the formidable challenge in the mining sector, particularly the difficulty in identifying new targets, referred to as “greenfields,” which he termed as a highly risky endeavor. 

“So frequently, they can go out and do a full drilling program and come back with nothing, and you spend literally hundreds of millions of dollars for potentially no result whatsoever.” 

To address this challenge, Wood unveiled the ambitious plan to use advanced artificial intelligence to de-risk the costs associated with finding new targets. 

“What we’re looking to do is, in fact, de-risk those costs on the mining companies by using advanced artificial intelligence to, in fact, actually find these new targets,” he explained. 

The commissioner emphasized the significance of addressing environmental and social impacts in the mining sector, stating: “One of the things the center is going to be doing is actually complex environmental and social impact research.” 

In conclusion, Wood highlighted the uniqueness of Saudi Arabia’s position in undertaking this venture, stating: “The discovery of oil is substantially easier than the discovery of minerals. Minerals require sophisticated analytics to find these new deposits.” 

As the Kingdom embarks on this groundbreaking initiative, Wood expressed his optimism, stating, “It’s an exciting time to be in Saudi Arabia.” 

source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)

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Rob Wood, commissioner of the Geoscience Data Analytics Center, speaking to Arab News.

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SAUDI ARABIA

MOROCCO: First “Made in Morocco” car brand NEO’s ‘NamX’ presented to King Mohammed VI

Morocco’s King Mohammed VI presides at the Royal Palace in Rabat the presentation ceremony of the model of the first Moroccan car manufacturer “Neo Motors” and the prototype of a hydrogen vehicle “NamX” developed by a Moroccan.

Morocco’s King Mohammed VI presided, on Monday at the Royal Palace in Rabat the presentation ceremony of the model of the first Moroccan car manufacturer and the prototype of a hydrogen vehicle developed by a Moroccan, two innovative projects that will strengthen the promotion of the “Made In Morocco” label and consolidate the Kingdom’s position as a competitive automotive production platform.

The presentation to the King of the car of “Neo Motors”, a company owned by Moroccan capital, and of the prototype of a hydrogen vehicle of the company NamX, named HUV (Hydrogen Utility Vehicle), underlines the Sovereign’s willingness to encourage and promote the pioneering national entrepreneurial initiatives and the creative capacities, particularly of the Moroccan youth, that these projects embody.

These two industrial initiatives are in line with the High Royal Directions aiming at directing the private sector towards productive investment, in particular in the advanced and future sectors and at stimulating the emergence of a new generation of companies in the Kingdom.

They also confirm the King’s far-sighted vision in terms of sustainable development and the promotion of renewable energies, particularly the emerging field of green hydrogen.

Neo Motors company has set up an industrial unit in Ain Aouda (Rabat-Salé-Kenitra Region), to manufacture motor vehicles for the local market and for export, with a projected annual capacity of 27,000 units and a local integration rate of 65%.

The total projected investment for this project amounts to 156 million dirhams ($15.6 million) and will eventually create 580 jobs.

The final approval of the first vehicle was issued by the National Agency for Road Safety in February 2023. The company has launched the pre-production and plans to inaugurate the industrial unit during the month of June 2023 and to launch the marketing.

This project, which gives birth to the first Moroccan consumer car brand, is carried by national skills. It relies mainly on the ecosystem of local automotive suppliers developed by the Kingdom.

As for the prototype of the hydrogen vehicle of NamX, it was designed in collaboration with the Italian design office and coachbuilder of reference Pininfarina. The interior design of the vehicle has been realized by Moroccan talents.

Indeed, the HUV model will be supplied with hydrogen by a central tank that will be completed by six removable capsules, guaranteeing a significant autonomy and facilitating the hydrogen recharge in a few minutes.

This pilot project places Morocco firmly in the ongoing worldwide momentum to develop new forms of transport that combine efficiency and respect for the environment.

The monarch awarded the Wissam Al Kafaa Al Fikria to Nassim Belkhayat, founder and CEO of Neo Motors company, and Faouzi Annajah, President and founder of NamX company.

source/content: middle-east-online.com (meo) / headline edited

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The two industrial initiatives are in line with the High Royal Directions aiming at directing the private sector towards productive investment

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MOROCCO