Category: Science & Technology

SYRIA-BRITISH : Microsoft hires British-Syrian Mustafa Suleyman to head its AI business

Microsoft has hired British-Syrian Mustafa Suleyman to head its AI business, cementing his role in the industry.

Mustafa Suleyman , a highly respected British-Syrian AI expert, has been named as Microsoft’s artificial intelligence business head, as the company cements its position in this booming field.

Suleyman co-founded DeepMind , which Google purchased in 2014, before starting up Inflection.ai in 2022 with LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman, to guide AI away from racist, sexist or violent behaviour. It has also been named a rival to Microsoft in the field of AI.

He also co-wrote ‘The Coming Wave’, a highly influential book in the tech industry that examines the potential and pitfalls of AI.

Microsoft said in a post on LinkedIn on Monday named Sulyaman as CEO of Microsoft AI, leading all of its consumer products and research, including its generative AI service Copilot as well as its Bing search engine and Edge browser. 

He will report directly to Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella , who welcomed his appointment in a blog post.

“This infusion of new talent will enable us to accelerate our pace yet again,” Nadella wrote.

The hiring is likely to bolster Microsoft’s lead position in the booming AI industry, as big tech companies battle for positions to capitalise on the demand for AI services.

Microsoft has teamed up with ChatGPT maker OpenAI, investing billions of dollars into the San Francisco company, and recently partnered with France’s Mistral  , a hot AI startup.

Suleyman is the son of a Syrian taxi driver and English nurse and grew up in North London. He dropped out of Oxford University aged 19, before founding the Muslim Youth Hotline, which became one of the biggest counseling services for Muslims in the UK.

His appointment to the top Microsoft position has been welcomed by British Arabs and Syrians worldwide, who have commended him for his journey from relatively humble beginnings to one of the leading positions in the IT industry.

He was named in The New Arab‘s ‘The notable British Arabs making a difference’ list in 2021 .

source/content: newarab.com (headline edited)

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Sulayman is one of the most influential people in the field of AI [Getty]

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BRITISH / SYRIAN

U.A.E: Emirates Global Aluminum Completes the Acquisition of German ‘Lichtmetal Aluminium Gesserei Hannover GmbH’

Emirates Global Aluminium, today, announced the completion of the acquisition of the German company, Lichtmetall Aluminum Gesserei Hannover GmbH.

Last March, Emirates Global Aluminum announced its intention to acquire “Lichtmetal” from “Lichtmetal Holding Limited”, a subsidiary of an investment fund managed by “Quantum Capital Partners Limited”. The transaction met all regulatory approvals and conditions required for completion.

Lichtmetall is a specialized European smelter that uses renewable energy to produce about 30,000 tons annually of aluminum cylinders, and secondary aluminum represents about 80% of the raw materials used in production. The company primarily produces solid cylinders with a diameter of up to 1,150 mm for use in the manufacture of heavy-duty extruded aluminum profiles and large cast parts.

The acquisition of Lichtmetal strengthens EGA’s existing business in Europe, as EGA exports more than 600,000 tons of primary aluminum to Europe annually, and is considered one of the largest aluminum suppliers in Europe to many sectors, including automobiles and construction.

Abdul Nasser Bin Kalban, CEO of Emirates Global Aluminum, said: “I am pleased to welcome our new colleagues at Lichtmetal in Hannover to the Emirates Global Aluminum team. The acquisition will provide significant growth opportunities for Lichtmittal within the Emirates Global Aluminum portfolio, the largest producer of high-quality aluminum in the world.” “It is considered an important step for Emirates Global Aluminium, in accelerating our journey towards sustainability and building aluminum recycling operations in Europe, as we are one of the largest suppliers of primary aluminum in the region and globally.”

For his part, Thomas Witt, CEO of Lichtmetall, said: “This acquisition and joining Emirates Global Aluminum, the largest producer of high-quality aluminum in the world and the main supplier of aluminum in Europe, represents a major step in Lichtmetall’s successful journey, and will help us grow our business further and provide better services.” To our customers all over the world.

According to industry experts, global demand for recycled aluminum will double by 2040. Recycled aluminum is expected to contribute to the growth of global aluminum supplies by 60% by 2030, and by 70% between 2030 and 2040.

Aluminum can be recycled continuously and infinitely thanks to its distinctive properties. The recycling process requires 95% less energy, compared to the energy consumed to produce primary aluminum, and results in a small amount of emissions compared to producing aluminum from raw bauxite.

This deal is considered the first major acquisition for Emirates Global Aluminum since its founding through the merger of Dubai Aluminum and Emirates Aluminum ten years ago.

source/content: wam.ae (headline edited)

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UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (U.A.E)

SAUDI ARABIA: Saudi businesswoman Wajanat Muhammad Abdel Wahed Builds World’s 1st 3D Printed Mosque in tribute to her late husband Abdulaziz Abdullah Sharbatly

In a touching tribute to her late husband, Saudi businesswoman Wajanat Muhammad Abdel Wahed has built the world’s first 3D Printed Mosque that was thrown open to worshippers ahead of the Holy Month of Ramadan likely to begin Monday March 11, 2024. 

In a touching tribute to her late husband, Saudi businesswoman Wajanat Muhammad Abdel Wahed has built the world’s first 3D Printed Mosque that was thrown open to worshippers ahead of the Holy Month of Ramadan likely to begin Monday March 11, 2024.

The mosque is named after the late Saudi businessman Abdulaziz Abdullah Sharbatly.

“I dedicate the reward of building the first mosque in the world using 3D printing technology to my husband, Abdulaziz Abdullah Sharbatly. I ask God to grant him benefit to the Kingdom and enable him to become a leader in line with #Saudi_Vision_2030 (sic)” Wajanat wrote on social media platform X Thursday, March 7, 2024.

“The idea materialized into constructing a mosque dedicated to the memory of my late husband, subsequently becoming the world’s first mosque built with 3D printing technology”, Wajanat said.

3D Printing Technology

The 3D Printed Mosque, built at a cost of 20 million Saudi Riyals on an area of 5,600 square meters as part of the Jeddah Governorate’s Al-Jawhara Suburb Project, is located in Saudi port city.

The 3D Printing Technology creates tangible objects from 3D Digital Models obtained through scanners and computer programs, using successive layers to form the final shape.

The construction of the mosque was completed in just six months. As many as four giant printers manufacture by the Chinese company Guanli 3D printers, the world’s leading manufacturer of 3D printers, were deployed for the purpose.

The construction of the world’s first 3D Printed Mosque in the Kingdom demonstrates future construction and architectural innovation, promoting local content and diversification, aligning with Vision 2030’s ambitious goals of non-oil production.

Wajanat pointed out that the mosque’s construction received private sector stimulus support, promoting modern construction through advanced technologies and industrial development.

“As a Saudi businesswoman, I wanted to contribute to introducing this modern technology to the Kingdom, positioning it among the first countries to utilize it”, she said in a statement.

“The construction of the mosque using 3D printing technology marks a significant milestone in technology and contemporary construction, signalling a move towards architectural innovation and global sustainable building practices”, she added.

source/content: ummid.com (headline edited)

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SAUDI ARABIA

LEBANON : Meet Prof. Fadel Adib, the Youngest Professor to Win Dh1-million of UAE’s First-ever ‘Great Arab Minds (GAM) Award

Sheikh Mohammed felicitates Lebanese professor Fadel Adib for his research and innovations in wireless communication.

Professor Fadel Adib had his studies in a tumultuous period, while assassinations and car bombings were daily news in Beirut. Undeterred, he pursued his studies. And on Monday, he became the youngest winner of the first ever Great Arab Minds (GAM) award, earning a sum of Dh1 million to continue his work.

Felicitated by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, at a glamorous event held at the Museum of The Future, Fadel said he was humbled by the recognition.

“I feel honoured to be chosen among giants and big names in the field and to sit next to them,” he said. “I feel doubly honoured because this happened in the Arab world.” He also expressed his commitment to giving back to the Arab world and hoped to inspire and encourage more innovation within the region.

Currently an associate professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), it was Fadel’s research and innovations in wireless communication, particularly in identifying objects and vibrations hidden behind walls and under rubble, that earned him the recognition. According to the judging committee, his discoveries have opened up new possibilities for various industries.

Alongside Fadel, other winners included Algerian novelist Prof Waciny Laredj, Egyptian economist Dr Mohamed El-Erian and Lebanese scientist Prof Niveen Khashab. Each award winner will receive Dh1 million to fund their research and development.

Honouring of Arab minds

In her winning speech, Prof Niveen recalled how she was asked by her colleagues if she was “crazy” for wanting to move back to the Arab World. “In 2008, when I was at Northwestern University in Chicago, I received a call from King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) and was offered to be part of the founding academic staff of the university,” she said. “All the colleagues and professors told me: ‘Are you crazy, you cannot launch a scientific career in an Arab country.’ But I accepted this challenge and began my academic career at KAUST. Now, after fifteen years, I am pleased to share with you that the Chemistry Department at my university is not ranked 40th in the world.”

The GAM — the largest scientific movement in the Arab world with a budget of Dh100 million — was designed to seek and identify great minds in the region and reward them for their achievements. The initiative seeks to halt the brain drain trend in Arab nations by incentivising talented individuals to remain in their home countries and utilise available resources. Recognising individuals in six categories — namely natural sciences, architecture and design, engineering and technology, economics, literature and arts and medicine — the award was first announced in 2022.

After a year-long rigorous process, the winners were selected and announced by Sheikh Mohammed on social media platform X in late 2023.

Other winners recognised for their exceptional contributions were:

Dr Hani Najm from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, head of the department of adult and paediatric cardiac surgery at Cleveland Clinic Hospital in the United States. Dr Najm was acknowledged in the field of medicine for his groundbreaking work in cardiac surgery.

Dr Mohamed El-Erian, president of Queen’s College, University of Cambridge, received the award in the Economics category. His remarkable insights and contributions have reshaped the understanding of global economic trends.

Professor Niveen Khashab, whose groundbreaking research in the natural sciences earned her the Arab Geniuses Award. Her work has pushed the boundaries of scientific knowledge, particularly in her field of expertise.

Prof Lina Ghotmeh was recognised for her exceptional achievements in the Architecture and Design category. Her innovative designs have reimagined urban landscapes and inspired future generations of architects.

Prof Waciny Laredj was celebrated for his remarkable contributions to the Literature and Arts category. His literary prowess and artistic vision have captivated audiences and enriched cultural heritage.

source/content: khaleejtimes.com (headline edited)

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Professor Fadel Adib — Photo by Waad Barakat

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LEBANON

DUBAI, U.A.E & U.K: Drydocks World announces the official start of work on the Norfolk Vanguard project in the United Kingdom

Drydocks World celebrated the official launch of work on the Norfolk Vanguard East and West Wind Energy platforms in the United Kingdom, where the Drydocks World arena in Dubai witnessed the project’s inauguration ceremony.


The project, according to a statement issued today by the company, includes two eastern and western switching platforms that will be implemented over the next five years, including offshore construction and sailing installations. In the first part of the project, the western Norfolk Vanguard platform will be used to efficiently transfer electrical energy from offshore wind turbines. to the mainland, and major manufacturing operations will also take place year-round at Drydocks World.


The West and East Norfolk Vanguard platform projects are located in the southern North Sea, between 50-80 kilometers from the coast of Norfolk in eastern England. The planned capacity of each of the two platforms reaches 1.4 gigawatts, and these two projects will contribute greatly to enhancing the production of renewable energy. in the UK.


Dr. Captain Rado Antolović, CEO of Drydocks World, said: “Thanks to our cooperation with Aker Solutions and Siemens Energy on these two projects, we will be able to benefit from our combined expertise in renewable energy projects, especially Drydocks World’s expertise in DC platforms.” High voltage and high voltage alternating current, which is an important new step that confirms our commitment to supporting the transition towards renewable energy.”


Drydocks International had concluded a pre-commitment agreement with Aker Solutions in November 2023, to deliver the eastern and western Norfolk Vanguard platforms in the United Kingdom, and during the months of February and March of this year, the two final agreements for the project were signed.


The scope of this strategic cooperation focused on engineering, procurement, construction and installation works for a marine substation for high-voltage direct current electricity. This cooperation also aims to raise the standards of solutions provided in the field of sustainable energy.


It is noteworthy that Drydocks World has successfully delivered two high-voltage direct current platforms and two high-voltage alternating current platforms in the North Sea, including the famous “Dolwyn 2”, “Burwen 3” and “Holland Kast Zuid Alpha and Beta” platform projects.

source/content: wam.ae (headline edited)

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

FUJAIRAH, U.A.E: Fujairah Scientific Center Wins 02 golds and 02 silvers at the ‘International Science and Technology Festival’, Tunisia

The Fujairah Science Club won two gold medals for the drone project and the helicopter project, and two silver medals for the desert watering hole project and the iron waste sorter project, at the conclusion of the International Science and Technology Festival in Tunisia.

During the ceremony, which was attended by His Excellency Bashir Attia, Secretary-General of the Mahdia Province in Tunisia, and Hatem Suleiman, President of the Tunisian Society for Science and Technology, His Excellency Dr. Saif Al-Maili, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Fujairah Science Club, delivered a speech to the participants, congratulating them on their victory and urging them to continue scientific research and develop their capabilities and capabilities.

Al-Maili said that the club’s participation in such scientific demonstrations places the club, its members and pioneers in the ranks of centers, universities and associations concerned with science and technology, indicating that the benefit of these participations is in creating partnerships, opening new horizons and working to transfer experience and knowledge among the participating parties.

It is noteworthy that the number of countries participating in the festival is 40 countries from all over the world, and the number of participants reached approximately 1,200 participants

source/content: wam.ae (headline edited)

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

SAUDI ARABIA: Saudi Scientists’ new Bacteria Discovery at King Faisal Specialist Hospital & Research Center could help global fight against antibiotic resistance

Saudi scientists’ use of a special DNA sequencing process to identify a new bacterial species could help in global efforts to combat resistance to antibiotics.

The discovery by experts at Riyadh’s King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center was expected to throw new light on bacterial-drug interactions, fostering innovative therapeutic approaches.

A technique known as whole-genome sequencing was used to spot the new species, stenotrophomonas riyadhensis.

According to the center, the findings will contribute significantly to global antibiotic resistance efforts, while throwing a spotlight on the center’s growing reputation for scientific research and patient care.

In a statement, the center said WGS underscored the “potential of genomic tests in diagnosing and treating bacterial infections, particularly in critical environments like intensive care units and among immunocompromised patients.”

It added that the discovery represented “substantial progress” in the fight to combat antibiotic resistance, the development of pharmaceuticals, and the prevention of disease spread.

The new species, discovered during a 2019 investigation into an outbreak at the center’s intensive care unit, was initially presumed to be a variant of pseudomonas aeruginosa, known for its antibiotic resistance.

However, further WGS analysis revealed that riyadhensis deviated from the pseudomonas genus, belonging instead to the stenotrophomonas family. It exhibited distinct genetic and morphological traits, setting it apart from any other scientifically recognized members.

Head of the center’s infectious disease and immunity department, Dr. Ahmad Al-Qahtani, said: “Traditional bacterial identification methods may lead to misidentification; in contrast, WGS analysis offers a precise and targeted approach that ensures accurate identification and provides detailed insights into resistance mechanisms, proving its significance in disease outbreak investigations and patient care improvements.”

Dr. Reem Almaghrabi, head of transplant infectious diseases at the center’s Organ Transplant Center of Excellence, highlighted the importance of the discovery in the use of advanced technologies, such as WGS, to develop faster and more accurate diagnostic methods.

She said the approach had established the groundwork for scientific collaboration at all levels, enhancing global efforts to combat antibiotic resistance.

Almaghrabi noted that understanding the nuances of new bacterial species, particularly their antibiotic resistance, was crucial in modern healthcare and was the primary means of combating bacterial infections.

“As these bacteria continuously evolve their resistance, they pose a significant and ongoing threat to human health,” she added.

source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)

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A technique known as whole-genome sequencing was used to spot the new species, stenotrophomonas riyadhensis. (Supplied)

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SAUDI ARABIA

SAUDI ARABIA: King Salman Park inaugurates Abu Bakr Al-Siddiq Tunnel , the Middle East’s Longest Tunnel in Riyadh

The King Salman Park Foundation Board of Directors announced the completion of the Abu Bakr Al-Siddiq Tunnel, a significant milestone that promises to enhance traffic flow and reduce congestion in Riyadh.

This tunnel, the first to be completed since the initiation of the King Salman Park project in the third quarter of 2021, represents a critical component of the extensive development efforts led by King Salman Bin Abdulaziz and the Crown Prince, which were first announced on March 19, 2019.

Spanning 2,430 meters from north to south beneath the expansive King Salman Park, the Abu Bakr Al-Siddiq Road Tunnel stands as one of the longest in the Middle East.

Its completion is a testament to the ambitious infrastructure development underway, including the construction of additional tunnels on Al-Oruba Road. Specifically, a new 1,590-meter tunnel will link with the existing 840-meter tunnel along Abu Bakr Al-Siddiq Road, creating a unified pathway designed to streamline vehicle movement.

Starting Thursday, Feb. 29, 2024, the tunnel will open to vehicles, offering three lanes in each direction and an emergency lane, all equipped with advanced traffic management and safety systems, including emergency services and evacuation routes.

The architectural design of the Abu Bakr Al-Siddiq Road Tunnel is inspired by the concept of Salmani architecture. It integrates seamlessly with the natural and geological aesthetics of Riyadh, featuring interior designs that mimic the city’s rock formations. The choice of sustainable materials and colors that complement the local environment underscores a commitment to ecological and aesthetic considerations.

King Salman Park, covering an area of over 16 square kilometers, is poised to significantly elevate Riyadh’s global stature, aiming to position the city among the world’s most liveable. The park will not only offer the largest green space in Riyadh but also an array of cultural, arts, entertainment, sports, recreational, commercial, and residential facilities. Highlights include the Royal Arts Complex, the Visitor Pavilion, and several museums, collectively redefining urban park experiences in the region.

By offering a diverse range of attractions and amenities, King Salman Park is set to become a pivotal destination for citizens, residents, and tourists alike, promising new lifestyle options that enhance the quality of life and offer memorable experiences.

source/content: saudigazette.com.sa (headline edited)

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Spanning 2,430 meters from north to south beneath the expansive King Salman Park, the Abu Bakr Al-Siddiq Road Tunnel stands as one of the longest in the Middle East.

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SAUDI ARABIA

SAUDI ARABIA’s ‘Saline Water Conversion Corp.’ (SWCC) garners 9 Guinness World Records for Sustainable Desalination Innovations 

Sustainable desalination technology in Saudi Arabia has achieved global recognition, with the Kingdom’s Saline Water Conversion Corp. receiving nine Guinness World Records.   

In a ceremony at the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture headquarters in Riyadh, the company was awarded a certificate for its multi-effect distillation water desalination plant. This facility, with a daily capacity of 92,000 cubic m., is recognized as the largest in the world.  

In December 2021, the organization unveiled its roadmap for achieving environmental sustainability at a major international industry conference. By being awarded the record for the lowest energy consumption for a water desalination plant globally, SWCC has taken a significant step toward fulfilling its Saudi Green Initiative action plans.  

Saudi Arabia, considered one of the most water-stressed countries globally, is implementing various measures to ensure water security, a foundational element for the socioeconomic transformation outlined in the Vision 2030 plan.  

The actions include reducing water demand through optimizing agricultural production and increasing water supplies via expanded desalination and storage capacity. Additionally, water system resilience will be enhanced through the implementation of transmission and interlinkage projects, as outlined in a report by the nation’s desalination company.  

During the ceremony, the company was recognized for achieving a record for the largest water storage facility, the Riyadh Strategic Water Reservoir, with a capacity of 4.79 million cubic m.  

It also received acknowledgment for having the largest drinking water storage tank network, totaling a capacity of 8.79 million cubic m.. 

Speaking on the sidelines of the event, SWCC Gov. Abdullah Al-Abdulkarim, said: “The corporation is proud to have achieved these new records that enhance its pioneering and leadership role in the desalination industry and to continue its race with the future with deliberate and confident steps.” 

He further outlined that achieving nine new Saudi records in the Guinness resulted from continuous development, research, and innovation efforts. This success reflects a strategy emphasizing increased business efficiency through technology harnessing, capability empowerment, and knowledge localization. 

“Our vision expands today in the desalination industry, so that our ambitions exceed the horizons of competing for record achievements to making a change, making a difference, and exporting Saudi leadership to the world,” added Al-Abdulkarim. 

source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)

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A ceremony to mark the records was held at the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture headquarters in Riyadh. Supplied

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SAUDI ARABIA

EGYPT: 79 Cairo University Scholars among Best Scientists in Stanford University report

A total of 79 scientists from Cairo University are among a list of 160,000 scientists whose practical opinions are cited in various specializations with a (2 percent). 

President of Cairo University Dr. Mohamed Othman Elkhosht received a report on Stanford University’s announcement of a list of scientists whose practical opinions are cited in various specializations with a (2 percent), featuring about 160,000 scientists from 149 countries, based on the Scopus database, in 22 scientific specializations, and 176 sub-specialization for distinguished researchers.

Dr. Elkhosht announced that the Stanford list included a large number of Cairo University scientists, with a total of 79 scientists on the two lists, whether the total from 2011 to 2022, or the latest version 2023, as this year’s list included scientists from 11 colleges (an increase of 8% over the previous year).

Number of scholars featured from Cairo University in the report’s 2022 edition was 73 scholars, representing 9 of the university’s faculties, and compared to the number of 74 and 55 scholars during the previous years (2021 and 2020, respectively), Cairo University thus leads all Egyptian universities and research centers in all years from 2020 until now.

Dr. ElKhosht explained that the annual Stanford University report is an objective, external indicator of the progress of scientific research at Cairo University.

It is also a quantitative indicator for the university to identify the number of distinguished faculty members in research and a reflection of the university’s methodology, plan, applied practices, and the support that the university provides to its employees from the various colleges and institutes affiliated with it.

Dr. Mahmoud Al-Saeed, Vice President of the University for Postgraduate Studies and Research, pointed out that the report reflects the strengthening of the confidence of the international scientific and research community in our scientists in all fields and specializations, and that the results of the classification this year included two lists, the first of which is specific to the list of the total practical years 2011 – 2022 (with a total of 417 scientists), While the second included the list of last year, 2022, with a total of 817 scientists, adding that this year’s list (2023 edition) contained 926 Egyptian scientists, while last year’s list (2022 edition) included 680 Egyptian scientists from various universities and research centers, compared to 605 and 396 during the years 2021 and 2020, respectively.

Stanford University used the Scopus database of the international publisher Elsevier to extract various indicators in this list, including global scientific publishing, the number of citations, the H index, and co-authorship, all the way to the composite citation index.

source/content: egypttoday.com (headline edited)

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Cairo University – file

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EGYPT