Tag: Records of Saudi Arabia

SAUDI Scholars Fatimah Hassan Buali & Retaj Al-Saleh Shine at European Girls’ Math Olympiad 2024 : A Testament to Excellence

Two Saudi students distinguished themselves at the European Girls’ Mathematical Olympiad, which took place in Georgia from April 11 to 17. The Olympiad stands as a prestigious international platform tailored for high school girls with a profound enthusiasm for mathematics that extends beyond conventional academic boundaries. This year’s event witnessed the participation of 212 students hailing from 54 different nations.

A bronze medal and certificates of appreciation, respectively, were awarded to Fatimah Hassan Buali from Al-Ahsa and Retaj Al-Saleh from the Eastern Province, who represented Saudi Arabia, the King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity (Mawhiba), and the Ministry of Education. This marks the Kingdom’s 12th engagement in the Mathematical Olympiad, showcasing a consistent presence on this global stage. Over the years, Saudi students have amassed a commendable collection of accolades, including two gold, six silver, and 13 bronze medals, alongside seven certificates of appreciation.

Amal bint Abdullah Al-Hazzaa, the Secretary-General of Mawhiba, underscored the significance of the students’ triumphs, emphasizing the cooperation between Saudi institutions and their dedication to nurturing young talents through education and training, aligning with international benchmarks. She commended Mawhiba and the Ministry of Education’s collaboration, noting that both institutions have as their common objective the development of Saudi human resources in accordance with Saudi Vision 2030 and the National Transformation Program.

Mawhiba, in close partnership with the Ministry of Education, administers the Mawhiba Program for International Olympiads, meticulously preparing Saudi teams for such competitive arenas. This comprehensive initiative encompasses advanced training modules and curriculum updates that are carefully timed to coincide with Saudi scientific teams’ yearly participation in international contests. The Saudi female participants in the Mathematical Olympiad underwent rigorous training regimes designed to sharpen their scientific acumen, their selection for participation being predicated on their performance in the training sessions convened by Mawhiba.

source/content: abouther.com (headline edited)

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SAUDI ARABIA : Saudi’s Munira Khalid Al Rasheed becomes First Arab & First Saudi Woman to lead World Customs Organisation’s regional offices

Munira’s election recognises contributions of regional office in achieving WCO objectives

Saudi academic Munira Khalid Al Rasheed has made history by becoming the first Saudi and Arab woman to lead the World Customs Organisation’s regional offices for global information exchange.

The Regional Information Exchange Offices of the World Customs Organisation have elected Munira as the President of the Regional Information Exchange Network for the next two years (2025-2026).

The announcement was made during the 31st global meeting of the Regional Offices, recently held at the headquarters of the World Customs Organisation in the Belgian capital, Brussels.

The election follows Munira Khalid Al Rashid’s appointment as Vice-President in addition to her current position as the Director of the Regional Office for Information Exchange in the Middle East (RILO ME) at the Zakat, Tax, and Customs Authority.

Her election recognises the contributions of the Middle East Regional Office in achieving the objectives of the World Customs Organisation. It also involves representing 11 local offices affiliated with the Middle East region in all meetings, conferences, and workshops.

The Kingdom has, in recent years, enacted landmark reforms, significantly expanding women’s opportunities.

These reforms include granting women the right to drive and increasing their workforce participation.

Munira’s educational background includes a Bachelor of Business Administration with a major in Management, Marketing, and International Business from the University of New Haven, USA, in 2004, and an Executive MBA from Al Yamamah University, Saudi Arabia, in 2013.

Over her 18-year career, Munira has held various positions, including heading the Admission and Registration Department at Al Yamamah University, working in the Regional Management Department at Credit Suisse Saudi Arabia, and serving as Director of Public Relations at Volkswagen Group Saudi Arabia.

She has also been the Director of the Marketing and Communication Program at the Government Human Resources Development Fund (HRDF) and Advisor to the Deputy Governor for Security Affairs at the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority.

source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)

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SAUDI ARABIA : Hiba Al-Qwaidi makes History as Saudi Women’s Premier League’s First Female Referee

Al-Qwaidi was accredited by FIFA last year, and took charge of Friday’s clash between Al-Qadsiah and Al-Riyadh.

Hiba Al-Owaidi has become the first Saudi female referee to take charge of a Women’s Premier League match, after she officiated Al-Qadsiah’s 1-0 win against Al-Riyadh on Friday.

In a historical first for Saudi women’s football, Al-Qwaidi took charge of the match as field referee after she was internationally accredited by the games’s governing body FIFA.

The clash the Al-Qadsiah’s stadium in Al-Khobar saw Abdullah Al-Madad and Khaled Al-Anezi take part as assistant referees.

Al-Qwaidi’s first appearance after receiving her accreditation was as the fourth referee in the Riyadh Season Cup tournament, specifically the match that that’s aw Saudi’s Al-Hilal beat Inter Miami of the US 4-3 at Kingdom Arena.

Al-Qwaidi, a graduate of College of Sports Sciences at the University of Jeddah, is now among 22 Saudi referees accredited by FIFA, as announced by the Saudi  Arabian Football Federation last December.

The referees include Mohammad Al-Hoaish, Faisal Al-Balawi, Sami Al-Garisi, Majed Al-Shamrani, Khaled Al-Taris, Abdullah Al-Shehri, and Shukri Al-Hanfosh.

source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)

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Hiba Al-Qwaidi on the extreme left, Referee

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SAUDI ARABIA: Saudi Pavilion at Doha Horticultural Expo 2023 Wins 5 Awards, sets World Records

Kingdom dazzles with record-breaking LED display and inspiring sustainability schemes.

The Saudi pavilion at the Doha Horticultural Expo 2023 won five awards, set world records and drew 1.8 million visitors to its expansive site spanning 5,000 sq. meters.

The pavilion’s lush green design drew inspiration from Mount Tuwaiq, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

Saleh Bindakhil, the head director of the Saudi campaign, said that the pavilion provided a “groundbreaking digital experience” centered on agriculture and environmental sustainability.

It showcased more than 80 successful Saudi projects and initiatives in line with the exhibition’s objectives, he added.

The pavilion, which aimed to inspire the global community to combat desertification, secured five awards and set world records, Bindakhil said.

It broke the Guinness World Record for the largest display of exterior LED screens, with an impressive array of 435 external LED columns.

Additionally, the pavilion received a Gold Muse Award in the conceptual design and events category, and a Gold French Design Award in the interior design and architecture category.

It clinched the LIV Award in architectural and landscape design, along with a silver award from the Bureau International des Expositions in the self-built pavilions category.

The pavilion welcomed visitors from around the world, offering communications in seven languages: Arabic, English, French, Italian, Spanish, Japanese and Persian.

Its numerous sections showcased the diversity and richness of the Kingdom.

The pavilion also highlighted the pivotal role of agriculture and major sustainable projects in Saudi Arabia.

The Doha expo, which began in October last year and ended on March 28, aimed to promote environmental solutions to a global audience.

The event included four key pillars: Modern agriculture, technology and innovation, environmental awareness and sustainability.

source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)

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The pavilion’s lush green design drew inspiration from Mount Tuwaiq, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday. (SPA)

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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: UK’s Victoria and Albert Museum names Saudi Academic Ghadah Al-Harthi as ‘Ambassador of Youth Patrons’

Saudi academic Ghadah Al-Harthi has been appointed ambassador of young patrons by the London-based Victoria and Albert Museum, one of the leading museums in the world.

Al-Harthi, who is based in the UK, is an associate professor at Central Saint Martins; a consultant at the London-based cultural consultancy Barker Langham; and an adviser at Chatham House, an international think tank.

Following her appointment, she said: “I am happy to be chosen as an ambassador by this prestigious museum that has a significant influence on the international cultural scene.”

She added: “My efforts will be focused on education and innovation to ensure the participation of the youth in cultural influence.

“My academic and consulting experience in innovation and culture with British universities and companies will allow me to support the museum’s senior management to develop global cultural communication methods and diversify cultural and art projects across the Middle East and Europe.”

The Young Patrons Group is an effective and important circle that supports the museum in achieving its goals. It includes leading patrons and donors supporting arts and culture at an international level.

The Victoria and Albert Museum, the world’s largest museum of applied arts and decorative arts, was founded in 1852 as a public institution, and is sponsored by the UK government’s Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.

It contains a collection of 4.5 million varied items, including 20,000 of the most important Islamic pieces in the Middle East. At least 2 million people visit the museum annually.

source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)

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She added: “My efforts will be focused on education and innovation to ensure the participation of the youth in cultural influence. (Supplied)

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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 Aramco completes Acquisition of 100% Equity Stake in Chile’s Esmax

Transaction, first announced in September 2023, represents Aramco’s first downstream retail investment in South America.

Saudi Aramco successfully completed the acquisition of a 100 percent equity stake in Chile’s Esmax Distribucion, a leading diversified downstream fuels and lubricants retailer, it was announced on Friday.

Esmax has a national presence that includes retail fuel stations, airport operations, fuel distribution terminals and a lubricant blending plant. 

The transaction, which was first announced in September 2023, represented Aramco’s first downstream retail investment in South America, illustrating the attractiveness of this market, and supports the Saudi company’s strategic goal to strengthen its downstream value chain.  

“We are delighted to conclude the acquisition of Esmax and look forward to working with the outstanding team on the ground in Chile to achieve our shared ambitions,” Yasser Mufti, Aramco executive vice president of products & customers, said.

“Aramco aims to be a primary global retail player and this deal combines our high quality products and services, including Valvoline lubricants, with the experience and quality of an established operator in Chile.” 

source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)

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Pictured at the transaction closing are Southern Cross Group Partner Raul Sotomayor, front left, and Aramco Europe President & CEO Mazin Dabbagh, front right. Back row, from left, are Southern Cross Group Partner Jaime Besa, Aramco Vice-President of Retail and Esmax Chairman Ziyad Juraifani, and Aramco International Retail Director Nader Al Douhan. (Aramco)

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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 Teen 17-year old Theyab bin Hamdan Al-Howaiti Bags 30 awards for Camel Racing

Theyab bin Hamdan Al-Howaiti sets sights on glory at the Crown Prince Camel Festival Awards.

Theyab bin Hamdan Al-Howaiti has become a standout name in camel racing circles across the Kingdom  — despite his tender years.

The 17-year-old has collected 30 local awards for racing, the most prestigious of which came at the King Abdulaziz Camel Festival.

Al-Howaiti said: “I grew up in a family and community that loved camels, used them, and were keen to race as well. We considered it part of our heritage, customs and traditions.”

Hailing from Al-Wajh city, his love for the “ship of the desert” began in childhood years and he soon began training, raising and caring for them, while also following races. Once he had reached the legal age, he began participating in national races himself.

Al-Howaiti has competed in around 80 races, including the Al-Wajh Camel Race, and has won 30 awards so far.

Camel racing is a competitive sport in which the animals undergo training in stages, beginning with being tamed and then moving on to being prepared for races.

Racing has strict rules, the most important of which involves the characteristics of the participating camels — the necessity of descending from purebred Arabian breeds.

Purebred camels are characterized by their slim bodies, agility, and great ability to withstand tough training. There are separate races for different breeds and ages of camels to ensure equal opportunities for all racers.

Al-Howaiti has set his sights for the future. He hopes one day to claim glory at the Crown Prince Camel Festival Awards, No. 1 in prestigious ranks within Saudi society.

Al-Howaiti said: “I hope to see a place and arena for camels in every city within the Kingdom, in appreciation of its (racing’s) status and the legacy it carries that embodies the history of the Kingdom’s civilization.

“In light of the care and attention given to sports in general and camel sports in particular by the Kingdom’s sovereigns, we’re proud to name 2024 as the Year of the Camel.”

He added that the recognition contributed to the cultural and civilizational values of the animal while cementing its place at the heart of Saudi society.

source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)

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Seventeen-year-old Theyab bin Hamdan Al-Howaiti has competed in around 80 races, including the Al-Wajh Camel Race. (SPA)

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