Arab News deputy editor-in-chief wins Happy Influencer award in Riyadh

Arab News deputy editor-in-chief wins Happy Influencer award in Riyadh
Arab News Deputy Editor-in-Chief Noor Nugali won the Happy Influencer award under the Social Power category. (Photo/Abdulrhman Bin Shalhoub)
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Updated 21 February 2024
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Arab News deputy editor-in-chief wins Happy Influencer award in Riyadh

Arab News deputy editor-in-chief wins Happy Influencer award in Riyadh

RIYADH: Arab News Deputy Editor-in-Chief Noor Nugali won the Happy Influencer award in Riyadh on Tuesday.

The first Corporate Happiness Awards winners were announced in a ceremony in the Saudi capital, celebrating Saudi achievements in workplace well-being.

The ceremony awarded 19 honors to public and private organizations and leaders who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to promoting happiness and well-being within their workplaces.




AN Photo by Abdulrahman Shalhoub

Organized by Cosmos, the Corporate Happiness Awards event took place on Feb. 20-21.

CEO of Cosmos Roni El-Haddad told Arab News that the awards shine a spotlight on Saudi companies and individuals who have surpassed expectations in creating environments that foster employees’ happiness, engagement, and personal growth.

Nugali won the award under the Social Power category. She dedicated the award to Arab News, acknowledging its contribution in fostering a healthy environment that enables people to thrive.

Under the Women Empowerment category, Jahez won the award for private organizations, and journalist Weam Al-Dakheel received the award for social individual.




Arab News Deputy Editor-in-Chief Noor Nugali won the Happy Influencer award under the Social Power category. (Photo/Abdulrhman Bin Shalhoub)

SAMI Advanced Electronics and Matarat Holding won the private organization award in the Well-Being category.

Flynas received the award in the Diversity and Inclusion category, while the award for the Culture Excellent Work Environment category went to Abdul Latif Jameel Enterprises.

El-Haddad said the awards aim to inspire others to follow suit and prioritize employee well-being as a fundamental aspect of organizational success.




Under the Women Empowerment category, Jahez won the award for private organizations and journalist Weam Al-Dakheel for social individual. (Photo/Abdulrhman Bin Shalhoub)

“Our aim at Cosmos is to deliver this message to all government and private companies and everyone who would be happy to support such an initiative and be part of a future where employees at any position, any identity, or any category within the company can work together in a happy work environment,” El-Haddad told Arab News.

The second Corporate Happiness Awards event will be held in Dubai in November 2024.


Saudi Arabia condemns knife attack on Comoros president

Saudi Arabia condemns knife attack on Comoros president
Updated 7 sec ago
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Saudi Arabia condemns knife attack on Comoros president

Saudi Arabia condemns knife attack on Comoros president
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia condemned in the strongest terms on Sunday the attempted assassination of Comoros President Azali Assoumani.
The president of the Indian Ocean island nation was “slightly injured” in a knife attack while attending the funeral of a religious leader on Friday, his office said.
The suspect, who was identified as a 24-year-old male soldier, was then found dead in a police cell on Saturday.
The Kingdom affirmed its support for Comoros and its people in the face of all threats to its security and stability.
The Kingdom’s Foreign Ministry wished the president a speedy recovery and the country’s people safety, stability, and prosperity.
Assoumani’s injuries were not serious and he had returned to his home, his office has said in a statement. It added that the attacker was arrested by security forces and was taken into custody, but authorities said he had been discovered a day later “unresponsive” in a cell where he was being held and was declared dead.

Egyptian PM arrives in Riyadh

Egyptian PM arrives in Riyadh
Updated 13 min 52 sec ago
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Egyptian PM arrives in Riyadh

Egyptian PM arrives in Riyadh
  • Madbouly and accompanying delegation were received by the Deputy Governor of the Riyadh region

RIYADH: The Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly arrived in Riyadh on Sunday, Saudi Press Agency reported.

Madbouly and his accompanying delegation were received by the Deputy Governor of the Riyadh region, Prince Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Abdulaziz.

The Saudi ambassador to Egypt Saleh bin Eid Al-Husseini and Egyptian envoy to the Kingdom Ahmed Farouk Mohammed Tawfik also welcomed Madbouly on his arrival.

 


New diploma in data science, AI to empower future tech leaders

Tuwaiq Academy in Riyadh, in partnership with Meta, has launched the first diploma in data science and artificial intelligence.
Tuwaiq Academy in Riyadh, in partnership with Meta, has launched the first diploma in data science and artificial intelligence.
Updated 15 September 2024
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New diploma in data science, AI to empower future tech leaders

Tuwaiq Academy in Riyadh, in partnership with Meta, has launched the first diploma in data science and artificial intelligence.
  • The program aims to equip students with the skills needed to excel in these growing fields
  • Diploma will start in December 2024 and run for nine months

JEDDAH: Tuwaiq Academy in Riyadh, in partnership with Meta, has launched the first diploma in data science and artificial intelligence.

The program aims to equip students with the skills needed to excel in these growing fields, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.

Accredited by the Technical and Vocational Training Corp., the diploma will start in December 2024 and run for nine months. It offers practical skills in a competitive learning environment tailored to market needs.

Participants will study machine learning, data analysis with Python and Tableau, AI system development, and big data management. These skills will help students create innovative tech solutions for various societal needs.

Jouelle Awad, head of public policy programs for Africa, the Middle East and Turkiye at Meta, praised the partnership with the academy. The collaboration aims to launch educational programs with professional certifications to enhance the skills of Saudi youth and foster innovation and creativity across sectors.

The academy has recently launched more than 160 camps and programs in various technical fields, underscoring its commitment to diverse educational opportunities.

Tuwaiq Academy CEO Abdulaziz Al-Hamadi said that the data science and AI diploma reinforces the academy’s leading role in providing educational pathways through boot camps and professional programs.

In August, the academy launched a machine-learning bootcamp in partnership with Stanford University, starting on Sept. 30 and running for two and a half months.

Held at the academy’s Riyadh campus, the bootcamp aims to enhance participants’ technical skills in machine-learning fundamentals.

The program includes stages focusing on large-scale graph analysis, graph data structures and applications, graph neural networks, and tools for graph-based machine learning.

Participants will solve real-world problems and top performers will have job placement opportunities.

Established in 2019, Tuwaiq Academy works with more than 1,000 in-person trainees daily and offers professional certifications in collaboration with global organizations such as Apple, Meta, Amazon, Alibaba, Dell, CompTIA, OffSec, IBM and Microsoft.

The academy is dedicated to developing skilled professionals, university students and graduates, with a focus on fostering technical creativity, even at high-school level.


Saudi fund backs $41m revamp of Dominica’s capital

Saudi fund backs $41m revamp of Dominica’s capital
Updated 15 September 2024
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Saudi fund backs $41m revamp of Dominica’s capital

Saudi fund backs $41m revamp of Dominica’s capital
  • Infrastructure Rehabilitation Project to boost growth, connectivity and job creation in Roseau

RIYADH: The Saudi Fund for Development signed a loan agreement on Sunday with Dominica to finance the $41 million Infrastructure Rehabilitation Project in Roseau, the capital city.

The project is expected to drive socio-economic growth and improve the quality of life, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

The agreement was signed by the fund’s CEO Sultan Al-Marshad and Dominican Minister of Finance Irving McIntyre.

Dominica’s Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit delivered a keynote address at the ceremony, expressing gratitude for Saudi Arabia’s support and acknowledging the fund’s role in the project.

The project involves rehabilitating seven main streets, improving road connectivity, and enhancing safety and access to basic services.

It will also contribute to commercial and residential development and create jobs, SPA reported.

The project aligns with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and demonstrates the fund’s commitment to supporting development in Dominica and other Small Island Developing States.

Al-Marshad said: “We wish Dominica continued growth and prosperity. May this project drive positive change and sustainable development.”

McIntyre said: “The project is a critical step in addressing the challenges facing Roseau. It is expected to increase social and economic productivity.2

The Saudi fund, celebrating its 50th anniversary, has financed over 800 projects in 100 countries. Since 2023, it has extended development loans to 10 new Small Island Developing States.


Saudi man reflects on unbreakable bond between camels and owners

Bandar Al-Adwani, a camel owner, poses with his beloved camels. (SPA)
Bandar Al-Adwani, a camel owner, poses with his beloved camels. (SPA)
Updated 15 September 2024
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Saudi man reflects on unbreakable bond between camels and owners

Bandar Al-Adwani, a camel owner, poses with his beloved camels. (SPA)
  • In Saudi Arabia, the relationship between humans and camels is deeply rooted in history and culture

JEDDAH: Camels, fondly referred to as “ships of the desert,” have long held a special place in the hearts of their owners.

Their relationship is characterized by loyalty, love, and a deep connection that transcends language.

Stories abound of camels shedding tears when separated from their beloved companions, waiting patiently for their return, Saudi Press Agency noted in a recent report. 

In Saudi Arabia, the relationship between humans and camels is deeply rooted in history and culture. Camels have served as essential companions in the harsh desert environment, providing transportation, food, and companionship, the report added.

Bandar Al-Adwani, a camel owner, expressed his deep fondness for his beloved she-camel, Al-Na’amah. He described their relationship as one of trust, companionship, and mutual understanding.

Al-Adwani often spends time with his camels, tending to their needs, which forms a strong emotional connection.

“Every morning and evening, I feel compelled to visit my camels in their pastures. I want to be close to them, monitor their health, and ensure that they have enough food and water. I have a deep, affectionate bond with them, a connection that feels almost instinctive,” he told SPA in an interview.

His love for camels runs deep; he spends countless hours in their company and never approaches them with a stick.

“Our interactions are based on mutual respect and understanding. Al-Na’amah, in particular, responds to my voice and touch,” he said, adding that he uses a herding technique called Alheda’a, a UNESCO-recognized oral tradition that combines sounds, gestures, and sometimes music, to communicate with camels.

The bedouins of the Arabian Peninsula seem to have a profound understanding of their camels’ needs. They cannot imagine their lives without these loyal companions and this deep-rooted love is passed down from generation to generation.

“When we hear stories of loyalty among humans, we are reminded of the unwavering loyalty that camels show to their owners,” Al-Adwani said.

“They are incredibly beautiful creatures. Their graceful movements, their thirst for water, their kneeling posture, and the experience of riding on their backs are truly captivating.

“In Saudi Arabia, camels represent our history, culture, and heritage. Our kings and wise leadership have always valued and cared for camels, recognizing their economic importance and their role in preserving our national identity.”

The Camel Club, established by King Salman, has played a crucial role in promoting camel breeding, culture, and heritage.

The Ministry of Culture even declared 2024 the “Year of the Camel,” in honor of an animal seen as a cultural treasure, a pillar of national identity, and a valuable part of Arab heritage.