Deal signed to document heritage of Saudi nature reserve

Through the agreement, the reserve's geographic scope, its history, and its wildlife will be documented by a joint team. (SPA)
Through the agreement, the reserve's geographic scope, its history, and its wildlife will be documented by a joint team. (SPA)
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Updated 27 February 2024
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Deal signed to document heritage of Saudi nature reserve

Through the agreement, the reserve's geographic scope, its history, and its wildlife will be documented by a joint team. (SPA)
  • The Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Nature Reserve, covering an area of 91,000 sq. km, is located in the northeastern part of Saudi Arabia

RIYADH: The Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Nature Reserve Development Authority signed a memorandum of understanding with the King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives to document the heritage of the reserve, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

The agreement is aimed at bolstering cooperation and forming a joint team to document the geographical scope of the reserve, its history, and its wildlife.

The MoU also provides for collaboration in archaeological surveys, excavations, inventorying inscriptions, documenting intangible heritage and social history, and identifying grazing locations.

The two entities will also cooperate in producing documentaries.

The Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Nature Reserve, covering an area of 91,000 sq. km, is located in the northeastern part of the Kingdom. It is a popular destination for visitors, particularly those interested in eco-tourism, bird watching, hiking, and similar activities.

The reserve also offers cultural experiences, allowing visitors to interact with the local Bedouin communities, learn about their traditional way of life, and enjoy authentic cuisine.

The reserve is one of six royal reserves in Saudi Arabia, established in 2018 by royal order. Its main goals are the preservation, development, and diversification of wildlife. Within the reserve, there are villages and deserts where approximately 80,000 to 100,000 people reside.

 


Hundreds of non-native speakers take Saudi Arabia’s standardized Arabic test

Hundreds of non-native speakers take Saudi Arabia’s standardized Arabic test
Updated 35 sec ago
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Hundreds of non-native speakers take Saudi Arabia’s standardized Arabic test

Hundreds of non-native speakers take Saudi Arabia’s standardized Arabic test
  • Total of 315 candidates from 22 countries take part

RIYADH: Hundreds of non-native speakers have been tested on their Arabic language skills in Saudi Arabia’s new standardized language test this week, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

A total of 315 candidates from 22 countries took the Hamza Arabic Language Test in person, which was conducted by the King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language, in collaboration with seven Saudi universities.

The test is a computerized, codified test which measures the Arabic language proficiency of non-native speakers. It was first introduced in December 2023 and designed in accordance with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

Seven tests have been administered since its introduction to evaluate the language skills of 1,979 people in Saudi Arabia, China, Indonesia, and India.

The test is part of KSGAAL’s endeavors to raise the status of the Arabic language locally, regionally, and internationally, according to Dr. Abdullah bin Saleh Al-Washmi, the secretary-general of the KSGAAL.

Dr. Saad Al-Qahtani, head of the Educational Programs Sector at KSGAAL. (Supplied)

Dr. Saad Al-Qahtani, head of the Educational Programs Sector at KSGAAL, told Arab News: “The increasing demand for learning Arabic for various educational, vocational, and cultural objectives has prompted the need to design a unified global test measuring the Arabic language proficiency that helps enroll in educational programs or meets the needs of the labor market.

“Since mastering language skills is a prerequisite for employment, KSGAAL seeks to enhance cooperation with the entities concerned with teaching the Arabic language to non-native speakers.”

The Hamza academic test is designed in accordance with the highest global standards, with a view to consolidating efforts and developing practices in teaching the Arabic language to non-native speakers, Al-Qahtani added, while also hoping that the test would become a reference for measuring the level of the Arabic language proficiency of non-native speakers locally, regionally, and internationally.

The universities participating were: Umm Al-Qura University, Islamic University of Madinah, King Abdulaziz University, King Faisal University, Taif University, Qassim University, and Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University.


Saudi Arabia secures 14th position in Global AI Index, 1st in Arab world

Saudi Arabia secures 14th position in Global AI Index, 1st in Arab world
Updated 19 September 2024
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Saudi Arabia secures 14th position in Global AI Index, 1st in Arab world

Saudi Arabia secures 14th position in Global AI Index, 1st in Arab world
  • Remarkable milestone of 17-rank improvement among 83 countries underscores Saudi Arabia’s rapid progress in AI adoption and development
  • Achievement highlights the unwavering support provided by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has achieved a significant leap in the field of artificial intelligence, securing 14th position globally and topping the Arab world in the Global AI Index for 2024, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Thursday.
The Global AI Index is one of the indicators of the international classification of artificial intelligence issued by UK-based news website Tortoise Media.
The remarkable milestone of a 17-rank improvement among 83 countries underscores Saudi Arabia’s rapid progress in AI adoption and development.
The Kingdom’s continued leadership in the Government Strategy sub-pillar solidifies its position as a global AI leader. Its seventh-place ranking in the Commercial Ecosystem sub-pillar further demonstrates its commitment to investing in AI technologies and fostering a thriving AI ecosystem.
The Global AI Index, a comprehensive assessment of AI capabilities across 83 countries, evaluates performance based on 122 indicators grouped into three pillars: Implementation, Innovation and Investment.
These pillars are further divided into seven sub-pillars: Talent, Infrastructure, Operating Environment, Research, Development, Government Strategy and Commercial Ecosystem.
The achievement highlights the unwavering support provided by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who chairs the board of directors of the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority, the SPA report added.
Under his guidance, the SDAIA has been instrumental in advancing the field of data and AI, developing national capabilities and fostering innovation. This strategic approach positions Saudi Arabia as a leading data-driven and AI-powered economy.


Saudi students’ water-saving device wins top prize in sustainability contest

Saudi students’ water-saving device wins top prize in sustainability contest
Updated 19 September 2024
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Saudi students’ water-saving device wins top prize in sustainability contest

Saudi students’ water-saving device wins top prize in sustainability contest
  • Team Magic AI’s gadget can help people reduce waste at home
  • ‘Building a sustainable future begins today,’ Princess Nouf bint Muhammad bin Abdullah says

RIYADH: A group of Saudi students have developed an award-winning device that can be attached to household taps to conserve water.

Team Magic AI, from King Faisal University, King Khalid University and King Saud University, took first place and a SR20,000 ($5,330) cash prize in the inaugural TCS Sustainathon competition with their device.

The competition, organized by Tata Consultancy Services, challenged students to develop sustainable solutions for urban environments.

The winning device monitors consumption and detects leaks, allowing users to reduce the amount of water they waste in their homes.

Abdulrahman Al-Hassan, one of the winning students from King Saud University, said: “Our goal was to make water conservation achievable for everyone.

“The TCS Sustainathon provided a platform to collaborate and bring our idea to life. We’re excited to see how this solution can evolve and contribute to a more sustainable future.”

The competition drew over 300 participants and more than 65 submissions, with the top 12 teams presenting their ideas to a panel of judges at the King Khalid Foundation headquarters in Riyadh.

The event was held in the presence of Princess Nouf bint Muhammad bin Abdullah, CEO of the KKF.

As well as the cash prize, Team Magic AI won an internship at TCS, where they will have access to the resources they need to develop their product.

The second- and third-place teams won SR15,000 and SR10,000 respectively, while all of the other finalists received SR5,000 and gift vouchers in recognition of their contributions.

The competition, which is supported by the KKF, the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology and the Research, Development and Innovation Authority, focused on using technology to address pressing sustainability issues in Saudi cities.

Sumanta Roy, president and regional head of TCS Middle East & Africa, said: “Saudi Arabia is rapidly urbanizing and TCS is committed to supporting the development of urban environments where people and nature coexist. The innovative solutions presented reflect a deep understanding of the challenges facing our modern-day cities.”

Princess Nouf emphasized the competition’s alignment with Saudi Vision 2030.

“Building a sustainable future begins today through decisions that improve the environment, economy and society together. Sustainability is a deep commitment to our communities,” she said.


Royal order approves basic law of King Salman Foundation

Saudi Arabia’s King Salman. (File/SPA)
Saudi Arabia’s King Salman. (File/SPA)
Updated 57 min 59 sec ago
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Royal order approves basic law of King Salman Foundation

Saudi Arabia’s King Salman. (File/SPA)
  • The foundation is an extension of the charitable and humanitarian works of the king, SPA said

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s king issued a royal order approving the basic law of the King Salman Foundation, Saudi Press Agency reported on Thursday.

The non-profit foundation is an extension of the charitable and humanitarian works of the king, SPA said.

“Investing in people and developing their culture and pride in their identity is a permanent approach that we will always continue,” King Salman wrote on X.

“Because we seek to confront human challenges and sustain the prosperity of societies, we are launching the King Salman Non-Profit Foundation, and we look forward to making a lasting impact on individuals and society,” he added.


KSrelief delivers food aid to Yemen, Sudan 

KSrelief delivers food aid to Yemen, Sudan 
Updated 19 September 2024
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KSrelief delivers food aid to Yemen, Sudan 

KSrelief delivers food aid to Yemen, Sudan 
  • The deliveries are part of the 2024 food aid project for affected populations in Yemen and Sudan

RIYADH: Saudi aid agency KSrelief delivered almost 1,400 food aid parcels to thousands of people in Yemen’s Taiz Governorate and Sudan’s Red Sea State, state news agency SPA reported on Thursday.

In the Mawasit District of Taiz, 381 food parcels were delivered, benefiting 2,667 people from 381 of the neediest families affected by flooding.

Sudan’s Red Sea State received 1,000 food parcels for 5,791 people.

The deliveries are part of the 2024 food aid project for affected populations in Yemen and Sudan.

Meanwhile, KSrelief delivered 3,104 cartons of dates to the needy, orphans and people with special needs living in Wadi Al-Ain and Hawra in Yemen’s Hadramout Governorate.