Scientific journal lauds progress of Saudi women in STEM

Scientific journal lauds progress of Saudi women in STEM
The report in Nature, authored by Dr. Farhan M. Asrar, Safa Siddiqui and Dr. Soyeon Yi, highlights the value of women in scientific fields using the examples of female space and nuclear pioneers. (SPA/File)
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Updated 07 March 2024
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Scientific journal lauds progress of Saudi women in STEM

Scientific journal lauds progress of Saudi women in STEM
  • Publication in Nature journal honors female pioneers in space, nuclear science

RIYADH: A new report in a leading scientific journal has lauded the progress of Saudi women in STEM fields.

The report in Nature, authored by Dr. Farhan M. Asrar, Safa Siddiqui and Dr. Soyeon Yi, highlights the value of women in scientific fields using the examples of female space and nuclear pioneers.

Asrar is a prominent Canadian physician, academic and researcher in the fields of public health, space medicine, preventive medicine and the environment.

He is also a family doctor, a national mentor in equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility, and was recently recognized by the Ontario College of Family Physicians as the Regional Family Physician of the Year.

Siddiqui is an electrical and nuclear engineer based at Bruce Power, one of the world’s largest nuclear power plants, and a champion for women in STEM.

Yi is South Korea’s first and only astronaut, and a pioneer for women in space.

The report focuses on the achievements of women in two major STEM disciplines: Space and nuclear science.

Asrar said: “Women have been pioneers inspiring future generations in all disciplines of STEM. We focused on the space and nuclear sector as they are two key expanding STEM fields for many nations, including those in the Gulf Cooperation Council.”

The recent UAE-hosted COP 28 climate conference identified nuclear energy as a possible solution to climate change.

Siddiqui said: “The nuclear industry is undergoing a profound transformation, marked by expansion and the integration of innovative nuclear technologies, such as Small Modular Reactors. Women have played a pivotal role in spearheading this.”

The space sector also has much in store for women, including the upcoming NASA Artemis missions, which will take the first woman to the moon’s orbit.

Space sector

The authors share examples of women space pioneers from around the world, including Saudi astronaut Rayyanah Barnawi.

Asrar said: “It is great to see the Saudi Space Agency focus on diversity and inclusion with the first Arab-Saudi woman in space. Additionally, the Saudi astronaut program has also selected Dr. Mariam Fardous, who we all look forward to becoming not only Saudi Arabia’s next female astronaut, but also Saudi Arabia’s first doctor in space.”

Asrar also highlighted the significant strides the UAE has made toward women’s presence in the space sector.

“The UAE also has notable space pioneers, such as our publication mentioning the UAE’s first female astronaut candidate, Nora Al-Matrooshi, and Sarah Al-Amiri being the UAE Space Agency’s chairperson. Additionally, Dr. Hanan Al-Suwaidi has been an inspiration to many, being an accomplished family doctor, health leader, educator and the UAE’s first space flight surgeon.”

Nuclear sector

The paper addresses women pioneers in the nuclear sector, such as Dr. Lise Meitner, who was among the first scientists to discover nuclear fission.

Nature’s women in STEM report is honoring Meitner 85 years after she first described nuclear fission in a report for the journal in 1939.

In recent times, there has been a rejuvenation of interest toward nuclear energy. During COP 28, more than 20 countries endorsed a declaration to triple nuclear energy, highlighting the power of the technology to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions. The Kingdom also aims to build a nuclear power plant to generate electricity. Women have been involved in the nuclear sector but a lot more needs to be done.

Siddiqui highlighted a recent report by the OECD Nuclear Energy Agency that surveyed more than 8,000 women from 32 countries working in the nuclear sector. The report found that women still faced difficulty advancing in the industry.

The Nuclear Energy Agency also said that the nuclear workforce must diversify and encourage an active role for women as a key part of net zero, Siddiqui added.

When asked about approaches to encourage more women in STEM, Siddiqui said: “STEM fields are growing in all directions. Young girls in schools should be introduced and encouraged to take part in STEM subjects early on so they can see the potential it has, and this provides a strong and robust career ahead.”

Women in STEM leaders in Saudi Arabia and the UAE

Asrar discussed the proliferation of women in key roles across Saudi Arabia: “Shining examples include Princess Sara bint Mashhour bin Abdulaziz, the wife of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who launched ‘Ilmi,’ that will focus on promoting STREAM (science, technology, reading, engineering, arts and maths); Princess Reema bint Bandar, Saudi ambassador to US, who has been championing women’s empowerment; Dr. Maha bint Mishari Al-Saud, who has been a shining example of leadership of women in STEM, education and in medicine; and Dr. Khulood Al-Mani, who has been a leader in AI and IT, and was recently named UN ambassador for global women’s empowerment.”

Asrar grew up in the UAE and praised the pioneering role of women in the Emirati workforce: “Yet again, there are many female pioneers and leaders … some inspirational names that come to mind include Sheikha Lubna bint Khalid Al-Qasimi, the first Emirati woman to take on a ministerial post; Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, who is leading a number of innovative initiatives including the prototypes for humanity; Dr. Aisha bin Bishr, who has been a digital leader; and Bodour bint Sultan Al-Qasimi, who has been a gender diversity champion and has led inspirational work involving books, heritage, education and continuing the great work that her father, Sultan bin Muhammad Al-Qasimi, the ruler of Sharjah, has been long pioneering in the GCC, related to education, art, architecture and heritage, which was personally inspiring to me when I grew up in Sharjah and Dubai.”

The three authors hope their Nature entry can bring greater awareness of the groundbreaking achievements of women in STEM and encourage more women to enter science-related fields.


From Seoul to Saudi: How Korean and Japanese stores are influencing Saudi tastes

The availability of Korean and Japanese products is fostering new habits in families around the Kingdom. (Supplied)
The availability of Korean and Japanese products is fostering new habits in families around the Kingdom. (Supplied)
Updated 4 min 20 sec ago
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From Seoul to Saudi: How Korean and Japanese stores are influencing Saudi tastes

The availability of Korean and Japanese products is fostering new habits in families around the Kingdom. (Supplied)
  • Exotic flavors find favor in Saudi cities
  • Food trend spurred by pop stars and TV dramas

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s streets are no stranger to international flavors, but in recent years, Korean and Japanese specialty supermarkets have found new popularity. From rows of instant noodles and savory sauces to unique skincare products, these stores offer a slice of East Asia in the heart of Saudi Arabia. Cities like Riyadh and Alkhobar are embracing this cultural and culinary fusion, highlighting the growing appetite for global experiences among Saudis, driven by the influence of entertainment and a desire for novelty.

Korean culture, spearheaded by the global phenomenon of K-pop and K-dramas, has taken the world by storm, and Saudi Arabia is no exception. For Fahad Al-Salmi, the owner of the Japanese and Korean Mart in Riyadh, this cultural wave was a business opportunity waiting to happen. “Our decision to open a Korean supermarket in Saudi Arabia was driven by a growing interest in Korean culture, particularly through K-pop, K-dramas, and Korean cuisine,” Al-Salmi told Arab News.

The entrance of Japanese & Korean Mart in Riyadh, featuring vibrant signage and a welcoming display showcasing the cultural connection between Saudi Arabia, Japan, and Korea. (Supplied)

“Many Saudis are curious about trying new flavors and exploring international cultures, and Korea has become a popular trend. We saw an opportunity to introduce authentic Korean products to satisfy that demand and to offer a unique experience for local customers,” he added.

This curiosity is translating into tangible lifestyle changes. Korean snacks, instant noodles, and condiments like gochujang (Korean chili paste) and soy sauce have become staples for many families. Al-Salmi observes that these products are now becoming integrated into everyday meals for many Saudi households. “With the influence of Korean entertainment, many Saudis are more open to trying international foods and incorporating them into their diets,” he noted.

HIGHLIGHTS

• While Riyadh has witnessed a growing number of specialty stores, cities like Alkhobar and Al-Shamalia are also joining the movement.

• By offering authentic and unique products, Korean and Japanese supermarkets are creating connections between cultures.

For Abdusalam Thodi, the owner of Kimchi Supermarket in Riyadh, the inspiration was personal. “I was inspired by Korea to open a Korean supermarket because I studied there,” shared Thodi. “Our bestsellers are Korean noodles and sauces, but we also offer a wide range of cultural products and specialty foods. Korean cuisine and culture are rapidly growing in popularity here in Saudi Arabia, and we’re proud to be part of this exciting trend.”

The availability of Korean and Japanese products is fostering new habits in families. (Supplied)

While Riyadh has witnessed a growing number of these specialty stores, cities like Alkhobar and Al-Shamalia are also joining the movement. The expansion into these regions highlights the nationwide appeal of Korean and Japanese supermarkets, catering to the tastes and preferences of Saudis across the Kingdom.

The allure of these supermarkets extends far beyond their aisles. They offer customers the chance to engage with a lifestyle that, until recently, was only accessible through screens. For long-time K-drama fan Fatimah Al-Dossari, the emergence of Korean supermarkets has been a dream come true.

With the influence of Korean entertainment, many Saudis are more open to trying international foods and incorporating them into their diets.

Fahad Al-Salmi, Japanese and Korean Mart owner

“I’ve been watching Korean dramas for 20 years, and I never imagined I’d get to try the food they enjoy on screen!” said Al-Dossari. “It’s amazing to see so many supermarkets now offering popular Korean snacks, noodles, cooking sauces, and seasonings. I couldn’t be happier — shopping for these items has become a regular treat for me every three weeks!"

Korean snacks, instant noodles, and condiments like gochujang (Korean chili paste) and soy sauce have become staples for many families. (Supplied)

Zainab Al-Salman, a frequent customer, describes the experience of shopping at these stores as a unique cultural adventure. “Trying new things that represent a different culture is always a great way to get to know this culture in your home and have a fun time exploring it,” she said. “Every time I go, it’s like visiting a museum. I tend to feel happy and joyful trying to pick what I will try next that I haven’t tried before.”

Al-Salman also appreciates the practical advantages of these markets. “Specialty markets often offer more options than just one section in other regular markets, and sometimes they are even cheaper,” she added.

The availability of Korean and Japanese products is fostering new habits in families. Al-Salman shared how her family’s shopping behavior has evolved thanks to these specialty supermarkets.

“Yes, it did help me build some habits like buying a kimchi bowl every few months for the family,” she explained. “That opened their eyes to other different things.”

Korean and Japanese supermarkets offer products and experiences that traditional supermarkets cannot replicate.

“Some of these products are not popular (enough) to be produced and sold in our markets, like different types of skincare products that are more effective than others,” noted Al-Salman. “This makes the supermarkets more attractive due to having more options to choose between.”

Al-Salman described how specialty markets provide a sense of wonder for shoppers. “For people who’ve never visited, their first visit is always like a good experience for them to see different things than a regular market,” she said.

For business owners like Al-Salmi and Thodi, the journey is as rewarding as it is exciting. By offering authentic and unique products, they are creating connections between cultures.

As Al-Dossari summed it up: “It’s amazing to see how food can bring people closer to a culture.”

With the growing influence of global cultures, Saudi Arabia’s retail sector is transforming, one supermarket aisle at a time. Cities like Alkhobar and Al-Shamalia are now key players in this transformation, ensuring that the bond between cultures continues to grow stronger with each passing year.

 


Qassim’s berry farms revolutionizing Saudi agriculture

Qassim’s berry farms revolutionizing Saudi agriculture
Updated 4 min 46 sec ago
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Qassim’s berry farms revolutionizing Saudi agriculture

Qassim’s berry farms revolutionizing Saudi agriculture
  • Local produce matching global quality standards
  • Advanced hydroponics vital to success, says expert

QASSIM: The Qassim region has become the leading producer of strawberries and blueberries in Saudi Arabia, challenging international imports with produce that matches global quality standards, the Saudi Press Agency reported recently.

This success has been driven by many farmers’ ambition to innovate, modernize, and create quality alternatives to imported varieties.

The path to premium berry production in Qassim required multiple developments, agricultural engineer Saleh Ibrahim Al-Keaid told the SPA.

The modern farming method prioritizes organic farming, making sure all fertilizers and pesticides are safe. (SPA)

Al-Keaid said that the journey to excellence involved extensive research and collaboration with international experts.

“We spent a full year experimenting with different varieties and agricultural elements to achieve our current success,” he said.

The result is a premium product that rivals American and European berries in quality, size and yield.

FASTFACTS

• Modern approach to farming prioritizes organic farming methods, ensuring all fertilizers and pesticides meet strict safety standards.

• Advanced hydropnic systems utilize vertical farming towers — up to seven levels high —equipped with volcanic rock substrates and top-down irrigation.

These types of fruits are sensitive, requiring special soil, complementary elements, and suitable conditions through protected greenhouses.

The success hinges on innovative farming techniques, particularly the adoption of advanced hydroponic systems.

The modern farming method prioritizes organic farming, making sure all fertilizers and pesticides are safe. (SPA)

These systems utilize vertical farming towers — up to seven levels high —equipped with volcanic rock substrates and top-down irrigation.

This modern approach prioritizes organic farming methods, ensuring all fertilizers and pesticides meet strict safety standards.

Perhaps most impressive are the efficiency gains. According to Al-Keaid, the hydroponic system achieves remarkable water conservation, reducing consumption by 80 percent compared to traditional methods.

Additionally, the production capacity in hydroponic farming is multiple times that of soil-based farming.

The space efficiency is equally striking: a single greenhouse of 360 sq. meters can accommodate 9,000 seedlings — approximately triple the capacity of conventional soil-based farming.

Furthermore, caring for the seedlings is easier, requires less effort, and uses fewer fertilizers compared to soil-based farming.

 


How a Saudi royal reserve combines sustainability with support for the local community

How a Saudi royal reserve combines sustainability with support for the local community
Updated 8 min 38 sec ago
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How a Saudi royal reserve combines sustainability with support for the local community

How a Saudi royal reserve combines sustainability with support for the local community
  • Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Reserve promotes educational partnerships, controlled grazing, and sustainable hunting
  • Authority CEO Mohammed Al-Shaalan says community engagement links environmental protection with economic development 

RIYADH: The Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Reserve in northern Saudi Arabia was established in 2018 to help preserve a thriving natural environment and to promote a sustainable local economy, free from overgrazing and unregulated hunting.

Committed to enhancing the quality of life for the local community, the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Reserve Development Authority works to protect biodiversity while engaging residents as stakeholders in advancing its environmental and development goals.

Headquartered in the Saudi capital, Riyadh, the authority invites residents to take part in educational programs, workshops, and collaborations to actively protect the environment and promote sustainable livelihoods.

This collaboration includes specialized training courses held in partnership with educational and development institutions, including the University of Hail, Northern Border University, and the Human Resources Development Fund.

These courses are designed to equip the community with the skills needed to support the reserve’s environmental and development goals, including the effort to increase vegetation through tree planting and the prevention of logging.

“Seven hundred thousand trees have been planted” since the reserve was established, Mohammed Al-Shaalan, the authority’s CEO, told Arab News on the sidelines of the UN conference on biodiversity, COP16, in Riyadh last month.

“Because of the plantation and the protection, the normalized difference vegetation index has increased from 2 percent to 8 percent over the past four years, which tells us that if we give a little bit of breath for the environment, it could restore itself very fast.”

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The index is a measure for assessing vegetation health and density using sensor data, helping track changes in plant health.

The reserve’s efforts align with the Kingdom’s goal of planting 10 billion trees by 2100 as part of the Saudi Green Initiative, which aims to rehabilitate more than 74 million hectares of land.

To date, more than 70 million trees have been planted nationwide.

The 91,500-square kilometer Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Reserve spreads across Hail, Qassim, Al-Jouf, the Northern Borders, and the Eastern Province. (SPA)

In addition to its commitment to enhancing biodiversity, the reserve provides valuable resources for the local community. It grants controlled access to local herders, allowing their animals to graze and maintain a healthy biocycle for plants.

The reserve issues special permits for grazing in designated areas, allowing livestock owners to sustainably utilize the vegetation. This organized grazing process helps mitigate risks associated with excessive growth, including the potential for wildfires.

Among the local herders who frequently visits the reserve to graze his cattle is Farhan Al-Rughailan. He believes allowing livestock to graze helps maintain plant health, prevents diseases, and ensures sustainable use of the reserve’s resources.

The Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Reserve is home to various wildlife, including the Arabian oryx, sand gazelles, and Arabian ostriches. (SPA)

hen plants are growing, they must be cut regularly, otherwise they become poisonous if they stay for too long without animals grazing on them,” he told Arab News.

Like other herders, Al-Rughailan is only permitted to visit the reserve during specific times specified on his permit. The policy has helped reduce the economic cost of feeding livestock.

“As a royal reserve, one of our mandates is the local community, and we have to take care of it,” said authority CEO Al-Shaalan.

“Today, we have more than 150 livestock, between camels and sheep, and livestock breeders in the local community are used to paying SAR 100 million ($26.6 million) to SAR 120 million to buy food for livestock. So, instead of buying hay and livestock feed, we allow them to graze.”

In addition to sustainable grazing, the authority has introduced sustainable hunting in a designated area located in the northern part of the reserve, which is also intended to support the local community without harming the ecosystem.

Although the sustainable hunting area makes up just 2.18 percent of the reserve’s total area, it provides a valuable boost to the local economy. Prey is raised in a controlled environment to ensure the sustainability of targeted species while preserving the reserve’s ecosystem.

DID YOUKNOW?

• The Imam Turki Royal Reserve employs 180 rangers to monitor and address issues related to wildlife and plants.

• According to its CEO, nearly 90 percent of the reserve is now protected.

• The Royal Reserve’s Development Authority uses drone technology to monitor and protect the environment.

• The reserve offers volunteer opportunities, fostering cooperation and environmental responsibility within the community.

Hunting is a popular activity for both locals and tourists in Saudi Arabia, but it has historically had a negative impact on native wildlife. Overhunting in the past has led to the decline of species such as the Arabian leopard, ibex, and oryx.

Today, the Kingdom’s Environmental Law and executive regulations prohibit the trade, killing, or hunting of endangered wildlife species, along with their derivatives and products. Violators can face fines of up to SAR 30 million, 10 years in prison, or both.

The Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Reserve is home to various wildlife, including the Arabian oryx, sand gazelles, and Arabian ostriches. (SPA)

“Instead of people going and hunting in the wilderness, we provide a sustainable production of wildlife that we can release for hunting,” said Al-Shaalan.

This model was adopted by the UN in 1992, with the biodiversity agreement recognizing sustainable hunting as a conservation tool, affirming that wildlife can be preserved by allowing controlled hunting.

“There are always people who want to hunt,” he said. “But if you give them a legitimate way to hunt, it will reduce the pressure on wildlife.”
 

 


MWL sends condolences to Montenegro shooting victims

MWL sends condolences to Montenegro shooting victims
Updated 9 sec ago
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MWL sends condolences to Montenegro shooting victims

MWL sends condolences to Montenegro shooting victims
  • The organization affirmed its full solidarity with Montenegro in this difficult period

MAKKAH: The Muslim World League has extended its condolences and sympathies to the government and people of Montenegro, as well as to the families of the victims, following the shooting incident in Cetinje, resulting in deaths and injuries to several people.
The organization affirmed its full solidarity with Montenegro in this difficult period.

 


Attempts to smuggle over 220k banned pills thwarted

Attempts to smuggle over 220k banned pills thwarted
Updated 52 sec ago
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Attempts to smuggle over 220k banned pills thwarted

Attempts to smuggle over 220k banned pills thwarted
  • Mina’s customs officials intercepted an attempt to smuggle 34,084 Captagon pills, which were found hidden inside the driver seat cavity of a truck that entered the Kingdom

RIYADH: The Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority thwarted three attempts — at the King Fahd Causeway, Al-Haditha and Mina crossings — to smuggle over 220,000 banned pills found hidden in vehicles that entered the Kingdom, as well as in a passenger’s luggage.

The authority clarified that in the first attempt, the King Fahd Causeway’s customs agents halted an attempt to smuggle 120,370 Captagon pills, in addition to 45,975 other banned pills, which were found hidden inside four door cavities of a vehicle that entered the Kingdom through the crossing.

In the second attempt, Al-Haditha’s customs officers stopped an attempt to smuggle 21,011 Captagon pills, which were found in the luggage of a passenger that entered the Kingdom through the crossing.

During the third attempt, Mina’s customs officials intercepted an attempt to smuggle 34,084 Captagon pills, which were found hidden inside the driver seat cavity of a truck that entered the Kingdom.