Prince Sultan University hosts panel on space exploration

The panel session titled ‘Beyond Earth: Journeys to the Stars’ brought together NASA administrator Bill Nelson and Saudi astronauts Rayannah Barnawi, Ali Al-Ghamdi and Mariam Fardous, to discuss their own experiences in space. (AN photo by Huda Bashatah)
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The panel session titled ‘Beyond Earth: Journeys to the Stars’ brought together NASA administrator Bill Nelson and Saudi astronauts Rayannah Barnawi, Ali Al-Ghamdi and Mariam Fardous, to discuss their own experiences in space. (AN photo by Huda Bashatah)
Prince Sultan University hosts panel on space exploration
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(AN photo by Huda Bashatah)
Prince Sultan University hosts panel on space exploration
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The panel session titled ‘Beyond Earth: Journeys to the Stars’ brought together NASA administrator Bill Nelson and Saudi astronauts Rayannah Barnawi, Ali Al-Ghamdi and Mariam Fardous, to discuss their own experiences in space. (AN photo by Huda Bashatah)
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Updated 15 May 2024
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Prince Sultan University hosts panel on space exploration

Prince Sultan University hosts panel on space exploration
  • Kingdom has already achieved a high-calibre position in space industry, says NASA’s Bill Nelson

RIYADH: Delegations from NASA and the Saudi Space Agency visited Prince Sultan University on Tuesday to engage with students on the future of human missions in space.

A panel session titled “Beyond Earth: Journeys to the Stars,” brought together NASA administrator Bill Nelson and Saudi astronauts Rayannah Barnawi, Ali Al-Ghamdi and Mariam Fardous, to discuss their own experiences in space.




Chairman of the Saudi Space Agency Abdullah Al-Swaha recently held talks with NASA’s Bill Nelson. (Supplied)

They also debated the future of human missions in space and encouraged the university’s students to be part of the Kingdom’s aspirations in the space field.

Mohammed Al-Tamimi, CEO of Saudi Space Agency, and Ambassador of the US to the Kingdom Michael Ratney, were also present at the reception.

HIGHLIGHTS

• The panel discussion hosted at Prince Sultan University debated the future of human missions in space.

• During his visit to the Kingdom, Bill Nelson also met Munir Eldesouki, president of King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology.

In an interview with Arab News, Nelson highlighted the importance of space missions. “When we go into space, we have to invent and create new things and that helps us advance our standard of living here on the earth,” he said.




The panel session titled ‘Beyond Earth: Journeys to the Stars’ brought together NASA administrator Bill Nelson and Saudi astronauts Rayannah Barnawi, Ali Al-Ghamdi and Mariam Fardous, to discuss their own experiences in space. (AN photo by Huda Bashatah)

“One of the good examples that I gave in the speech today is the camera in your cell phone, that was developed by NASA. It’s a camera on a chip … there are so many technological outgrowths and spinoffs from our developing space technology.”

Nelson said that there would be further developments in the near future in pharmaceutical research and zero gravity on the International Space Station.

When we go into space, we have to invent and create new things and that helps us advance our standard of living here on the earth.

Bill Nelson, NASA administrator

“There are going to be some major breakthroughs, and already have been on developing drugs, for the cure of diseases. So, there’s a lot of excitement in the future,” he said.

Saudi Arabia has already achieved a high-calibre position in the space industry, he said.

Ahmed Yamani, president of Prince Sultan University, said that it had established a new college of space and aviation with the cooperation with the Saudi Space Agency and Al-Tamimi.

“We went through the process of the initiating this college, which is really based on what we already have … we have a program, aviation management, that was established with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Florida.”

Yamani said that the university was already building the foundation of the space and aviation program with “external consultants that are working with us on both department and both programs. So, we want to definitely touch on the latest and the update updated programs in these areas.”

During his visit to the Kingdom, Nelson also met Munir Eldesouki, president of King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, and discussed ways to deepen cooperation in the space sector.

Chairman of the Saudi Space Agency Abdullah Al-Swaha held talks with Nelson in the presence of Al-Tamimi, and they discussed strategic partnership in the field of space to serve humanity.

The Saudi Space Agency is responsible for developing and growing its space sector with a focus on supporting economic growth, stimulating innovation and scientific research.


New initiative to train Saudis in generative AI

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New initiative to train Saudis in generative AI

New initiative to train Saudis in generative AI

RIYADH: A professional training program in generative artificial intelligence has been launched at King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals in Dhahran.

The program is offered by the Gen AI Academy in collaboration with the Saudi Data and AI Authority and NVIDIA.

This initiative marks the first step in a plan to train 4,000 Saudi citizens, according to the Saudi Press Agency report.

The program will train and qualify Saudi citizens in generative AI. It aims to build the next generation’s capabilities in AI, enhance participants’ expertise to foster innovation, and underscore the Kingdom’s advanced position in the field.

It targets individuals with a solid foundation in computer science or related fields, as well as academic professionals and practitioners.

The training includes advanced, up-to-date materials provided by certified Saudi experts from NVIDIA.

Participants will engage in a blend of virtual self-learning modules and interactive in-person workshops.

On completion, participants will receive professional certifications accredited by NVIDIA, recognized globally as leading credentials in generative AI.

The program is part of the authority’s efforts to promote learning and build national AI capabilities, reinforcing the Kingdom’s position among data- and AI-driven economies.


Security exhibition showcases KSA’s tech advancements

Security exhibition showcases KSA’s tech advancements
Updated 12 min 26 sec ago
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Security exhibition showcases KSA’s tech advancements

Security exhibition showcases KSA’s tech advancements

RIYADH: The Ministry of Interior’s Security Oasis exhibition recently concluded at the King Abdulaziz Camel Festival in Al-Sayahid, northeast of Riyadh.

Visitors were immersed in the Kingdom’s rich history of security and service, spanning from its founding to the present day, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

The exhibition highlighted the ministry’s key development projects, investments in technology, AI applications and digital solutions aimed at enhancing public safety, environmental sustainability, traffic safety, and Hajj and Umrah services.

Visitors also learned about the ministry’s security services for individuals, businesses and government entities through platforms like Absher and the 911 call centers, the SPA reported.

The exhibition showcased anti-drug smuggling efforts, border security awareness, search and rescue operations, and land and sea monitoring.

A major highlight of the exhibition was the shooting range, where visitors enjoyed supervised shooting experiences under the guidance of professional trainers.

It also featured captivating military scenarios, performances by musical bands, camel and cavalry bands, and engaging folk performances from various regions of the Kingdom.


First Saudi aid plane arrives at Damascus International Airport, second despatched

First Saudi aid plane arrives at Damascus International Airport, second despatched
Updated 01 January 2025
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First Saudi aid plane arrives at Damascus International Airport, second despatched

First Saudi aid plane arrives at Damascus International Airport, second despatched

RIYADH: Saudi aid agency KSrelief sent the first two relief planes to Damascus on Wednesday morning. 

Carrying medical, food and shelter supplies, the planes are part of a fleet set to provide urgent relief over the next few days. 

The total aid provided by the Kingdom to the Syrian people from 2011 to the end of 2024 amounted to 856 million and 891 thousand US dollars, state news agency SPA reported.


Saudi crown prince offers condolences to British PM after brother dies

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. (File/SPA/AFP)
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. (File/SPA/AFP)
Updated 31 December 2024
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Saudi crown prince offers condolences to British PM after brother dies

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. (File/SPA/AFP)
  • Nick Starmer died on Dec. 26 at the age of 60 after a battle with cancer
  • Keir Starmer met Crown Prince Mohammed earlier in December during a visit to Saudi Arabia

RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman sent a cable of condolences to British Prime Minister Keir Starmer after the passing of his younger brother, Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

Nick Starmer died on Dec. 26 at the age of 60 after a battle with cancer.

“My brother Nick was a wonderful man,” Starmer said at the time.

“He met all the challenges life threw at him with courage and good humour. We will miss him very much.”

Keir Starmer met Crown Prince Mohammed earlier in December during a visit to Saudi Arabia.


Economic support reflects Saudi Arabia’s commitment to stability in Yemen, cabinet says

Saudi Arabia’s Cabinet holds a meeting on Tuesday. (SPA)
Saudi Arabia’s Cabinet holds a meeting on Tuesday. (SPA)
Updated 31 December 2024
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Economic support reflects Saudi Arabia’s commitment to stability in Yemen, cabinet says

Saudi Arabia’s Cabinet holds a meeting on Tuesday. (SPA)
  • The cabinet strongly condemned Israel’s ongoing attacks on Al-Aqsa Mosque, rejected any attempt at altering Jerusalem’s historical and legal status

RIYADH: The Kingdom’s latest aid package to Yemen reflects its commitment to stability in the country, the Cabinet said on Tuesday.

On Friday, Saudi Arabia announced new economic support worth $500 million. It comprises a $300 million deposit into the Central Bank of Yemen to improve economic and financial conditions and $200 million to address its budget deficit, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

During a meeting on Tuesday, the cabinet said the support aimed to strengthen Yemen’s economic, financial and monetary foundations, build the capacity of government institutions and empower the private sector to drive sustainable growth and create job opportunities.

The meeting also discussed regional and international developments and emphasized the Kingdom’s continuous efforts to foster cooperation through relations with other countries and its membership of multilateral organizations and groups.

The cabinet also strongly condemned Israel’s ongoing attacks on Al-Aqsa Mosque, rejected any attempt at altering Jerusalem’s historical and legal status and called upon the international community to hold the Israeli authorities accountable for violations against civilians and Islamic holy sites in Palestine. It also reiterated its support for the Palestinian people.

The condemnation came after Israel’s Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir ascended to the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem on Thursday for what he said was a “prayer” for hostages in Gaza, challenging rules over one of the most sensitive sites in the Middle East.

The cabinet also reviewed the performance indicators of key economic sectors and commended the growth of the non-profit sector, which plays a crucial role in supporting healthcare, education, research and other vital areas, in line with Saudi Vision 2030 goals.