Saudi pilot wants to highlight ‘breathtaking’ Kingdom from the sky
Mishaal Al-Sudairy lauds Saudi’s diverse typography
Received at 50 his pilot’s license, he tells Arab News
Updated 06 June 2024
HUSSAM AL-MAYMAN
RIYADH: Pilot, motorcycle enthusiast and author Mishaal Al-Sudairy is taking his passion for adventure in the outdoors, particularly the skies over the Kingdom, to document the country for fellow citizens.
Speaking on The Mayman Show recently, Al-Sudairy said he takes to the skies on average 12 times a month, and is fascinated by the many ancient sites and natural wonders that can be viewed from above.
“This year I participated in the federal rally which is flying over Egypt, archeological sites. I flew to the World Traveler Festival in Dubai. Before in 2021, I flew from Thumamah to Oshkosh, Wisconsin, to participate in the AirVenture, Airshow 2021. So, I love flying.”
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Al-Sudairy, who has an engineering background, received a private pilot’s license at 50 in 2018 from a facility in Denver, Colorado. “Then I went back to the US and did my instrument rating in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. And then I did my multi-engine and my commercial in Bellingham, Washington state,” he said.
During the interview he recalled flying over Harrat Kishb which is a lava field in the west of the Kingdom. “The neat thing is seven volcanoes in a straight line. So you will be seeing the volcano tops one after one. Like they were done by a ruler. So to me, this is like one of nature’s wonders, one that I’m gonna say Subhan Allah.”
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Another wondrous site for Al-Sudairy is Audat Sudair, about 100 km from Riyadh, that has a mountain which appears to be several hearts from the sky.
“It is like heart over heart over heart. And because you know, this area, it used to be, you know, seabed before the sea water receded. This formation is amazing. You see a heart, a normal heart, shaped by nature.
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“I mean, there’s so many things also from above, you can see there, so many signs by stones, so I think some of them, they’re prehistoric and some of them maybe from Stone Age,” he said.
Al-Sudairy believes that Saudi Arabia has one of the world’s most interesting terrains because of its diverse topography.
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“We have the desert, we have the mountains, we have the coastal line. Plus the volcanic areas, which is a lot, and especially in the westernmost part of Saudi Arabia. So you know, all these when they mix together, they’re breathtaking,” he said.
There were always “hidden gems to be found,” he said.
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“I want to introduce my country to my fellow citizens, so they know they (can) come out of the cities because Saudi Arabia is not limited to Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam.
“I want them to know that there is so much to see and to know about their country, about small towns and heritage places,” he added.
Japan Embassy in Riyadh celebrates Emperor Naruhito’s 65th birthday
Riyadh Mayor Prince Faisal bin Abdulaziz bin Ayyaf attends celebration
Ties continue to deepen between 2 nations, says envoy Yasunari Morino
Updated 21 February 2025
Arab News Japan
RIYADH: The Ambassador of Japan to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Yasunari Morino hosted a reception on Thursday to celebrate the 65th birthday of Japan’s Emperor Naruhito.
Prince Faisal bin Abdulaziz bin Ayyaf, mayor of Riyadh region, attended the reception, which included several representatives of diplomatic missions and dignitaries.
In a speech, Morino highlighted the development of relations between Japan and Saudi Arabia, noting that this year marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties.
He said several Japanese officials have visited Saudi Arabia this year including Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Yoji Muto, and Parliamentary Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs Hisashi Matsumoto.
In February, Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan visited Japan and signed a pact with his counterpart to establish a Strategic Partnership Council.
Morino emphasized the expansion of cooperation between the two nations in several sectors including clean energy, mineral resources, technology, health, food, entertainment and sports — in line with the Japan-Saudi Vision 2030 plan.
He also spoke about Japan’s efforts to attract foreign direct investment.
Morino underscored the continued growth of people-to-people exchanges, noting that Japanese culture continues to captivate Saudi Arabia’s citizens, particularly young people.
He also mentioned the upcoming Kansai-Osaka Expo, set to begin in April, and expressed hope the event would attract many visitors from Saudi Arabia and other nations.
He said the expo would showcase the importance of the planet’s ecosystem, human diversity and the collective wisdom of humankind.
Morino reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening Japan-Saudi Arabia strategic partnerships to help promote international peace, stability, and human development.
Saudi Shoura Council urges cooperation at Mediterranean assembly
Vice Speaker Mishaal bin Fahm Al-Sulami, emphasizes boosting ties with Kingdom, GCC at opening of 2-day session in Romeopening of the two-day session in Rome
Updated 21 February 2025
Arab News
ROME: A delegation of the Kingdom’s Shoura Council attended the 19th plenary session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean on Thursday as an observer, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Vice Speaker Mishaal bin Fahm Al-Sulami, head of the council’s delegation, spoke at the opening of PAM’s two-day session in Rome, emphasizing the opportunity to strengthen cooperation between the Kingdom and Mediterranean countries in various fields.
Al-Sulami said there was also potential for collaboration between the Mediterranean basin and the six-nation GCC, of which Saudi Arabia is a member.
He highlighted the Kingdom’s initiatives promoting global security, peace, stability, and development including the Arab Peace Initiative, Yemen ceasefire, Sudanese peace talks, India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, and Middle East Green Initiative.
Al-Sulami also spoke about Saudi Arabia’s critical role in this week’s US-Russia talks, which was held in Riyadh, and the humanitarian aid provided to countries affected by wars and disasters.
Over 300 delegates from national parliaments, international organizations, academia, and diplomatic missions participated in the event, which was hosted by the speakers of the Italian Senate and Chamber of Deputies.
Morocco’s Enaam Mayara, the president of PAM, convened the session.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres sent a video message urging the participants to “keep working for peace, sustainable development and human rights for the people of the Mediterranean region and our world.”
Saudi FM meets with counterparts on sidelines of G20 meeting in Johannesburg
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan is attending a meeting of G20 foreign ministers in Johannesburg
Updated 21 February 2025
Arab News
RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan met with his counterparts from the UK, China, Australia, and France separately in Johannesburg on Thursday.
On the sidelines of a meeting of G20 foreign ministers held for the first time in Africa, Prince Faisal discussed regional and international developments with British Foreign Secretary David Lammy.
With Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Prince Faisal discussed intensifying coordination on issues of common interest.
Ways to enhance and develop joint relations were reviewed by Prince Faisal and his Australian counterpart Penny Wong.
Prince Faisal also discussed regional developments and efforts made to achieve stability and peace in the region with French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noel Barrot.
How AI is transforming education — but potentially impacting child development
AI has enabled personalized learning by adapting content to students’ pace and style, offering interactive, gamified experiences
However, experts warn that excessive AI use may impact early childhood cognitive growth and reduce real-world learning
Updated 20 February 2025
Haifa Alshammari
RIYADH: Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing industries across the globe, and education is no exception. From personalized learning experiences to administrative efficiency, AI is reshaping classrooms and redefining the roles of both teachers and students.
However, as AI’s influence in education expands, experts warn of potential drawbacks — particularly when it comes to young children.
AI-powered tools are becoming increasingly prevalent in education. According to a 2024 report by the UK-based digital safety organization Internet Matters, nearly 44 percent of children are currently using AI, and 54 percent have incorporated it into school assignments.
The report, titled “Artificially Intelligent? Children’s and parents’ views on generative AI in education,” found that teachers, too, are integrating AI into their daily tasks, with 60 percent reporting that they use the technology to enhance their work.
The adoption of AI in education reflects a broader global trend. Experts at Allied Market Research project the market for AI-driven educational tools will grow from $2.5 billion in 2022 to $6 billion by the end of 2025, highlighting the increasing reliance on technology in schools.
In Saudi Arabia, the government has embraced AI’s potential in various sectors, including education. The Saudi Authority for Data and Artificial Intelligence, established in 2019, aims to drive innovation in AI and position the Kingdom at the forefront of data-driven economies.
For educators, AI presents exciting opportunities to enhance learning experiences.
“AI has transformed education by personalizing learning experiences, allowing for tailored content that meets individual student needs,” Faleh bin Saad Al-Huqbani, director of Al-Muqaddimah Schools in Riyadh, told Arab News.
By adapting content to a child’s pace and learning style, AI enables more individualized instruction, helping students grasp difficult concepts with greater ease. Additionally, AI-powered tutoring systems provide real-time feedback and support, reinforcing learning outside the classroom.
Young students attend a lecture on artificial intelligence and robotics during a science exhibition conducted by the King Salman Science Oasis in Riyadh. (SPA file photo)
“AI tools can engage children with interactive and gamified learning environments, making education more enjoyable,” Al-Huqbani added.
Beyond the classroom, AI is also streamlining administrative tasks, allowing educators to focus more on teaching rather than paperwork. Automated grading systems, data analysis tools, and AI-powered lesson planning are freeing up valuable time for teachers to engage with students more effectively.
While AI’s impact on education is largely positive, some experts caution against its overuse — especially among young children.
Dr. Sultan Ayoub Meo, professor of physiology at the College of Medicine at King Saud University, stresses the importance of cognitive development in early childhood, warning that excessive reliance on AI and electronic devices could have unintended consequences.
Dr. Sultan Ayoub Meo. (Supplied)
“It is not just a natural biological maturation; it is shaped by the infant’s experiences and interactions with their environment,” Dr. Meo told Arab News.
“Children’s cognitive development from birth to 5 years of age is critical due to rapid brain growth and acquiring initial knowledge in thinking, learning, problem-solving, language, and understanding.”
Dr. Meo believes AI has an important role to play in higher education, but he does not recommend its use for children under the age of 6.
While AI has an important role to play in higher education, Dr. Meo does not recommend its use for children under the age of 6. (SPA file photo)
“In this age group, the most important and highly sensitive systems, nervous and endocrine systems, and their physiological processes are rapidly developing,” he said.
He also pointed out potential health risks associated with prolonged exposure to AI-enabled devices. “Using AI for children at the age of 6 can cause behavioral and psychological issues,” he said.
“We cannot deny the effects of electromagnetic field radiation generated by AI-allied devices and their hazards on various body organs, including the brain, ears, and eyes, especially in infants and children.”
DID YOU KNOW?
• AI is transforming education, with 60 percent of teachers using it to automate grading, analyze data, and streamline administrative tasks.
• Experts warn that excessive AI use may impact early childhood cognitive development and reduce real-world learning opportunities.
• Experts advocate balancing AI with traditional education to ensure students develop both technological and interpersonal skills.
Despite these concerns, Dr. Meo acknowledges that AI is now an integral part of education and research.
“This is the era of science and technology,” he said. “The future of digital education is extremely important in academia and research. Digital education makes knowledge easily accessible and enables students to access the same knowledge resources.”
In addition to making education more accessible, AI facilitates lifelong learning and skill acquisition, helping students meet the demands of an evolving job market. However, Dr. Meo highlighted the importance of being selective in how and when AI is introduced in the classroom.
KAUST Academy focuses on talent development in AI with programs targeting outside learners. (Supplied/File)
“It will be helpful at higher school and university levels rather than primary schooling,” he said. “Digital education at primary school levels may replace real-world learning and human interaction.”
While AI’s impact on education is undeniable, experts agree that a balanced approach is necessary. AI should complement, rather than replace, traditional teaching methods, ensuring that students continue to benefit from human interaction and hands-on learning experiences.
“We must balance technology with traditional teaching and learning methods,” Dr. Meo added.
Secretary-general of Etidal welcomes director of UN’s Counter-Terrorism Centre
Updated 20 February 2025
SPA
RIYADH: Mansour Al-Shammari, the secretary-general of the Global Center for Combating Extremist Ideology — also known as Etidal — welcomed Mauro Miedico, director of the UN’s Counter-Terrorism Centre, to Etidal’s headquarters in Riyadh on Thursday.
The parties discussed combating extremism and terrorism and subjects of mutual interest.
