Saudi Japanese institute gears up to drive the future of automobile sector

Saudi Japanese institute gears up to drive the future of automobile sector
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The Saudi Japanese Automobile High Institute provides a comprehensive two-year training program and has capacity for up to 500 students. (AN photo by Hashim Nadeem)
Saudi Japanese institute gears up to drive the future of automobile sector
2 / 3
The Saudi Japanese Automobile High Institute provides a comprehensive two-year training program and has capacity for up to 500 students. (AN photo by Hashim Nadeem)
Saudi Japanese institute gears up to drive the future of automobile sector
3 / 3
The Saudi Japanese Automobile High Institute provides a comprehensive two-year training program and has capacity for up to 500 students. (AN photo by Hashim Nadeem)
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Updated 26 June 2024
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Saudi Japanese institute gears up to drive the future of automobile sector

Saudi Japanese institute gears up to drive the future of automobile sector
  • The Kingdom’s hosting of F1, Dakar Rally is fueling an interest in car mechanics

JEDDAH: The rapid growth of Saudi Arabia’s automotive sector means more demand for advanced technology and skilled professionals — and the Saudi Japanese Automobile High Institute has stepped up to help.

The non-profit center offers specialized technical training for Saudi high school graduates, with a particular emphasis on Japanese automobile technology. It was established in 2003 with support from the late King Abdullah and symbolizes collaboration between the Kingdom and Japan.

Institute CEO Hattan Nadhirah told Arab News that the Saudi youth’s perception of car mechanics had changed significantly in recent times. He attributed this to advances in governance, the ambitious goals of Saudi Vision 2030, and a growing interest in sports events hosted in the Kingdom such as Formula 1 and the Dakar Rally.

“We are fostering stronger ties between Japan and Saudi Arabia through our continuous support for the institute since its establishment. This includes providing state-of-the-art equipment and Japanese experts, all of whom are government-sponsored scholars,” said Nadhirah.

The institute provides a comprehensive two-year training program and has capacity for up to 500 students. It focuses on practical training with modern equipment and has over 100 Japanese cars available to give students hands-on experience.

The international faculty, consisting of experts from eight nations including Saudi Arabia, Japan, the Philippines, Indonesia, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Egypt, provides a diverse learning environment.

Sohaib NoorAldin, the institute’s acting education manager, said: “Each level of classrooms can accommodate more than 300 students, but to maintain the quality of education, we prefer not to exceed 250 students. Each class consists of 50 students divided into five groups.”

Every class has two trainers, with students assigned to cars in groups of five. A team leader role is assumed by each student in turn to give everyone leadership experience.

Among the institute’s innovative technologies is a 3D-printed simulator for hybrid cars, while projects include building a buggy-type car from scratch.

NoorAldin said an ordinary Nissan Sunny car, worth around SR10,000 (around $2,665) was now valued at more than SR70,000 after being converted into a detailed training vehicle.

He added the institute prioritized safety by implementing the 5Ss principle — which involves shifting, sorting, sweeping and washing, spic and span, and self-discipline — and medical lectures.

“The 5Ss principle is considered the lifeblood of the students and the institute, as you will find this board hanging everywhere to avoid any chaos … that could cause risks,” said NoorAldin.

Before graduation, students are offered practical, on-the-job training at renowned automotive companies across the Kingdom such as Toyota, Nissan, Honda, Suzuki, Isuzu and Subaru.

“We consider ourselves the primary source for providing professionally trained students in this sector in the Kingdom,” added NoorAldin. “We then receive evaluations from the trainers to identify weaknesses, which we address and solve through the curriculum in the following years.”

A team from Nippon Engineering College and Honda Technical College works closely with the institute to study and update its curriculum based on industry needs. 

This collaboration reflects a strong connection with Japan which is also evident in the institute’s classrooms, which have Japanese architectural features.

NoorAldin said the relationship included continuous evaluation and curriculum enhancements by the Japanese International Cooperation Agency to ensure students met the automotive industry’s evolving needs.

An annual technical skills competition highlights the students’ aptitude and proficiency, with a 40-minute time limit for maintenance tasks such as electrical fault diagnosis, engine measurements and gearbox diagnostics. Five teams of two students are evaluated by a judging panel and the winners receive prizes and the opportunity to showcase their abilities to industry sponsors.

Saud Ahmad Alghanim, the student who won first place in this year’s competition after breaking the record of 37 minutes, told Arab News: “I joined SJAHI to break my stress and develop my confidence … my experience was wonderful and terrifying because we were racing (against the clock) to complete our work in front of everyone’s eyes.”

Another student, Yazeed Waleed Sendi, added: “Joining SJAHI improved my organization abilities, it boosted my confidence and taught me how to handle stress, and be ready to face different situations.”

Meanwhile, student Aseel Mashabi shared some advice for those hoping to pursue an automotive-related career: “Be passionate … never give up on the challenges that you face.”

And trainee Sadiq Al-Abdullah said: “I believe the institute prepared me in an excellent way. It gave me a head start when I joined the job market.”

Registration for students to join the institute for the next academic year is open until the end of July.


Jeddah’s Islamic Arts Biennale to open in January

The second Islamic Arts Biennale is set to open on Jan. 25, 2025, at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah. (File/SPA)
The second Islamic Arts Biennale is set to open on Jan. 25, 2025, at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah. (File/SPA)
Updated 1 min 13 sec ago
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Jeddah’s Islamic Arts Biennale to open in January

The second Islamic Arts Biennale is set to open on Jan. 25, 2025, at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah. (File/SPA)
  • Over 30 artists explore cultural heritage through contemporary art

JEDDAH: The second Islamic Arts Biennale is set to open on Jan. 25, 2025, at the Western Hajj Terminal of King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah.

Organized by the Diriyah Biennale Foundation, the event will showcase a blend of timeless Islamic civilization treasures and contemporary artistic creations.

The biennale will offer visitors a journey through the artistic heritage of Islam, engaging the senses, intellect, and creativity, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Featuring contributions from over 30 artists from Saudi Arabia and beyond, the artworks will be displayed in both indoor and outdoor spaces until May 25.

Saudi artist Muhannad Shono will curate contemporary art, supported by associate curators Joanna Chevalier and Amina Diab.

Shono, along with artistic directors Julian Raby, Amin Jaffer, and Abdul Rahman Azzam, has tasked the artists with creating new works that complement historical Islamic artifacts.

The biennale’s theme, “And All That Is In-Between,” captures the essence of contemporary artworks, transcending simplistic notions to foster collective understanding, imagination, and interpretation.

The artworks, inspired by themes including space, time, and light, provide insight into preserving and nurturing culture by exploring the evolving landscape of Saudi Arabia.

The new art pieces will be displayed alongside historical artifacts, including religious relics, maps, and jewelry, in five indoor halls and various outdoor spaces beneath the Hajj Terminal canopy.

The works, also inspired by the concept of the garden in Islamic civilization, blend nature and traditional design while addressing contemporary environmental and social issues.

The Islamic Arts Biennale will be organized into seven sections — Al-Bidaya (the beginning), Al-Madar (the orbit), Al-Muqtani (homage), Al-Mathala (the canopy), Makkah Al-Mukarramah, Al-Madinah Al-Munawwarah, and Al-Musalla (the prayer hall) — spread across various galleries and outdoor areas, covering 100,000 square meters of dedicated exhibition space.


Saudi ambassador presents credentials to Ukraine’s president

Saudi ambassador presents credentials to Ukraine’s president
Updated 24 December 2024
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Saudi ambassador presents credentials to Ukraine’s president

Saudi ambassador presents credentials to Ukraine’s president

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to Ukraine, Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Barakah, presented his credentials to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, at a ceremony held in the capital, Kyiv.
Ambassador Al-Barakah conveyed the greetings of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to President Zelensky along with their wishes for continued progress and prosperity for the government and people of Ukraine.

 


 
 

 


Saudi artist crafts Madinah’s culture in resin 

Saudi artist crafts Madinah’s culture in resin 
Updated 24 December 2024
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Saudi artist crafts Madinah’s culture in resin 

Saudi artist crafts Madinah’s culture in resin 

RIYADH: Resin art, a crafting technique using the liquid form of the substance to create 3D objects or glossy coatings, has gained widespread popularity. When mixed with a hardener, resin solidifies, forming a glass-like finish.

Elyan Al-Aufi, a citizen from Madinah and a visual arts graduate of Taibah University, has significantly contributed to the medium, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Her pieces reflect Madinah’s culture, incorporating local elements including Madani script, roses, mint and basil. 

Travelers to Madinah and the Prophet's Mosque often purchase her art as souvenirs, including keychains, jewelry, wall clocks, decorative pieces, and prayer beads, the SPA reported.

Resin art is versatile, used to create accessories and jewelry — such as necklaces, rings and earrings — via special molds. It is also key to paintings made with pouring techniques, producing distinctive results. 

Resin is popular in household items including tables and trays, often featuring natural elements such as flowers or wood. It also used to preserve memorabilia and natural objects including leaves, photos and other items. 

With its glass-like transparency and glossy finish, resin art allows creative use of colors, dyes, and natural elements such as flowers and shells. It produces durable, timeless pieces.


Saudi Arabia honors Qur’an contest winners in Nepal

Saudi Arabia honors Qur’an contest winners in Nepal
Updated 5 min 52 sec ago
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Saudi Arabia honors Qur’an contest winners in Nepal

Saudi Arabia honors Qur’an contest winners in Nepal

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Islamic Affairs recently honored winners of a Qur’an memorization competition in Nepal, involving more than 750 contestants and with 18 winners in four categories for boys and girls.

The competition, supervised by the Saudi Embassy in Kathmandu and coordinated with Nepal’s Muslim Commission, concluded with awards presented by the ministry’s undersecretary, Awad Al-Anzi.

Saudi Ambassador to Nepal Saad Nasser Abu Haimed and Nepal’s Speaker of the House of Representatives Dev Raj Ghimire attended the ceremony, alongside Islamic leaders, diplomats and parliamentarians.

The event featured Qur’an recitations by contestants and highlighted the Kingdom’s efforts to promote the Qur’an globally, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Al-Anzi reiterated the Kingdom’s commitment to Islam’s values of justice, mercy and kindness and emphasized its longstanding support for Qur’an-related initiatives, including competitions and free distribution through the King Fahd Qur’an Printing Complex in Madinah.

Abu Haimed praised the competition as part of Saudi Arabia’s dedication to the Qur’an and congratulated the winners.

Participants expressed gratitude for the Kingdom’s support of Islam and encouragement of Qur’an memorization and recitation.


Qassim craftsmen shine at Security Oasis exhibition

Qassim craftsmen shine at Security Oasis exhibition
Updated 24 December 2024
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Qassim craftsmen shine at Security Oasis exhibition

Qassim craftsmen shine at Security Oasis exhibition

RIYADH: The Qassim municipality pavilion at the Ministry of Interior’s Security Oasis exhibition, held alongside the King Abdulaziz Camel Festival, impressed visitors with a stunning display of wooden sculptures.

The intricate works show the region’s cultural heritage and the exceptional craftsmanship of local artisans, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

Characterized by exquisite detail, the sculptures demonstrate the remarkable skill of Qassim’s craftsmen in transforming wood into captivating art that blends authenticity and creativity.

The display reflects the strong support provided by the municipality and the Heritage Commission to local artisans, according to the SPA.

By fostering this talent, the region promotes a thriving creative environment and ensures Qassim’s heritage reaches a wider audience through events such as this festival.

The exhibition runs in Al-Sayahid, northeast of Riyadh, until Dec. 31.