KAUST announces building first regional class research vessel in Saudi Arabia

Spain’s Freire Shipyard will build RV Thuwal II at its yard in Vigo, Spain. (SPA)
Spain’s Freire Shipyard will build RV Thuwal II at its yard in Vigo, Spain. (SPA)
Short Url
Updated 15 August 2024
Follow

KAUST announces building first regional class research vessel in Saudi Arabia

Spain’s Freire Shipyard will build RV Thuwal II at its yard in Vigo, Spain. (SPA)
  • RV Thuwal II will position Saudi Arabia as a global leader in marine research

RIYADH: King Abdullah University of Science and Technology announced on Thursday that Spain’s Freire Shipyard will build its new research vessel, RV Thuwal II.

Freire, which has more than 100 years’ shipbuilding experience, will develop the ship at its yard in Vigo, Spain.

Upon the expected completion in 2026, RV Thuwal II will be Saudi Arabia’s first regional class research vessel, enabling complete access to the Red Sea, including coastal waters and the deep sea, KAUST said in a statement.

RV Thuwal II will become the flagship of the Saudi research vessel fleet and will be available to serve all marine research interests of the Kingdon, including from giga-projects and government ministries.

The vessel will explore coral reefs and other sites of interest, strengthening Saudi research and attracting new international partners.

With the Red Sea already of high interest to many scientific communities, the vessel will encourage more scientific collaboration, strengthening the Kingdom’s status as a scientific leader.

RV Thuwal II, which will be 50 meters in length and 12.8 meters in width with a draft of 3.6 meters, will be built to last 30 years.

Its modular design can house multiple types of experimental laboratories to serve existing and future marine technology for Red Sea exploration.

The vessel can also incorporate new green propulsion technologies to reduce carbon emissions.

In addition to its primary function as a research vessel, RV Thuwal II can also support national responses to emergencies like oil spills, and marine and aviation accidents in the Red Sea.

RV Thuwal II will have a capacity of 30 people including 12 crew.

The planning of RV Thuwal II has involved stakeholders in the Kingdom including giga-projects, ministries and Saudi universities with expertise in ocean science and marine operations.

“RV Thuwal II symbolizes KAUST’s commitment to enhancing Saudi Arabia’s research infrastructure and the exploration of the Red Sea. The ship will be accessible to partners with a shared interest in understanding the Red Sea and unlocking its vast potential,” said KAUST Vice President of Research Pierre Magistretti.

“It is an honor for Freire Shipyard to collaborate with KAUST in building the RV Thuwal II, a vessel that not only symbolizes KAUST’s commitment to enhancing Saudi Arabia’s research infrastructure and exploring the Red Sea, but also opens up new opportunities for scientific collaboration and technological advancement in the region,” said Marcos Freire Garcia, one of the director generals of Freire Shipyard.


KSrelief expands humanitarian aid to crisis zones

KSrelief expands humanitarian aid to crisis zones
Updated 7 sec ago
Follow

KSrelief expands humanitarian aid to crisis zones

KSrelief expands humanitarian aid to crisis zones
  • The 19th plane sent from Riyadh to Lebanon arrived at Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport on Tuesday

RIYADH: Saudi aid agency KSrelief is intensifying efforts to deliver aid to Lebanon and recently supported those in need of medical assistance in Turkiye.

The 19th plane sent from Riyadh to Lebanon arrived at Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport on Tuesday, carrying food, shelter and medical supplies, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The aid will be used to assist the growing number of people displaced by Israeli airstrikes. Countries such as the UAE, Turkiye, Iraq, Egypt, Jordan, Canada, Romania and France are also sending aid to Lebanon.

In Turkiye, KSrelief recently concluded a week-long voluntary medical program for specialized surgeries in Tarsus. A team of 32 volunteers performed 31 open-heart operations, five therapeutic catheterizations, and 18 diagnostic catheterizations.

The Saudi aid agency also completed a medical project in Reyhanli for victims of the earthquake in February last year. During this campaign, the medical team treated 537 patients in family medicine, 417 in dermatology, 380 in optometry, and 219 in endocrinology.

In February 2023, KSrelief launched a campaign through the Sahem platform to aid earthquake victims in Syria and Turkiye, raising more than SR524 million ($139.5 million) from more than 3.4 million donations.


Health campaign promotes quality care in Saudi Arabia

Health campaign promotes quality care in Saudi Arabia
Updated 04 November 2024
Follow

Health campaign promotes quality care in Saudi Arabia

Health campaign promotes quality care in Saudi Arabia

RIYADH: The Ministry of Health has launched a campaign to promote health by enhancing access to and the quality and efficiency of health services and raising awareness of health risks, the Saudi Press Agency reported Monday.

The campaign “A Vibrant, Healthy Nation” introduces a modern healthcare model, offering integrated, individual-centered services aligned with Vision 2030’s goal of fostering a healthy society.

The ministry is committed to “enhancing public health, improving quality of life, and raising the Kingdom’s global healthcare standing.”

The campaign highlights the health transformation initiative’s positive impacts and informs citizens about its main features, aiming to engage all segments of society, SPA reported.

It emphasizes a shift from treating illness to prevention, involving primary care doctors and early detection programs.


Saudi environment ministry launches program to develop green tech

Saudi environment ministry launches program to develop green tech
Updated 04 November 2024
Follow

Saudi environment ministry launches program to develop green tech

Saudi environment ministry launches program to develop green tech
  • Scheme seeks new ways to repurpose wastewater, looks at impact of microplastics

RIYADH: The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture has opened applications for a new program to find ways to develop sustainable technologies in Saudi Arabia.

The Sustainable Innovation Fellowship Program aims to find ways to repurpose by-products from water treatment for the benefit of the environment; develop sustainable technologies for recycling membranes used in water treatment; and explore methods to reuse treated wastewater in desert and arid regions.

Supported by the Environment Fund and the Research, Development and Innovation Authority, the fellowship program will also assess the environmental impact of microplastics in water treatment plants, sewage, and wastewater.

In line with Saudi Vision 2030, the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture is also introducing new e-services in accordance with international standards.


Industry meets creativity at Athar festival in Riyadh

Industry meets creativity at Athar festival in Riyadh
Updated 04 November 2024
Follow

Industry meets creativity at Athar festival in Riyadh

Industry meets creativity at Athar festival in Riyadh
  • With workshops, discussions, and awards, the festival aims to drive growth in Saudi Arabia’s creative sectors

The second Athar Saudi Festival of Creativity will take place in Riyadh from Nov. 5 to 6.

Hosted by UAE-based Motivate Media Group and communications consultancy TRACCS, the festival will gather over 1,500 professionals and leaders from the creative marketing industry, featuring 100 regional and international speakers.

Ian Fairservice, managing partner and group editor in chief of Motivate Media Group, will chair the event, alongside Vice Chairman Mohammed Al-Ayed, CEO of TRACCS.

Pre-festival activities began on Nov. 3 with the Young Talent Academies, including the Student Creative Academy (in partnership with the Middle East Communications Network), the Student Marketers Academy, the NextGen Creative Academy, and the NextGen Marketers Academy.

These academies, featuring keynote sessions from industry experts, workshops, and a 24-hour hackathon, are open to full-time university students aged 18 to 25 and professionals under 30 in creative communications, marketing, or advertising.

The festival will continue on Tuesday and Wednesday with panel discussions, presentations, and fireside chats focused on redefining and growing the creative landscape in Saudi Arabia, the Middle East, and beyond, covering various sectors such as sports, entertainment, and tourism.

The event will conclude with the Athar Awards ceremony on the evening of Nov. 6.

Notable speakers include Sir Martin Sorrell, founder and executive chairman of S4 Capital PLC; Matt McKie, director of marketing for Manchester United; Waseem Kashan, executive director of marketing at ROSHN Group; Yahya Hamidaddin, vice president of corporate communications at ACWA Power; and Houda Tohme, CEO of Havas Media Middle East.

Sessions and keynotes will explore themes such as purpose-driven marketing, brand growth strategies, artificial intelligence, technology, cross-sector innovation, and unlocking creative potential.


Saudi Arabia and Iraq sign MoU on military cooperation

Saudi Arabia and Iraq sign MoU on military cooperation
Updated 04 November 2024
Follow

Saudi Arabia and Iraq sign MoU on military cooperation

Saudi Arabia and Iraq sign MoU on military cooperation
  • Two defense ministers reviewed longstanding relations between their countries, focusing on ways to enhance defense ties

RIYADH: Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman and his Iraqi counterpart Thabet Al-Abbasi signed a memorandum of understanding on Monday aimed at strengthening cooperation in the military field.

The agreement, signed during a high-level meeting in Riyadh, represents a significant step forward in defense collaboration between the Kingdom and Iraq, Saudi Press Agency reported.

During their discussions, the two ministers reviewed the longstanding relations between their countries, focusing on ways to enhance defense ties.

They emphasized the importance of continued cooperation to foster regional security and stability, particularly amid ongoing regional tensions.

Both ministers discussed recent developments and shared efforts aimed at de-escalating conflicts, prioritizing actions that support peace and security in the region.

The MoU establishes a framework for increased collaboration on military matters, allowing Saudi Arabia and Iraq to address shared security challenges more effectively and pursue mutual goals in defense, SPA added.