‘I hope to inspire young innovators,’ says Saudi student

Student and innovator Ahmad Al-Rajeh won the Jahez Hackathon for Food and Beverages in February this year. (Supplied)
Student and innovator Ahmad Al-Rajeh won the Jahez Hackathon for Food and Beverages in February this year. (Supplied)
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Updated 19 August 2024
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‘I hope to inspire young innovators,’ says Saudi student

Student and innovator Ahmad Al-Rajeh won the Jahez Hackathon for Food and Beverages in February this year. (Supplied)
  • Ahmad Al-Rajeh, 22, is channeling tech innovation for societal benefit

RIYADH: Ahmad Al-Rajeh, 22, is one of many young Saudis who represents the spirit of Saudi Vision 2030.

A software engineering student at Prince Mohammad bin Fahd University, one of Al-Rajeh’s recent projects has been the founding of the Google Student Club at the university, a hub for tech enthusiasts and aspiring innovators.

The initiative has fostered a community where students can collaborate, learn, and advance their skills in the realm of cutting-edge technologies.




"The club not only provides a space for networking but also organizes workshops and events that bring together industry experts and students, creating a bridge between academia and practical application." (Supplied)

The club not only provides a space for networking but also organizes workshops and events that bring together industry experts and students, creating a bridge between academia and practical application, he explained.

Al-Rajeh also won the Jahez Hackathon for Food and Beverages in February this year. The hackathon provided an intense environment where quick thinking and adaptability were key, and his winning solution showcased his ability to integrate technology with everyday needs, delivering a product that was both innovative and practical.

I hope to inspire other young innovators to pursue their ideas and contribute to a future where technology serves as a catalyst for positive change.

Ahmad Al-Rajeh, Prince Mohammed bin Fahd University student

In an interview with Arab News, Al-Rajeh said: “I identified a common challenge in food delivery apps — the difficulty of coordinating group orders. Typically, users resort to inefficient methods like creating WhatsApp groups or passing a phone around, which often leads to mistakes and frustration.”

His project offered the solution of a “shared cart” feature that simplifies the process. “With a single click, users can generate a link or code to share with friends or family, allowing everyone to add their orders to the same cart in real time.




Student and innovator Ahmad Al-Rajeh won the Jahez Hackathon for Food and Beverages in February this year. (Supplied)

“This ensures a seamless and error-free group ordering experience, enhancing overall customer satisfaction,” he noted.

Al-Rajeh said that his on-going participation in the Innovation Diwan Challenge, organized by the Misk Foundation, has been one of the significant milestones in his journey as an innovator.

The competition, designed to foster social innovation among Saudi youth, aligns with his personal commitment to leveraging technology for societal benefit.




For this challenge, along with his team, Azm, Al-Rajeh has developed an AI-powered educational app specifically tailored for individuals with ADHD. (Supplied)

For this challenge, along with his team, Azm, Al-Rajeh has developed an AI-powered educational app specifically tailored for individuals with ADHD.

The project was among the 55 selected for its potential impact and is currently in its second phase. The team includes Mariam Al-Hamar, Mariam Al-Hassan, and Salman Al-Snedi.

Al-Rajeh is leading the technical development of the app, a role that places him at the forefront of transforming an ambitious idea into a tangible solution. He noted that there are two more phases to go and bootcamps have been part of the experience.

“These bootcamps have been instrumental in equipping our team with necessary skills and insights, offering sessions on project management, AI integration, and user experience design,” he said.

Speaking about the collaborative work that goes into the project, Al-Rajeh said: “The entire project is an app, so my role is crucial. But it’s the combined efforts of the team that drive us forward.”

Each team member brings a unique set of skills, from project management to user-centric design, contributing to a well-rounded and dynamic development process. Al-Hassan leads the group, ensuring that the project stays on track and meets its objectives.

The foundation has provided Al-Rajeh and his team with mentorship and resources that have been instrumental in refining their app.

“The mentorship has provided insights into industry best practices and emerging trends, helping the team align their app with the latest technological advancements and educational needs,” he said.   

Al-Rajeh and his team’s efforts represent how Saudi Arabia’s youth are driving change and creating innovative solutions.

Vision 2030, through its various initiatives and goal posts, seeks to empower young Saudis to lead projects that address societal challenges.

“I hope to inspire other young innovators to pursue their ideas and contribute to a future where technology serves as a catalyst for positive change,” Al-Rajeh said.

As he and his team continue their journey in the Innovation Diwan Challenge, they remain focused on their mission to create a more inclusive educational environment.

In the coming months, Al-Rajeh looks forward to advancing through the remaining phases of the challenge and ultimately launching their app.

As he balances his academic responsibilities with his passion for innovation, Al-Rajeh exemplifies the potential of Saudi youth to lead meaningful and impactful projects.

 


Saudi aid continues to reach thousands in Gaza, Lebanon

Saudi aid continues to reach thousands in Gaza, Lebanon
Updated 09 November 2024
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Saudi aid continues to reach thousands in Gaza, Lebanon

Saudi aid continues to reach thousands in Gaza, Lebanon
  • The relief effort is being conducted in cooperation with the Saudi Center for Culture and Heritage
  • Saudi aid is crucial to supporting families as they confront daily hardships and critical shortages

RIYADH: Saudi aid agency KSrelief is continuing to provide essential food baskets to families in northern Gaza, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.
The relief effort is being conducted in cooperation with the Saudi Center for Culture and Heritage as part of a campaign initiated under the directives of the Saudi leadership.
The humanitarian situation in northern Gaza remains dire, exacerbated by ongoing hostilities and border closures. Saudi aid is crucial to supporting families as they confront daily hardships and critical shortages.
Meanwhile, the 21st aid plane sent from Riyadh to Lebanon arrived at Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport on Saturday, carrying food, shelter and medical supplies.
The aid, handled by KSrelief, will be used to assist the growing number of people displaced by Israeli airstrikes. The UAE, Turkiye, Iraq, Egypt, Jordan, Canada, Romania and France are also sending aid to Lebanon.
Since its inception in 2015, KSrelief has implemented more than 3,100 projects worth more than $7.1 billion in 104 countries, in cooperation with local, regional and international partners.


Saudi defense ministry to host leadership forum for non-commissioned officers

Saudi defense ministry to host leadership forum for non-commissioned officers
Updated 09 November 2024
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Saudi defense ministry to host leadership forum for non-commissioned officers

Saudi defense ministry to host leadership forum for non-commissioned officers
  • Participants will include officers from the ministry, other military branches and allied nations

RIYADH: The Saudi Ministry of Defense will host an international leadership forum for non-commissioned officers in Riyadh later this month, Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

Taking place with the support of Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman from Nov. 18-19 under the theme “Development and Empowerment,” the event will “underscore the role played by non-commissioned officers and promote shared practices in leadership empowerment,” SPA said.

Non-commissioned officers, or NCOs, are military personnel who have risen through the ranks and look after the day-to-day management of military operations, supervise enlisted soldiers and assist commissioned officers.

The forum will also look to facilitate the exchange of leadership experiences and success stories with military counterparts both within and outside the Kingdom.

Organized by NCOs from the Ministry of Defense and overseen by the Chief of the General Staff Lt. Gen. Fayyadh bin Hamed Al-Ruwaili, the forum will feature dialogue sessions focused on topics such as enhancing leadership competency and empowering women within the ministry.

Participants will include officers from the ministry, other military branches and allied nations.

The event will also feature lectures and an exhibition will run alongside the forum, spotlighting the ministry’s development program for leadership roles of non-commissioned officers, as well as highlighting its I’tizaz and Together programs.


Prince Turki discusses Middle East stability at Harvard

Prince Turki discusses Middle East stability at Harvard
Updated 09 November 2024
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Prince Turki discusses Middle East stability at Harvard

Prince Turki discusses Middle East stability at Harvard

RIYADH: Prince Turki bin Faisal bin Abdulaziz, chairman of the King Faisal Center for Research and Islamic Studies, recently visited Harvard University.

Invited by the Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs at the Kennedy School, the prince spoke about Saudi Arabia’s leadership role in the Middle East and its efforts to reduce conflicts and promote regional stability, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

He also spoke to members of the faculty about matters related to research and international relations and addressed members of the Harvard Club of Saudi Arabia, including its president, Abdullah Al-Dosari.

Prince Turki emphasized the importance of the club’s role in supporting the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 initiative through academic and social programs.


Ancient Kingdoms Festival honors history in AlUla and beyond

Ancient Kingdoms Festival honors history in AlUla and beyond
Updated 09 November 2024
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Ancient Kingdoms Festival honors history in AlUla and beyond

Ancient Kingdoms Festival honors history in AlUla and beyond
  • Artifacts from Vesuvius eruption on show for first time in Kingdom

RIYADH: The Ancient Kingdoms Festival, being held in AlUla until Nov. 30, is celebrating the rich history of the ancient civilizations that once thrived in the region.

The festival combines heritage and culture through a variety of events, including daytime activities, exploratory tours, and night excursions inspired by ancient stories, all guided by specialized teams, Saudi Press Agency reported.

A highlight is an exhibition from the National Archaeological Museum of Naples, “Masterpieces of the MANN,” hosted at the Maraya cultural venue.

For the first time in Saudi Arabia, visitors can explore the legacy of the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in A.D. 79 through artifacts from Pompeii and Herculaneum, the Roman cities buried under volcanic ash.

Pieces from the renowned Farnese Collection housing ancient Greek and Roman art are also on show.

Other unique experiences include the “Hegra After Dark” event at Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, drone shows, and the Hegra Candlelit Classics series of concerts.

Visitors can also join the “Quest for the Ancient Kingdoms” tour in Wadi Al-Naam, or Valley of the Ostriches, known for its dramatic rock formations.

“The Incense Road Experience” in AlUla’s Old Town offers an immersive journey through narrow alleys lined with traditional mud-brick buildings.

The experience blends live performances and modern technology to tell interactive stories, unveiling archaeological treasures in a captivating mix of past and present.

The National Archaeological Museum of Naples recently joined the commission’s network of cultural partners, aligning with heritage and educational institutions from the UK, France, China, and Italy to collaborate on preserving, studying, and celebrating AlUla’s 20,000-year-old heritage.

Established in 1777, the museum is a prominent landmark in one of Italy’s heritage capitals.

It houses some of Europe’s most treasured cultural artefacts, including exceptionally well-preserved Roman and Greek statues, bronze pieces, mosaics, and other artworks.


‘Craftsman Bus’ to promote traditional arts across Kingdom

‘Craftsman Bus’ to promote traditional arts across Kingdom
Updated 09 November 2024
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‘Craftsman Bus’ to promote traditional arts across Kingdom

‘Craftsman Bus’ to promote traditional arts across Kingdom

RIYADH: A platform on wheels has been rolled out to celebrate and promote traditional arts through a tour across the Kingdom’s regions.

The “Craftsman Bus,” an initiative of the Royal Institute of Traditional Arts, will run until Nov. 23, offering cultural and creative experiences with live performances, interactive activities, parades, creative workshops and community art showcases.

Each weekend, the bus stops at King Faisal Park (Education Park) in Hafr Al-Batin governorate, the historic market in Dumat Al-Jandal governorate, and concludes its journey at the heritage village in Jazan.

The event features live demonstrations by skilled local craftsmen, showcasing traditional arts such as Sadu weaving, hand embroidery, wickerwork, leather tanning, incense making, stone carving and metal crafting to create ornaments and jewelry with a traditional flair.

It offers visitors the opportunity to learn traditional crafts and unleash their creativity through interactive artistic workshops.

The bus travels to selected locations, showcasing performances that highlight the unique cultural heritage of each region.

The journey begins with Samri art in Hafar Al-Batin governorate, continues with Dahha art in Dumat Al-Jandal governorate and concludes with the vibrant Azzawi art in Jazan, bringing traditional performing arts closer to communities.

The Royal Institute of Traditional Arts is a pioneering institution dedicated to showcasing Saudi Arabia’s national identity and elevating traditional arts on both the local and global stages.

Its mission is to preserve the heritage of these arts, celebrate living treasures and pioneers, and recognize distinguished individuals in the field.

By supporting national talent and encouraging the mastery and development of traditional crafts, the institute is ensuring that the rich legacy of Saudi Arabia’s creative arts remains vibrant, innovative and celebrated for generations to come.