Saudi Arabia to lead the way forward with tech

Saudi Arabia to lead the way forward with tech
Sherwani said that everyone had a role to play in the semiconductor sector (AN/Loai Elkeallwai)
Short Url
Updated 24 August 2024
Follow

Saudi Arabia to lead the way forward with tech

Saudi Arabia to lead the way forward with tech
  • Kingdom’s recent technological shift unlike anywhere in the world, says Pakistani expert

RIYADH: Pakistani native and chairman of the National Semi-Conductor Hub, Naveed Sherwani, wants to inspire future Saudi generations to join in making the Kingdom a global semiconductor leader.

“I believe our mission is not to establish 50 companies, our mission is to inspire the Saudi nation to get involved in making Saudi Arabia a hub of semi-conductors; the only way for that to happen is for all of us to work together and ensure the young generation get involved in building semi-conductors,” Sherwani told Arab News.

“The semiconductor industry is a crucial industry that cannot be run by foreigners, it has to be run by Saudis … we will have to get Saudi youth and Saudi engineers to get interested,” he said.  

In June this year, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology hosted the third Future of Semiconductors Forum in Riyadh, establishing a roadmap for creating thousands of high-value training and job opportunities for Saudi innovators in the semiconductor industry.

As a part of the forum, the National Semiconductor Hub was introduced, which aims to develop and localize the electronic chip industry in the Kingdom. As its chairman, Sherwani aims to support Saudi youth in continuing to grow the semiconductor sector.  

“Semiconductors are important to the future of the Kingdom,” he said. “When you are working on such a crucial project it has to be done by the citizens.”

He underlined that this was the reason why investments must be made to ensure that Saudi universities produced high-quality electric engineers.

“We create this enthusiasm by giving them vision … that this is another great career for them,” he said.

Sherwani said that everyone had a role to play in the semiconductor sector: “We will all have to join hands together and try to inspire our generation to lead this (semiconductor sector).”

Sherwani, whose father worked in Saudi Arabia for about 16 years, noted his early memories of the Kingdom, adding that he first came to Saudi Arabia in the early 2000’s.

His father was a meteorologist based in Jeddah and worked on the Kingdom’s environmental policy in the 1980’s and 1990’s. 

In June 2023, Sherwani attended the Arab-China investment conference. “That was the first time that I fully understood the focus of the Kingdom on technology … and I said this is the right time, we need to focus and see what we can do in semi-conductors,” he said.

Discussing the technological change that he noticed in Saudi Arabia, Sherwani said: “This is kind of shift I have never seen anywhere in the world.”

He added that Saudi Arabia’s strategic location in the region made it “the growth driver of the region.”

“This region is going to grow,” he said. “The next level of growth in the MENA region is going to be technology and digitization … the base of digitalization is chip design and semi-conductors.”  

Investing heavily in technology was the way forward, he said: “Our intent in setting up the National Semi-Conductor Hub in Saudi Arabia is to establish the design ecosystem for chip design here. The goal of the National Semi-Conductor Hub over the next five to six years as part of Vision 2030 is to establish 50 semiconductor design companies in the Kingdom.”

He said that chips were used in all spaces and aspects of daily life, from hospitals to schools to communication, smartphones and cars. 

Sherwani said that because the Kingdom was expanding into other areas, diversification in semi-conductors was needed across sectors. “If you want to become a nation of making electric cars then you have to make semi-conductors,” he said.

Sherwani said that while some might claim that the Kingdom could easily outsource and import semi-conductors from elsewhere: “I think that dependence is not healthy … what we should do is build our own capability.  

“I think that the best country to do that in the region is Saudi Arabia,” he said.


Saudi Arabia embassy resumes diplomatic activities in Afghanistan

Saudi Arabia embassy resumes diplomatic activities in Afghanistan
Updated 23 December 2024
Follow

Saudi Arabia embassy resumes diplomatic activities in Afghanistan

Saudi Arabia embassy resumes diplomatic activities in Afghanistan
  • Afghan foreign ministry welcomes Kingdom’s decision to resume diplomatic operations in Kabul
  • Saudi Arabia to 'provide all services to the brotherly Afghan people'

RIYADH: The Saudi embassy in the Afghani capital, Kabul, resumed its diplomatic activities on Sunday.

"Based on the desire of the government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to provide all services to the brotherly Afghan people, it has been decided to resume the activities of the mission of the Kingdom in Kabul starting on December 22," the embassy posted on X platform on Sunday.

The Afghan foreign ministry on Monday welcomed Saudi Arabia’s decision to resume its diplomatic operations in Kabul, more than three years after Riyadh withdrew its staff during the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan.

“We are optimistic about the possibility of strengthening relations and cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Afghanistan through the resumption of these activities,” said Afghan foreign ministry spokesman Zia Ahmad in a statement.

“We will also be able to respond to the problems of Afghans residing in Saudi Arabia.”

Riyadh had posted its decision to resume diplomatic operations in Kabul on social media platform X.

“Based on the desire of the government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to provide all services to the brotherly Afghan people, it has been decided to resume the activities of the mission of the Kingdom in Kabul starting on December 22,” it said.

Ties between Saudi Arabia and Afghanistan date back to 1932 when the Kingdom became the first Islamic country to provide aid to the Afghan people during their ordeals.

In recent years, Saudi Arabia launched numerous projects in Afghanistan through its humanitarian arm KSRelief, focusing on aid relief, health, education services, water and food security.

Riyadh also participated in all international donor conferences and called for establishing security and stability in Afghanistan following years of armed conflicts.

Saudi Arabia withdrew its diplomats from Kabul in August 2021 when the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan following the US withdrawal from the country.

However, it said it was resuming consular services in the country in November 2021 and also provides humanitarian aid through its King Salman Relief Center organization.


Saudi delegation led by Royal Court advisor meets with Syria’s Al-Sharaa

Saudi delegation led by Royal Court advisor meets with Syria’s Al-Sharaa
Updated 23 December 2024
Follow

Saudi delegation led by Royal Court advisor meets with Syria’s Al-Sharaa

Saudi delegation led by Royal Court advisor meets with Syria’s Al-Sharaa
  • Earlier this week, Al-Sharaa praised progress made by Saudi Arabia

RIYADH: A Saudi delegation headed by an advisor from the Royal Court met with the head of the new Syrian administration, Ahmed Al-Sharaa, at the People’s Palace in Syria on Sunday, according to an Al Arabiya report.

Earlier this week, Al-Sharaa praised progress made by Saudi Arabia and neighboring Gulf countries in an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat.

“We admire the development in Gulf countries, particularly Saudi Arabia’s bold plans and vision, and we aspire to achieve similar progress for Syria,” he told the newspaper’s Bissane El-Cheikh during an interview the the Presidential Palace in Damascus.

“There are many opportunities for cooperation, especially in economic and developmental areas, where we can align our goals,” he added.


Shattering expectations: Saudi artist’s journey into glass art

The intricate details that appear when glass breaks inspired Saudi artist Aseel Al-Maghlouth to create shapes and visuals.
The intricate details that appear when glass breaks inspired Saudi artist Aseel Al-Maghlouth to create shapes and visuals.
Updated 22 December 2024
Follow

Shattering expectations: Saudi artist’s journey into glass art

The intricate details that appear when glass breaks inspired Saudi artist Aseel Al-Maghlouth to create shapes and visuals.
  • Aseel Al-Maghlouth breaks glass to break through in the local art scene

RIYADH: Saudi artist Aseel Al-Maghlouth is hammering a niche for himself by using glass as his canvas.

He stumbled upon the technique while working on his graduation project in mechanical engineering. “I discovered the potential to employ broken glass to create distinctive artistic designs,” he told Arab News.  

The intricate details that appear when glass breaks inspired him to create shapes and visuals and developed a technique that reflected his artistic vision.

Al-Maghlouth turns broken glass into stunning art, showcasing the beauty in fragility and redefining artistic norms. (Supplied)

Al-Maghlouth had a love for drawing from a young age, but it was not until he discovered his ability to express ideas in unconventional ways that his true passion for art crystallized.

“I have always drawn inspiration from the surrounding nature and the intricate details of daily life,” he said. This connection to his environment, combined with his experiences in exploring artworks, helped shape his unique style.  

He finds beauty in the mundane and translates that into his creations, often using glass to convey emotions and narratives that might resonate with viewers.

HIGHLIGHT

By embracing the fragility of glass and transforming it into something beautiful, Saudi artist Aseel Al-Maghlouth challenges perceptions of what art can be.

Al-Maghlouth has gained significant recognition on social media, where his works are widely admired.

This newfound fame has allowed him to sell his works and create custom pieces for clients, including various artists and celebrities. “Creating for such esteemed individuals is an honor, and it motivates me to push my artistic boundaries,” he said.

"Each painting has its own place and story that distinguishes it.” (Supplied)

“The best work I own is the painting of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Frankly, I consider it the most valuable painting I have ever owned, but I refuse to sell it because it was a special gift from me to the crown prince,” he said.

“I have received many offers but I refuse to sell it. As for the rest of my paintings, I prefer not to mention the prices because the value of art for me is not limited to a number. Each painting has its own place and story that distinguishes it.”

One of the greatest challenges Al-Maghlouth faced as an artist was transforming his creations into messages that resonated with his audience. “The biggest challenge was ensuring that my art conveyed a clear idea,” he said.

I want to highlight the beauty of arts in our Saudi culture and connect it with Saudi Vision 2030.

Aseel Al-Maghlouth, Saudi artist

Through experimentation with the nature of glass fractures and the control of his technique, he minimized errors and created pieces that told meaningful stories.

Each strike of the hammer is deliberate, aimed at producing not just a fragment but a narrative that can be interpreted and appreciated by those who view it.

“I want to highlight the beauty of arts in our Saudi culture and connect it with Saudi Vision 2030,” he added, emphasizing the importance of cultural representation in his work.

Al-Maghlouth’s vision for the future is ambitious. He aspires to participate in international exhibitions, representing Saudi Arabia on a global stage. “I dream of organizing a personal exhibition in Riyadh to showcase my works and exchange inspiration with other artists,” he said.

For emerging artists, Al-Maghlouth has simple yet profound advice: “Don’t be afraid of trial and error. Each piece of art reflects a part of you.”

He encourages newcomers to continue developing and learning from every experience, and emphasizes the importance of perseverance in the face of challenges.

His journey is testament to the idea that creativity flourishes in an environment where risks are taken and failures viewed as stepping stones rather than obstacles.

Al-Maghlouth’s work serves as a reminder that art can emerge from the most unexpected materials and methods, encouraging others to explore their creativity without constraints.

By embracing the fragility of glass and transforming it into something beautiful, he challenges perceptions of what art can be.

Al-Maghlouth remains committed to honoring the stories behind each piece, proving that even the most broken fragments can come together to create something truly extraordinary.

 


Saudi Joint Forces commander meets Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council member for security cooperation talks

Saudi Joint Forces commander meets Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council member for security cooperation talks
Updated 22 December 2024
Follow

Saudi Joint Forces commander meets Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council member for security cooperation talks

Saudi Joint Forces commander meets Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council member for security cooperation talks
  • Meeting focused on strengthening cooperation between Joint Forces Command and Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council

RIYADH: Lieut. Gen. Fahd bin Hamad Al-Salman, commander of the Joint Forces, met with Faraj Salmeen Al-Bahsani, member of the Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council, at the Joint Forces Command headquarters in Riyadh on Sunday.

The meeting focused on strengthening cooperation between the Joint Forces Command and the Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Discussions also centered on enhancing the ongoing support provided by Saudi Arabia through the Joint Forces to promote security and stability in Yemen.

During the reception, Al-Bahsani commended the Kingdom’s role in supporting Yemen’s efforts to achieve stability.

He emphasized the importance of continuing strategic cooperation between the two countries to address the challenges currently facing Yemen.

Al-Bahsani thanked the Saudi leadership for their unwavering support across various fields, noting that this collaboration plays a vital role in advancing stability in Yemen and the wider region, SPA reported.

The meeting underscored the Kingdom’s commitment to fostering peace and stability in Yemen as part of its broader efforts to address regional security challenges, SPA added.


Saudi justice minister announces comprehensive legal system development project

Minister of Justice Walid inaugurated the Saudi Lawyers Conference in Riyadh on Sunday. (SPA)
Minister of Justice Walid inaugurated the Saudi Lawyers Conference in Riyadh on Sunday. (SPA)
Updated 22 December 2024
Follow

Saudi justice minister announces comprehensive legal system development project

Minister of Justice Walid inaugurated the Saudi Lawyers Conference in Riyadh on Sunday. (SPA)
  • The minister highlighted a range of training programs offered by the Judicial Training Center and Saudi Bar Association, targeting law graduates and practicing lawyers

RIYADH: The Ministry of Justice, in collaboration with the Saudi Bar Association, has announced the launch of a comprehensive project to review and develop the lawyers’ system, according to Saudi Justice Minister Walid Al-Samaani.

The project aims to strengthen the legal profession by empowering practitioners, improving access to legal services, and keeping up with the Kingdom’s legal, social and developmental advances, Al-Samaani, also chairman of the association, said.

On Sunday, Al-Samaani inaugurated the first Saudi Lawyers Conference in Riyadh, themed “Developments in the Lawyers and Legal Consultations Sector.”

A gathering of experts, specialists, and stakeholders attended the Saudi Lawyers Conference, held in Riyadh. (SPA)

With participation from government and private entities, the two-day conference focuses on the future of the legal profession within the Kingdom’s evolving legislative landscape.

It also highlights the significant impact of professional and educational developments on enhancing the local legal environment and fostering a vibrant business and investment climate.

About 30 experts and specialists are participating, leading discussions on various aspects of the profession. On Monday, 19 workshops will be held, led by specialists to enrich attendees’ knowledge and professional experience.

Al-Samaani said that the renewal of law licenses will be processed automatically and completed within 15 days of a complete application, aiming to empower and support lawyers.

He said that the demand for lawyers had grown significantly and would likely continue with the Kingdom’s expanding business landscape and ongoing developments.

“This growth is tied to strengthening institutional work, enhancing legal foundations, and developing model contracts, documentation systems and legislative tools,” he said.

The minister highlighted a range of training programs offered by the Judicial Training Center and Saudi Bar Association, targeting law graduates and practicing lawyers.

These programs combine practical and theoretical training, including the Lawyer Qualification Program, Lawyer Development Program, Saudi Professional Accreditation for Legal Practitioners, and Cooperative Training Program for university students, among others.