New diploma in data science, AI to empower future tech leaders

Tuwaiq Academy in Riyadh, in partnership with Meta, has launched the first diploma in data science and artificial intelligence. (File/@TuwaiqAcademy)
Tuwaiq Academy in Riyadh, in partnership with Meta, has launched the first diploma in data science and artificial intelligence. (File/@TuwaiqAcademy)
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Updated 15 September 2024
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New diploma in data science, AI to empower future tech leaders

Tuwaiq Academy in Riyadh, in partnership with Meta, has launched the first diploma in data science and artificial intelligence.
  • The program aims to equip students with the skills needed to excel in these growing fields
  • Diploma will start in December 2024 and run for nine months

JEDDAH: Tuwaiq Academy in Riyadh, in partnership with Meta, has launched the first diploma in data science and artificial intelligence.

The program aims to equip students with the skills needed to excel in these growing fields, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.

Accredited by the Technical and Vocational Training Corp., the diploma will start in December 2024 and run for nine months. It offers practical skills in a competitive learning environment tailored to market needs.

Participants will study machine learning, data analysis with Python and Tableau, AI system development, and big data management. These skills will help students create innovative tech solutions for various societal needs.

Jouelle Awad, head of public policy programs for Africa, the Middle East and Turkiye at Meta, praised the partnership with the academy. The collaboration aims to launch educational programs with professional certifications to enhance the skills of Saudi youth and foster innovation and creativity across sectors.

The academy has recently launched more than 160 camps and programs in various technical fields, underscoring its commitment to diverse educational opportunities.

Tuwaiq Academy CEO Abdulaziz Al-Hamadi said that the data science and AI diploma reinforces the academy’s leading role in providing educational pathways through boot camps and professional programs.

In August, the academy launched a machine-learning bootcamp in partnership with Stanford University, starting on Sept. 30 and running for two and a half months.

Held at the academy’s Riyadh campus, the bootcamp aims to enhance participants’ technical skills in machine-learning fundamentals.

The program includes stages focusing on large-scale graph analysis, graph data structures and applications, graph neural networks, and tools for graph-based machine learning.

Participants will solve real-world problems and top performers will have job placement opportunities.

Established in 2019, Tuwaiq Academy works with more than 1,000 in-person trainees daily and offers professional certifications in collaboration with global organizations such as Apple, Meta, Amazon, Alibaba, Dell, CompTIA, OffSec, IBM and Microsoft.

The academy is dedicated to developing skilled professionals, university students and graduates, with a focus on fostering technical creativity, even at high-school level.


Saudi FM arrives in Cairo to chair meeting of Ministerial Committee on Gaza

Saudi FM arrives in Cairo to chair meeting of Ministerial Committee on Gaza
Updated 23 March 2025
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Saudi FM arrives in Cairo to chair meeting of Ministerial Committee on Gaza

Saudi FM arrives in Cairo to chair meeting of Ministerial Committee on Gaza
  • Meeting will also be attended by EU foreign policy chief Kaya Kallas

CAIRO: Saudi Arabia's foreign minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan arrived in Cairo on Sunday to chair a meeting of the Ministerial Committee on Gaza.

The meeting has been assigned by the Extraordinary Joint Arab and Islamic Summit on developments in the Gaza Strip, the Saudi Press Agency reported. 

It will also be attended by Kaya Kallas, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, to discuss the latest developments in the enclave amid the Israel-Hamas conflict.


KSrelief provides aid to Syria, Sudan, Lebanon

KSrelief provides aid to Syria, Sudan, Lebanon
Updated 23 March 2025
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KSrelief provides aid to Syria, Sudan, Lebanon

KSrelief provides aid to Syria, Sudan, Lebanon

RIYADH: Saudi aid agency KSrelief has delivered thousands of food packages to some of the world’s most vulnerable people, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.

KSrelief distributed 143 packages to families in need in Qatana city in Rif Dimashq governorate — as part of the Etaam Ramadan Food Basket Project — in the Syrian Arab Republic.

KSrelief also provided 259 food baskets to families in Shinshar village in the Homs governorate, benefiting 974 individuals.

The Etaam project, which is now in its fourth phase, aims to distribute more than 390,000 food parcels in 27 countries during Ramadan, benefiting 2.3 million people at a cost of more than SR67 million ($17.8 million).

In addition, some 430 food packages were distributed in Port Sudan, benefiting 2,395 needy and displaced people in that country.

KSrelief also distributed 800 shopping vouchers and 500 food baskets in Akkar governorate, northern Lebanon, helping 3,300 individuals.


Saudi project restores historic Al-Hosn Al-Asfal Mosque in Asir

Saudi project restores historic Al-Hosn Al-Asfal Mosque in Asir
Updated 23 March 2025
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Saudi project restores historic Al-Hosn Al-Asfal Mosque in Asir

Saudi project restores historic Al-Hosn Al-Asfal Mosque in Asir
  • The second phase of the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project for the Development of Historic Mosques aims to protect Islamic heritage

RIYADH: The historic Al-Hosn Al-Asfal Mosque in the Asir region has been restored as part of a national project, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The second phase of the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Project for the Development of Historic Mosques aims to protect Islamic heritage and highlight traditional architectural styles.

Built in 1760, Al-Hosn Al-Asfal Mosque was renovated to preserve its original design and geometric shape while restoring its sustainable features.

These include a rainwater collection system that stores water in the mosque’s reservoir and is used for ablutions, the SPA reported.

The mosque, designed in the Sarat style, covers 134 sq. meters and can accommodate up to 32 worshippers.

A notable feature is the Al-Manzala room, traditionally used to host travelers. Its construction features stone walls, which reflect the upper mountain villages’ urban fabric.

Adorned with white plaster, the mosque stands out from neighboring buildings. The Sarat style’s urban patterns are influenced by climate, topography and culture.

It is one of 30 mosques in 13 regions in phase two, including six in Riyadh, five in Makkah, four in Madinah, three in Asir, and two each in the Eastern Province, Jouf, and Jazan. The Northern Borders, Tabuk, Baha, Najran, Hail and Qassim each have one mosque in the scheme.

Phase two follows phase one, completed in 2018, which restored 30 mosques in 10 regions. Saudi companies and heritage restoration experts are leading the development efforts, according to the SPA.


Saudi charity drives support for mosque projects, Umrah trips and Zakat Al-Fitr

Saudi charity drives support for mosque projects, Umrah trips and Zakat Al-Fitr
Updated 23 March 2025
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Saudi charity drives support for mosque projects, Umrah trips and Zakat Al-Fitr

Saudi charity drives support for mosque projects, Umrah trips and Zakat Al-Fitr

RIYADH: The fifth National Campaign for Charitable Work, hosted on the Ehsan platform during Ramadan, continues to attract significant donations, focusing on mosque enhancements and worship services.

The campaign has funded more than 3,000 Umrah trips, built five mosques, maintained 46, and provided essential resources to 12, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.

Donations can be made via ehsan.sa or the donor service center at 8001247000, the SPA added.

Ehsan has also begun accepting Zakat Al-Fitr donations digitally to ensure prompt distribution to eligible recipients across the Kingdom.

This follows the approved charitable methods of Ehsan’s Shariah Committee, chaired by Royal Court Adviser Sheikh Abdullah Al-Mutlaq, a member of the Council of Senior Scholars.

Donors can pay Zakat Al-Fitr via the Ehsan app or website, specifying the administrative region and the number of recipients. This is done in coordination with relevant authorities across all regions.

As part of the fifth National Campaign for Charitable Work, Zakat Al-Fitr distribution aims to empower the community during this season of giving and fulfill religious obligations, according to the SPA.

Supporting charitable initiatives, King Salman donated SR40 million ($10.6 million), while Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman contributed SR30 million for the fifth campaign. So far, total donations have exceeded SR1 billion.

This achievement reflects Saudi society’s commitment to unity, solidarity, and compassion during Ramadan. Contributions have come from individuals, companies, institutions, and philanthropists.

The 2024 campaign has raised more than SR1.8 billion through 15 million transactions, reinforcing the Kingdom’s leadership in charitable work and sustainable development.


Saudi project clears 552 Houthi mines in Yemen

Saudi project clears 552 Houthi mines in Yemen
Updated 23 March 2025
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Saudi project clears 552 Houthi mines in Yemen

Saudi project clears 552 Houthi mines in Yemen

RIYADH: Members of Saudi Arabia’s Project Masam removed 552 explosive devices from various regions of Yemen last week.

The total included 513 unexploded ordnances, 35 anti-tank mines and four explosive devices, according to a recent report.

Ousama Al-Gosaibi, the initiative’s managing director, said a total of 485,501 mines had been cleared since its inception in 2018.

The explosives were planted indiscriminately and posed a threat to civilians, including children, women and the elderly.

The demining operations took place in Marib, Aden, Jouf, Shabwa, Taiz, Hodeidah, Lahij, Sanaa, Al-Bayda, Al-Dhale and Saada.

The initiative trains local demining engineers and provides them with modern equipment. It also offers support to Yemenis injured by the devices.

Teams are tasked with clearing villages, roads and schools to facilitate safe movement for civilians and the delivery of humanitarian aid.