Five researchers from Saudi university named in Stanford’s ‘World’s Top 2% Scientists’ list

Stanford University, one of the world’s leading research and teaching institutions, published its annual “World’s Top 2% Scientists” list. (Reuters/File Photo)
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Updated 16 October 2022
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Five researchers from Saudi university named in Stanford’s ‘World’s Top 2% Scientists’ list

  • Imam Mohammad bin Saud Islamic University dedicates specialized programs to achieve goals of research, innovation
  • Recognition is sign of support education and research receives from Kingdom’s leaders: University’s president

RIYADH: Stanford University, one of the world’s leading research and teaching institutions, published its annual “World’s Top 2% Scientists” list — featuring the most widely cited scientists in different disciplines — this week.

It included five faculty members from Riyadh’s Imam Mohammad bin Saud Islamic University: Dr. Rafiq Muhammad Choudhry and the late Dr. Hisham El-Dessouky from the department of engineering; Dr. Kamal Abdul Jawad Buradah and Dr. Ahmed Al-Khayyat from the department of science; and Dr. Qaisar Abbas from the department of computer science.

HIGHLIGHT

The ‘World’s Top 2% Scientists’ list includes Dr. Rafiq Muhammad Choudhry and the late Dr. Hisham El-Dessouky from the department of engineering; Dr. Kamal Abdul Jawad Buradah and Dr. Ahmed Al-Khayyat from the department of science; and Dr. Qaisar Abbas from the department of computer science.

The university’s president, Dr. Ahmed bin Salem Al-Amri, said that the university’s recognition is a sign of the support that education and research receives from the Kingdom’s leaders.

“The leadership gives special attention to scientific research as a key pillar of the university’s success and a developmental and community-based necessity to transform universities into (places) that serve the development of the knowledge economy, by improving scientific research and its quality and outcomes in order to positively impact the economy and society,” he said.

In recent years, the university has dedicated “specialized programs and quality initiatives as part of its strategic plan to achieve the goals of scientific research and innovation,” and to improve the Kingdom’s ranking in the Global Competitiveness Index, thus achieving the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, Al-Amri explained.


Jeddah Airports approves operational plan for King Abdulaziz Airport ahead of 2024 Hajj season

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Jeddah Airports approves operational plan for King Abdulaziz Airport ahead of 2024 Hajj season

  • The plan will be activated from the beginning of the sacred month of Dhul-Qdah, which starts on May 9, and will continue until all pilgrims have arrived

JEDDAH: Jeddah Airports has confirmed all three facilities and lounges at King Abdulaziz International Airport are ready to accommodate some 1.2 million pilgrims during the 2024 Hajj season.

CEO Mazen bin Mohammed Johar said the operational plan was meticulously aligned with all requirements aimed at ensuring the safety, security and comfort of pilgrims arriving via the airport. 

The CEO of Jeddah Airports, Mazen bin Mohammed Johar

The plan will be activated from the beginning of the sacred month of Dhul-Qdah, which starts on May 9, and will continue until all pilgrims have arrived. 

This will include the full operation of all airport lounges, including Terminal 1, the North Terminal, and the Hajj and Umrah lounge complex, following a standardized pattern of arrivals and departures throughout the season to effectively cater for all travelers. 

Johar said the three halls collectively featured over 411 platforms for passport procedures, 440 for luggage check in, 56 loading bridges, 54 customs inspection devices, 29 luggage conveyor belts, 28 bus gates, and four health centers. There are also two areas dedicated to handling group luggage. 

During the peak period, the workforce at King Abdulaziz International Airport will number around 16,000 employees from diverse governmental, security and operational sectors. All are committed to serving pilgrims and facilitating procedures during their journey of faith.


Saudi Arabia expands eVisa program to include Barbados, Bahamas and Grenada

The expansion brings the total number of countries eligible for the eVisa program to 66. (@KAIAirport)
Updated 08 May 2024
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Saudi Arabia expands eVisa program to include Barbados, Bahamas and Grenada

  • The expansion brings the total number of countries eligible for the eVisa program to 66

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has expanded its electronic visa program to include citizens of three Caribbean countries: Barbados, the Bahamas and Grenada.

People from these countries can now apply, online or on arrival, for a visa to visit the Kingdom for the purposes of tourism, to perform Umrah, to attend events, exhibitions and conferences, or to visit friends and relatives, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.

The expansion brings the total number of countries eligible for the eVisa program to 66. It is part of the efforts by Ministry of Tourism to enhance the Kingdom’s global connectivity, stimulate economic diversification, and help achieve the tourism goals of the Saudi Vision 2030 plan for national development and diversification. Those goals include an increase in the tourism industry’s contribution to gross domestic product of more than 10 percent of the total, and the creation of 1 million jobs in the sector.

The Ministry of Tourism introduced tourist visas in September 2019 as part of a broader initiative to showcase Saudi Arabia’s rich culture and heritage, encourage visitors from around the world to visit the country and engage with the rich cultural experiences on offer in the country, and promote international interactions. It is expected that the eVisa program will be further expanded to include more countries.


Saudi legal center issues key research on e-commerce, tax, sports

Updated 08 May 2024
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Saudi legal center issues key research on e-commerce, tax, sports

  • Focus also on regulations for privatization of healthcare sector
  • Legal framework for firms listing on stock exchange under study

RIYADH: The Center of Legal Studies and Research has released seven studies covering various sectors of the economy including business, health, e-commerce and sports, the Saudi Press Agency reported. 

The research is a part of the center’s aim to highlight key developments and challenges within the Kingdom’s legal and legislative framework, the SPA reported. 

The studies, which are in line with the Saudi Vision 2030 plan, also focuses on regulations for managing special economic regions and zones.

One study focused on the privatization of the healthcare sector and developing regulations in line with international best practice.

Another paper looked at tax legislation in the Kingdom and made recommendations on insolvency.

There was also research conducted on a suitable legal framework for listing Special Purpose Acquisition Companies on the Saudi Arabia stock exchange.

The center began issuing research for the first time last year on ways to streamline the Kingdom’s legal framework for the economy. 

All publications are accessible on the center’s website at www.clsr.gov.sa.


Saudi Fashion Commission launches product-development studio

Updated 08 May 2024
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Saudi Fashion Commission launches product-development studio

  • The Lab will help develop sustainable, thriving industry
  • Assist local designers, firms fulfil ‘Made in Riyadh’ plan

Riyadh: Saudi Arabia’s Fashion Commission recently launched a studio for product development, The Lab, in Riyadh.

The launch was attended by Misk Foundation CEO Badr Al-Badr, Deputy CEO Omar Najjar, industry specialists, and officials from government entities. The headquarters of the project is in Mohammed bin Salman Nonprofit City, or Misk City. 

Fashion Commission CEO Burak Cakmak said The Lab would help develop a sustainable and thriving industry. And assist local designers fulfill their creative visions as a part of the “Made in Riyadh” label. 

Misk City CEO David Henry said The Lab would elevate the fashion industry in the Kingdom, and allow domestic businesses to showcase their products in the country and abroad.

Henry highlighted Misk City’s contribution to promoting national retail brands in the fashion sector and supporting small- and medium-sized local companies. 

The studio would support education and training programs for young Saudi Arabian designers and open new avenues for investment in the fashion sector. 

It would also assist in hosting fashion events and festivals in Misk City.


Saudi, British teams to explore prehistoric sites in Farasan Islands and Jazan

Updated 08 May 2024
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Saudi, British teams to explore prehistoric sites in Farasan Islands and Jazan

  • Saudi Heritage Commission, York University ink pact in Riyadh
  • Survey, excavation data will help rehabilitate archeological sites

RIYADH: The Saudi Heritage Commission has signed a scientific cooperation agreement with the University of York in the UK for archaeological surveys at prehistoric sites on the Farasan Islands in the Jazan region, as well as along the Red Sea coast in the southwest of the Kingdom.

Representing the commission at the signing ceremony, held recently at its headquarters in Riyadh, was the general manager of archaeology, Abdullah Al-Zahrani, along with the commission’s CEO, Jasser Al-Harbash. The University of York was represented by the project director at the archaeological site, Prof. Geoff Bailey.

This agreement is part of the commission’s ongoing effort to expand field archaeological surveys and excavation work across the Kingdom. And to prepare and rehabilitate archaeological sites by expanding the base of scientific partnerships with universities and international research centers specializing in heritage.

Through this agreement, the commission aims to gather more scientific data on prehistoric sites and understand patterns of ancient pastoral activity.

Field studies will be conducted, and the publication of the findings from archaeological surveys and excavations will be broadened as a result of this collaboration.

The aim is also to attract top-notch scientific talent to assist with such projects.

The agreement calls for the joint preparation of periodic reports and scientific studies, as well as the exchange of information and expertise in related fields.

Last week, the Heritage Commission signed an agreement with Japan’s Kanazawa University to collaborate on archaeological work at two prehistoric sites in Jouf and Tabuk.

It highlights the commission’s commitment to expanding its field work and archeological surveys across the Kingdom and enhances its scientific partnerships with specialist universities and centers around the world.