JEDDAH: The King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) has announced that the first stage of a drone factory in Riyadh is almost complete.
KACST’s Supervisor General of Special Programs Khaled Al-Hussan, who is overseeing the Saudi drone project, said that the factory is projected to manufacture drones suitable for military and civil purposes, scientific research, urban planning and security.
One of the drones that will be manufactured at the facility is the Saqr 1 drone which is made of carbon and glass fiber and is equipped with a satellite communications system. The drone can fly within a range of 2,500 km for 24 to 48 hours.
When it comes to who will use the drones, Al-Hussan told Arab News that “Taqnia Aeronautics is the party concerned with marketing and determining the market demand for the projected drones.”
KACST has also produced another three drones of medium size — the Saqr 2, 3 and 4. The units were first developed in 2012 with a total of 38 built as of August 2014.
Saqr 2 can fly for eight-hours at a speed of 120 km per hour at an altitude of 5,000 meters while the Saqr 4 is capable of carrying a load of up to 5 kg.
The Saqr 4 can reach a maximum speed of 120 kph at an altitude of 5,000 meters and can fly for five to six hours.
All the models are equipped with cameras for aerial photography.
First stage of Saudi drone factory complete: KACST
First stage of Saudi drone factory complete: KACST
King Abdulaziz Camel Festival draws 3,000 foreign visitors
- Through interactive exhibits and educational presentations, people can gain a deeper understanding of the cultural value camels hold in the Kingdom
RIYADH: The 10th King Abdulaziz Camel Festival is drawing record numbers of international tourists, solidifying its reputation as a premier cultural and heritage event in the Kingdom, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The event, which runs until Jan. 3, is a key feature of the country's cultural tourism offering. According to its organizers, more than 3,000 people from over 50 countries have already visited.
The festival combines a rich array of cultural and entertainment programs that introduce visitors to the world of camels, from their various breeds to their significance in Saudi heritage.
Through interactive exhibits and educational presentations, people can gain a deeper understanding of the cultural value camels hold in the Kingdom.
Many visitors have expressed admiration for the quality of the festival’s organization and the hospitality they received, with some describing it as a “living museum,” the report said.
