RIYADH: The King Abdullah University for Science and Technology (KAUST) has been ranked first among 50 leading universities worldwide.
It has also ranked 19th among the 100 most developed institutions in the world in terms of the number of high-quality research publications, according to the 2016 Nature Index, which identifies ascendant performance in science and tracks the high-quality research of more than 8,000 global institutions.
Eight KAUST faculty members were also listed on the Thomson Reuters list of the world’s most respected researchers.
KAUST, founded in 2009, is a private research university located in Thuwal, Saudi Arabia. In a record period, the university achieved its distinguished position among the world’s leading research and scientific universities based on its academic level, scientific and research outputs, innovations and discoveries contributing to a balanced economic growth.
The university has endeavored to harness science and technology for the benefit of humanity and to meet and promote the needs of society.
It has also attracted talented minds from all over the world and has continued its commitment to the principles of achievement, perfection, passion, inspiration, diversity, integrity and integration into society.
According to the Department of Innovation and Economic Development, the university is working to increase its contribution to the various economic fields. Moreover, it also endeavors to achieve a knowledge-based economy for the Kingdom as well as to promote the culture of entrepreneurship.
Saudi Arabia's KAUST ranked first among 50 leading universities worldwide
Saudi Arabia's KAUST ranked first among 50 leading universities worldwide
Najran’s camels are embedded in local culture and traditions
- Several distinct camel breeds are found in the region
- Animals permeate Arab consciousness, says expert
RIYADH: In Najran, camels are not only a vital livestock resource but also a cornerstone of local identity and tradition.
According to Hadi Benyan Al-Amer, head of Najran’s Camel Association, the region has several distinct camel breeds.
Principal among them is the Awarik, an ancient Arabian lineage linked to territories where arak trees flourish, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Thursday.
These light-colored, sparsely-haired camels possess remarkable resilience, and are prevalent across southern Arabia.
The Majahim are characterized by dark hues spanning black to brown, and excel in both milk yield and endurance.
The Asayil are prized for their sleek, lean physiques, and dominate in speed-based competitions.
Al-Amer said traditional water sources known as Odood, or traditional water wells and artesian wells, have sustained herders navigating the Empty Quarter’s grazing lands for generations.
These permanent water points, equipped with dedicated drinking basins for camels, showcase the animals’ extraordinary environmental resilience.
Among the principal wells accessible from Najran are Al-Minkhali, Abu Shadid, Hamra Nathil, Tamani, Umm Al-Wahat, and Khujaima.
Countless additional wells dot the Empty Quarter and adjacent territories, forming the backbone of camel owners’ far-reaching pastoral networks.
Dr. Hind bint Dawood Al-Shuqair of Najran University’s Arabic Language Department explained how camels have permeated Arab consciousness through legends and stories spanning thousands of years.
Representing endurance, power, and grace, they have become inseparable from Arab cultural identity.
Archaeological evidence at Al-Ukhdood, Mount Al-Tharwa and Hima, preserves through carvings and ancient artwork the deep bond between people and camels, Al-Shuqair said.
She drew attention to Saudi Arabia’s substantial investment in camel heritage, exemplified by proclaiming 2024 as the Year of the Camel.
This designation emphasizes their importance to national prosperity and cultural heritage while backing global initiatives to promote awareness of camels as valuable economic and cultural assets.
The Kingdom further demonstrates its commitment to protecting the animals through the annual King Abdulaziz Festival, the SPA reported.
