Effat University recently hosted a three-week Mawhiba 2017 enrichment and creativity program, which targets female students in order to develop their skills and abilities.
The King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity (Mawhiba) program continued until Aug. 17 with the goal of developing the cognitive, personal and social abilities of 64 students. The program “aimed at providing progressive levels of advanced knowledge, skills and scientific expertise that challenge the abilities of students and enabling them to continue building quality, cumulative experience that grows more intensive and diverse with time and effort.”
President of Effat University Haifa Reda Jamal Allail said Mawhiba targeted talented female students in order to identify their hidden potential and offer the support needed to develop and refine their skills.
Allail said: “The university’s support for the program comes within the framework of its contribution toward building a promising society characterized by talent and creativity. In addition, it also comes within the university’s efforts toward participating in developing young, talented and creative Saudi leaders and cadres with superior educational and training outcomes who are able to play their awaited developmental roles with capability and merit.”
The Mawhiba participants were divided into five enrichment units: Electrical Engineering, Engineering Design, Encryption, Chemistry in Society, and Advanced Physics. The daily program was divided into two sections, the first of which included various academic programs, while the second included an assortment of extracurricular activities aimed at providing participants with basic skills, such as entrepreneurship, accurate data analysis and decision-making skills, among others.
The students visited the King Abdullah University for Science and Technology (KAUST) and the Water Desalination Company in Jeddah as part of the program’s main events. Additionally, a meet and greet between the students and officials from the Patent Office of King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) was arranged, informing the students about the opportunities these institutions provide, the tasks carried out and the added value they offer to the community and the economy in general.
At the end of the program, the students presented 12 creative projects that were evaluated by a panel of judges from Effat University and Mawhiba. The students were given advice and guidance to help them develop their projects and support the creative goals they aspire to achieve.
Effat University hosts participants of Mawhiba program
Effat University hosts participants of Mawhiba program
Dubai Shopping Festival’s sporting events turn city into hub for outdoor action
The Dubai Shopping Festival is raising the bar this winter with a high-impact sporting calendar that runs throughout December and January, transforming the city into a hub for elite competition, community fitness and outdoor action.
From professional basketball to baseball games, polo tournaments, half marathons, and horse racing, the festival brings together athletes, families and spectators for a dynamic winter season of sport. The diverse lineup of events strengthens DSF’s role in supporting Dubai’s active lifestyle, showcasing world-class sporting venues and encouraging community engagement during the city’s peak outdoor season.
Key sporting events taking place during DSF:
Dubai Racing Carnival
- Race days: Jan. 2, Jan. 9 and ongoing dates until March 13.
- Location: Meydan Racecourse
The flagship winter racing season features international horses and top jockeys.
More information: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/dubai-racing-carnivaland https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/dubai-racing-carnival-festive-friday
Silver Cup
- Date: Jan. 10-Jan.24
- Location: Al-Habtoor Polo Resort and Club
Silver Cup, part of Dubai’s prestigious polo calendar, sees six of the world’s best teams go head-to-head in a 20-goal handicap.
- More information: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/silver-cup
Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge — Build-Up Ride 4
- Date: Jan. 4
- Location: Al-Qudra Cycle Track
The last of the Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge Build-Up Rides is designed to help cyclists build their stamina ahead of the ultimate challenge.
- More information: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/spinneys-dubai-92-cycle-challenge-build-up-ride-4
Hood to Coast Dubai 2026
- Date: Jan. 10
- Location: Al-Marmoom Desert Conservation Reserve
Hood to Coast Dubai challenges teams to conquer a series of relay segments through expansive desert trails, with each runner taking on their leg before passing the baton.
- More information: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/hood-to-coast
Skechers Performance Run — Race 4 (16k/10k/5k/3k)
- Date: Jan. 10
- Location: Meydan
Enjoy a fun day out for the whole family at this popular community race offering various distances, where participants can run along the traffic-free roads of Meydan.
- More information: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/skechers-performance-run
Marina Home Dubai Creek Striders Half Marathon 2026
- Date: Jan. 11
- Location: Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club
One of the largest races of its kind in the UAE and the Middle East, this half marathon will mark its 23rd edition in 2026.
- More information: https://www.visitdubai.com/en/festivals-and-events/dubai-events-calendar/dubai-creek-striders-half-marathon
A citywide sporting season
With events spanning elite international fixtures, community runs, polo tournaments, multi-distance races, trail challenges and recurring racing nights at Meydan, DSF strengthens Dubai’s winter season for sport, well-being and outdoor experiences.









