RIYADH: Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met Marillyn A. Hewson, chairwoman, president and CEO of Lockheed Martin on Tuesday, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
The meeting reviewed the possible areas of partnership, especially in the military industries, and discussed the chances for strengthening cooperation between the two sides in line with Saudi Vision 2030.
The meeting was attended by Ahmed Al-Khatib, chairman of the Saudi Arabian Military Industries, and Fahd Al-Issa, an adviser at the Royal Court and general supervisor of the defense minister’s office.
The global security and aerospace company on Wednesday also announced it will develop technology-related research projects with the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST). The two organizations have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to partner in a Master Research Agreement.
“Lockheed Martin is pleased to partner with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and KAUST to engineer a better tomorrow and make (the) Vision 2030 a reality,” said Lockheed Martin’s CEO. “By joining our R&D (research and development) efforts, we can produce innovative solutions for the world’s toughest challenges. At the same time, we can help develop leaders for the 21st-century workforce.”
Hewson signed the MoU with KAUST, which ranks among the Middle East’s best educational institutions, while visiting the university, where she serves on the Board of Trustees.
Under the terms of the agreement, Lockheed Martin and KAUST will focus on developing projects that have applications across a variety of sectors and support the Vision 2030 plans.
“As we look forward to a new era of progress, I am confident that this partnership with Lockheed Martin will allow us to advance R&D aligned to the KAUST mission of innovation and economic development,” said Nadhmi Al-Nasr, KAUST acting president.
“Together we can leverage our strengths toward achieving tangible results in mutual technology-related goals.”
Lockheed Martin has had a presence in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia since 1965 with the first delivery of the C-130 Hercules. Since then, the company has expanded its footprint in the Kingdom to include integrated air and missile defense systems, maritime and civilian applications such as satellite communications, air traffic control systems and energy solutions.
By 2020, the company plans to introduce combat ships, tactical aircraft and rotary wing technologies and programs to its portfolio in the Kingdom.
Saudi Crown prince discusses defense cooperation with Lockheed Martin
Saudi Crown prince discusses defense cooperation with Lockheed Martin
Hajj ministry launches training initiative to improve services
- As part of the Rafid Al-Haramain initiative, 100,000 workers in the public, private, and non-profit sectors will be trained to provide high-quality services to pilgrims
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, in partnership with Makkah’s Umm Al-Qura University, has launched an initiative to enhance and improve the skills of employees who serve Hajj and Umrah pilgrims and visitors to the Kingdom.
As part of the Rafid Al-Haramain initiative, 100,000 workers in the public, private, and non-profit sectors will be trained to ensure that the services they offer are of the highest quality and leave a lasting positive impression on visitors to the Kingdom.
Four diverse training programs that embody the Kingdom’s care for the Two Holy Mosques and their visitors are available, and trainees will benefit from the best local and international expertise, Saudi Press Agency reported.
Individuals interested in participating can register here.
Riyadh to host Global AI Summit in September
- Summit will bring together international ministers, organization heads, CEOs of major tech companies, and AI experts to discuss global AI developments
RIYADH: The Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority will host the third Global AI Summit from Sept. 10 to 12 at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center in Riyadh, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.
Abdullah Al-Ghamdi, president of SDAIA, highlighted Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s dedication to advancing the national data and artificial intelligence agenda, aiming to bolster the Kingdom’s global presence in these fields.
The summit will bring together international ministers, organization heads, CEOs of major tech companies, and AI experts to discuss global AI developments and announce initiatives and agreements, advancing international efforts in data and AI under the Kingdom’s banner.
Topics at the conference include AI innovation, industry trends, shaping a better future with AI, fostering human talent in the field, and other key areas.
This summit, under the crown prince’s leadership, is a testament to the successes of Vision 2030, which position Riyadh as a global hub for cutting-edge AI developments, the SPA said.
Saudi artist wins Japan manga contest
- Manga Arabia’s Samah Kamel recognized for ‘Taif’ which addresses issues surrounding autism
- Kamel’s win marks the first time a Saudi manga artist has triumphed in the Japan International Manga Award
RIYADH: The Japanese Ambassador to the Kingdom Fumio Iwai awarded Saudi manga artist Samah Kamel with the 17th Japan International Manga Award’s Special Encouragement Award at a ceremony held at the Japanese Embassy in Riyadh.
Kamel, a regular creator for Manga Arabia, expressed her joy at winning the prize for her work “Taif” about the challenges facing parents of children on the autism spectrum, and the various ways autistic people can be accommodated and integrated into society.
“I was shocked to win because I had entered a few times before without ever winning. This taught me that persistence pays off, and my daughter, who is here with me today, inspired the manga. I would like to encourage any mother raising a child with a disability to know that she is a powerful and inspirational person,” Kamel told Arab News.
Issam Bukhari, editor-in-chief of Manga Arabia, said Kamel’s achievement is a historic milestone in exporting Saudi and Arab creativity to the world as the first Saudi work to win the Japan International Manga Award, presented by the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Iwai told Arab News: “What Manga Arabia is doing is great. I’m very happy today to commend one of their talents for being awarded the International Manga Award, the 17th edition.
“Manga is one of the most popular cultural fields in Japan. So again, I’m very happy to see the spread of Manga culture, not only in Saudi Arabia but also in the Arab world, and what is quite impressive is that Manga Arabia produces so many companies and is providing Saudi kids, Saudi juniors, with their Arabic version of Japan.
“To use manga as well as their original works, and I know Saudi authorities are also trying to make use of manga … in various fields, teaching, like history … environmental protection, and so on,” he added.
“Taif” can be downloaded on the Manga Arabia for Kids app.
Saudi AI authority enhances Makkah route for 7 nations
RIYADH: The Saudi Authority for Data and Artificial Intelligence is participating in providing technical and digital services for the Makkah Route Initiative, a program under the Ministry of Interior’s Pilgrim Experience Program which aligns with Saudi Vision 2030 initiatives.
Engineers and technicians are operating across Morocco, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Turkiye, and Ivory Coast, integrating them with the authority’s systems, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Its tasks include developing highly private technical systems that meet service requirements, such as border systems, Hajj systems, traveler registration systems, and mobile bags equipped with biometric registration devices, all aimed at streamlining procedures.
The efforts of the authority are part of the extensive support provided by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to enhance the fields of data and AI, stimulating their growth and maximizing their benefits.
Launched in 2019 in Muslim-majority countries, the scheme allows pilgrims to fulfill all visa, customs and health requirements at their airport of origin, saving hours of waiting before and on arrival in the Kingdom.
The process begins with the issue of electronic visas and individual information collection, followed by streamlined passport procedures before departure.
Stickers are placed on luggage and passports containing information on the flight data and place of residence of each pilgrim. The tagging service is carried out by a specialized team working under the supervision of the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.
Teams at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah receive the luggage, which is then delivered to accommodation of the pilgrims.
The Ministry of Interior is implementing the Makkah Route initiative with several agencies, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, the General Authority of Civil Aviation, the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority, the Saudi Authority for Data and Artificial Intelligence, the Pilgrim Experience Program, and the General Directorate of Passports.
This year’s pilgrimage is expected to begin on or around June 14 and conclude on June 19.
Jeddah governor launches initiative for a more balanced life
- The campaign aims to raise parents’ awareness of the importance of work-family balance
- It also aims to honor employers from various sectors who adopt sustainable practices reflecting their interest in the family and society
RIYADH: Jeddah Gov. Prince Saud bin Abdullah bin Jalawi inaugurated the work-family balance initiative on Sunday, organized by the Al-Mawaddah Association for Family Development under the slogan “Balance Your Life.”
The initiative began in the presence of Mohammed Al-Radi, the association’s general manager, along with several of the organization’s members, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The campaign aims to raise parents’ awareness of the importance of work-family balance, and enhance interaction and cooperation among employers to promote family-supportive work environments.
It also aims to honor employers from various sectors who adopt sustainable practices reflecting their interest in the family and society, such as providing educational and welfare programs for children and the elderly.
The initiative also includes knowledge seminars to raise employees’ awareness of the importance of work-family balance and organizations’ awareness of creating a family-supportive work environment and adopting policies and programs that promote a balance between work and family life.
Al-Radi said: “This awareness initiative is one of several social initiatives and programs offered by the association to improve the quality of family life.”
