JEDDAH: It is not unusual for young girls to watch their mothers prepare meals, but one girl in Riyadh liked to pretend the kitchen was her laboratory, and the ingredients were the chemicals that intrigued her. For Saudi scientist Nouf Al-Numair that was the start of a fascination that led her to the study of bioinformatics and molecular genetics.
Now she is investigating the future of diseases before they even come into existence through genetic mutation; her job involves predicting diseases’ reactions to personalized medicine and treatment. Besides the biology and genetic knowledge, she uses more than seven programming languages to analyze human genes.
A scientist at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center in Riyadh, Al-Numair is also an assistant professor at Alfaisal University’s College of Medicine and a visiting researcher at the Institute of Structural and Molecular Biology.
She was recently awarded the British Council Alumni Award for Social Impact. She spoke to Arab News about her accomplishments and how she hopes to use the recognition to help create a positive image of Saudi women. She also spoke of the importance of overseas study in the accomplishment of her goals.
“I discovered my passion for genetics early on and was determined to study the subject more deeply and from the perspective of merging the science of molecular genetics and computer programming,” Al-Numair said.
“There were no such courses available in Saudi Arabia at that time, and I was told by many people that it was too difficult to merge the two sciences and so they discouraged me. I took the chance, however, and decided to follow my passion and make my dreams come true. Back in 2008 and 2009, this particular field of study was not available in Saudi Arabia, so I had to go to the UK for specialized courses. Even in the UK my field was not common and there was a lot of experimental work, but I stuck to it and was determined to succeed and be the first Saudi with these qualifications. My coursework was often personalized and if I had not been able to do my degrees and training in the UK, I would never have achieved my aim.”
Living in London presented challenges, but those challenges helped her to gain a broader understanding of various perspectives — invaluable for a scientist.
“In my group we had more than seven nationalities. I learnt how to open my eyes and my mind to listen to other people’s thoughts and opinions,” Al-Numair said. “I have always believed that socially and scientifically you must be able to look at other people’s views and their ways of thinking. Of course, different cultures, different background, and different educations all had a great impact on me. I was stepping out of my comfort zone, but I learnt how to do it, and this gave me confidence and the ability to explain myself. I was a kind of ‘opposite’ but not in a bad way, but opposite in a different way. Understanding that and coming to terms with it was a great step forward for me.”
The British Council award is of particular significance to Al-Numair, and she hopes that her story will inspire other young Saudis to consider scientific careers.
“They did not give me the award because I am a Saudi who worked in a certain field. People in Britain realize that I can have some impact in Saudi Arabia, and I think that the impact on the younger generation will be great and that they will see new possibilities for themselves,” Al-Numair said.
“I really want to encourage the younger generation to involve themselves in science. I really want to help in the empowerment of women and show them that they can have both family and a career. We can be scientists; we are bright, smart and can engage ourselves in the community and in our work. From that, we will get confidence and determination to succeed as well as to live and enjoy our lives.”
While Al-Numair investigates future diseases and tries to keep them in check, she hopes her success will be contagious.
“I want to encourage girls who studied in Saudi Arabia, attended Saudi schools, graduated from Saudi universities, to have the same chances I had,” she said. “They can succeed, and they can get what they want because they see me in front of them as an example. I sincerely want to have an impact on them.”
Saudi medical scientist Nouf Al-Numair hopes success will be contagious after clinching British Council award
Saudi medical scientist Nouf Al-Numair hopes success will be contagious after clinching British Council award
French creatives bring enchanting art experience to Jeddah
- For ‘ETH3R,’ Paul Marlier translates dancer Jeanne Morel’s graceful movements into digital art
JEDDAH: Artist Paul Marlier and dancer Jeanne Morel have brought an interactive digital art display dubbed “ETH3R” to Jeddah’s cultural hub, Hayy Jameel.
The French creatives feature immersive artworks generated using the biometric data of Morel captured during her movement in extreme environments — including in zero-gravity.
The unique blend of technology and creativity has captivated audiences with its perspectives on reality, and contrasts with the often mundane nature of daily life.
In an interview with Arab News, Marlier spoke about the creative process behind their digital artwork. He also highlighted the production of artworks inspired by the human and scientific data he had gathered.
“It is a real pleasure to be here, particularly in Hayy Jameel, where we blend art and science to create a sensory experience like no other,” he said. “It represents the DNA imprint of the world — the dance of our souls.”
He added: “ETH3R encompasses paintings and dynamic installations derived from the biometric data of my wife, Jeanne Morel, who dances in diverse and extreme environments, from beneath the ocean depths to high-altitude astronaut training.”
Marlier has amalgamated this scientific data regarding human physiology with other information, including air quality, satellite imagery, and even facts from the Red Sea. “These artworks serve as emotional imprints, reminiscent of moments of grace. It’s truly a collaborative effort.”
Explaining the process, he added: “With Jeanne as the catalyst, adorned with sensors akin to a paintbrush, her dance emotions are translated through code into the digital art seen in the paintings. We explore themes of fragility, spirituality, and the inherent unity between humans and nature — the universal dance.”
“We approach data not as mere codification, but as sensations, enabling us to specify and share the experience. By capturing a wealth of information from this singular dancer, we endeavor to materialize the essence of grace,” Marlier said.
Morel added: “Dance is the way to express your deepest emotions, sometimes simpler than words.”
“Dance is the allegory of life. It allows me to stay alive, connected to the movements of the world. Our bodies are constantly dancing, moving, on this earth which itself dances around the sun and remains in balance thanks to gravity,” she added.
Of their first visit to the Kingdom, Marlier said: “The people are absolutely welcoming here. And spirituality and poetry are so present.”
Morel added: “We admire the spirituality and also the open-mindedness of this country regarding art and especially digital art.”
Waleed Harthi, an art enthusiast, said: “Witnessing art that exceeds boundaries was a mesmerizing journey, captivating our senses and sparking wonder at the fusion of art and technology. The live demonstration and dance were incredibly relaxing and offered a serene escape to some other imaginary world.”
The exhibition runs until May 11.
Saudi FM discusses developments in Sudan with army chief, RSF leader
- During the separate calls, the latest developments in the situation in Sudan and their repercussions on the Sudanese people were discussed
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan spoke with Sudan’s Sovereign Council Chief General Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan and the leader of Sudanese paramilitary Rapid Support Forces Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo on Wednesday.
During the separate calls, the latest developments in the situation in Sudan and their repercussions on the Sudanese people were discussed, Saudi Press Agency reported.
Prince Faisal stressed the importance of working to protect Sudan and its people from further destruction and preventing the worsening of the humanitarian conditions there.
The minister also said it was important to prioritise the interests of the Sudanese people and stop the fighting to protect state institutions and bring about safety in Sudan.
Farasan Island celebrates 20th Hareed Fishing Festival
- Event showcases tourist activities such as parasailing, traditional folk dances
RIYADH: Fishermen from the Jazan region have started preparing for the 20th Hareed Fishing Festival, which begins on Thursday.
The festival, which takes place on Farasan Island and lasts for two days, celebrates the fishing of parrotfish, otherwise known as hareed.
It showcases various tourist activities such as parasailing, traditional folk dances, and competitions for catching the fish, which is difficult due to their survival instinct which leads them to hide by corals.
Hareed are traditionally caught close to the shore in nets. The brightly colored fish come in different sizes and change color as they grow, the color varying according to their sex. They are considered parrot-like as they have teeth that they use to scrape food off coral reefs.
The fishing season varies across the region’s waters. In the past, the people of Farasan celebrated the event by visiting newlywed brides wearing traditional dress, while women and children joined in the festivities at her home.
Visitors to the festival will also get the chance to explore the heritage sites in Farasan, which include Wadi Matar, Al-Qassar village and Bait Al-Jarmal, along with several historic houses.
The island boasts a unique cultural heritage which centers on sailing and pearl-diving experiences in the past.
Jazan Gov. Prince Mohammed bin Nasser is launching the festival, which is organized by the region’s branch of the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, in partnership with the islands’ governorate.
Mohammed Al-Atif, the general director of the branch, said that the festival embodied the customs and traditions of the people of the Farasan Islands and was considered an annual event to highlight the region’s tourism potential.
He added that the festival also celebrates hareed, which appears at the same time each year and proves a major attraction for people in the Jazan region.
Riyadh hosts food technology and innovation show
- Industry giants showcase latest in processing, sustainability
RIYADH: More than 400 companies from 35 countries are taking part in the first Saudi Food Manufacturing show, which opened in Riyadh on Tuesday.
Held under the patronage of Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Al-Khorayef, the event focuses on processing, packaging and ingredients and aims to facilitate high level business deals, connections and collaborations.
Three companies that won a Saudi Food Manufacturing Award at the event — Multivac, DC Norris and Brenntag — spoke to Arab News.
Amir Sotoudeh, managing director of Multivac, said the German firm won the Best Processing Innovation Award for its TX series and smart services at Gulfood Manufacturing.
The company has had a branch office in Riyadh since 2009 and the Kingdom is the company’s largest market in the Middle East.
“Saudi Arabia is a significant market, especially in recent years, with major developments focusing on local production and manufacturing. That’s where our technology and expertise as a market leader in processing and packaging are essential.”
DC Norris is a UK-based process equipment company serving 62 countries. It provides solutions for food, dairy and beverage manufacturing and won the Best Processing Manufacturing Award.
Stuart Rigby, product and process technology manager at DC Norris, said the company’s jet cook system, which is used in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Dubai and Azerbaijan, was able to cook meals two to three times faster than traditional methods.
“It also uses considerably less water, resulting in zero burns, requiring less cleaning and reducing costs. Additionally, it consumes up to 55 percent less energy than traditional cooking methods,” he said.
Brenntag, a 150-year-old German company, is the global market leader in chemical and ingredient distribution. It won the Best Ingredients Innovation Award.
Mahaboob Shaik, technical sales manager at Brenntag, said: “We have replicated the characteristics of regular milk-based proteins and constituents using plant-based alternatives. We’ve developed a Greek-style feta cheese made from plant-based ingredients.
“This helps to reduce allergens like milk proteins in dishes like Caesar salad. Now, when you order a salad at a restaurant, you can enjoy a plant-based cheese, which is entirely vegan.”
Several Saudi manufacturers, including Sapin, Anasia and Memco, are taking part in the show, which provides a platform for companies to exchange ideas.
Majed Al-Argoubi, CEO of the Saudi Authority for Industrial Cities and Technology Zones, said: “The industrial sector is going to increase both the GDP and abilities of youth in the Kingdom.
“We are making impressive growth through Saudi Vision 2030 and Made in Saudi is remarkable for expanding cities across the country and achieving our goals.”
Among the most innovative products on display are the Novamyl BestBite from Novozymes, which improves texture and softness in baked goods while extending shelf life to reduce food waste. Others include sustainable packaging for dates from Napco, a sugar reduction method for fruit juice from Austria Juice, Lactosan, a natural culinary booster from FSL and Biopap, a range of renewable, compostable, high-performance food containers.
Pavilions from Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, US, France, Turkiye and China reflect the international scope of the show, which runs until Thursday.
Saudi Arabia expresses condolences after dam bursts in flood-hit Kenya
- Floods and landslides across Kenya have killed 181 people since March, with hundreds of thousands forced to leave their homes
- The ministry said the Kingdom stands with the government and people of Kenya during this painful time
RIYADH: The Saudi Foreign Ministry expressed on Wednesday the Kingdom’s condolences to the families of those who died after a makeshift dam burst its banks in Kenya’s Rift Valley on Monday.
At least 48 people including children died as a result of the incident.
Residents said the accident occurred in the dead of night when the dam burst near the town of Mai Mahiu in Nakuru county, sending torrents of water and mud gushing down a hill and engulfing everything in its path.
The ministry said the Kingdom stands with the government and people of Kenya during this painful time.
Torrential rains and floods continue to batter the country and 181 people have been killed since March, with hundreds of thousands forced to leave their homes.
