JEDDAH: The Saudi Federation for Cyber Security, Programming and Drones will be hosting the finals of the Drone Racing League (DRL) on Sept. 14.
The finals of the competition will be held at the King Abdullah Economic City in Makkah, outlining the Kingdom’s interest in advancing its programming and drones sector, as well as supporting youth who take part in it.
Nouf Al-Rakan, the federation’s head, said hosting the competition’s finals reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to develop the programming and drones sector, and an extension of the technical development witnessed in Saudi Arabia.
She also noted that the step is amid the continuous efforts toward fulfilling Vision 2030 which aims to establish a digital society and make the kingdom the top destination for technology globally, and the biggest platform for supporting youth in all fields.
Al-Rakan said the upcoming event is under the direct patronage and support of His Excellency the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Federation, Royal Court adviser Saud bin Abdullah Al Qahtani.
Hosting DRL2018 will also grant Saudi youth the opportunity to meet and encounter this race’s most professional competitors, as well as attending training sessions in how to control drones using augmented reality technology.
The upcoming event will be the third edition of DRL and will witness the participation of professionals from the United States, Germany, France and Holland.
Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity and Programming hosts Drone Racing finals
Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity and Programming hosts Drone Racing finals
- The upcoming event will be the third edition of DRL and will witness the participation of professionals from the United States, Germany, France and Holland
- The finals of the competition will be held at the King Abdullah Economic City in Makkah
Digital Cooperation Organization to attend Islamic Summit in Gambia
- 15th annual event will be held this weekend in Banjul
RIYADH: The Digital Cooperation Organization, which works to shape the global digital economy, will take part in the upcoming 15th annual Islamic Summit Conference in the Gambian capital Banjul.
DCO Secretary-General Deemah Al-Yahya will head a delegation at the event, which runs from Saturday to Sunday alongside a series of summits organized by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation to enhance cooperation and understanding between Islamic countries.
“The DCO’s participation in the conference embodies our firm commitment to strengthen multilateral action to reduce the digital gap and accelerate digital transformation and prosperity in cooperation with all concerned parties in the public and private sectors and civil institutions, as well as international and regional organizations concerned with development,” Al-Yahya said.
“It is consistent with the goal of the organization, digital cooperation aimed at promoting comprehensive and sustainable development in the global digital economy within a cooperative framework.”
Al-Yahya said she would hold talks with several heads of state as well as the leaders of other delegations during the event.
The agenda of the conference, which is being held under the slogan “Promoting Unity and Solidarity Through Dialogue for Sustainable Development,” covers areas of political, economic, social, cultural and technological interest as well as issues related to the media, law, social affairs, administration and finance.
The DCO has signed a memorandum of understanding with the OIC to provide a framework for cooperation to develop a sustainable digital economy and collaborate in the field of digitization of human resources to help enhance internet connectivity in remote and rural areas.
Saudi king, crown prince offer condolences to UAE president on key official’s death
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia's King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Thursday offered condolences to the ruler of the United Arab Emirates on the death of a key official and a member of the royal family, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
In a cable to Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE president, King Salman expressed "our deepest and sincere condolences" on the death of Sheikh Tahnoun bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi’s ruler representative in Al Ain, who died on May 1, 2024.
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman expressed "my warmest and most sincere condolences" in a separate cable to the UAE leader, the SPA said.
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.
