FaceOf: Dr. Awad bin Khazim Al-Asmari, director of Shaqra University in Riyadh

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Updated 20 October 2018
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FaceOf: Dr. Awad bin Khazim Al-Asmari, director of Shaqra University in Riyadh

  • Al-Asmari is also a member of the Shoura Council

Dr. Awad bin Khazim Al-Asmari is the director of Shaqra University in Shaqraa, Riyadh. He is also a Shoura Council member.

Al-Asmari attained a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from King Saud University, Riyadh, in 1982, a master’s degree in electrical engineering from Ohio State University, US, in 1986, and a Ph.D. in communication and signal processing from the University of Toledo, Ohio, in 1999.

Before his current role, Al-Asmari worked as a part-time adviser to the Ministry of the Interior, National Information Center in 1995-96, a part-time adviser to the Ministry of Defense and Aviation from November 1998 to November 1999.

He has been a senior member of the International Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) since 1996 and has co-authored a number of publications in the fields of image processing, information security, telecommunications, nanotechnology and quantum computing.

In 2013, Al-Asmari received a gold medal and certificate of appreciation from the IEEE for his contributions to many research studies in communications and information technology and his participation in arbitration and editing in the organization for more than 20 years.

Recently, Al-Asmari signed an agreement with the University of California in the fields of training, research and consultancy. 

The agreement aims to train distinguished students at the faculty of engineering at Shaqra University. Students will join an intensive program to develop their skills during the summer break. 


Celestial spectacle in Saudi Arabia’s north on first day of Ramadan

Updated 19 February 2026
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Celestial spectacle in Saudi Arabia’s north on first day of Ramadan

  • Venus-crescent moon alignment visible over Northern Borders Region skies
  • Meteorology Center completes operational plan for the holy month

ARAR/JEDDAH: The holy month of Ramadan has commenced in Saudi Arabia with a striking astronomical display in the Northern Borders Region, setting a serene tone for the month as meteorological authorities confirmed full readiness to support pilgrims in Makkah and Madinah, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.

On Tuesday evening, the skies over Arar witnessed a rare alignment as the planet Venus paired with the slender crescent moon marking the first day of Ramadan. Appearing shortly after sunset, the crescent shimmered low on the western horizon above Venus — one of the brightest celestial bodies — in a display enhanced by clear skies.

While the conjunction is a recurring astronomical phenomenon caused by the apparent proximity of the two bodies as viewed from Earth,  its coincidence with the start of the holy month added a special aesthetic and spiritual dimension to the atmosphere in the north, SPA said.

Meteorological readiness

As the faithful began their fasting, the National Center for Meteorology (NCM) announced the completion of its operational and technical preparations for Ramadan 1447 AH.

The plan includes heightened performance levels at observatories in the Kingdom’s airports to manage increased flight traffic and aviation safety. (SPA)

NCM Chief Executive Dr. Ayman bin Salem Ghulam confirmed that the center has finalized a comprehensive plan to ensure round-the-clock weather monitoring for Makkah, Madinah, and the roads leading to the Two Holy Mosques. The initiative aims to provide accurate forecasting to enhance the safety and comfort of the influx of visitors and Umrah pilgrims.

The plan includes heightened performance levels at observatories in the Kingdom’s airports to manage increased flight traffic and aviation safety.

To ensure pilgrims have real-time access to information, the NCM has integrated its data with the "Nusuk" and "Tawakkalna" smart applications. Ten-day extended forecasts and real-time alerts will also be available via the "Anwaa" app and displayed on guidance boards along highways.

The center has mobilized 14 media platforms to deliver swift weather alerts, ensuring high standards of security and logistical support throughout the season.