FaceOf: Ahmed Hamdan Al-Thenayan, a deputy minister at KSA’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology

Ahmed Hamdan Al-Thenayan
Updated 28 November 2018
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FaceOf: Ahmed Hamdan Al-Thenayan, a deputy minister at KSA’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology

  • Al-Thenayan has also been a member of the board of directors of the Saudi Intellectual Property Authority since March 2018
  • Al-Thenayan holds a bachelor’s degree in information systems from King Saud University in Riyadh

Ahmed Hamdan Al-Thenayan has been deputy minister for technology and digital capacities at Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology since December 2017. 

He has also been a member of the board of directors of the Saudi Intellectual Property Authority since March 2018. 

Al-Thenayan held several positions at Etihad Etisalat (Mobily) Co. between 2004 and 2015, including chief technology operations officer, senior executive vice president of corporate affairs, secretary to the Board Executive Risk Management Committee, and vice president of IT Operations. 

He was IT consultant at the Shoura Council and a part-time assistant professor at the Department of Computer Science and Information Sciences at Imam Mohammed Bin Saud University in Riyadh. 

In addition, he worked as a research assistant at NASA Langley Research Center between 1998 and 2000, and as a research assistant at Dominion University in Virginia in 1997 and 1998.

Al-Thenayan holds a bachelor’s degree in information systems from King Saud University in Riyadh. He also holds a master’s and doctorate degrees in computer science from Dominion University. 

At the recent Saudi Forum for Emerging Companies, he announced that a campaign would be launched in cooperation with the Small and Medium Enterprises General Authority (Monsha’at) to support and develop the Hajj sector.

The forum, organized by Monsha’at, was held at the Ritz-Carlton in Jeddah.


Taif festival celebrates Saudi Arabia’s literary icons

Updated 11 January 2026
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Taif festival celebrates Saudi Arabia’s literary icons

  • It introduces visitors to the contributions of literary pioneers through accessible visual and narrative content

TAIF: A special section highlighting key Saudi literary figures forms part of the Writers and Readers Festival in Taif.

The area explores the lives of distinguished writers, poets, and authors who have shaped the Kingdom’s creative landscape, influencing literature, journalism, theater and intellectual thought.

It introduces visitors to the contributions of literary pioneers through accessible visual and narrative content, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.

Organized by the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission, the festival runs until Jan. 15 and features 42 prominent publishing houses from Saudi Arabia and overseas, offering visitors the chance to explore the latest works in literature, philosophy and general knowledge.

Meanwhile, the festival’s interactive murals section engages visitors with openwork art panels, allowing them to contribute to the city’s features and identity.

The murals depict Taif’s natural and historical landmarks, including Al-Hada Mountain, the Taif rose gardens, and traditional Hijazi palaces. Others are inspired by Souq Okaz, a historic literary and commercial center linked to the region’s poetic heritage.

Designed by a visual artist, they blend folk-inspired elements with imaginative expression, creating a collaborative experience that celebrates the city’s beauty and brings art closer to the public.