JEDDAH: King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) is hosting a boot camp to develop pilgrim services during Hajj and Umrah.
Up to 80 people are taking part in the event, which runs from Feb. 13 to 21.
“The Makkah governorate’s innovation and entrepreneurship initiative is one of KAUST’s outreach partnerships, and a key program in advancing entrepreneurship in the Kingdom aligned with Vision 2030 goals,” said Hattan Ahmed, head of KAUST Entrepreneurship Center.
This year’s theme is the futuristic transformation of cities in the Makkah region to facilitate Hajj and Umrah.
Proposed startup ideas will fall under two tracks — innovation and entrepreneurship — and prototype funding will be given to the 20 best projects.
The six winning projects — three from each track — will receive funding of SR40,000 ($10,665).
Saudi Arabia’s KAUST hosts Hajj, Umrah high-tech boot camp
Saudi Arabia’s KAUST hosts Hajj, Umrah high-tech boot camp
- This year’s theme is the futuristic transformation of cities in the Makkah region to facilitate Hajj and Umrah
Saudi, Japanese officials discuss humanitarian ties
RIYADH: President of the Saudi Red Crescent Authority Dr. Jalal Al-Owaisi received a delegation from the Embassy of Japan in the Kingdom, led by Minister Plenipotentiary and Deputy Chief of Mission Masahiro Tada, at the authority’s headquarters in Riyadh.
During the meeting, the delegation was briefed on the authority’s efforts to provide ambulance and humanitarian services, as well as its role in emergency response inside the Kingdom and internationally.
Discussions also covered Japan’s humanitarian contributions in crisis-affected regions and included an exchange of views on strengthening cooperation in humanitarian aid and disaster response.
Al-Owaisi underscored the authority’s commitment to enhancing international partnerships with humanitarian organizations and promoting cooperation and expertise exchange to advance humanitarian work and improve response efficiency in line with international best practices.
Last month, the Health Endowment Fund and the Saudi Red Crescent Authority signed an agreement to ensure effective financing for ambulance services across the Kingdom.
The agreement builds on both organizations’ efforts to develop a sustainable financing system for the nonprofit health sector and enhance the impact of endowment initiatives for ambulance services.
It also aims to improve emergency response readiness, covering ambulance transport, pre-hospital care, and responses to accidents and disasters.
