Dr. Ahmad Salem Mohammed Al-Aamri is the director of Imam Muhammad ibn Saud Islamic University.
Prior to that, he was the vice rector for graduate studies and scientific research at King Saud University (KSU).
In March 2019, King Salman appointed Al-Aamri director of Imam Muhammad ibn Saud Islamic University by royal decree.
Al-Aamri attained his bachelor’s degree in public administration from KSU in 1985, his master’s in public administration specializing in human resources and executive public administration from New York State University in 1989, and his PhD in public administration specializing in human resources and organizational behavior from New York State University in 1993.
He held many positions at KSU, such as teaching assistant in the Department of Public Administration from 1985 to 1986, assistant professor in the same department from 1993 to 1998, associate professor in the department from 1998 to 2004, professor of organizational behavior and human resources from 2004, chairman of the Department of Public Administration from September 2003 to December 2005, dean of faculty and staff from October 2006 to October 2008, and dean of the College of Business Administration from October 2008 to August 2012.
Al-Aamri was a part-time advisor at the Ministry of Higher Education from 2002 to 2005, a part-time advisor at King Fahd Medical City from 2004 to 2007, and has been a part-time advisor at the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs since 2006.
He is also a member of the university council at KSU, a member of the board of trustees of the University of Dar Al-Uloom, and a member of the board of trustees of the University of Business and Technology.
Dr. Ahmad Salem Mohammed Al-Aamri, director of Imam Muhammad ibn Saud Islamic University
Dr. Ahmad Salem Mohammed Al-Aamri, director of Imam Muhammad ibn Saud Islamic University
Report: Low light pollution in Northern Borders is ideal for astronomers
- Region has a vast desert horizon and few tall buildings
- Rare meteorological event recently in Northern Borders
RIYADH: The Kingdom’s Northern Borders, characterized by significantly lower levels of light pollution, is a prime destination for astronomical observation, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Friday.
The SPA quoted from a recent report from the Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite which is circling in space.
The VIIRS is a whiskbroom scanner radiometer that collects imagery and radiometric measurements of land, atmosphere, cryosphere, and oceans in the visible and infrared bands of the electromagnetic spectrum.
This lower level of light pollution, according to the VIIRS, is found in the open areas surrounding Turaif, east of Rafha, and west of the city of Arar.
The Bortle Scale, which measures night-sky brightness, shows readings allowing the Milky Way to be seen with the naked eye on clear nights.
“The vast desert horizon and the scarcity of tall buildings contribute to improved astronomical observation conditions by minimizing ambient light and enhancing viewing quality,” the SPA reported.
“This allows celestial phenomena, such as meteor showers and planetary conjunctions, to be observed with greater precision.”
The report added: “Due to these factors, the region is an ideal destination for amateur astrophotographers and astrophysicists seeking a dark, expansive sky that enables them to observe celestial objects with greater clarity.”
Recently a striking astronomical and optical phenomenon was observed in the Northern Borders, as light pillars appeared in the sky, drawing the attention of locals and enthusiasts of natural phenomena.
A light pillar is an optical phenomenon that occurs in the atmosphere as a vertical column extending above or below its source. This effect is caused by the reflection of light on tiny ice crystals suspended in clouds or the air.
Abouazza El-Mhamdi, an associate professor in the physics and astronomy department at King Saud University, told Arab News at that it was a “rare meteorological event — the vibrant light pillars that illuminated the night sky, was crucial for astronomy and astro tourism in the region.”
“Although these pillars are common in Arctic climates like Canada or Russia, their appearance in the Northern Border region is a remarkable anomaly, highlighting the unique and intense winter conditions affecting the Kingdom’s northern reaches,” said El-Mhamdi.
