RIYADH: Saudi authorities on Friday issued weather safety warnings to the public after huge sandstorms forced many residents in Riyadh and elsewhere in the Kingdom to stay indoors.
Winds of up to 47 km per hour hit the Saudi capital causing widespread traffic disruption due to low visibility. And sandstorms caused similar problems in the Qassim and Eastern Province regions.
The General Authority for Meteorology and Environmental Protection forecasted the dusty conditions to hit Najran, eastern parts of the southwestern highlands, and the southern end of the western Red Sea coast.
Thunderstorms were predicted on the heights of Jazan, Asir, Baha and Makkah region, extending to the southern parts of the heights of Madinah.
In Riyadh, the sandstorm started on Thursday night, limiting visibility in the capital.
Riyadh traffic officials advised motorists to take extra care and drive slowly, and the General Directorate of Civil Defense urged residents to avoid picnicking on sands over the weekend and to stay indoors wherever possible.
Health experts warned that exposure to sandstorms caused breathing difficulties, especially for people with respiratory problems.
The maximum temperature recorded during the sandstorm was 44 degrees Celsius with a low of 29 degrees Celsius. Humidity was pegged at 9 percent.
Warnings as huge sandstorms hit Riyadh and other parts of Saudi Arabia
Warnings as huge sandstorms hit Riyadh and other parts of Saudi Arabia
- In Riyadh, the sandstorm started on Thursday night, limiting visibility in the capital
Saudi Arabia’s KAUST advances AI training with winter school
- The event provides a platform for research collaboration, academic partnerships, and connections with global scientific institutions
JEDDAH: King Abdullah University of Science and Technology is hosting the second MenaML Winter School, in partnership with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, from Jan. 24 to 29.
It brings together leading researchers, scientists, and specialists in artificial intelligence from across the Middle East and North Africa, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The program aims to advance scientific research and build specialized technical skills through an intensive curriculum covering both theoretical and applied AI.
Sessions cover the latest in intelligent model engineering, AI for scientific applications, and high-efficiency computing technologies.
Representatives from 16 international scientific and technological institutions are participating, alongside 300 researchers selected from 2,300 applicants based on merit and research potential.
The event provides a platform for research collaboration, academic partnerships, and connections with global scientific institutions.
It promotes innovation and solutions across sectors, including energy, health, infrastructure, and advanced technology, the SPA reported.
The program strengthens regional human capital through advanced training, knowledge exchange with leading experts, and fostering an ecosystem that encourages research and innovation.
It also reinforces the Kingdom’s role as a regional and global hub for scientific research and advanced technologies, supporting its contribution to the development of AI.
