Saad bin Othman Al-Qasabi has been governor of the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization since July 2012.
He is also a member of the board of directors of Saudi Basic Industries Corporation and a member of the National Industry Strategy steering committee.
Speaking at forum in Riyadh last week, Al-Qasabi highlighted the importance of maintaining quality standards and their impact on industrial growth. He said maintaining international standards help strengthen the national economy.
“Standard specifications play a key role in supporting the national economy and strengthening global competitiveness. They are crucial in improving the quality and safety of products in the markets since they are one of the most important pillars of the quality infrastructure,” Al-Qasabi said.
Prior to his current role, he served as chairman of the National Committee of the Saudi Building Code, director general of Adaptive TechSoft Co., director general of the Information Technology Department, and director general of administration and financial affairs at the Saudi Food and Drug Authority.
He also worked as the chairman of computer and information sciences department at Prince Sultan University and was a faculty member at the College of Computer and Information Sciences at King Saud University.
Al-Qasabi received a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering in 1987 from King Saud University and a master’s degree in computer engineering in 1990 from Syracuse University in New York.
He also obtained his doctorate degree in 1995 from the same university with a design and analysis of a dynamically reconfigurable switch for high-speed networks.
Saad bin Othman Al-Qasabi, governor of the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization
Saad bin Othman Al-Qasabi, governor of the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization
- Standard specifications play a key role in supporting the national economy and strengthening global competitiveness
Meteorology center warn of heavy rain across Kingdom, public told to avoid flood-prone areas
- Stay away from valleys and waterways at least until Thursday, Civil Defense cautions
- National Center for Meteorology center warns of possible thunderstorms and dust storms
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s National Center for Meteorology (NCM) has warned of thunderstorms across the Kingdom that could lead to flash floods, and officials cautioned the public against venturing in low-lying places prone to flooding.
In its weather forecast for Sunday, the meteorology center said “moderate to heavy thunderstorms are expected, leading to flash floods, accompanied by hail showers and active winds that will stir up dust and sand” in several provinces of the Kingdom.
These include Riyadh, Qassim, Hail, Madinah, Makkah, Al-Baha, Asir, Jazan and parts of the Eastern Province. Light to moderate storms are expected in parts of the Northern Borders, Al-Jouf and Tabuk, the NCM said.
In a separate advisory, the General Directorate of Civil Defense urged the public to avoid places prone to flash floods and valleys at least until December 18.
On Saturday, various parts of Saudi Arabia had been blessed with light to moderate rain ushering in full winter weather.
In separate reports, the Saudi Press Agency published images of beautiful landscapes that have emerged after being revitalized by rain.
Deserts rejuvenated
Among these are Al-Nafud (The Great Nafud Desert) in the Kingdom’s north, where moderate to heavy rainfall have “transformed the landscape, turning the golden sand dunes into stunning formations,” and also created streams and lakes.
“The cool weather has since made the Nafud a prime destination for desert and camping enthusiasts from inside and outside (Rafha) governorate,” SPA said.
Rain have also rejuvenated the Imam Turki Bin Abdullah Royal Reserve, the Kingdom’s second-largest nature reserve, spanning parts of the Northern Borders, Hail, Qassim, Al-Jouf and Eastern Province.
In the Northern Borders province, the Wadi Arar has come alive, refilling the province’s 11 operational dams.
“The deserts of Arar City ... have become an enchanting destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts following recent rainfall. The resulting rainfalls have created a stunning scenery, with flowing streams winding through sand dunes and ravines,” SPA said.
Cool, verdant mountains
In Asir and adjacent provinces in the southwest, fog shrouding mountain peaks and the city of Abha have resulted in beautiful winter sceneries, attracting nature lovers and photography enthusiasts.
Futher south in Najran province, days of rain have increased vegetation cover and revitalized the valley’s natural streams.
One of the foremost attractions is the Wadi Mughaydid on the slopes of the Sarawat range’s Maghra Mountains in northwest Najran, renowned for its pristine natural beauty.
Stretching 25 kilometers from Bir Askar Park to Shaab Baran, the valley’s unique geography combines verdant plains with towering mountains, making it an ideal destination for hiking and nature enthusiasts, according to SPA.
