Dr. Fahad Al-Orabi Al-Harthi, president of the Asbar Center for Studies, Research and Communications
Updated 31 October 2019
Arab News
Dr. Fahad Al-Orabi Al-Harthi has been the co-founder and president of the Asbar Center for Studies, Research and Communications since 1994.
Al-Harthi obtained his bachelor’s in Arabic language and literature from the faculty of Shariah and Islamic studies at Umm Al-Qura University in Makkah. He received his Ph.D. in human sciences and literature from the Sorbonne in Paris.
Al-Harthi then joined the staff of King Saud University in Riyadh between 1980 and 1993. At the same time, he worked as editor-in-chief of Al-Yamamah, one of the earliest magazines published in Saudi Arabia. He also joined the publication’s board of directors.
In 1997, Al-Harthi was appointed the head of the scientific research team in charge of the consultation and initial foundation studies for Al-Watan newspaper. The team was under his direct supervision for more than two years before publication of the newspaper and around three years afterwards. He was the first chairman of the newspaper’s board of directors.
He was also head of the scientific team that carried out research for reestablishing the Eastern Co. for Printing, Media and Information and the Dammam-based Al-Sharq magazine.
The center is organizing its fourth edition of the Asbar World Forum for 2019 in Riyadh between Nov. 4 and 6, which is expected to be full of scientific and developmental activities through the scheduled sessions, lectures, seminars, meetings and workshops, where a large number of officials and experts will participate.
Jeddah students get closer look at electric motorsport
A PIF-linked initiative highlights technical and engineering careers behind electric racing events
Updated 24 January 2026
SALEH FAREED
JEDDAH: Students from local and international schools in Jeddah were introduced to STEM-related career pathways in electric motorsport this week, as part of an education program linked to the UIM E1 World Championship held on the Red Sea.
The sessions formed part of Driving Force Presented by the Public Investment Fund, an initiative run by Formula E and its electric racing series partners, to familiarize students aged eight to 18 with science, technology, engineering and mathematics through electric racing and sustainability-focused industries.
The sessions for students formed part of Driving Force Presented by the Public Investment Fund, an initiative run by Formula E and its electric racing series partners. (Supplied)
The programme took place alongside the 2026 E1 Jeddah GP and included workshops, school visits and trackside access designed to show how engineering, data, broadcast technology and event operations function within professional motorsport.
According to organisers, the initiative reached more than 60,000 students globally in 2025, with further expansion planned this year.
HIGHLIGHTS
• The program took place alongside the 2026 E1 Jeddah GP and included workshops, school visits and trackside access.
• Students learned about E1 races and their technical and environmental dimensions and discussed the engineering and marine aspects of electric boats.
• According to organisers, the initiative reached more than 60,000 students globally in 2025, with further expansion planned this year.
John Williams, managing director at E1, told Arab News: “The PIF is absolutely vital to everything we do here at the E1. They were crucial initial investment partner since the start of the championship and they continue to support us in a number of ways and more specifically around the Driving Force program.”
The sessions for students formed part of Driving Force Presented by the Public Investment Fund, an initiative run by Formula E and its electric racing series partners. (Supplied)
Elaborating more on the program, he said: “What we are doing is presenting and showing these students the available careers of science, technology, engineering and mathematics, as well as careers in sports, not only pilots but also engineers and mechanics.”
Williams added that the main key to the program was bringing a new generation to the mechanism of sport.
“We are introducing to these exciting new technologies around the race but it could be our technology on the boat or our broadcast products, as well as how to manage the event its self. There are a range of opportunities to show it to the children in addition to enjoying the excitement of the race and meeting the pilots.”
The program’s Jeddah activities began at King Abdulaziz University’s faculty of maritime studies, where students took part in a hands-on workshop focused on STEM careers in the motorsport and sustainability areas conducted by technology experts and famous water pilots such as Dani Clos, Emma Kimilainen and Patricia Pita.
Students learned about E1 races and their technical and environmental dimensions and discussed the engineering and marine aspects of electric boats.
They also enjoyed exclusive behind-the-scenes access at the E1 Jeddah GP, pilot meet-and-greets, and front-row seats to watch the RaceBird boats in action.
