TABUK: Nazmi Al-Nasr, the CEO of Neom project, on Monday met the first batch of students to benefit from an external scholarship program sponsored by the developer of the ambitious $500 billion mega city project in Tabuk, northwestern Saudi Arabia.
Fifteen students were chosen for the first phase of the program, which focused on applicants in communities close to the Neom site in Duba and Haql. In all, 250 students are expected to receive scholarships over the next five years, and will study at universities in the United States.
The students gave presentations to Al-Nasr and Neom’s social responsibility team, detailing their their specialties and ambitions for the ways in which they will contribute to one of the most ambitious development projects in the world.
“Investing in human resources is a key building block for the success of any future plan or project, and the people in the Neom community, of both sexes, are the best,” said Al-Nasr. “We can rely on them to reach our goals, which include...attracting the best talents and minds to build the city of the future in Neom.”
The aim of the scholarship program is to develop skills among the local population, involve it in the development of the project and provide the recipients of the scholarships with suitable job opportunities with the Neom project when their studies are complete. The first phase of the program includes developing skills in the fields of tourism, hospitality and archaeology. Other disciplines will be added as the project progresses.
More than 300 students applied for the first phase of the scholarship program. Of those, 50 progressed to the final selection stages, before 15 were offered sponsorship to study for bachelor’s degrees. After a two-month foundation course in the English language, in partnership with the University of Tabuk, the students will travel to the US in January, where their education will begin.
CEO of Neom Saudi mega city project meets first group of scholarship students
CEO of Neom Saudi mega city project meets first group of scholarship students
- Fifteen students were chosen for the first phase of the program
- The aim of the scholarship program is to develop skills among the local population
Ramadan begins with celestial spectacle in Saudi Arabia's north
- Venus-crescent moon alignment visible over Northern Borders Region skies
- Meteorology Center completes operational plan for the holy month
ARAR/JEDDAH: The holy month of Ramadan has commenced in Saudi Arabia with a striking astronomical display in the Northern Borders Region, setting a serene tone for the month as meteorological authorities confirmed full readiness to support pilgrims in Makkah and Madinah, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.
On Tuesday evening, the skies over Arar witnessed a rare alignment as the planet Venus paired with the slender crescent moon marking the first day of Ramadan. Appearing shortly after sunset, the crescent shimmered low on the western horizon above Venus — one of the brightest celestial bodies — in a display enhanced by clear skies.
While the conjunction is a recurring astronomical phenomenon caused by the apparent proximity of the two bodies as viewed from Earth, its coincidence with the start of the holy month added a special aesthetic and spiritual dimension to the atmosphere in the north, SPA said.
Meteorological readiness
As the faithful began their fasting, the National Center for Meteorology (NCM) announced the completion of its operational and technical preparations for Ramadan 1447 AH.
NCM Chief Executive Dr. Ayman bin Salem Ghulam confirmed that the center has finalized a comprehensive plan to ensure round-the-clock weather monitoring for Makkah, Madinah, and the roads leading to the Two Holy Mosques. The initiative aims to provide accurate forecasting to enhance the safety and comfort of the influx of visitors and Umrah pilgrims.
The plan includes heightened performance levels at observatories in the Kingdom’s airports to manage increased flight traffic and aviation safety.
To ensure pilgrims have real-time access to information, the NCM has integrated its data with the "Nusuk" and "Tawakkalna" smart applications. Ten-day extended forecasts and real-time alerts will also be available via the "Anwaa" app and displayed on guidance boards along highways.
The center has mobilized 14 media platforms to deliver swift weather alerts, ensuring high standards of security and logistical support throughout the season.
