RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s medical surgeons have been hailed as the best in the region and on a par with their counterparts in the West.
Doctors attending the sixth International Conference on Radiation Medicine (ICRM 2020), in Riyadh, also predicted that the Kingdom had a thriving future in implementing the latest technologies in its health care system.
“I think the Saudi medical surgeons are the best in the region. They are highly accomplished and dedicated doctors who are very comparable to the West,” said Dr. Adnan Sheikh, an associate professor of radiology at the University of Ottawa.
Sheikh, a delegate at the conference for the second year in Saudi Arabia, added that many Saudi medical students had asked him if they could be trained in Canada. “We would be happy to open new agreements with Saudi Arabia in the field.”
Touching on 3-D printing in medicine, Sheikh noted that the technology was used for educational purposes and that it helped in reducing costs of care in the operating room as well as surgery time.
“Although 3-D printing is expensive as a technology, it is becoming cheaper. It is evolving a lot where it is mostly used, extensively now for child heart disease across the world,” he said.
Sheikh pointed out that China and the US were leading the way in applying 3-D printing in their health care sectors.
Ahmed Nobah, chairperson of the 3-D printing and visualization track at the ICRM 2020, said: “3-D printing was introduced for the first time as a scientific track during the 2017 Radiation in Medicine Symposium and Workshops organized by KFSHRC (King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, in Riyadh).”
“This year, virtual reality (VR) technology was introduced for the first time as another important advanced 3-D visualization tool in medicine,” added Nobah, a medical physicist in the radiation oncology physics department at KFSHRC.
“VR can be used to provide surgeons with clear visualization for the case before the operation. It can also be used as an educational tool for medical residents to learn anatomy and visualize medical images in 3-D space different than conventional medical visualization monitors.”
He pointed out that implementing 3-D printing in hospitals moved the health sector “closer to the new era of personalized medicine, in which the printed tools are customized/designed per patient according to his/her specific requirements.”
Nobah anticipated a thriving future for Saudi Arabia in implementing the latest technologies in its health care system.
“A new initiative (by KFSHRC) called Young Investigator is to be announced, through which young investigators will work on clinically oriented projects and be part of the technological development in the field of medicine,” he added.
The ICRM is the largest conference in the Middle East on radiation medicine and has been organized by the KFSHRC in collaboration with Alfaisal University, the International Atomic Energy Agency, and the Saudi Society of Medical Radiologic Technology, in partnership with other institutions in Riyadh.
Doctors hail KSA’s medical surgeons as among best in world
https://arab.news/9jj7j
Doctors hail KSA’s medical surgeons as among best in world
- Doctors are attending the sixth International Conference on Radiation Medicine (ICRM 2020), in Riyadh
Saudi king, crown prince send condolences to Sultan of Oman after flood deaths
- A group of school children and a driver died when their vehicle was overtaken
RIYADH: King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Monday sent cables of condolences to Sultan Haitham bin Tariq after 17 people died in flooding in several parts of Oman.
The Saudi leaders sent their sincerest condolences to the sultan, and the families of the deceased, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
A group of school children and a driver died when their vehicle was overtaken, authorities said.
Civil defense officials gave the death toll for the rains, which saw Oman’s North Al Sharqiyah province hardest hit. The Royal Oman Police and the Omani military deployed to the province to transport citizens out of flooded areas
Heavy rainfall often causes flash flooding in the sultanate, drawing the curious from their homes to nearby dry riverbeds, known in Arabic as “wadi.” In flooding, they can quickly fill and wash away people and vehicles.
— with input from The Associated Press
Saudi independent musician takes road less traveled
- Artist SOVL speaks on the challenges and joys of making music independently
RIYADH: As the music scene diversifies in Saudi Arabia, from psychedelic rock to electronic dance, young artist SOVL is bringing a new flavor to the mix.
SOVL is a self-taught independent musician who was on a quest to create a top-notch, industry-standard album on his own that reflected his personal artistry and carried a meaningful narrative. He platformed a distinct blend of alternative, modern, and indie rock, all rooted in the DNA of guitar music.
“As an independent musician, it’s a harder process than someone, say, signed to a label. But I try to take advantage of what I have,” he said.
The Saudi rockstar, 22, debuted his first album “Too Much Is Not Enough” last December. The album represented a bold artistic leap as SOVL, a producer, songwriter, and singer, ventured into the captivating realm of full-length storytelling through his music.
The 10-track work is an emotional odyssey. Open to interpretation, the songs become a canvas upon which the listener’s own feelings are painted.
In a world where the pursuit of “too much” often takes center stage, “Too Much Is Not Enough” offers a message that resonates with all: In the pursuit of everything, we must not forget to preserve the most essential part of our being — ourselves.
I firmly believe that you can write and record music right from your own bedroom and doing so can make the final product more genuine, presenting your art exactly as you envision it.
SOVL, Saudi music artist
But before the full body of work came along, his journey was nothing but relentless.
“When I laid my hands on my first electric guitar in 2019, I was taking a different approach in learning the instrument,” he said. His technique was more makeshift than anything: placing his fingers wherever they landed or strumming whatever sounded right until he began learning some basics of guitar chord theory.
He later began recording his music on the beginner-friendly GarageBand before moving on to using the Logic Pro software and experimenting with different sounds.
SOVL released his single “What’s Going On?” in 2021, his first official launch into the local music scene as an indie alternative artist. The refreshing sound brings listeners back to the rock gems of the 70s like The Who and The Clash, who inspired much of his music.
He also tries to infuse a bit of Arabic spirit into his music; the oud instrument makes an appearance in some of his songs, including “Ana.”
While making music is the easy part, some other aspects of the industry like marketing and distribution can be difficult to tackle.
A record label, for example, would handle cover art, music video production, and music distribution. “It (would have) been much easier to sign with a record label so they could get all that sorted,” he said.
Regardless of the challenges, SOVL expressed his joy in having the freedom of creative direction: “I’m a strong advocate for the do-it-yourself approach. I firmly believe that you can write and record music right from your own bedroom and doing so can make the final product more genuine, presenting your art exactly as you envision it.
“Don’t get me wrong; there’s absolutely nothing wrong with signing to a major label,” he noted. “It’s a fantastic opportunity for those who have it. However, in a world flooded with too much music content, it can be challenging to stand out and get your unique sound heard.”
For his first album’s cover art, he enlisted the help of his friends. They took an impromptu one-day trip to the Eastern Province for the makeshift photoshoot and ended up filming one of his music videos there as well.
“It takes a whole lot of belief, and my friends have had my back since the get-go,” he said about the experience.
Many independent artists now are utilizing social media platforms like TikTok to promote their music, but SOVL says their approach is a bit “cliche” for his persona.
Personifying a rather mysterious image, hence the anonymous stage name, and presenting a style that is much more nuanced than generic pop, he allows his sound and lyrics to speak for themselves.
His album, although niche in genre, presents an exploration of a rather universal experience. He narrates the battle within to settle for what we already have. The theme is encapsulated in the album cover, which features the artist pouring water into an already plentiful and vast sea.
What distinguishes SOVL is his continuous pursuit to diversify not just genres but the very composition of albums in the novel Saudi music industry. Concept albums, which can tell a larger story than what could be contained in a single track, enhance the listeners’ experience of various notions.
SOVL is adamant about making and releasing music that is authenticated by genuine and soulful feelings, and his name serves as a reminder of that.
He said: “The album is super focused lyrically, on the theme, the sound, and some of the listeners criticized me on that point. Because it was my first album, (they believe) it should be a showcase of what you’re capable of, but on a broader aspect.
“With the Extended Edition, going forward, I’m going to broaden the sound, experiment a bit, but still with the same themes … It’s also to compel the story.”
While the writing and producing process is personal and self-centric, the product may not be everyone’s cup of tea, he said. Pop sensibility is not the artist’s goal, but he understands that broadening the scope of his work, even slightly, will create a more palatable experience for listeners to get into more psychedelic and grunge alternative rock.
“What I’m trying to do here is get people interested in different colors of music,” he said. “This is one that hasn’t been targeted yet here (in Saudi Arabia), but I’m really glad to try and start it.
“The scene here and the talents are still developing their musical identities … If you’re interested in music, just go for it. Once you start and find it’s really interesting, you’re maybe gifted, so try to invest more time on that,” he added.
SOVL’s goal is to prove, not only to himself but also to his friends and aspiring musicians, that artists can take an indie approach and still achieve their dreams in the world of music.
His album is out now on all popular streaming platforms.
King Salman Royal Reserve — an ecological haven
- Fahd Al-Shawaier told Arab News: “The diverse wildlife inhabiting the area is huge … Arabian oryx groups were recently released, and plans are underway to reintroduce species formerly present in the area”
JEDDAH: In the northern part of the Kingdom, the King Salman bin Abdulaziz Royal Reserve, which is recognized by BirdLife International, has strengthened its standing as one of the biggest and most important bird regions in the world through recent expansions.
The additions to the global bird sites within the reserve include the At-Turaif area, Harrat crater, Hail area, and Tabarjal. These areas, situated on major bird migration paths, are considered important protection areas.
Within the expansive boundaries of the reserve, a remarkable 290 species of wild birds have been recorded. An astonishing 88 percent of these are migratory, making a stop in the reserve, while 12 percent are resident.
FASTFACTS
• 58 percent of the total birds recorded in all regions of the Kingdom find refuge within the King Salman Royal Reserve, underscoring its importance for avian conservation efforts.
• The additions to the global bird sites within the reserve include the At-Turaif area, Harrat crater, Hail area, and Tabarjal.
Notably, 58 percent of the total birds recorded in all regions of the Kingdom find refuge within the reserve, underscoring its importance for avian conservation efforts. Alarmingly, 25 species among them are listed on the Red List of Threatened Species.
A jewel in the crown
At the heart of the reserve lies Al-Khunfah Natural Reserve, spanning more than 20,000 sq km on the edge of the Nafud desert. Designated as a natural reserve in 1987, Al-Khunfah boasts a natural landscape characterized by sedimentary formations and sandstone, displaying a diverse color palette ranging from dark brown to white, with shades of gray and light brown.
The biodiversity within Al-Khunfah is spectacular, encompassing a variety of fungal, animal and plant species. Resident and migratory birds, including the houbara bustard and cranes, find sanctuary here, alongside trees such as arfaj, athel, arta, talh, harmal and lavender.
Fahd Al-Shawaier, director of communication and public relations at the King Salman bin Abdulaziz Royal Reserve Development Authority, told Arab News: “The diverse wildlife inhabiting the area is huge … Arabian oryx groups were recently released, and plans are underway to reintroduce species formerly present in the area.”
These efforts aim to restore degraded ecosystems.
Al-Khunfah does not merely house avian wonders; it hosts various reptile species, as well as rabbits and foxes. From the majestic Arabian wolf, sand cat, wild cat, and the false cobra to the elusive desert warbler, wild rabbit and desert hedgehog, the reserve is home to many species.
NUMBER
290
A remarkable 290 species of wild birds have been recorded within the expansive boundaries of the King Salman Royal Reserve.
The area is also inhabited by many resident bird species such as the Arabian partridge, greater hoopoe-lark, owl and long-legged buzzard, and migratory birds such as the steppe eagle, eastern imperial eagle, vulture and saker falcon.
Al-Khunfah hosts a variety of habitats for reptile species such as the desert warbler, lizard, frog-headed lizard and fringed-toed lizard, among others.
There is one rabbit species in Al-Khunfah, the cape hare, and two fox species, the red fox and Ruppell’s fox, Al-Shawaier said.
Al-Khunfah’s mountains and highlands showcase nature’s splendor across areas such as Bagheith, Al-Asmar, Anz, Abu Talihat, Dhaea, Al-Dhahakiya, and valleys such as Al-Fater, Niyal, Al-Saileh, Al-Aqeelah, Abu Mataya and Wadi Al-Mawrida. Seasonal rains, ranging from 50 to 100 mm, sustain the land, plants, trees and wildlife habitats.
The reserve’s diverse terrain, including sandy and rocky environments, plains, mountain slopes and dunes, provides habitats for resident and migratory wildlife species.
While seasonal rains are crucial for plant growth and diversity, flooding resulting from these rains can pose challenges to certain plant species.
The rains work to rejuvenate soil fertility and improve its composition, contributing to the creation of an ideal environment for the growth of plant species, including annual herbs (which are aided by the rains to complete their life cycle), as well as the flourishing of trees, shrubs and perennial herbs during the rainy season, which enhances plant diversity in the area, Al-Shawaier said.
“However, it should be noted that floods resulting from these rains can negatively affect plants, especially those that do not tolerate continuous water immersion,” he said.
Temporary basins are formed, supplying resident and migratory wildlife with their water needs while the basins last.
Al-Shawaier said that the reserve has implemented various programs, initiatives and projects, including surveying and monitoring wildlife, reintroduction programs, post-release monitoring, and initiatives to maintain vegetation cover and habitats.
These efforts are crucial for meeting conservation targets and ensuring the long-term sustainability of this ecological haven.
Saudi Shoura speaker visits Jordan to strengthen ties
- Dr. Abdullah bin Mohammed Al-Asheikh emphasized that the leaderships of both countries are keen to strengthen and consolidate bilateral relations to meet the aspirations of their brotherly peoples
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Shoura Council Speaker Dr. Abdullah bin Mohammed Al-Asheikh arrived in Jordan on Monday for an official visit.
Al-Asheikh leads a delegation from the council who were officially invited by Ahmed Safadi, the speaker of Jordan’s House of Representatives.
Upon his arrival at Queen Alia International Airport in the capital Amman, he was received by Safadi, Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Jordan Nayef bin Bandar Al-Sudairi, and several senior officials of the Jordanian House of Representatives.
In a statement, Al-Asheikh commended the progress and cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Jordan in various fields. He emphasized that the leaderships of both countries are keen to strengthen and consolidate bilateral relations to meet the aspirations of their brotherly peoples.
He praised the Shoura Council’s use of parliamentary diplomacy to promote relations between Saudi Arabia and other countries, through which the council seeks to build bridges that consolidate relations, share views, and highlight the Kingdom’s positions on various issues and events.
During the visit, Al-Asheikh will hold talks with Safadi, focusing on enhancing cooperation in parliamentary fields, unifying efforts by coordinating common positions and visions in regional and international forums and platforms, and strengthening mechanisms of dialogue and parliamentary cooperation. He will also meet with Senate President Faisal Al-Fayez, Senate officials and other senior officials in Jordan.
Saudi deputy foreign minister and US envoy discuss war in Sudan
- They held talks on sidelines of international humanitarian conference in Paris for the war-torn African nation
RIYADH: The Saudi deputy minister of foreign affairs, Waleed Elkhereiji, and the US special envoy for Sudan, Tom Perriello, held talks on Monday in Paris on the sidelines of an international humanitarian conference for Sudan and its neighboring countries.
They discussed the latest developments in the war-torn country, ways in which cooperation between their countries might be enhanced, and other issues of common interest, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Donors pledged more than $2.13 billion in aid during the conference, French President Emmanuel Macron said, which took place on the first anniversary of what humanitarian workers described as a neglected but devastating conflict.
They said efforts to help millions of people driven to the verge of famine by the civil war have been held up by continuing fighting between the Sudanese army and rival paramilitary organization the Rapid Support Forces, restrictions imposed by the warring factions, and the financial demands donors are facing as a result of other global crises, including the conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine.
