Fahad Al-Mana, professor at King Saud University

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Updated 20 August 2020
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Fahad Al-Mana, professor at King Saud University

Fahad Al-Mana has been a professor in the department of plant production at King Saud University’s (KSU) College of Food and Agricultural Sciences since 2001.

He gained a bachelor’s degree in general agriculture from KSU in 1975, and a master’s degree and Ph.D. in horticulture sciences in 1979 and 1983, respectively, both from Kansas State University.

Prior to his current position, Al-Mana worked as an associate professor at KSU’s department of plant production from 1991 to 2001 and as a teaching assistant in the same department between 1975 and 1983.

He has also held a number of key administrative roles, including serving as a director of the Agricultural Research and Experiments Station in Dirab, supervisor of the educational farm in the university district and college of agriculture’s farm in Al-Ghatghat between 1986 and 1990, and secretary of the Saudi Society for Life Sciences at KSU from 1996 to 2000.

Al-Mana was head of the plant production department from 1991 to 1993 then again from 1999 to 2003. He was a supervisor of afforestation management at KSU from 2000 to 2007, worked part time as a consultant at the Ministry of Agriculture between 2003 and 2006, was a consultant to Riyadh municipality from 2007 to 2011, and a supervisor of the establishment and development of the botanical garden at KSU from 2009 to 2013.

On the Green Riyadh project, Al-Mana said that most of the tree species planted were from a well-developed local environment with low agricultural service and care. He said that the amount of green space in the city would increase from 5 percent to 9 percent by 2030 and that the program would also reduce carbon dioxide and pollution levels in Riyadh.


Jeddah students get closer look at electric motorsport

Updated 24 January 2026
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Jeddah students get closer look at electric motorsport

  • A PIF-linked initiative highlights technical and engineering careers behind electric racing events

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.