JEDDAH: Saudi female engineers have played a prominent role in the country’s “great scientific achievements” said Noura Saud Al-Tuwaim, an engineer, who leads the optics department at the National Satellite Technology Center.
“The high rate of participation of young talents in the space sector reflects the wise Saudi leadership’s interest in empowering the nation’s women,” said Al-Tuwaim, who works within the developing team of the two Saudi satellites.
“They are activating their role as partners in the development and prosperity process that the Kingdom is witnessing.”
She noted that the center aims to raise national capabilities for developing, manufacturing, testing, launching and operating satellite systems to serve the national need.
Al-Tuwaim also sent a message to aspiring Saudi women interested in a technology career.
“You are the creators of the future and are worthy of the nation’s trust,” she said. “Knowledge and working with sincerity are the best that we can offer in light of our constant endeavor to return the favor to our homeland. We have the supreme goal of advancing our society and nation.”
Al-Tuwaim started her career in 2012 with a cooperative training program, which was one of the requirements for graduation from Prince Sultan University as a trainee in the King Abdul Aziz City for Science and Technology.
After graduating first in her class in 2013, Al-Tuwaim then completed her postgraduate studies in the US and secured her master’s degree from the McCormick School of Engineering at Northwestern University in 2017.
While working at the National Center for Satellite Technology, Al-Tuwaim participated in the Saudi Sat 5A/5B project, one of the prominent national projects that was successfully launched into space in 2018.
Saudi female engineer hails peers’ role in satellite industry
https://arab.news/b5s3w
Saudi female engineer hails peers’ role in satellite industry
- Al-Tuwaim started her career in 2012 with a cooperative training program
Saudi Film Festival to return in April with focus on Korean cinema
- Ahmed Al-Mulla, founder and director of the Saudi Film Festival, said in a statement: “We’re excited to welcome filmmakers to our annual gathering. Our doors are open to all creators, and filmmakers remain at the heart of everything we do
DHAHRAN: The Saudi Film Festival, organized by the Cinema Association in partnership with the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture and supported by the Saudi Film Commission, has announced that it will launch at Ithra in Dhahran between April 23-29.
This year’s festival explores the theme of “Cinema of the Journey,” presenting a selection of Arab and international films, both short and feature-length, that center on journeys and movement as essential storytelling elements.
The program includes road movies, travel narratives and films where physical or emotional journeys drive the narrative.
The theme encourages Saudi filmmakers to explore this subject through their own perspectives. It positions cinema itself as an act of continuous transition, where identity, place, and time converge to shape the human experience.
FASTFACTS
• This year’s Saudi Film Festival will explore the theme of ‘Cinema of the Journey,’ presenting a selection of Arab and international films that center on journeys and movement as essential storytelling elements.
• The program includes road movies, travel narratives and films where physical or emotional journeys drive the narrative.
Following last year’s focus on Japanese cinema, the festival will present a special “Spotlight on Korean Cinema” this year.
Ahmed Al-Mulla, founder and director of the Saudi Film Festival, said in a statement: “We’re excited to welcome filmmakers to our annual gathering. Our doors are open to all creators, and filmmakers remain at the heart of everything we do. This year’s festival creates an atmosphere filled with inspiration, idea exchange, and shared learning. It’s a celebration of cinematic creativity for everyone.”
Tariq Al-Khawaji, deputy director of the festival, added: “At Ithra, we’re proud of our longstanding partnership with the Cinema Association. It has enabled the festival’s growth and thematic diversity year after year, which we see clearly in how we empower filmmakers and create opportunities to engage with global cinema.
“The festival continues to grow across all areas, from preparations and participation to industry expectations locally and regionally. That makes attention to every detail essential.”
Since its launch in 2008, the Saudi Film Festival has played a central role in nurturing local and Gulf cinema. After intermittent early editions, it has now established itself as an annual platform for narrative and documentary competitions, industry programs and project markets.
By bringing together emerging and established filmmakers in Dhahran each year, the festival strengthens Saudi Arabia’s growing presence on the global film stage.
