JEDDAH: The King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) on Monday launched a new international competition, in partnership with Asbar World Forum, called “Shaping the Future of Media.”
This year’s challenge is about bringing innovative solutions to pressing problems facing the media system and developing the Kingdom’s culture and entertainment sectors.
The latest KAUST Challenge follows the success of the competition’s inauguration last year, to crowdsource ideas for Hajj and Umrah. Participants can submit their proposals between June 10 and Aug. 1 across 13 themes.
Dr. Najah Ashry, KAUST’s vice president and senior associate to the president, said the development of an active media sector was an urgent need for the Kingdom and the world.
“The KAUST Challenge competition aims to encourage local and international talent to find ideas, and solutions that help advance the country’s national priorities,” said Dr. Fahad Al-Orabi Al-Harthi, president of the Asbar World Forum.
Web developer and cybersecurity expert from Jeddah, Aisha Abdullatif, said she was interested in data privacy and security systems.
“Such competitions contribute greatly to attracting individuals and companies looking for a good opportunity to examine their ideas in a highly competitive atmosphere,” she told Arab News.
Abdul-Qayum Ahmad, an IT expert from Jeddah, said that such initiatives offered by a “world-class university” played an important role in encouraging local talent to develop new ideas.
Experts will evaluate all valid applications, shortlisting the most innovative solutions. These will be further reviewed by an expert committee and 30 finalists will be chosen. A committee comprising regional and international media leaders will pick the grand winner before Sept. 5.
The winning proposal will receive a cash prize of SR300,000 ($80,000) at a special award ceremony scheduled for late September.
Saudi Arabia’s KAUST launches second ‘challenge’ competition
https://arab.news/9rrev
Saudi Arabia’s KAUST launches second ‘challenge’ competition
- A committee comprising regional and international media leaders will pick the grand winner before Sept. 5
Taif festival celebrates Saudi Arabia’s literary icons
- It introduces visitors to the contributions of literary pioneers through accessible visual and narrative content
TAIF: A special section highlighting key Saudi literary figures forms part of the Writers and Readers Festival in Taif.
The area explores the lives of distinguished writers, poets, and authors who have shaped the Kingdom’s creative landscape, influencing literature, journalism, theater and intellectual thought.
It introduces visitors to the contributions of literary pioneers through accessible visual and narrative content, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.
Organized by the Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission, the festival runs until Jan. 15 and features 42 prominent publishing houses from Saudi Arabia and overseas, offering visitors the chance to explore the latest works in literature, philosophy and general knowledge.
Meanwhile, the festival’s interactive murals section engages visitors with openwork art panels, allowing them to contribute to the city’s features and identity.
The murals depict Taif’s natural and historical landmarks, including Al-Hada Mountain, the Taif rose gardens, and traditional Hijazi palaces. Others are inspired by Souq Okaz, a historic literary and commercial center linked to the region’s poetic heritage.
Designed by a visual artist, they blend folk-inspired elements with imaginative expression, creating a collaborative experience that celebrates the city’s beauty and brings art closer to the public.
