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
Klija Festival in Buraidah empowers small businesses
- Half a million attend 15-day celebration of heritage; event creates 1,500 seasonal jobs
RIYADH: The 17th Klija Festival in Buraidah drew more than half a million visitors during its 15-day run, celebrating the region’s heritage and entrepreneurial spirit.
Organized by the Qassim Chamber of Commerce, the event highlighted small businesses, providing a platform for entrepreneurs to showcase local products.
More than 340 sales outlets, marketing corners and points of sale welcomed attendees, while the festival provided 1,500 seasonal job opportunities, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The small business pavilions featured families in the cottage industry, artisans and startups presenting traditional foods, and handicrafts and heritage items that reflect the region’s identity.
Participants said that the festival was a key marketing platform, boosting sales, increasing brand awareness, facilitating knowledge exchange and fostering connections with organizations supporting SMEs.
Mohammed Al-Hanaya, Qassim Chamber secretary-general and festival supervisor, said that the event brought together families, artisans, SMEs, companies and institutions, stimulating commercial activity, opening direct marketing channels and enhancing economic returns.
He added that the festival provided seasonal jobs for more than 1,500 young men and women across operations, marketing and services, supporting the labor market, empowering national talent, and connecting youth to the events and creative economy.
Klija, a traditional cookie made from wheat flour, dates or sugar, date syrup and natural ingredients such as cardamom and lemon, is a rich source of energy, carbohydrates, dietary fiber and natural proteins.
A cultural icon rooted in Qassim’s traditions, the cookie has gained international exposure through the festival, expanding the availability of packaged products.
Starting next year, the festival will be renamed the International Klija Festival, a rebranding approved by Qassim Gov. Prince Faisal bin Mishaal, who described it as a “successful model for turning local initiatives into global economic engines.”
This year’s festival, held at the King Khalid Cultural Center, included international participants from Egypt, Turkiye and Morocco, marking its evolution into a cross-cultural platform.
