RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman has held talks on regional defense cooperation with officials from the Gulf Cooperation Council.
He was heading the Kingdom’s delegation at the 18th session of the Joint Defense Council of the GCC Ministers of Defense, which was held in Riyadh on Monday, chaired by Bahraini Minister of Defense Affairs Lt. Gen. Abdullah Al-Nuaimi and in the presence of GCC Secretary-General Nayef Al-Hajraf.
“During the meeting, we discussed aspects of coordination and integration among the GCC states in the defense field in a way that enhances the security and stability of the region,” Prince Khalid said on Twitter.
He said that his country was looking forward to hosting the 19th session of the Joint Defense Council.
The council took decisions and recommendations that are to be submitted at an upcoming summit of the Supreme Council of GCC leaders.
Meanwhile, under the patronage of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Prince Khalid inaugurated the headquarters of the Unified Military Command in Riyadh, in the presence of Gulf defense officials.
Lt. Gen. Eid bin Awad Al-Shalawi, commander of the GCC’s Unified Military Command, delivered a speech during the opening ceremony in which he expressed his thanks and appreciation to the defense ministers and stressed the importance of the joint Gulf defense work process.
The new headquarters has been established in an effort to strengthen the bonds of cohesion between the GCC states, and realize the importance of joint Gulf defense action in order to achieve regional security and stability.
Saudi deputy defense minister discusses defense cooperation with GCC
https://arab.news/cfy3v
Saudi deputy defense minister discusses defense cooperation with GCC
- Prince Khalid bin Salman was participating in a meeting of the Joint Defense Council of the GCC Ministers of Defense in Riyadh
- The Saudi minister also inaugurated the new GCC Unified Military Command headquarters
SDAIA Academy opens registration for quantum computing boot camp
- 5 hours of daily training offered, from Jan. 11-15
RIYADH: The SDAIA Academy has opened registration for a five-day quantum computing boot camp aimed at building national capabilities in one of the world’s most advanced and complex computing fields.
The boot camp will run from Jan. 11 to 15, offering five hours of daily training, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
It is organized by the Saudi Data and AI Authority, in collaboration with the King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, and targets professionals and specialists in computer science and related disciplines.
According to the SDAIA, the program is designed to equip participants with a foundational understanding of quantum computing and its potential applications, as Saudi Arabia steps up investments in advanced and emerging technologies, aligned with Vision 2030.
Quantum computing differs fundamentally from classical computing by relying on quantum mechanics rather than binary logic.
While still an emerging field, it is widely expected to reshape areas such as cybersecurity, optimization, advanced simulation and data-intensive research.
The boot camp will introduce participants to the physical and mathematical principles that underpin quantum computing, including the behavior of qubits, quantum superposition and entanglement.
It will also examine how quantum systems differ from traditional computing architectures and where quantum approaches may offer advantages.
In addition to theory, the program places a strong emphasis on applied training.
Participants will receive hands-on exposure to designing and running quantum algorithms using industry-recognized tools and platforms, including Qiskit and CUDA-Q.
These tools are currently used in research and early-stage development environments worldwide.
Organizers say the practical component aims to prepare participants to engage with real-world quantum computing workflows rather than limiting training to conceptual knowledge.
The goal is to build early-stage technical readiness among Saudi professionals, as global interest in quantum technologies accelerates.
The collaboration with King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals reflects a broader push to link national digital initiatives with academic and research expertise.
KFUPM has played a central role in developing technical talent in engineering, computing and applied sciences, fields closely connected to quantum research.
The SDAIA has increasingly focused on capability-building programs that support Saudi Arabia’s long-term digital and data strategy.
Training initiatives in artificial intelligence, advanced analytics and emerging technologies are viewed as essential in reducing reliance on external expertise and strengthening local innovation ecosystems.
Officials say the quantum computing boot camp forms part of this wider effort to develop specialized skills that may not yet be widespread in the local labor market but are expected to become strategically important in the coming decade.
The program also aligns with the objectives of Vision 2030 related to human capital development and the transition toward a knowledge-based economy, particularly in high-value technology sectors.
Registration for the boot camp is open until Jan. 6. Applicants can register through the SDAIA’s official training platform.
