Gifted young Saudis key focus of 2nd Mawhiba global conference

Al-Hazzaa said a global talent platform would be launched during the conference that would see the participation of some of the world’s most promising young people. (SPA)
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Updated 11 December 2022
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Gifted young Saudis key focus of 2nd Mawhiba global conference

  • Applying science, technology critical, says official
  • ‘Ideathon’ sessions seek solutions for world challenges

JEDDAH: A major conference to help identify and develop gifted young Saudis in the key areas of science and technology was launched on Saturday in Jeddah.

On behalf of King Salman, Makkah Gov. Prince Khaled Al-Faisal got the second Global Conference for Giftedness and Creativity underway. It will run until Dec. 14.

The event, organized by the King Abdulaziz and His Companions’ Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity, also known as Mawhiba, is being held in the Saudi coastal city under the theme “Journey Toward the New Future.”

HIGHLIGHT

Mawhiba Secretary-General Amal Al-Hazzaa said the participants are connected by their motivation, passion and thirst for knowledge. She emphasized that Saudi Arabia continued to play a leading role worldwide to support and nurture talented youth.

Mawhiba Secretary-General Amal Al-Hazzaa said the participants are connected by their motivation, passion and thirst for knowledge. She emphasized that Saudi Arabia continued to play a leading role worldwide to support and nurture talented youth.

Al-Hazzaa thanked for their assistance the Saudi Ministry of Education, Saudi Aramco, Saudi Basic Industries Corp., NEOM, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, the Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu, the Education and Training Evaluation Commission, and the Royal Commission for AlUla.

“Science, on its own, cannot provide food to those feeling or showing the need for it. Moreover, science can neither heal those suffering from illnesses, nor can it support them to build a prosperous society … (so) science and technology should be applied so that we can achieve the desired results,” said Al-Hazzaa.

She said a global talent platform would be launched during the conference that would see the participation of some of the world’s most promising young people.

The gathering opened with a group of young people performing a show to highlight the solutions humanity can find through the application of advanced technology. Prince Khaled then launched the event with praise for those organizations and companies backing the initiative.

The scientific committee of the conference met later to participate in the “Ideathon” sessions to find the winning ideas that could be developed further.

 

 


Little Farm: A Countryside Escape in the Heart of Jeddah

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Little Farm: A Countryside Escape in the Heart of Jeddah

  • The farm provides a pleasant setting for capturing memorable photos, especially when children encounter farm animals for the first time

During weekends, I always like to take my 18-month-old son somewhere that stimulates his senses and curiosity. While searching for family-friendly farms in Jeddah, I discovered Little Farm, located in the Al-Manarat district. With a 4.2 rating, it seemed like a convenient nearby option.

My first impression upon entering was very positive. The venue also hosts children’s themed parties, and the cashier explained the available activities, which cater to children as young as one year old. Visitors can access the animal farm area starting from SR39 for both adults and children.

Older children can participate in interactive experiences such as goat milking, which is offered for an additional fee. Visitors can also explore dedicated rabbit and cat halls, both available at an extra charge. These halls allow children to interact with animals from various breeds in a safe environment, under the supervision of trained animal specialists. Another section of the venue is the vertical farm zone, where families can explore hanging fruits and vegetables and learn about modern farming methods.

I purchased tickets for the animal farm and paid an additional SR25 for a basket of animal feed, which included cattle feed, bird food, clover, grains and lettuce. Visitors can keep the reusable straw basket for future visits. The dark brown basket with a blue base adds to the countryside aesthetic. The farm opens daily to visitors at 4:30 p.m.

A toddler gets a close encounter with a goat at the Little Farm. (AN photo by Nada Hameed)

The maze-like entrance creates the atmosphere of a secret garden. Visitors are first greeted by a group of large turkeys, loudly announcing their presence. I quickly moved toward the duck pond, as ducks are my son’s favorite birds. We enjoyed feeding them lettuce by the water. Both the ducks and the pond were clean, and the experience was enjoyable enough that my son wanted to stay there for the rest of the visit.

We then moved to the turtle enclosure, where the animals appeared active and eager to be fed. In the goat section, children were allowed to hold a baby goat, which quickly became a highlight for many families. We also fed goats and sheep, the farm indeed provided an engaging and educational experience for children. Ponies, cows, donkeys and geese were also there.

The farm provides a pleasant setting for capturing memorable photos, especially when children encounter farm animals for the first time. The reactions are truly priceless.

The animal shelters were clean and spacious, and the farm offers a good variety of animals. Staff members were helpful and welcoming, and overall prices were reasonable for the experience offered. For more information, check the farm’s Instagram account @littlefarmksa.