Camel festival ‘represents rich Saudi culture,’ says Finland’s envoy

During the visit, the ambassador and her delegation were briefed on the competitions in the 20-Asayel category for camels. (SPA)
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Updated 21 December 2022
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Camel festival ‘represents rich Saudi culture,’ says Finland’s envoy

  • Kingdom protecting its heritage, says Finland’s envoy
  • Prizes worth over $26m on offer at annual event 

RIYADH: The organization of the King Abdulaziz Camel Festival every year reflects the importance the Kingdom places on protecting and promoting its rich cultural heritage.

This is the view of Finland’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Anu-Eerika Viljanen, who visited the ongoing seventh edition of the event recently, and tweeted: “King Abdulaziz Camel Festival presents rich #Saudiculture and traditions in a unique way. Different camel breeds compete in about 75 contests. It is an honor to experience these precious moments of #Saudi heritage and hospitality in the #KSA.”

During the visit, the ambassador and her delegation were briefed on the competitions in the 20-Asayel category for camels, the Saudi Press Agency reported.




Finnish Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Anu-Eerika Viljanen riding a camel at the King Abdulaziz Camel Festival, 130 km north of Riyadh. (Supplied)

The six-week event organized by the Camel Club, which began on Dec. 1, has attracted a steady stream of foreign ambassadors and thousands of visitors from around the globe.

The competitions offer prizes worth over SR100 million ($26 million).

Held 130 km north of Riyadh, the festival features cultural and heritage shows, and popular attractions such as Al-Dahna Market, food trucks, and booths for Saudis to sell their goods.
 


Students explore AI, robotics with MIT expert

Updated 15 December 2025
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Students explore AI, robotics with MIT expert

RIYADH: Misk Schools in Riyadh has hosted specialized workshops in robotics and artificial intelligence, introducing students to research led by prominent Saudi experts.

Saudi researcher Sharifa Al-Ghowinem, from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, visited as part of the initiative, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.

She worked over three sessions with students from the early years and upper elementary grades on activities focused on basic shapes and block-based programming.

Older students undertook more advanced tasks involving robotic drawing.

The interactive workshops gave students direct guidance and insight into ongoing research at MIT.

Dr. Steffen Sommer, director general of Misk Schools, said Al-Ghowinem’s work extended beyond technical achievement.

He said: “Her research reflects a Saudi vision that is shaping global scientific inquiry at MIT.

“Her visit gave Misk Schools’ students a unique opportunity to engage directly with a scientist advancing human-robot interaction in both Arabic and English.”