Volunteers at heart of Ithra honored at Dhahran event

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Most audience members were young local volunteers, with their distinct light blue vests. In bright red vests were younger ‘little volunteers, The event began with an announcement encouraging audience to shoot photos.’ (Supplied)
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Most audience members were young local volunteers, with their distinct light blue vests. In bright red vests were younger ‘little volunteers, The event began with an announcement encouraging audience to shoot photos.’ (Supplied)
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Most audience members were young local volunteers, with their distinct light blue vests. In bright red vests were younger ‘little volunteers, The event began with an announcement encouraging audience to shoot photos.’ (Supplied)
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Most audience members were young local volunteers, with their distinct light blue vests. In bright red vests were younger ‘little volunteers, The event began with an announcement encouraging audience to shoot photos.’ (Supplied)
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Most audience members were young local volunteers, with their distinct light blue vests. In bright red vests were younger ‘little volunteers, The event began with an announcement encouraging audience to shoot photos.’ (Supplied)
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Most audience members were young local volunteers, with their distinct light blue vests. In bright red vests were younger ‘little volunteers, The event began with an announcement encouraging audience to shoot photos.’ (Supplied)
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Updated 16 December 2023
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Volunteers at heart of Ithra honored at Dhahran event

  • The forum focused on exploring various types of programs to motivate volunteers to actively participate

DHAHRAN: The Ithra Theater in Dhahran was transformed into a festive space to celebrate volunteers on Dec. 14.

Most audience members were young local volunteers, with their distinct light blue vests. In bright red vests were younger “little volunteers.”

The event began with a loudspeaker announcement encouraging audience members to shoot photos and videos to share online. “Our dear volunteers, this is your day,” it said.




Most audience members were young local volunteers, with their distinct light blue vests. In bright red vests were younger ‘little volunteers, The event began with an announcement encouraging audience to shoot photos.’ (Supplied)

The forum aimed to “explore various types of volunteering programs and initiatives aimed at motivating volunteers to actively participate,” a statement said, adding that the slogan was “strive to give.”

Although International Volunteer Day is celebrated around the world on Dec. 5, Ithra aimed to highlight the contributions of the volunteers beyond that one day.

Hosted by Mohammed Al-Mousa, the volunteerism forum involved talks by Ibrahim Al-Dossary, senior programs specialist, and Abdullah Al-Allawi, an educational content creator. An insightful panel consisting of Bader Batyoor, head of volunteer services, along with Mohammed Al-Moghamis, senior manager of youth impact majlis at the Misk Foundation, and the managing partner at tourism company Nomu Hub, Yahya Al-Lawati, was moderated by Al-Mousa.

HIGHLIGHTS

• The event began with a announcement encouraging audience members to shoot photos and videos to share online.

• Although International Volunteer Day is celebrated around the world on Dec. 5, Ithra aimed to highlight the contributions of the volunteers beyond that one day.

• A QR code was distributed to audience members, allowing them to vote for their favorite group. At the end, three groups were selected s winners.

Al-Mousa spoke about his connection to Ithra, an Aramco initiative. He said that in 2015, before the completion of the Ithra building, he wondered about the future and was curious about the people who would eventually occupy the site — what conversations and activities would be held within it?

“The secret is you, the volunteer,” he told the crowd, adding that volunteering helps support and guide visitors through Ithra. Although volunteers do not receive money, they are taught skills and get to interact with people from around the world, Al-Mousa said.




Most audience members were young local volunteers, with their distinct light blue vests. In bright red vests were younger ‘little volunteers, The event began with an announcement encouraging audience to shoot photos.’ (Supplied)

Yousif Al-Mulla, an audio engineer and medical student, moderated mini discussions with young volunteers on stage. The forum had earlier split a select number of volunteers into six groups, with each taking a week to come together to solve a local problem, including environmental and social issues.

Two representatives from each group spoke to Al-Mulla about their projects.

A QR code was distributed to audience members, allowing them to vote for their favorite group. At the end, three groups were selected as winners.

 


Riyadh to host talks on philosophy, quality of life

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Riyadh to host talks on philosophy, quality of life

RIYADH: The Literature, Publishing, and Translation Commission will host the fourth Riyadh International Philosophy Conference from Dec. 5-7, bringing together more than 60 prominent philosophers and thinkers from around the world.

With the theme “Philosophy and quality of life: Existence, truth and goodness,” the event will include keynote speeches, panel discussions and workshops, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

Topics will examine the intersections of philosophy and reality, the philosophical dimensions of health and beauty, and ethical issues in society, showcasing how philosophical thought can enhance well-being and foster societal development.

Commission CEO Mohammed Alwan said that the conference serves as a platform reflecting the Kingdom’s leadership in promoting philosophical dialogue at both the local and international levels.

This year’s theme, he added, aligns with Saudi Arabia’s vision to enhance quality of life and encourage intellectual collaboration across borders.

Global institutions such as New Philosopher and The School of Life are taking part in the Saudi-hosted event for the first time.

The conference highlights Saudi Arabia’s commitment to enriching the global cultural and intellectual landscape, attracting researchers, thinkers and students worldwide while reinforcing Riyadh’s status as a hub for philosophical dialogue and intellectual leadership, the SPA reported.


Right on time: Riyadh Metro engineers new era of urban mobility

Riyadh metro connects key urban centers, reducing car dependency in a city notorious for traffic congestion. (SPA/Supplied)
Updated 03 December 2024
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Right on time: Riyadh Metro engineers new era of urban mobility

  • The capital city’s new public transport system covers 176 kms of track

RIYADH: In a city where rapid development has outpaced infrastructure, the Riyadh Metro is setting a new benchmark for urban transport in the Kingdom. The $23 billion mega-project, one of the largest metro systems built in a single phase, has six lines, 176 kilometers of track and 85 stations.

Engineering against the odds

Riyadh’s complex geological and urban landscapes posed unique challenges during construction. Beneath the city’s surface is dense limestone and breccia, which required the use of special tunnel boring machines, or TBMs, designed to navigate these demanding conditions.

The metro’s stations are a balance between form and function. (SPA)

“The geological conditions demanded not only technical sophistication but also real-time adaptability to ensure both speed and accuracy,” Roger Cruickshank, senior director at AtkinsRealis, which led the design of Lines 4, 5, and 6, said in an interview with Arab News.

The metro’s 11 underground and 17 at-grade stations were strategically placed to enhance connectivity across the city. Additionally, the integration of underground, at-grade, and elevated tracks required careful consideration of Riyadh’s existing road networks.

FASTFACT

Riyadh Metro’s 11 underground and 17 at-grade stations were strategically placed to enhance connectivity across the city.

“Restructuring road networks and ensuring smooth transitions between modes of transit were integral to minimizing disruption,” Cruickshank said.

Automation at the core

A defining feature of the Riyadh Metro is its Level 4 automation, eliminating the need for onboard operators. Centralized control centers manage operations through advanced algorithms and real-time data, ensuring seamless functionality.

Supporting this system are geotechnical monitoring tools, including fiber optic sensors and automated data acquisition systems, which continuously assess infrastructure health.

The metro connects key urban centers, reducing car dependency in a city notorious for traffic congestion. (SPA)

“These technologies provide real-time insights, allowing us to predict maintenance needs and address them before they escalate,” Cruickshank said.

The trains themselves are equipped with advanced safety features, such as early warning and remote diagnostic systems, enhancing passenger safety and operational reliability.

Predictive analytics further optimize system efficiency, extending the lifespan of critical components while minimizing downtime.

Functionality meets design

The metro’s stations are a balance between form and function. While designed to optimize passenger flow and connectivity, they also reflect Riyadh’s cultural identity through architectural motifs inspired by local heritage.

Roger Cruickshank, AtkinsRealis senior director

“The design integrates contemporary materials with traditional influences, making the infrastructure both practical and a visual complement to the city,” Cruickshank said.

The metro connects key urban centers, reducing car dependency in a city notorious for traffic congestion. The focus on accessibility ensures that the system serves Riyadh’s growing population effectively.

Sustainability

The Riyadh Metro aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 by prioritizing sustainability; by promoting public transport, it is projected to significantly cut carbon emissions.

The design integrates contempor- ary materials with traditional influences, making the infrastruc- ture both practical and a visual complement to the city.

Roger Cruickshank, AtkinsRealis senior director

The system also incorporates energy-efficient technologies, such as regenerative braking and automated lighting, to minimize its environmental footprint.

“Noise and vibration mitigation strategies were essential to ensure the system operated harmoniously within the urban environment,” Cruickshank added. These measures, combined with the integration of green building standards, highlight the project’s commitment to environmental stewardship.

The lessons from the project are already informing future initiatives in Saudi Arabia and beyond. “This project demonstrates how collaboration, advanced technology, and strategic planning can produce infrastructure that is both technically brilliant and sustainable,” Cruickshank said.

The Riyadh Metro provides a case study for cities worldwide grappling with urbanization and mobility challenges. By combining engineering excellence, technological innovation, and cultural sensitivity, authorities have created a transit network that not only meets today’s needs but anticipates the demands of tomorrow as well.

 


Saudi Arabia hosts military drills at Prince Sultan Airbase

Updated 03 December 2024
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Saudi Arabia hosts military drills at Prince Sultan Airbase

  • 8 other countries’ forces taking part in 2-week military exercise southeast of Riyadh

RIYADH: Prince Sultan Airbase is hosting Tuwaiq 4 military drills with the air forces from eight other countries. 

Alongside the Royal Saudi Air Force, combat pilots and military servicemen from Oman, Jordan, Morocco, Qatar, the UK, the US, Greece, and the UAE participated on Monday in aerial drills at the base near Al-Kharj, southeast of Riyadh. 

Forces from Egypt and Bahrain will be joining as observers in the two-week military exercise.

Mohammed bin Abdullah Al-Khanfour, a Saudi colonel pilot, said that Tuwaiq 4 drills looked to enhance cooperation, raise the level of readiness, and improve the combat efficiency of aircrews, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Drills will also focus on tactical landing, flying at high and low altitudes, operating in challenging scenarios, carrying out search and rescue operations, and enhancing ground technical support. 

Tuwaiq 4 also includes lectures about prominent air combat technologies and theories of planning and commanding an air operation.


Hope in the desert: Onager returns to Saudi Arabia after a century

Updated 02 December 2024
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Hope in the desert: Onager returns to Saudi Arabia after a century

  • The Persian onager, a smaller relative of the extinct Equus hemionus hemippus, plays a vital role in the reserve’s ambitious landscape and seascape restoration program

RIYADH: In a significant advancement for wildlife conservation, Saudi Arabia has reintroduced the onager to its native habitat after over a century of absence, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.

This achievement was made possible through a collaboration between the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve Development Authority and the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature from Jordan.

Earlier this year, seven Persian onagers were brought from Shaumari Wildlife Reserve in Jordan to the royal reserve.

The return of the onager aligns with the reserve’s Integrated Development Management Plan, supporting the Saudi Green Initiative and Vision 2030. (SPA)

The animals have reportedly adapted well to their new environment, with the birth of the first foal marking a pivotal moment in the rewilding process. The reintroduction highlights the importance of restoring ecosystems and creating a sustainable environment for endangered species to thrive.

Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve Development Authority CEO Andrew Zaloumis said in a statement: “The reintroduction of the onager, a species historically celebrated by Arabic poets, is a transformative step for their conservation and a major milestone in the Kingdom's biodiversity efforts.”

He emphasized that the Persian onager, classified as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, is now free to roam Saudi Arabia once again.

The Persian onager, a smaller relative of the extinct Equus hemionus hemippus, plays a vital role in the reserve’s ambitious landscape and seascape restoration program.

The royal reserve is actively working to restore ecosystems, ensuring the species can flourish while maintaining biodiversity. The onager serves as an ecological asset and a cultural symbol deeply rooted in Arabian history and tradition.

This collaborative endeavor with the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature underscores the importance of cross-border conservation efforts to protect endangered species and their habitats.

The president of the Jordanian organization’s board of directors, Batoul Ajlouni, expressed her delight at the reintroduction, emphasizing the importance of fostering real collaboration in conserving ecosystems and habitats through effective protected area management and capacity-building programs.

The return of the onager aligns with the reserve’s Integrated Development Management Plan, supporting the Saudi Green Initiative and Vision 2030.

In addition to the onager, the reserve has reintroduced several other species, including Arabian oryx, Nubian ibex, sand gazelle, mountain gazelle, and various bird species.

These efforts form part of the Kingdom’s broader mission to enhance biodiversity and promote sustainable development.

As the onager thrives in its natural habitat, it stands as a symbol of hope and the importance of wildlife conservation in Saudi Arabia.

 


Historic Jeddah Program launches Culture Square as new landmark for arts and heritage

Updated 02 December 2024
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Historic Jeddah Program launches Culture Square as new landmark for arts and heritage

  • Culture Square, which will span 26,000 square meters, will feature two flagship facilities

JEDDAH: The Ministry of Culture’s Historic Jeddah Program has unveiled the Culture Square, an initiative designed to revitalize the historic Jeddah area and establish it as a global hub for arts and heritage, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.

Situated on the banks of Lake Al-Arbaeen, the project blends the region’s rich history with contemporary innovation, reflecting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goal of enhancing cultural tourism and preserving heritage, SPA added.

Culture Square, which will span 26,000 square meters, will feature two flagship facilities: the Center for Performing Arts and the Digital Arts Museum “TeamLab Without Borders.”

The Center for Performing Arts will offer a range of cultural activities, including theatrical performances, international festivals, and film screenings.

It will also house the headquarters of the Red Sea Film Festival, a state-of-the-art theater with 868 seats, five cinema halls, dialogue spaces, and multi-purpose areas for cultural exchange.

Adjacent to this, the TeamLab Museum spans 10,000 square meters and will showcase 80 interconnected works that merge art, technology, and nature.

At the heart of the development lies the restored Prince of the Sea House, an historic octagonal structure once used as a lighthouse to guide ships, which reflects the area’s architectural heritage and highlights the cultural richness of Jeddah’s past.

Its preservation is part of broader efforts to maintain the character of the historic district while introducing modern elements, such as air purification systems, touchless elevators with UV sterilization, and water recycling technologies for irrigation.