Umm Al-Qura University invents smart road barrier

Umm Al-Qura University has registered an innovation for electricity generation. (SPA)
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Updated 07 January 2026
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Umm Al-Qura University invents smart road barrier

  • Innovation is a concrete road barrier that generates electricity from air currents created by traffic
  • The barrier harnesses wind and airflow from moving vehicles to produce renewable electricity, which can power road safety equipment

JEDDAH: Umm Al-Qura University in Makkah has registered an invention that supports sustainability and enhances road infrastructure, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Developed by its intellectual property department, the innovation is a concrete road barrier that generates electricity from air currents created by traffic.

The project was led by Raed Abdulrahman Shalwala and Fadi Zaher Al-Marghalani from the College of Engineering and Islamic Architecture. 

The barrier harnesses wind and airflow from moving vehicles to produce renewable electricity, which can power road safety equipment, contributing to both renewable energy and smart infrastructure. 

Earlier, on Jan. 2, the university achieved a national milestone by winning innovation awards in e-learning and digital training, presented by the Saudi National Center for E-Learning. 

The awards recognize the university’s efforts to develop innovative digital learning environments and enhance e-learning quality.

Officials said the achievement reflects strong support from the university leadership and a commitment to advancing digital education, improving learning practices, promoting higher education digital transformation, and creating sustainable educational impact.


Winners of orphans’ Olympiad announced in Al-Qunfudhah

Updated 13 January 2026
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Winners of orphans’ Olympiad announced in Al-Qunfudhah

  • Honors for physics, mathematics, chemistry, biology
  • Event includes training for primary, secondary pupils

RIYADH: The winners of the first Scientific Excellence Olympiad for orphans’ associations were announced in Al-Qunfudhah governorate on Monday.

The event was organized by the Orphans’ Association in Wadi Hali, in partnership with the Council for Orphans’ Associations, under the patronage of Makkah Gov. Prince Khalid Al-Faisal.

Al-Qunfudhah Gov. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Qubba’ handed out the awards.

Thirty-eight associations from the Kingdom participated in the event representing 86 percent of all beneficiaries, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The Abuwah Orphans Care Association in Unaizah won first place in the associations category, followed by the Kafel Orphans Care Association in Makkah, and the Binaa Orphans Care Association in the Eastern Province.

In the academic category, the Kafel Orphans Care Association won first place in mathematics, chemistry, and biology.

The Abuwah Orphans Care Association won first place in physics, second place in mathematics and biology, and third in chemistry.

The Binaa Orphans Care Association took home second in chemistry and physics, and third in mathematics.

The Insan Orphans Care Association in Riyadh came third in physics, while the Abnaouna Orphans Care Association in Khulais came third in biology.

Also, the Atf Orphans Care Association in Al-Aridah received the Media Excellence Banner Award for its efforts in tandem with the Olympiad’s activities.

The Olympiad’s training activities included problem-solving, decision-making, self-confidence, communication, and examination preparedness.

Indicators are used to measure the impact and sustainability of these programs for those at primary and secondary school levels.