Category: RECORDS IN GCC

UAE-based students create 02 New Guinness World Records in Sustainable Learning

The UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, in collaboration with the professional services organisation EY, French climate education NGO Climate Fresk, and over 1100 students from Aldar Education set two Guinness World Records.

These records were established for hosting the largest climate change awareness lesson and for having the highest number of nationalities attending a climate awareness lesson.

In association with Aldar Education, a leading education group in the UAE, and with the support of ADNEC, and the Department of Energy in Abu Dhabi, the record-creating attempt aligns with the focus of youth participation in climate negotiations at COP28, which will have the first Youth Climate Champion with a Ministerial role.

The enormous cohort of Aldar Education climate conscious students gathered at Abu Dhabi’s ADNEC Exhibition and Conference Centre to break the record, while discovering more about climate change, and what part they can play in mitigating its effects.


The group included students from 57 different nationalities, setting the record for most nationalities attending a climate change awareness lesson.

The attempt was launched by Mariam Bint Mohammed Almheiri, Minister of Climate Change & Environment, who said: “COP28 is set to be the most inclusive COP to date, and today we have made record-breaking history, while ensuring so many of our youth have a better understanding of the challenges, we all face.”

“Our aspiration is to transform the UAE into one of the most climate conscious nations on earth. To do that we need to ensure our youth not only understand the challenges and issues we collectively face, but how they can become more involved in our journey to climate neutrality.”

“After all, these students are not only affected by climate change, but they hold the power to shape the way our future society evolves to mitigate its impact and adapt to its effects.”

Sahar Cooper, Chief Executive Officer of Aldar Education, said: “We take immense pride in our students’ active participation in establishing a new world record in climate change awareness. We believe that education plays a pivotal role in nurturing environmentally conscious citizens and empowering them to drive positive change. Today’s youth are not just the leaders of the future; they are the changemakers of today. Their proactive engagement in addressing climate change underscores the critical role they play in accelerating global sustainability efforts. This milestone inspires us to push the boundaries of sustainability further and reinforces our mission to empower the next generation with the knowledge, passion, and responsibility to make a lasting impact on our planet.”

Anthony O’Sullivan, UAE Managing Partner, EY, added: “EY is incredibly proud to be a part of building climate change awareness focused on the very real challenges of climate change. In empowering this diverse group of youth with knowledge, they will play a crucial role in being environmental stewards for a sustainable world future.”

“The advocacy of youth inclusion at COP28 UAE will set the stage for today’s youth to be heard and take action to effect climate change policies as the global leaders of tomorrow.”

Climate Fresk founder, Cédric Ringenbach, said: “Climate change is a complex problem that affects us all, but it is still very badly understood by the general population.


“We don’t have much time, but by understanding the challenge we can take our response to the next level.

“Our ambition is to create a growing network of people who can pass on this quality climate education to reach a social tipping point that will help guide us to a low carbon world.”

Climate Fresk prompts participants to take constructive action to help tackle climate change.


The event concluded with the Department of Energy in Abu Dhabi providing all participants in the record-breaking attempt with an ‘Energy Kit’, which includes tips, advice and behaviour-nudging interventions to enable the students to take more sustainable actions.

source/content: wam.ae (headline edited)

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UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (U.A.E)

SAUDI ARABIA: 25,000 Artifact Fragments from early Islamic Period Unearthed from Historic Jeddah 

As many as 25,000 fragments of artifacts dating back the Islamic caliphates during the first two centuries of the Hijri Calendar, corresponding to the 7th to 8th centuries AD, have been discovered from the Jeddah Historic Area.

The announcement in this regard was made by the Jeddah Historic District Program (JHDP), in collaboration with the Saudi Heritage Commission. The archaeological discoveries were announced as part of the Historic Jeddah Revival Project, initiated by Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman..

According to a press release from the JHDP, the project of excavation started in January 2020 with exploratory studies and a geophysical survey. The goal was to unveil the historical significance of four key locations: Othman bin Affan Mosque, Al-Shona, a segment of the Northern Wall, and Al-Kidwah. This archaeological endeavor falls within the purview of the Jeddah Historic District Program. The project aims to preserve national antiquities and archaeological sites, uncover the rich history of the Kingdom, and promote Historic Jeddah as a cultural and tourist destination, in line with the Saudi Vision 2030.

According to the release, in November 2020, the archaeological survey and excavations yielded significant findings, including 11,405 pottery shards weighing 293 kg, 11,360 animal bones weighing 107 kg, 1,730 shells weighing 32 kg, 685 building materials weighing 87 kg, 187 glass artifacts weighing 5 kg, and 71 metal artifacts weighing 7 kg. The combined weight of these archaeological findings is 531 kg; and they constitute a valuable contribution to Saudi Arabia’s archaeological discoveries.

Archaeological investigation at Othman bin Affan Mosque revealed artifacts dating back the first two centuries AH and spanning different historical periods, notably, ebony pillars found near the Mihrab, analyzed and traced back to Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) Island in the Indian Ocean, which highlight the extensive trade connections of historic Jeddah.

According to the release, excavations at the same site also unveiled a collection of ceramic vessels and fragments, including high-quality porcelain. Some of the pieces are made in the Chinese province of Jiangxi and date back to the 16th-19th centuries AD, while older pottery fragments are from the Abbasid era.

The archaeological site at Al-Shona, dating back at least to the 19th century AD, has yielded numerous pottery shards, including porcelain and ceramic from Europe, Japan, and China, dating from the 19th to 20th centuries. Excavations at Al-Kidwah (Bab Makkah – Makkah gate) revealed parts of the Eastern Moat, which most likely date back to the late 18th century.

Tombstones made of Mangabi stone, marble, and granite were found at different locations within historic Jeddah. These tombstones contain inscriptions of names, epitaphs, and Qur’anic verses, dating back possibly to the 2nd and 3rd centuries AH. Specialists are currently studying them carefully.

The archaeological studies at the four historical sites involved excavations, radiocarbon analysis, soil analyses, geophysical surveys and scientific examination of artifacts. Samples of wood from 52 buildings were sent to international laboratories for identification and dating. Moreover, extensive international archival research led to the collection of over 984 historical documents, including maps and drawings of historic Jeddah. They are currently undergoing detailed study.

The Jeddah Historic District Program and the Heritage Commission collaborated to oversee the documentation, registration and preservation of archaeological artifacts found in Historic Jeddah. These discoveries were listed in the National Archaeological Register, and scientific databases were created to preserve the information related to the discovered artifacts.

source/content: saudigazette.com.sa (headline edited)

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The archaeological discoveries were announced as a part of the Historic Jeddah Revival Project, initiated by the Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman

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SAUDI ARABIA

ABU DHABI, U.AE./ ARAB WORLD: ’16th Khalifa International Award for Date Palm and Agricultural Innovation’ announces Winners

Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Khalifa International Award for Date Palm and Agricultural Innovation, expressed his appreciation for the patronage and the support the Award continues to receive from His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court. He also praised Sheikh Mansour’s contribution to the development of the date palm cultivation and production sector at the national, regional and international levels.

This is in addition to strengthening the UAE’s leading position through cooperation with date-producing countries and concerned regional and international organisations, where Sheikh Nahyan expressed his confidence in the efforts of the Award’s General Secretariat, which played an important role in building global partnerships to develop this sector.

Dr. Abdelouahhab Zaid, Secretary-General of the Khalifa International Award for Date Palm and Agricultural Innovation, announced the winners of the Award in its 16th session during his speech at the press conference held on Monday at the Emirates Palace Hotel, Abu Dhabi, in the presence of Dr. Helal Humaid Saed Al Kaabi, Member of the Award’s Board of Trustees, and Secretary-General of the Abu Dhabi Council for Quality and Conformity.

International Award Winners:

The award in the Distinguished Innovative Studies and Modern Technology category was won by Dr. Khaled Masmoudi – College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine (UAEU) for “Enzyme stabilization and thermotolerance function of the intrinsically disordered LEA2 proteins from date palm” and Dr. Ezzeldin Gadallah Hussein Ahmed – Agricultural Research Centre, Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation (Egypt), for “Phoenix dactylifera in vitro culture and transformation of Thio-60 antifungal gene via chitosan nanoparticle”.

The award in the Pioneering Development and Productive Projects category was won by Dr. Lim Swee Hua Erin – HCT (Abu Dhabi), for “Sustainable Seeds: A Tale of Two Innovations” and AFRICA ORGANICS (Morocco), for the world’s largest organic date palm plantation (1200 ha) of farmland.

The award in the Pioneering and Sophisticated Innovations Serving the Agricultural Sector category was won by Dr. Yarub Kahtan Abdul Rahman Al Doruri – University of Sharjah for “Production of powder-activated carbon from natural resources” and VALORIZEN LLC, Research and Innovation Centre (Egypt) for “Scalable, Market Driven and Climate Positive Solutions of Date Palm Waste”.

The award in the Influential Figure in the Field of Date Palm and Agricultural Innovation category was won by Dr. Ramzy Abdelrahim Dessoky Aboaiana (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia) and Prof. Ibraheem Jaddoa Olelwi Al Juboori, PhD (Iraq) for “A qualitative leap and big steps”.

source/content: wam.ae (headline edited)

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EGYPT / IRAQ /MOROCCO / SAUDI ARABIA / UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (U.A.E)

YEMEN – SAUDI ARABIAN : Saudi Professor Dr. Manahel Thabet appointed ‘Commonwealth’s Special Envoy for Science and Technology’

Patricia Scotland, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth of Nations, has appointed Saudi Professor Manahel Thabet as her special envoy for science and technology. This decision highlights Thabet’s notable expertise and her significant contributions to the scientific and technological realms.

The Commonwealth, comprising 56 countries and representing over 2.5 billion people globally, focuses on fostering sustainable development, advanced technologies, coexistence, and peace, marking its status as a prominent entity in both political and scientific spheres.

Professor Thabet’s role will be pivotal in connecting member states to achieve sustainable development goals. Her responsibilities include facilitating communication, exchanging knowledge and expertise, directing scientific and technical research efforts, adopting best practices, and utilizing technology to tackle environmental issues.

Additionally, she will play a key role in enhancing economic cooperation, developing policies, formulating legal frameworks to foster innovation, and capacity building of scientists and professionals within the member states.

Professor Thabet’s illustrious career includes several high-profile roles. She serves as an advisor to the president of King Abdul Aziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), president of the Economic Forum for Sustainable Development, and founder president of Consortium Consultants. She is also the deputy director of the Institute for Brain Chemistry and Human Nutrition at Imperial College, vice president of the World Intelligence Network (WIN), and vice-chancellor of the UK Gifted Academy.

source/content: saudigazette.com.sa (headline edited)

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YEMEN / SAUDI ARABIA

QATAR : Doha’s Umm Al Seneem Park Opens the World’s Largest Air-Conditioned Jogging Tracks

Minister of Municipality H E Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Subaie yesterday inaugurated Umm Al Seneem Park, with the largest air-conditioned jogging tracks in the world,  in  Umm Al Seneem, Al Rayan Municipality, breaking Guinness World Records.

The 1,143-metre-long air-conditioned jogging tracks received the title of Guinness World Records for the ‘longest air-conditioned outdoor path’ on October 17, 2022.

The jogging tracks, ensuring temperatures about 26 degree Celsius aim at encouraging visitors for exercise in a bid to make them fit and healthy. 

Speaking to the media, Minister of Municipality said that Umm Al Seneem Park spreads over an area over 130,000sqm is part of an initiative of the Ministry to improve the quality of life by increasing green spaces in Qatar.

“We have increased the green spaces in the country over 10 times, compared to those in 2010 by building parks, landscaping and green areas,” said the Minister.  He said that public parks are equipped with fitness machines, children play areas and joggers trackers, including some of them air-conditioned for the comport of visitors.

“The parks have been built following sustainability goals to cut the carbon footprint and provide fresh air to visitors,” said the Minister, adding that the efforts will continue to open more new parks in near future. 

Speaking to The Peninsula, Director of Public Parks Department, Muhammad Ali Al Khouri said that the jogging tracks of Umm Al Seneem Park has been registered in the Guinness World Records and an official certificate for the title of the record was issued by the officials about a week ago. 

The Umm Al Seneem Park was developed by the Public Works Authority (Ahghal) in coordination with the Ministry of Municipality.

The park, stretching over an area of 130,105sqm, can accommodate about 6,000 visitors per day. The green spaces of the park covers 68 percent of total areas, 88,400sqm dotted with 912 trees of 18 types, including 75 local trees and 820sqm long green walls. The park includes many important facilities, including the outdoor air-conditioned jogging-track for running and walking with a length of 1,143 metres, which is in a circular shape around the park.

The cycling track is 1,135 meters long. There are three areas for exercises, a fitness box that allows visitors to exercise through a screen that displays a trainer teaching exercises. The park also has two children’s play areas, one for the age group 2 to 5, and the other for 6 to 12 years, with games dedicated to children with special needs.

There are seven service kiosks, including six for food and beverages, one kiosk for renting bicycles and bicycle parking, besides providing garden furniture, locally manufactured benches from Fiber Concrete (GRC) and Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP).

Energy-saving lighting poles haven installed. There are parking spaces for people with special needs, in addition to seven water fountains, prayer rooms, and bathrooms.

The eco-friendly air-conditioning system of jogging tracks relies on generating 60% of the electricity required to operate the air conditioners with solar panels, reducing electricity consumption while maintaining temperatures up to 26 degrees Celsius.

Director of Public Parks Department Muhammad Ali Al Khouri said that the number of public parks in Qatar increased from 56 in 2010 to 143 in 2022, recording 164% growth.

He said that green spaces jumped from 2,614,994sqm in 2010 to 43,861,133sqm in 2022, taking per capita share of green space from 1sqm in 2010 to 16.2sqm in 2022, recording 16-fold growth. “The total number of trees that have been planted across the country under ‘Plant Million Tree’ initiative has reached 1,193,665, surpassing the target, which is equivalent to 15,517,645sqm green areas,” said Al Khouri.

Eng Mohammad Arqoub Al Khaldi, Chairman of the Supervisory Committee of Beautification of Roads and Public Places in Qatar said Umm Al Seneem is an added value for achieving the environmental sustainability strategy, and enabling citizens and residents to adopt a healthy lifestyle.

Director of Building Affairs Department at Ashghal, Eng Jarallah Al Marri said that the park is eco-friendly as its air-conditioning system is powered by solar energy.

source/content: thepeninsulaqatar.com (headline edited)

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The Minister of Municipality of Municipality H E Abdullah bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Subaie, with other officials at the Longest AC Outdoor Path Guinness Record park at Umm Al Saneem. Picture by Salim Matramkot/The Peninsula

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QATAR

SAUDI ARABIA & UAE: Edelman Trust Barometer 2024: Saudi Arabia claims Top spot with the U.A.E securing 03rd place

The index measures the levels of trust and credibility between governments and citizens.

Saudi Arabia has claimed the top spot in the “Edelman Trust Barometer 2024” index, which measures the levels of trust and credibility between governments and citizens. The kingdom achieved a remarkable 86 per cent in the Index for Trust in Government, marking a significant 5 per cent increase compared to the previous year.

According to Edelman, a global public relations consultancy firm, China followed closely in second place with 85 per cent, the UAE secured third place with 84 per cent, and Singapore ranked fourth with a trust level of 77 per cent.

Edelman report unveiled that Saudi Arabia stands at the fourth position globally in the business confidence index. Additionally, the Kingdom earned the seventh spot in the media trust index among the 28 countries included in the report.

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Information has recently implemented major changes, covering both organizational and administrative aspects. These reforms are complemented by dynamic movements in various media fields, including the launch of several media initiatives, projects, and programs.

Trust in Saudi Arabia’s government increased to 86 per cent, followed by the business sector at 78 per cent. Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and media have trust levels of 64 per cent and 61 per cent, respectively.

The survey gathered responses from nearly 32,000 individuals across 28 countries. China, the UAE, and Singapore also ranked high in government trust.

source/content: gulfnews.com (headline edited)

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SAUDI ARABIA

SAUDI ARABIA: Young Saudi Designer Lamees Alfadhel Designed ‘Qitmeer’ which Produces Vegan Leather Sheets from Wasted Dates

The vegan leather-making machine Qitmeer works by grinding the dates, mixing them with additives, then pouring them into molds to start the first half of the drying process before preparing them for the finishing and coloring processes.

Curiosity was her guide, creatively unveiling the hidden wonders in the ordinary, and product designer Lamees Alfadhel designed Qitmeer, a machine that produces vegan leather sheets using damaged and wasted dates.

Qitmeer was the young designer’s graduation project. Fascinated by science, creativity, and the ability to shape human interaction with the world, Alfadhel explored several academic paths before discovering her passion and purpose in product design.

“While I may not have realized it immediately after high school, I soon discovered that product design brings together a captivating mix of different disciplines, allowing me to combine my interests and create innovative solutions,” said Alfadhel, a first-class honors product design graduate from Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University.

Alfadhel’s interest in culture, sustainability, and building a greener future through design sparked the young designer to base her graduation research in the natural leather industry in the Kingdom.

“I find inspiration in cultural designs that incorporate elements of my country, such as the iconic date palm trees,” she said.

She found two main challenges facing the natural leather industry in the Kingdom: the chemical damage resulting from the leather processes and the massive amount of wasted dates.

I’m looking forward to producing the most unique leather sheets in the industry. Sustainabilityisacore value guiding my work, dedicated to building a greener future through design.

Lamees Alfadhel, Product designer

“These challenges inspired me to design a machine that combines a solution for both issues,” said Alfadhel.

The vegan leather-making machine Qitmeer works by grinding the dates, mixing them with additives, then pouring them into molds to start the first half of the drying process before preparing them for the finishing and coloring processes.

The vegan leather sheets then become ready for the manufacturing and production operation, which includes the making of leather clothing and accessories.

Fibers are an essential part of the vegan synthetic leather-making process, and dates are the optimal choice for this industry, considering that they have a high fiber content.

“I’m looking forward to producing the most unique leather sheets in the industry. Sustainability is a core value guiding my work, dedicated to building a greener future through design,” said Alfadhel.

Qitmeer has been positively received by people. It encourages others to use elements and sources available in the Kingdom, explained Alfadhel.

Today, young creatives, including Alfadhel, have the opportunity to make their mark on the national and global art and design scene, with the Kingdom’s cultural renaissance supporting and inspiring a new generation, a key part of Saudi Arabia’s visionary economic and social plan to build a creative economy.

“The design community in the Kingdom has witnessed significant growth and recognition in recent years,” said Alfadhel.

“There are numerous initiatives, organizations, and government-backed programs that actively promote and support designers across various disciplines.”

Alfadhel has worked on several projects and her first was an interactive game with topic-based cards, designed to encourage teamwork.

She added: “Among the projects I’ve worked on, I take great pride in highlighting Qitmeer as my most significant achievement so far.”

Qitmeer was selected and featured in Tanween’s “Graduation Exhibition” at Ithra last November. The exhibition highlights the most outstanding work by graduates of design and architecture colleges and universities in the Arab world.

Alfadhel mostly uses Adobe Creative Cloud, Illustrator, and Photoshop for her designs. When sketching the initial idea, and 3D modeling, she uses the Fusion 360 platform.

“Fusion 360 is a fundamental part of my creative process, allowing me to bring ideas to life and refine them with attention to detail,” she said.

“Lately I’ve realized that the most used color in my designs is green, but that relies on the purpose of the product I design. Searching to understand the meaning of colors is an important step of my design process.”

The world has witnessed influential product designers who have set new standards in place, leaving a mark behind, and Alfadhel’s passion for design and unwavering commitment and determination to contribute to the design industry mark her out as a possible addition to the growing list.

She is currently working as a graphic designer and a marketing specialist in Riyadh and aspires to collaborate with local talents to foster the growth and development of young Saudi creatives in the Kingdom.

source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)

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Lamees Alfadhel designed Qitmeer, a machine that produces vegan leather sheets using damaged and wasted dates.

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SAUDI ARABIA

SAUDI ARABIA: ‘World’s Highest Hanging Prayer Room’ opens with Spectacular view of Kaaba and other Religious Landmarks in Mecca

Saudi Arabia’s record-breaking hanging prayer room offers spectacular Kaaba views.’

Saudi Arabia has set a new world record with the opening of the highest hanging prayer room, as recognised by Guinness World Records.

Situated at a breathtaking 483 meters above sea level, this architectural marvel offers unparalleled views of the Kaaba and other significant religious landmarks in Mecca.

Nestled within the bridge connecting the two towers of the Address Jabal Omar Mecca Hotel, the prayer room is not just a feat of engineering but also a testament to architectural ingenuity and creative prowess.

Using the latest technology and specially designed equipment, the 650-tonne steel bridge was initially assembled at 312 meters above ground before being elevated to its final position, linking the hotel’s twin towers across floors 36, 37, and 38.

The hall, which can accommodate up to 520 worshippers in a spacious 550 square meter area, blends traditional Arabic designs with modern luxury. Arabic calligraphy adorns its interiors, enhancing the room’s sanctity with the names of Allah and reflecting the rich Islamic heritage.

Worshippers in this prayer hall are treated to a spiritual experience filled with peace and tranquility. During Fajr prayers, they can witness the sunrise over Mecca, while the sunset bathes the chapel in warm.

source/content: gulfnews.com (headline edited)

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It was initially assembled at 312 meters above ground before being elevated to its final position, linking the hotel’s twin towers across floors 36, 37, and 38. / Image Credit: Courtesy of X/@ThamerAlbugami

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SAUDI ARABIA

SAUDI ARABIA: King Saud University granted US Cybersecurity Patent for Electric Cars

  • Invention scans for threats and informs driver on display or mobile
  • Boost for Saudi Arabia’s Ceer Motors, fledgling electric car industry, says lead developer

King Saud University in Riyadh has been granted a patent in the US for software that protects the computer systems of electric cars when linking to charging stations.

The invention is named the Motor Vehicle Cyber Inspection System. After conducting an inspection, the system notifies the driver of the cybersecurity status on a smart display or mobile device. The system can scan for malware, ransomware, backdoors, data leakage, and software vulnerabilities.

Announcing the receipt of the patent, the KSU media center said Thursday the team that achieved this success was led by Prof. Muhammad Khurram Khan and included Dr. Wazir Khan.

“This breakthrough patent achievement highlights KSU’s dedication to pioneering research and technological advancements, solidifying its position at the forefront of innovation in automotive cybersecurity,” it said.

The approval was granted by the US Patent and Trademark Office on Jan. 16, and the application was submitted in March 2023.

Khan, who led the team, told Arab News: “The granting of this US patent to the KSU represents a momentous achievement in the realm of cybersecurity, particularly for the burgeoning automotive sector in Saudi Arabia under Vision 2030. The invention holds substantial significance for the local automotive industry, particularly for entities like Ceer Motors and the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Company.”

“Saudi Vision 2030 emphasizes the importance of developing a skilled and knowledgeable workforce to meet the demands of a diversified economy. Therefore, the development and implementation of advanced technologies, as reflected in the patent, contribute to job creation and skill development,” he added.

Khan further said: “Integrating patented technology into vehicles and charging stations would offer a considerable competitive advantage. It would not only enhance the cybersecurity resilience of automotive products but also position local manufacturers at the forefront of technological innovation and economic diversification efforts while the Saudi automotive industry is taking off.”

He added that the “patent aligns with the national goals of technological innovation and localization. By implementing this technology locally, companies could contribute to building indigenous capabilities, fostering economic growth, and creating high-value jobs in the technology and automotive sectors.”

Under the Vision 2030 initiative, Saudi Arabia is actively diversifying its economy, with a particular emphasis on the automotive sector. This commitment is exemplified by the establishment of Ceer Motors, the Kingdom’s inaugural EV brand, dedicated to manufacturing local electric vehicles.

Moreover, a recent development includes the launch of the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Co., or EVIQ, a strategic initiative to bolster EV adoption. The firm aims to facilitate this transition by establishing a nationwide network of 1,000 charging stations consisting of 5,000 chargers by 2030.

source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)

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SAUDI ARABIA

UA.E.: Recognized Global Pioneer: UAE to lead World Bank’s Cloud Computing Working Group. Dr. Bushra AlBlooshi, Dubai Electronic Security Center (DESC) Appointed as the Leader of the Cloud Computing Division within the World Bank Group.

Cloud computing to add $181 bn to UAE’s economy by 2033.

The UAE has been chosen to lead the Cloud Computing Working Group within the World Bank, a testament to its remarkable progress in advanced technology and digitization. Recognized as a global pioneer in digital transformation and the successful implementation of cloud computing best practices, the UAE assumes this role to support both government entities and private sector companies in their transition to cloud computing systems. By prioritizing the utilization of cutting-edge data protection and cybersecurity solutions, the UAE reaffirms its commitment to facilitating the seamless adoption of cloud technology while ensuring utmost security for all stakeholders.

Sheikh Hamdan congratulates Dr. AlBlooshi

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and chairman of the Executive Council, extended his congratulations to Dr. Bushra AlBlooshi from the Dubai Electronic Security Center (DESC) on being appointed as the leader of the Cloud Computing division within the World Bank Group.

In addition, Sheikh Hamdan posted the message on X (formerly Twitter) and said, “Congratulations to Dr Bushra AlBlooshi of the Dubai Electronic Security Center (DESC) on being appointed by the World Bank as the head of the World Bank Group for Cloud Computing, comprising of 27 countries, organisations, and major international technology firms.” 

He added, “We are immensely proud of the continuous achievements of Emirati talent. With their expertise and accomplishments, they further strengthen the UAE’s international stature and role in advancing global sustainable digital development.

According to her profile on the World Economic Forum (WEF), Dr. AlBlooshi possesses more than 17 years of expertise in digital transformation, cybersecurity, and strategy management. She is recognized as an author and a prominent speaker in the areas of cybersecurity and digital transformation, demonstrating her extensive experience in the field.

Significance of cloud adoption for GDP growth

A report commissioned by Amazon Web Services (AWS) revealed in May that the widespread adoption of cloud technology among the public is projected to contribute an estimated $181 billion in economic value to the UAE over the next decade. This figure represents approximately 2.5 percent of the UAE’s economy. The paper further highlighted that a mere 1 percent increase in cloud adoption by organizations in the UAE would result in an average gross domestic product (GDP) growth of 0.21 percent or $854.7 million. This growth rate is three times higher than the regional average for the Middle East and North Africa, making it the highest in the region.

source/content: economymiddleeast.com (headline edited)

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Dr. Bushra AlBlooshi of the Dubai Electronic Security Center (DESC) appointed by the World Bank as the head of the World Bank Group for Cloud Computing, comprising of 27 countries, organisations, and major international technology firms.

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UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (U.A.E.)