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HUMAIN, a Public Investment Fund company has announced the launch of its Horizon Pro PC, billed as “a groundbreaking laptop designed to revolutionize agentic artificial intelligence personal computing.” Agentic AI systems can act independently and with initiative with limited, or no, human oversight.
The launch was announced by HUMAIN CEO Tareq Amin during the Snapdragon Summit in Maui, Hawaii.
According to a press release, the Snapdragon processor family at the core of the HUMAIN Horizon Pro deliver “leading AI performance and a powerful CPU so that the PC can operate up to 100 times faster than human thought.”
It added that the company’s upcoming proprietary HUMAIN ONE operating system “enables users to manage enterprise workflows, communications, and AI applications from a unified, adaptive interface designed to anticipate needs and accelerate decision-making.” It added that the new PC “offers zero-latency wake time, over 18 hours of battery life, a 40-percent reduction in power consumption compared to competing systems, and advanced thermal architecture for sustained, high-performance use across demanding environments.”
HUMAIN’s AI integrates the Arabic-first large language model “ALLaM” and “operates locally for maximum speed and data privacy, with the flexibility of hybrid AI to tap into the cloud when complex processing or broader insights are required, offering enterprise users the ideal blend of performance, control, and scale,” according to the company.
Amin said: “The HUMAIN Horizon Pro represents a paradigm shift in agentic AI personal computing, especially for enterprise environments where AI actively collaborates with users, both locally and in the cloud, to boost productivity.”
Amin also announced that HUMAIN will give away 500 of its PCs to students as part of its launch initiative to “help unlock new potential for learning, creativity, and future leadership in AI-driven fields.”
source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)
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HUMAIN launched its Horizon Pro PC, a groundbreaking laptop designed to revolutionize agentic AI personal computing. The announcement was made by HUMAIN CEO Tareq Amin during the Snapdragon Summit in Maui, Hawaii. (SPA)
Saudi Arabia actress and filmmaker Sarah Taibah has nabbed a role in a social media campaign for US luxury jewelry house Tiffany & Co.
The actress shared a post on her Instagram account, in which she goes about her day adorned in various pieces by Tiffany & Co.
“Sketchbook in hand, eternal sunshine of a stormy mind, and days rarely slow down. Absolutely in (love) with HardWear by @Tiffanyandco, it’s been my little talisman throughout,” she captioned the short clip.
The HardWear collection draws on a design from 1962, according to the brand.
“HardWear is an expression of love’s transformative strength. Like New York, the city in which it was born, the collection embodies an enduring resilience and ability to be free,” the label wrote on its website.
The collection features necklaces, bracelets and earrings with interlocked links, veering into a more industrial aesthetic than the dainty jewelry the house is known for.
Taibah shows off a pair of diamond encrusted earrings, along with a necklace and watch from the collection that was handcrafted in Switzerland.
Taibah shot to fame for her show “Jameel Jeddan,” the first local production that was wholly created and starred in by a Saudi Arabia woman.
The plot of the 2022 release was anything but typical. Strong-headed Jameel wakes up from a five-year coma and is forced to finish her last year in high school and rejoin an unfamiliar society.
As a coping mechanism, she begins to experience glitches in the form of an animated alternative reality.
Taibah is working on an offbeat Saudi romcom “A Matter of Life and Death,” which she wrote. The film is being directed by Anas Batahaf and will star Taibah and Yaqoub Al-Farhan.
Her collaboration with Tiffany & Co. is not the first time she has worked with a global luxury brand.
In February, Spanish fashion house Loewe unveiled a Ramadan campaign directed by Lebanese-Sudanese auteur Dana Boulos and starring Taibah and Saudi Arabia Olympic rower Husein Alireza.
The cast included Omani artist Mays Almoosawi, Kuwaiti visual artist Najd Al-Taher, Emirati film director Sarah Al-Hashimi, Kuwaiti DJ Cascou and Bahraini contemporary artist Salman Al-Najem.
source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)
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Sarah Taibah shot to fame for her show “Jameel Jeddan.” (File/ AFP)
Dubai has reinforced its status as a leading global maritime hub, earning the title of “the crown jewel of the Middle East’s maritime sector,” according to the 2025 International Shipping Centre Development Index report, issued by Xinhua News Agency in collaboration with the Baltic Exchange. The report ranks Dubai among the top five global shipping centres and first in the Arab region.
Sheikh Dr. Saeed bin Ahmed bin Khalifa Al Maktoum, CEO of the Dubai Maritime Authority, part of the Ports, Customs, and Free Zone Corporation, hailed the achievement stating: “Dubai’s ranking as fifth globally and first in the Arab world in the 2025 International Shipping Centre Development Index reflects the vision of our leadership, as well as the effective coordination between strategic partners and maritime sector companies in the emirate.
We remain committed to continuous development, delivering world-class services, adopting global maritime best practices, implementing innovative solutions, updating regulations, and fostering a thriving maritime business environment to position Dubai as an innovative and sustainable global centre for shipping and logistics.”
The report highlights Dubai’s comprehensive maritime ecosystem, offering navigation services, shipbuilding and repair, and capacity to handle the increasing number of vessels. It also emphasised the Dubai Maritime Transport Plan 2030, aligned with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which aims to expand maritime transport usage, enhance the network of marine transportation, and develop Dubai Maritime City.
The report specifically praised Jebel Ali Port for its strategic role as a regional shipping hub, underpinned by continuous investment in infrastructure and services. In 2024, the port handled 15.5 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), the highest since 2015, accounting for 18% of the total 88.3 million TEUs managed by DP World, the port operator.
On sustainability, the report highlighted Jebel Ali Port’s initiatives to reduce emissions, including the provision of biofuel for ships, installation of 50,000 m² of solar panels for renewable energy, and the use of electric vehicles for container handling—contributing to an annual reduction of 2,000 tons of CO₂ emissions.
Captain Ibrahim Al Blooshi, Executive Director of Dubai Ports Authority, commented: “We take pride in this achievement, which underscores Dubai’s strong position as a global maritime hub. Jebel Ali Port, operated by DP World under the Ports, Customs, and Free Zone Corporation, continues to excel at both regional and international levels.
Dubai Ports Authority is committed to proactive measures to enhance the maritime sector’s contribution to the strategic objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, through its three ports—Jebel Ali, Port Rashid, and Hamriyah—despite global economic challenges and market fluctuations. We are dedicated to preserving the emirate’s marine environment and ensuring the highest operational safety standards in the maritime sector.”
Chaad National, Mohammad Adam Mohamed has won the top prize at the 45th Edition of the King Abdulaziz International Holy Quran Competition or 2025 Makkah Quran Contest for Memorization, Recital and Explanation held at the Grand Mosque.
Makkah Quran Contest 2025: Chaad National, Mohammad Adam Mohamed has won the top prize at the 45th Edition of the King Abdulaziz International Holy Quran Competition or 2025 Makkah Quran Contest for Memorization, Recital and Explanation held at the Grand Mosque.
At a glittering ceremony held at Makkah Grand Mosque after Isha prayers Wednesday August 20, 2025, the Chaad national was awarded a cash prize of 500,000 Saudi Riyals or SAR 0.5 million prize.
The prize distribution ceremony was attended by all Imams of Masjid al Haram Makkah along with Deputy Governor of the Makkah Region Prince Saud bin Mishal bin Abdulaziz.
45th King Abdulaziz International Holy Quran Competition – List of Winners
The Makkah Quran contest 2025 was held in five categories. The winners of the first and most coveted category are as follows,
Mohammed Adam Muhamed (Chaad): Prize Money SAR 500,000
Anas bin Majid Abdulla Al Hazmi (Saudi Arabia): Prize Money SAR 450,000
Sanusi Bukhari Idrees (Nigeria): Prize Money SAR 400,000
5 categories
The competition was divided into five categories:
Memorization of the entire Holy Qur’an, with accurate recitation and intonation following the seven rules of recitation
Memorization of the Qur’an along with interpretation of its terms
Memorization of 15 juz (parts) of the Qur’an with proper recitation and intonation
Memorization of five juz with correct recitation and intonation
A category for shorter lengths of memorization with corresponding recitation and intonation requirements.
Other winners
The total value of the competition’s prizes is around SR4 million ($1.07 million), in addition to SR1 million that will be apportioned out to all participants.
Mansoor bin Mutab Awad Al Harbi of Saudi Arabia won the top prize of SAR 300,000 in the second category. Mohamed Damaj Al Shuway’i of Yemen won the top prize of SAR 200,000 in the 3rd category.
Eyptian Nasr Abdel Majeed Abdul Hameed Amir won the top prize of SAR 150,000 in the 4th category. The top prize money SAR65,000 for the 5th category was conferred on Anwa Intarat of Thailand.
The 2025 Quran Competition brought together 179 contestants from 128 countries, the largest number since its inception. In 2024, a total of 174 contenders representing 123 countries participated in the 44th edition of the contest held in 5 categories.
Makkah Qurant Contest 2025 Final Round
The final rounds of the 2025 King Abdulaziz International Competition for Memorizing, Reciting, and Interpreting Holy Quran began last Saturday August 09th, 2025
The final round of the Quran contest continued till Thursday August 14, 2025 when a total of 27 contestants recited Quran as per the contest competition guidelines.
The 27 contestants were from Mauritania, the Philippines, Japan, Guinea-Bissau, France, the United States of America, New Zealand, South Africa, Barbados, Ivory Coast, Cameroon, Guinea, Germany, Zambia, Guyana, Comoros, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Finland, Rwanda, Bangladesh, and Myanmar.
As part of the competition package, the participants visited different historical places of religeous and architectural importance. The participants on Saturday August 16 left for visit to The Prophet (PBUH) Mosque in Madinah.
Electronic Judging System
The highlight of the 2025 Quran Contest which ran through six days was electronic judging system. Since its introduction in 2019, the electronic platform has replaced traditional paper-based methods, increasing accuracy and transparency.
The Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance said it enhanced and upgraded the electronic judging system for the 45th King Abdulaziz International Competition for Memorizing, Reciting, and Interpreting the Holy Quran held this year.
The enhanced system is designed to improve the efficiency and fairness of the final rounds, bolster transparency, and support the ministry’s digital transformation efforts in line with Saudi Vision 2030.
Watch: Winners Reaction
source: youtube.com
The latest improvements to the system include faster and more accurate scoring, with results calculated more precisely and linked to a real-time electronic control panel for instant monitoring by the judging committee.
An electronic question bank is now used to draw questions from a comprehensive digital repository covering all five branches of the competition, ensuring diversity and fairness. The system also features automated processes that track verse sequences, sort and rank contestants, and issue results instantly, while documenting and analyzing competition data in real time.
The 44th edition of the King Abdulaziz International Competition for Memorization, Recitation, and Interpretation of Holy Quran was also held with the same schedule. Saudi National, Saad bin Ibrahim bin Hamd had won the top prize of the 2024 Makkah Quran Contest.
An innovative team from the Oman Dental College has successfully developed a dental filling using Omani Portland cement reinforced with carbon nanoplates, creating the first material that combines exceptional strength with complete biocompatibility for dental tissues. This breakthrough opens new horizons in global dental treatments.
Malak Khalifa Al Harthy, a member of the research team “Pulp49,” told Oman News Agency (ONA) that the innovation stemmed from observing how traditional fillings often lack a balance between “strength” and “biocompatibility.” This prompted the team to develop a new composite that achieves this challenging balance.
She explained that the composite is a dental filling made by integrating Omani cement with graphene sheets, resulting in a material with high mechanical efficiency and significant biocompatibility. This has led to clear and rapid restoration of surrounding dental tissues.
The development of the composite took approximately five years of research and experimentation, undergoing initial cell-level testing followed by animal trials in collaboration with the Mounted Police Command. It is now in the second phase of human trials, with preliminary results showing highly promising indicators.
Regarding the expected benefits of this composite in dentistry, she noted that it provides a cost-effective solution while enhancing the longevity and efficiency of dental treatments. This represents a major advancement in dental materials, offering improved outcomes for both patients and dentists.
Among its key advantages is high biocompatibility, as the integration of carbon nanoplates enhances the material’s positive interaction with biological tissues while reinforcing its mechanical properties. This makes it particularly suitable for complex and challenging dental applications.
Additionally, the composite supports tissue regeneration by mimicking an ideal environment for the rebuilding cells in surrounding dental tissues. This effect is attributed to the synergistic interaction between the carbon nanoplates’ properties and the calcium ion-based reaction of Portland cement with physiological body fluids.
The composite also exhibits superior sealing capabilities, with the increased volume and unique properties of the nanoplates enhancing its ability to fill gaps and voids, making it ideal for applications requiring tight seals or water resistance.
The innovation has been officially recognized, securing a patent in the Sultanate of Oman and international registration. The team is currently finalizing the last stages of development after receiving essential support from the Ministry of Higher Education, Research, and Innovation, paving the way for its introduction to local and eventually global markets.
Addressing the challenges faced during the project, she explained that the team encountered difficulties in achieving the ideal composition, requiring multiple rounds of testing, experimentation, and model adjustments before finalizing the approved formula.
She emphasized the substantial support received, with the Oman Dental College providing necessary resources and the ROP Mounted Police contributing to trials. She also acknowledged the direct support of Dr. Abu Bakr Qateeshat, Head of Graduate Studies, Research, and Development at the college, and Dr. Aida Al-Wahaibi, as well as the encouragement from family, which served as a major motivator in achieving this milestone.
Regarding her selection to represent Oman at the International Invention, Innovation, and Technology Exhibition (ITEX) in Malaysia in 2025, she described it as an opportunity to showcase Omani youth’s capabilities and their role in delivering innovative solutions that elevate Oman’s global standing, while also facilitating knowledge exchange with innovators worldwide.
In closing, Malak Khalifa Al-Harthy affirmed that Omani youth are capable of remarkable achievements when they believe in their ideas and channel their creativity toward serving society—especially when innovation is genuine, addresses real needs, and contributes to the nation’s progress. -ONA
Middle East’s second-largest ‘healthy city’ after Jeddah
15 other cities in Saudi Arabia included in WHO list
The World Health Organization has renewed its accreditation of Madinah as a “healthy city,” with Islam’s second-holiest location scoring an impressive 80 points, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Prince Salman bin Sultan, governor of Madinah region, received the WHO accreditation certificate from Minister of Health Fahad AlJalajel during a ceremony on Thursday.
Prince Salman said Madinah’s renewed accreditation exemplifies the leadership’s dedication to enhancing quality of life for the Kingdom’s people in urban centers.
He emphasized Madinah’s ongoing transformation as a leading development model regionally and internationally, aligning with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals.
Madinah has solidified its position as the second-largest healthy city in the Middle East, after Jeddah, the SPA reported.
To win the WHO’s nod, an entrant must meet 80 criteria, including parks, walking areas, and the promotion of health through primary care centers and schools.
The WHO has also recognized 14 other healthy cities in Saudi Arabia. These include Taif, Tabuk, Ad-Diriyah, Unaizah, Jalajel, Al-Mandaq, Al-Jumum, Riyadh Al-Khubra and Sharurah, according to Leaders MENA Magazine.
source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)
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With the new accreditation, Madinah has solidified its position as the second-largest healthy city in the Middle East, next to Jeddah. (SPA photo)
Groundbreaking procedure opens new horizons in circulatory support techniques for patients with complex cardiac conditions
Cardiac surgery team, led by Prof. Feras Khaliel, performed the operation through small incisions using remotely controlled high-precision robotic arms
King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre in Riyadh has performed the world’s first implantation of two artificial pumps for biventricular support using robotic technology on a patient with advanced heart failure.
The groundbreaking procedure opens new horizons in circulatory support techniques for patients with complex cardiac conditions and marks a medical achievement that culminated in the patient’s recovery within a short period following the surgery.
The procedure represents a major advance in the treatment of bilateral heart failure, which was traditionally performed through full sternotomy, an approach associated with higher surgical risks and prolonged recovery.
However, the cardiac surgery team, led by Prof. Feras Khaliel, performed the operation through small incisions using remotely controlled high-precision robotic arms, resulting in reduced blood loss, lower risk of infection, and faster patient recovery.
The milestone reflects the integration of expertise across multiple departments at the hospital, including cardiac surgery, cardiology, anesthesia, critical care, biomedical engineering, and advanced life support.
The procedure was meticulously planned and benefited from 3D imaging technologies, real-time surgical navigation, and innovative solutions.
source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)
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KFSHRC has performed the world’s first implantation of two artificial pumps for biventricular support using robotic technology. (X/@KFSHRC)
EDGE, the world’s leading advanced technology and defence group, and 4iG Aerospace, the leading ICT, space and defence industries group in Hungary and the Western Balkans, have signed three Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to establish significant and wide-ranging industrial cooperation between the UAE and Hungary.
During a state visit by an official UAE delegation to Hungary, EDGE and 4iG signed three memoranda of understanding (MoUs) aimed at enabling a broad technology partnership for the joint development and marketing of advanced defense systems, including EDGE’s Skyknight air defense missile system, Shadow 25 and Shadow 50 cruise munitions, and Vega and Orion autonomous air traffic control solutions.
Hamad Al Marar, Managing Director and CEO of EDGE Group, said: “Our goal, through strengthening partnerships with partners like 4iG, is to help countries develop and adopt advanced sovereign defense technology and industrial capabilities. The global security landscape calls for renewal programs to leverage the latest autonomous technologies and counter rapidly evolving airborne threats. This collaboration enhances EDGE Group’s ability to continue delivering competitive, NATO-compliant, and export-ready solutions, in support of Hungary’s national objectives and as a gateway to deeper engagement across Europe and NATO member states.
For his part, 4iG CEO Istvan Šarhigyi said: “The agreements signed today represent a significant achievement in 4iG’s international efforts in the defense sector. By partnering with one of the world’s fastest-growing defense technology companies, we can develop systems with strong potential for success in European and African markets on a mutually beneficial basis. EDGE Group’s trust and openness provide Hungary with the opportunity to transform into a strategic player in the global defense innovation ecosystem.
Under the first agreement, the two companies will establish a broad technology partnership to jointly develop and explore cross-market opportunities for next-generation autonomous aerial systems (AAAS), counter-AAAS solutions, and space technologies in Central and Eastern Europe and Africa.
The agreement also covers the possibility of establishing a joint venture. The second agreement focuses on the potential development and production of the Sky Knight domestically deployable air defense missile system and the Shadow high-precision cruise munition series in Hungary.
The third and final agreement aims to provide EDGE’s Vega autonomous air traffic management and Orion drone swarm management systems to the European market, with the potential for joint development of air traffic control solutions. The MoU also includes an evaluation of the possibility of establishing a joint venture as a European development and sales center for the Vega and Orion systems.
Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth (MCSY) is intensifying efforts to document and publish the country’s oral history as part of a strategy to preserve intangible cultural heritage and reinforce national identity. The initiative aligns with Oman Vision 2040 and aims to promote Omani culture in global forums.
Fahd bin Mahmoud al Rahbi, Head of Oral History Department at the ministry’s Literary Forum, said the initiative reflects Oman’s commitment to protect its oral traditions and cultural expressions. These include stories, biographies, folk tales, customs, performing arts, traditional crafts and the knowledge systems associated with these.
“Oral history forms an integral part of Oman’s intangible cultural heritage. It is a crucial source of historical knowledge, especially in areas not captured by written records,” Rahbi said. “Our aim is to preserve this history through research, documentation and publication, as well as through public engagement and international cooperation.”
According to Rahbi, Oman’s geographical location has historically made it a crossroads of civilisations. This has contributed to the country’s rich and diverse cultural heritage. Several elements of Oman’s intangible heritage are already inscribed with Unesco, highlighting the global relevance of these preservation efforts.
Since 2006, MCSY has undertaken multiple field projects to record oral history across the governorates and wilayats. Local researchers have worked with elders, artisans and tradition bearers to document narratives, customs and knowledge passed down through generations.
The ministry has published several books as part of this initiative. Notable among these is Omani Traditional Musical Instruments, which documents the styles of Omani music, and Omani Traditional Musical Arts, a comprehensive reference on music and performance arts. Together, these publications offer a detailed record of Omani musical traditions.
Newer works include The Diving Craft in the Popular Traditions of the Batinah Coastal Community by Saeed Abdullah Mubarak al Farsi, which explores the oral traditions associated with coastal livelihoods, and The Craft of Tabsil in South Batinah by Wadha bint Mohammed al Shukaili, which chronicles the history and cultural significance of the palm-based food preservation craft.
MCSY has also supported research on frankincense traditions, culminating in the publication Frankincense and Cultural History, a collaborative project involving multiple Omani scholars.
Another recent work, Radio in the Interior of Oman, by Rana bint Nasser al Abri, explores the development of radio broadcasting in Dakhliyah from the 1940s to the 1980s, viewed through oral narratives. The Bahla Wall: The Wristband of Civilisation by Saeed bin Abdullah al Shaqsi examines the architectural and historical relevance of one of Oman’s iconic defensive structures.
“Preserving our oral history is not just about protecting the past,” Rahbi said. “It is about shaping national identity, supporting cultural diplomacy and preparing for a future that values heritage.”
Elevated above ground and connected to Riyadh’s metro, the skywalks help workers, visitors, and residents move easily.
The King Abdullah Financial District in Riyadh was awarded a Guinness World Record on Sunday for the world’s largest continuous pedestrian skyway network.
The network spans 15.46 km, linking 95 buildings through 42 climate-controlled skywalks, allowing year-round pedestrian access.
Elevated above ground and connected to Riyadh’s metro, the skywalks help workers, visitors, and residents move easily through the district while avoiding traffic and weather.
Built with 30,000 sq. meters of glass and more than 3,000 tonnes of steel, the project required more than 5 million safe work hours from 1,200 personnel.
The skywalks connect offices, homes, shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues, making it easier to walk between work, home, and leisure.
“This recognition by Guinness World Records affirms KAFD as a platform for urban development,” said Faddy AlAql, chief asset delivery officer at KAFD Development and Management Co.
“The skywalk network reflects a mobility strategy that connects assets, enhances walkability, and supports our goal of delivering a smart city experience.”
Mbali Nkosi, official adjudicator for Guinness World Records, said: “First set in Minneapolis in 2016, this record has now been redefined by KAFD. In an era where sustainability drives innovation, KAFD’s skyway network sets a new benchmark for walkable urban design.”
The district hosts more than 90 international and local companies and 19 regional headquarters, including Goldman Sachs, Bain & Company, and PepsiCo.
source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)
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Mbali Nkosi, official adjudicator for Guinness World Records, presents the award to Faddy AlAql, chief asset delivery officer at KAFD Development and Management Co. (SPA)
