SAUDI ARABIA wins Arab awards in medicine, nursing at health ministers’ meet

Saudi Arabia won several Arab awards in medicine and nursing during the 63rd session of the Council of Arab Health Ministers, held recently in Tripoli, Libya, highlighting the Kingdom’s growing prominence in regional health excellence and the strength of its national health workforce.

The achievements reflect the rapid development of Saudi Arabia’s health sector and the high caliber of its medical and nursing professionals, who continue to contribute to innovation, enhanced health preparedness and the delivery of sustainable healthcare — in line with the objectives of the Health Sector Transformation Program under Saudi Vision 2030, said a statement issued on Thursday by the Saudi Ministry of Health.

As part of the Arab Doctors Award 2025 by the General Secretariat of the Arab League’s Social Affairs Sector, Dr. Ahmed bin Salem Bahammam, director of the Prince Naif Center for Health Research, received the award for excellence in scientific research and innovation.

Dr. Zuhair bin Yousef Al-Hlais, senior consultant in cardiac surgery at King Faisal Specialist Hospital, was honored with the award for excellence, leadership and professional medical impact.

For nursing, a Saudi team comprising Dr. Manal Saeed Banassr, Iman Mohammed Al-Shammari, Abdulrahman Abdullah Abu Khadaah, Jawharah Fahad Al-Harbi and Reem Mohammed Al-Humaidan won first place in the clinical practice category of the “Outstanding Work in Nursing and Midwifery” award for their project, the INS Model.

The innovative scheme focuses on strengthening surge capacity in intensive care units during disasters by enhancing nursing workforce readiness and increasing ICU capacity in times of crisis.

The model was developed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In addition, Dr. Badriah Awad Al-Shehri, chief nursing executive at King Saud Medical City, jointly won the “Outstanding Work in Nursing and Midwifery” award with Egypt for the Nethathon Project, which aims to advance nursing education and training, enhance workforce competencies and improve the quality of health education outcomes.

The awards highlight Saudi Arabia’s leadership in medical innovation and professional excellence across the Arab region.

source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)

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Saudi Arabia wins Arab awards in medicine and nursing at Arab Health Ministers’ Meet 2025. (Supplied)

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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 to Launch Largest Radio Telescope in Middle East

Project to be located at astronomical observatory in Hail’s Mashar National Park.

 The Saudi Amateur Radio Society is preparing to launch the largest radio telescope in the Middle East, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday. 

Construction on the 20-meter diameter device is done and tests will be conducted before it is linked to the radio telescope system developed at universities. 

The radio telescope will be sited at the astronomical observatory in Mashar National Park.

Prince Badr bin Fahd, the president of the association, said the project was in line with Saudi Vision 2030 goals of sustainable development, digital transformation and attracting investments in the fields of technology and innovation.

source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)

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Construction on the 20-meter diameter device is done and tests will be conducted before it is linked to the radio telescope system. (File/AFP)

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