Tag: World Records of Saudi Arabia

SAUDI ARABIA: World’s First-Ever 3D Printed Mosque Opens in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is now home to the world’s first 3-D-printed mosque, spanning an area of 5,600 sqm. Located within the Al-Jawhara suburb of Jeddah, the mosque stands as a tribute to the late equestrian Abdulaziz Abdullah Sharbatly. The project by Forsan Real Estate utilizes cutting-edge 3D printing technology from Guanli.

The mosque’s construction was completed within six months and spearheaded by Wajnat Abdulwahed, the spouse of the late Abdulaziz Abdullah Sharbatly. Aimed at fostering serenity amongst worshipers while integrating natural light, the mosque also features distinctive minarets, creating a landmark within the neighborhood.

The inauguration of the mosque positions Saudi Arabia as a technological hub, surpassing the United Arab Emirates’ projected timeline for a similar endeavor. Dubai announced an initiative to construct the world’s first 3D-printed mosque last May. As a new and complex technique, the successful completion of the world’s 3D-printed religious infrastructure holds potential for the future of architecture and design.

The project has garnered global attention, showcasing the limitless possibilities of 3D printing technology in construction. In an interview with Arab News, Abdulwahed stressed the importance of “not losing the essence that mosques must embody, while also adhering to general conditions such as emphasizing the values of the King Salman Urban charter, the architectural details in the cultural heritage of Hejazi architecture and presenting them in a contemporary format.”

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is undergoing a tremendous transition, redefining its identity on a global level. As part of its 2030 Vision, the kingdom is moving towards innovation throughout the built environment, aiming to revive the culture and diversify its economy. In January, Populous unveiled the designs for the Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Stadium, a new multi-use venue to contribute to the offerings of Qiddiya City near Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Last year, construction on the Jeddah Tower resumed after a five-year hiatus, set to become the world’s tallest skyscraper and beat the UAE’s Burj Khalifa. Designed by Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture, the tower is set to reach a height of 1,000 meters.

In other recent news related to 3D printing, ICON has just released various technologies and products to modernize construction processes further, including a robotic printer facilitating multi-story construction. In December, ArchDaily curated an exploration of 3D Printing at large and its vast potential through manufacturing all kinds of forms and geometries. From 3D Printed insulated walls to 3D-printed Tiles, the technology and its impact on the future of building construction holds vast potential.

source/content: archdaily.com / Nour Fakharany (headline edited)

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SAUDI ARABIA: WORLD RECORD: Breaking Barriers: 23-year old Reem Al Aboud and Formula E Set an FIA Single-Seater Benchmark breaking World Record

This January, Saudi racer Reem Al Aboud set a new acceleration benchmark for an FIA single-seater by reaching 0-60mph in 2.49 seconds in an ABB FIA Formula E GENBETA car. Ahead of International Women’s Day, we reflect on the implications of this achievement for motorsport.

Every Federation Internationale de l’Automobile-sanctioned single-seater championship race begins with a standing start. The lights at the starting line flash on, and flash off. Idle cars roar to life, accelerating through the straight and into the waiting corner. 

How quickly these cars can accelerate depends on the series. F1 Academy goes from zero to 60mph in approximately 3.6 seconds. Formula 3 and Formula 2 manage in 3.1 and 2.9, respectively. Formula E’s GEN3 car takes 2.8. The current Formula 1 car takes 2.64. 

But F1’s 2.64 seconds is no longer the benchmark. Now, Formula E’s newly developed GENBETA car holds the title — and with a woman in the cockpit.

Last July, Formula E unveiled its GENBETA prototype at the ExCeL London. While testing the car, World Champion Jake Hughes clinched a top speed of 218.71km/h, smashing the Guinness World Record for fastest speed indoors by more than 50km/h. 

Having designated GENBETA as its development platform, Formula E sought to explore the model’s potential and performance further. The series set its sights on setting a second benchmark: the time an FIA single-seater takes to reach 0-60mph. 

Yet in chasing after the F1 benchmark, Formula E was not content with breaking only technological and physical barriers. So, to honour its founding commitment to social progress, it added motorsport’s longstanding gender barrier as yet another to break.

Accordingly, Formula E tapped 23-year-old Saudi female racer Reem Al Aboud to take the GENBETA’s driver seat. The 2023 Saudi Toyota Ladies Cup Champion has partnered with the series since 2018, when she became the first Saudi woman to test a Formula E car. 

Experienced in driving GEN2 and GEN3 cars  — plus breaking barriers across karting, hillclimbing and autocross series — Reem was Formula E’s choice for a 2024 FIA Girls on Track Ambassador. Naturally, she was their choice for the GENBETA test as well. 

And that choice certainly paid off. This January at Dirab Motor Park, Reem’s GENBETA car achieved 0-60mph in 2.49 seconds — besting F1’s by 0.15 seconds. 

Of course, the technological aspect of the January test is remarkable. Behind GENBETA’s new benchmark is its front powertrain kit, which previous Formula E models (and other road electric vehicles) only use for energy harvesting. However, GENBETA also turns on this kit for greater traction during acceleration, using it to produce 536 horsepower that will launch the car into action. Instant torque allows for instant acceleration and thus a 2.49-second 0-60mph time.

What’s also remarkable is that a woman is the face of this test. 

After all, motorsport’s gender barrier is cyclical. Doubt that female drivers can perform on par with their male counterparts dominates the sport. Doubtful investors shy away from funding young female drivers. Underfunded female drivers can’t enter, remain and progress through racing series. Series sorely lack female representation — when representation is what validates the reality that women can indeed perform. That lack of validation perpetuates the doubt about female drivers. And so, the cycle continues.  

But Reem’s benchmark throws a wrench into this cycle by tackling the doubt head-on. She reaffirms that when women are given the time on track they are so often denied, they can excel. That when women are included in the conversation, they can contribute to the technological developments that push this sport forward. That when this sport values women, women can bring equal — if not more — value to the sport in turn. 

As the face of this test, Reem represents the generations of women who have been denied from motorsport on the basis of their gender. Of women who challenge prejudice in cockpits, paddocks and audiences. Of girls who see Reem on their screens and wonder if they, too, can wrestle state-of-the-art cars at inhuman speeds. 

Reem breaks the cycle by showing them that they can, and that they should. 

In doing so, she and Formula E bring motorsport a step closer to a new era. One where women are no longer the exception, but the standard. 

source/content: femalesinmotorsport.com (headline edited)

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SAUDI ARABIA reelected to ‘Global Research Council’ leadership under the Vice Chairmanship of Munir bin Mahmoud Eldesouk

The governing board voted unanimously to reelect Vice Chairman Munir bin Mahmoud Eldesouki at the body’s 12th annual meeting.

The Kingdom has retained its leadership position in the Global Research Council, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.

The governing board voted unanimously to reelect Vice Chairman Munir bin Mahmoud Eldesouki at the body’s 12th annual meeting in Interlaken, Switzerland this week.

The reelection to this position, for the second time since the body’s establishment in 2012, confirms the council’s confidence in Saudi Arabia, the SPA reported.

The council highlighted Saudi Arabia’s efforts in promoting research, development and innovation in the Middle East North Africa region, the report added.

The council comprises heads of research institutions that fund projects globally.

source/contents: arabnews.com (headline edited)

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The governing board voted unanimously to reelect Vice Chairman Munir bin Mahmoud Eldesouki at the body’s 12th annual meeting. (SPA)

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SAUDI ARABIA: Riyadh set to host World Economic Forum (WEF) Special Meeting amid rising geopolitical tensions, April 28-29

The event aims to bridge the growing North-South divide and drive inclusive economic development and a sustainable energy transition.

The World Economic Forum’s special meeting on global collaboration, growth and energy for development, scheduled to take place in Riyadh on April 28 and 29, is expected to address global challenges as geopolitical tensions increase.

The meeting will bring together more than 700 participants, including stakeholders from governments and international organisations, politicians and corporate leaders, as Saudi Arabia aims to boost its global profile.

The Riyadh gathering of global leaders will overlap with a recently announced visit by US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, scheduled for Monday and Tuesday to meet with regional partners. The goal is to secure a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of Israeli hostages, according to the State Department on Saturday.

WEF, held under three themes – catalysing action on energy for development, a compact for inclusive growth and revitalising global co-operation – the event aims to bridge the growing North-South divide, which has further widened on issues such as emerging economic policies, the energy transition and geopolitical shocks, it said.

Amid these intricate challenges, there is a strong need for action-orientated dialogues from the Global North and South, the Switzerland-based organisation added.

Faisal Al Ibrahim, the Saudi Arabian minister of economy and planning, said the world was at a global inflection point and that his country will implement its “full diplomatic might”, and ensure that conclusions made are not one sided.

“We are working to ensure that progress for one part of the world does not come at the expense of another,” he said, as the kingdom seeks a mutually beneficial path to prosperity for the intertwined destinies of the global community.

“This WEF special meeting comes at a time when Saudi government officials are accelerating efforts to shine a positive light on the country’s economic transformation and specific development initiatives,” Robert C Mogielnicki, senior resident scholar, The Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington, said.

“This special meeting is almost certainly going to be a net positive for Riyadh, as it is hard to see significant downsides to convening a dialogue with prominent global voices.

“However, events alone will not accomplish the government’s ambitious agenda. International investors are increasingly looking beyond splashy, organised events and talking points to gauge for themselves examples of concrete progress and future opportunities in Saudi Arabia.”

The world economy is facing geopolitical shocks, unabating inflationary pressures and central banks’ efforts to keep interest rates at elevated levels to stabilise consumer prices.

After a “surprisingly resilient” 2023, the International Monetary Fund revised global growth slightly higher this year to 3.2 per cent.

The global economy is set to post its slowest half-decade growth in 30 years, with the raging conflict in the Middle East among key downside risks to the outlook, the World Bank said in its Global Economic Prospects report.

Global economic prospects remain subdued and are fraught with uncertainty as more than half of chief economists expect the world economy to further weaken this year, a WEF report said in January.

The report stated that the world is facing a critical turning point and identified economic downturn and inflation, the lack of economic opportunity, disrupted supply chains for essential goods and energy, in addition to the impact of climate change as the issues that need the immediate attention over the next two years.

source/content: thenationalnews.com (headline edited)

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SAUDI ARABIA : World’s Largest Grand Arabic Opera opens in Riyadh

The opera was produced by the Saudi Theater and Performing Arts Commission.

 “Zarqa Al-Yamama,” the world’s first and largest grand opera in Arabic, made its debut at the King Fahad Cultural Center in Riyadh, taking the audience on a lyrical journey through one of the best-known folkloric tales in the Arabian Peninsula.


The opera was produced by the Saudi Theater and Performing Arts Commission, and will run until May 4, telling the story of the central character’s attempts to warn her Jadis tribe of an imminent invasion.

source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)

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ـ “Zarqa Al-Yamama,” the world’s first and largest grand opera in Arabic, made its debut at the King Fahad Cultural Center in Riyadh. (SPA)9

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SAUDI ARABIA: AI will help find high-potential Mining targets in World’s First ‘Geoscience Data Analytics Center’

Saudi Arabia is set for a groundbreaking technological venture in the mining sector with the launch of the Geoscience Data Analytics Center. 

Commissioned by the Saudi government, the facility is expected to commence operations later this year. 

Speaking to Arab News at the Future Minerals Forum, Commissioner Rob Wood emphasized the interdisciplinary nature of the center and the significance of developing new programs to train professionals with hybrid skills. 

Wood said: “It will be the very first of its kind globally. It will become operational probably in late 2024.” 

Saudi Arabia boasts 31 critical minerals and strategic resources, ranging from gold, and silver to nickel and cobalt. 

The Kingdom is poised to establish a third industrial pillar centered on mining, with potential reserves estimated at $2.5 trillion, as Wood also highlighted the significance of the Kingdom’s commitment to diversify its economy. 

He emphasized that the Geoscience Data Analytics Center would play a pivotal role in utilizing AI to uncover potential mining deposits. 

The $2.5 trillion estimate, Wood clarified, is extrapolated from the known data available, emphasizing that extensive land exploration and data collection support this estimation. 

“The amount of land that we’ve actually explored and done data collection for. So, we know that there is a significant amount of opportunity left within the Kingdom that we haven’t explored yet,” he noted. 

Wood explained that there is a need to establish new interdisciplinary programs, where geologists will be trained in computer science. 

He highlighted novel aspects of the center, such as state-of-the-art robotic labs for core scanning and cumulative effects research.

“Literally, nobody on the planet is doing what we’re talking about,” he claimed, adding: “The intent is that the Kingdom will, in fact, have complete control and will be running the center for decades to come.” 

Wood elaborated on the ongoing data collection efforts, stating that the gathered information will be fed into a new artificial intelligence platform capable of conducting analytics to identify high-potential mining targets. 

The commissioner emphasized the use of AI in modeling mineral deposits, stating, “We’re using machine learning to uncover these high-potential deposits very early in the process.” 

He acknowledged the formidable challenge in the mining sector, particularly the difficulty in identifying new targets, referred to as “greenfields,” which he termed as a highly risky endeavor. 

“So frequently, they can go out and do a full drilling program and come back with nothing, and you spend literally hundreds of millions of dollars for potentially no result whatsoever.” 

To address this challenge, Wood unveiled the ambitious plan to use advanced artificial intelligence to de-risk the costs associated with finding new targets. 

“What we’re looking to do is, in fact, de-risk those costs on the mining companies by using advanced artificial intelligence to, in fact, actually find these new targets,” he explained. 

The commissioner emphasized the significance of addressing environmental and social impacts in the mining sector, stating: “One of the things the center is going to be doing is actually complex environmental and social impact research.” 

In conclusion, Wood highlighted the uniqueness of Saudi Arabia’s position in undertaking this venture, stating: “The discovery of oil is substantially easier than the discovery of minerals. Minerals require sophisticated analytics to find these new deposits.” 

As the Kingdom embarks on this groundbreaking initiative, Wood expressed his optimism, stating, “It’s an exciting time to be in Saudi Arabia.” 

source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)

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Rob Wood, commissioner of the Geoscience Data Analytics Center, speaking to Arab News.

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SAUDI ARABIA: WORLD RECORD: King Abdulaziz Falconry Festival 2023 enters Guinness Records as Largest Falconry Competition Globally

It is now recognized as the largest falconry competition in the world, with 2,654 falcons participating.

 The King Abdulaziz Falconry Festival 2023 has set a new world record by entering in the Guinness World Records for the third time in its history, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

It is now recognized as the largest falconry competition in the world, with 2,654 falcons participating.

The festival was held between Nov. 28 and Dec. 14 and was organized by the Saudi Falcons Club at its headquarters in Malham, north of Riyadh.

The accomplishment stands as a testament to the backing of the Saudi leadership in safeguarding the Kingdom’s cultural heritage.

In its inaugural year, the festival secured a Guinness World Record with 1,723 falcons, and in the following year in 2019, it repeated this feat by including 2,350 falcons.

The event drew falconers from the Kingdom, Gulf countries and across the world, who competed for the festival’s awards over 17 days. Falconers vied for places in the Al-Mazayen and Al-Milwah competitions, with prizes exceeding SR33.6 million ($8.91 million).

As part of efforts to enhance the ancient falconry heritage of the Kingdom, the Saudi Falcons Club is partnering with the Royal Commission for AlUla governorate to organize the first AlUla Falconry Cup 2023.

The competition will be held in AlUla governorate from Dec. 28 to Jan. 5, with prizes worth up to SR60 million in the Al-Milwah and Al-Mazayen competitions. These represent the largest financial prizes in the history of falconry competitions in the world.

source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)

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The festival was held between Nov. 28 and Dec. 14 and was organized by the Saudi Falcons Club at its headquarters in Malham, north of Riyadh. (SPA)

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SAUDI ARABIAN Woman Athlete Kariman Abuljadayel sets New Open-Water Rowing Record

When a Saudi Arabian athlete rowed her boat over 6.2 miles of open water in 57 minutes and 24 seconds, she smashed the Guinness World Record.

Kariman Abuljadayel tried to break the record in the Red Sea off the coast of Jeddah after being the first Saudi woman to compete in the 100-meter event at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio.

She claimed that the endeavour was hampered by the intense heat and other issues.

Abuljadayel told Guinness World Records, “That day had a strong current that slowed the boat down. I was forced to put in more effort to just maintain the movement let alone move fast for the sake of breaking the record.” She said, “I will be honest, I wanted to quit, it was too much, but a strong voice of determination within me that drove me to continue rowing and break through the imaginary barriers.”

According to GWR, the athlete broke the record for the quickest time to row 10 kilometers (open water) in rowing.

“I want express my appreciation to my mother, Suraya Alshehry,” Kariman said. “Who nurtured this early passion and guided it before it faded. She is my role model and hero.”

source/content: bolnews.com (headline edited)

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source: Fastest time to row 10km (open water) – Guinness World Records / youtube.com

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SAUDI ARABIA sets Guinness World Record for ‘Longest Phrase Written with Coffee Beans’ – the Phrase ‘Heritage Commission’ written with 6088 Saudi Khawlani Coffee Beans

The phrase, “Heritage Commission,” was written on a board with 6088 Saudi Khawlani coffee beans.

In a new achievement added to the achievements of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Heritage Authority announced that it had set a Guinness Book of World Records for the longest phrase written with coffee beans.

The phrase, “Heritage Commission,” was written on a board with 6088 Saudi Khawlani coffee beans.

This comes as part of the World Heritage Day activities that the Commission recently held at the King Abdulaziz Historical Center in Riyadh.

The Heritage Authority received the registration certificate in the presence of a representative of the Guinness Book of Records and representatives of the Heritage Authority.

This record in Guinness World Records comes in the context of the Heritage Authority’s keenness to enhance the Authority’s presence in organizations and encyclopedias worldwide to inform the international community of the importance of the cultural heritage sector in the Kingdom and the attention and care it receives.

Saudi Khawlani coffee

It is noteworthy that the Saudi Khawlani coffee is considered one of the finest types of coffee, and its cultivation was associated with the customs of the people of the region, their poetry, their songs and their economy.

In 2022, UNESCO added Saudi Arabia’s Khawlani coffee and the skills and knowledge associated with its cultivation to its list of intangible cultural heritage.

source/content: siasat.com (headline edited)

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The painting that entered the Guinness Book of Records. Photo: SPA

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WORLD RECORD: SAUDI ARABIA: The Longest Calligraphic Mural in the World. Murals Beautify Makkah and Depict Saudi Heritage and Culture for pilgrims

The world’s longest calligraphic mural has been installed on the road leading to Makkah’s Grand Mosque, in the latest beautification of the holy city.

The 75-meter mural, designed by artist Amal Felemban, joins a host of sculptures and installations already adorning Makkah in a project run by local authorities to boost its visual appeal and depict Saudi heritage and culture for pilgrims.

Felemban told Arab News that it was important to retain and promote the ancient art of mural painting, as it portrays Saudi culture and aesthetics and links the old world with the modern.

“In the modern era, they brighten up streets and cover some of the ugliness of the gray buildings,” she said, adding that murals and sculptures reflected the true spirit of the city.

“My mural tells the story of the urban heritage in the holy capital, as it received a wonderful echo of this authentic Hijazi art, and it is different from the rest of the murals near large mosques,” she said.

HIGHLIGHTS

• The Municipality of Makkah installed the longest calligraphic mural in the world on King Abdul Aziz Street, the road that leads to the Grand Mosque.

• Artist Amal Felemban shared that murals are one of the oldest forms of art that can beautify the streets and show local culture and heritage to pilgrims and visitors.

“Mine are not letters or poetic verses, but were rather inspired by the authentic urban culture of this country.

“Many pilgrims do not have a sufficient knowledge about Saudi Arabia, nor about our culture and civilization, so we need to show it through arts, murals and sculptures.”

Felemban said that the municipalities in all Saudi regions must pay great attention to this form of art, which reflects Saudi culture and attracts more tourists.

“Millions of visitors from all over the world will flock to our beloved Kingdom, which requires us to show our heritage and culture properly.”

My mural tells the story of urban heritage in the holy capital.

Amal Felemban, Artist

Artist Badr Al-Sulaimani said that the murals and sculptures in the holy city bring joy and pleasure to the hearts of pilgrims from all over the world.

He added that they helped highlight many creative artists from inside and outside the Kingdom in various competitions and bring a historical dimension to contemporary art.

“This proves the importance of employing arts and creating an attractive artistic environment, using all the techniques that contribute to providing a cultural and artistic dose for passers-by,” Al-Sulaimani said.

The Municipality of Makkah organizes competitions for painting murals and drawing Arabic calligraphy, which it describes as one of the most significant written and visual arts which is associated with the Holy Quran.

A team from Umm Al-Qura University’s Department of Visual Arts is also participating in improving the city’s landscape.

source/content: arabnews.com (headline edited)

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The beautification of Makkah continues with new murals adorning street walls on the way to the Grand Mosque. (SPA photos)
The murals feature Arabic calligraphy, a pillar of Islamic art. (SPA)

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