Six Saudi startups qualify for EWC finals

Judges during Q&A round of the EWC National Finals. (Supplied)
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Updated 08 September 2020
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Six Saudi startups qualify for EWC finals

  • Last year, there were about 102,000 entries from 187 countries

RIYADH: Six Saudi startups have qualified for the Entrepreneurship World Cup (EWC) Global Finals to be staged at the Misk Global Forum in October.

The startup Talon Dust Control emerged as the champion of the EWC Saudi National Finals, along with startups Edama Organic Solutions placing second, BrightSign Health Tech third, Upskillable LLC. fourth, Peregrine Genomics fifth and Miqyas sixth.

Talon Dust Control provides soil control and stabilization solutions through a uniquely formulated product range for local conditions.

After the success of the inaugural event held at the Misk Global Forum 2019, the Mohammed bin Salman Foundation (Misk) is geared up for the EWC 2020 taking place between Oct. 18 and 20 following the Saudi National Finals held on Monday.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, this year’s National Finals were held virtually.

Presented by the Misk Global Forum and hosted by the Global Entrepreneurship Network and the Global Education and Leadership Foundation, 14 Saudi startups competed to be crowned the six best entrepreneurs in the National Finals of the EWC, that celebrate the talent and innovation of a new generation of innovative Saudis.

The major part of the National Finals included Saudi startups and entrepreneurs delivering three-minute pitches, followed by a two-minute question and answer session by judges.

The entrepreneurs were competing for six cash prizes of $50,000 and entry into the Global Finals at Misk.

Three live panel discussions were held, featuring distinguished entrepreneurship experts exploring the theme: “Overcoming Challenges: How new businesses can overcome obstacles to achieve success.”

A further panel included videos and testimonials celebrating the success of Saudi startup finalists in the 2019 EWC titled: “Where are they now?”

The National Finals session was moderated by Rawan Radwan from Arab News, whose organization was the strategic media partner for the event. The session aims to encourage entrepreneurs to launch their ideas and take their companies to global audiences, while also engaging aspiring entrepreneurs to consider new career paths.

Speaking at the opening session, Badr Al-Badr, CEO of the Misk Foundation, said entrepreneurship plays pivotal role in economic diversification and development.

“Earlier, people wanted to be doctors, engineers, lawyers and other traditional professionals, now they aspire to be entrepreneurs,” he said, adding that the government is thankfully encouraging it.

Amal Dokhan, CEO of the Global Entrepreneurship Network, also moderated a panel discussion and spoke on the future of entrepreneurship.

The EWC agenda of “Overcoming Challenges” was elaborated upon in a statement.

“There are little doubts that 2020 is a very special year. In less than six months, COVID-19 has transformed the world as we know it, affecting all eight billion of us. Across the globe, individuals and businesses have had to adapt to a remote, socially distanced reality. Prior to the pandemic, startup founders were already well-aware that resilience is crucial for their professional success. In 2020, resilience is now more important than ever. Coupled with strong adaptive capabilities, it enables existing and prospective entrepreneurs to overcome challenges and accelerate their entrepreneurial journey.”

The event was co-organized by King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Prince Mohammad Bin Salman College of Business and Entrepreneurship and the Global Entrepreneurship Network and strategic media partner, Arab News, while the General Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises and the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology were ecosystem partners for the event.

The EWC is the world’s largest and most diverse pitch competition and support program for entrepreneurs, bringing together startups of all sizes from about 200 countries.

Despite the pandemic, EWC 2020 has attracted over 174,000 applications this year from 200 countries. About $1 million in cash prizes will be up for grabs at the EWC Global Finals in October.

Those taking part can access free training materials from experienced mentors and up to $25,000 worth of perks from dozens of partners, including Zoom, Amazon Web Services and Shopify.

It includes an integrated training and mentoring program to help entrepreneurs hone their skills and increase their chances of success. The participants will work closely with mentors and other specialists, from the idea stage to the growth and structure of businesses.

Participants will have access to a digital library that contains a wide range of expert knowledge and advice to help them succeed, including guides to drawing up business plans and structuring projects, to collecting customer feedback, product development, team building and corporate culture guides.

Last year, there were about 102,000 entries from 187 countries. About 100 participants reached the semi-final and had the chance to present their ideas to thousands of people.

Red Sea Farms, a Saudi startup based at KAUST that specializes in saltwater greenhouse technology, finished third in the inaugural EWC.


Saudi authorities crack down on illegal Hajj activities

Saudi authorities inspect Hajj permits at Makkah entry points for pilgrim safety. (X: @insharifain)
Updated 6 sec ago
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Saudi authorities crack down on illegal Hajj activities

  • 21 arrested for transporting, 84 pilgrims caught without permits

MAKKAH: The Ministry of Interior is continuing its efforts to prevent individuals without Hajj permits from entering or staying in Makkah and the holy sites, warning that violators and facilitators will be arrested and penalized.

The Hajj Security Forces at Makkah’s entrances arrested eight residents and 12 citizens for transporting 75 individuals without permits to perform Hajj, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

The ministry issued administrative decisions through seasonal committees against the transporters, accomplices, and those transported. 

Penalties include imprisonment, fines of up to SR100,000 ($26,600), public naming of violators, deportation of residents, and a 10-year ban from re-entering Saudi Arabia after sentencing. 

The ministry has also called for the confiscation of vehicles used in unauthorized transportation and for fines of up to SR20,000 for those attempting Hajj without a permit.

In a separate incident, a Saudi citizen was arrested for transporting nine visa-holding expatriates without Hajj permits, the SPA reported. 

All individuals involved have been referred to relevant authorities to enforce the prescribed penalties.

The ministry has urged all citizens and residents to comply with Hajj regulations to ensure the safety of pilgrims. It warned that performing or attempting Hajj without a permit from April 29 to June 10 was prohibited. 

The ministry has encouraged the public to report violations by calling 911 in Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh and the Eastern Province, or 999 elsewhere in the Kingdom.

Meanwhile, security patrols in Makkah have arrested four Indonesian expatriates for fraudulently promoting fake and misleading Hajj campaigns on social media, and falsely offering accommodation and transportation within the holy sites.

They were also found promoting forged Nusuk Hajj cards and violating Hajj regulations by harboring 14 individuals without permits in a building.

The suspects were detained, legal action was taken, and they were referred to the Public Prosecution. Those harbored were referred to the competent authorities for the prescribed penalties.

Hajj Security Forces last week arrested 43 residents and 39 citizens in separate incidents for transporting 259 individuals without Hajj permits.

According to a recent report by the General Directorate of Passports, a total of 890,883 pilgrims from abroad have arrived in the Kingdom for Hajj from air, land, and sea.

The directorate reaffirmed its commitment to streamlining entry procedures by equipping all ports with advanced technology and multilingual staff.


Kingdom arrests 13,118 illegals in one week

Updated 56 min 49 sec ago
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Kingdom arrests 13,118 illegals in one week

RIYADH: Saudi authorities arrested 13,118 people in one week for breaching residency, work and border security regulations, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

A total of 8,150 people were arrested for violations of residency laws, while 3,344 were held over illegal border crossing attempts, and a further 1,624 for labor-related issues.

The Ministry of Interior said that anyone found to be facilitating illegal entry to the Kingdom, including providing transportation and shelter, could face imprisonment for a maximum of 15 years, a fine of up to SR1 million ($267,000), as well as confiscation of vehicles and property.

Suspected violations can be reported on the toll-free number 911 in the Makkah and Riyadh regions, and 999 or 996 in other regions of the Kingdom.


How wildflowers bring color and ecological balance to Saudi Arabia’s deserts

Updated 24 May 2025
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How wildflowers bring color and ecological balance to Saudi Arabia’s deserts

  • Conservation efforts and nature reserves are helping the Kingdom’s native desert flora make a strong comeback
  • Desert wildflowers like Zahrah and Zamlouq symbolize resilience, blooming in some of the world’s harshest environments

JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s landscapes are brightened each year by a dazzling array of wildflowers that bring bursts of color and life to its deserts and valleys.

Among the most iconic are Bassia eriophora, Senecio glaucus (locally known as Zamlouq), and Tribulus omanense (commonly called Zahrah). These species are celebrated not only for their natural beauty but also for their ecological, historical, and cultural significance.

In the Northern Borders Province, the desert is seasonally transformed into a living canvas by the arrival of Zamlouq, one of the region’s most striking wildflowers. Once near extinction, this annual herbaceous plant is now enjoying a revival.

Also known as Nowair or Yellow Arabian, Zamlouq germinates rapidly after rainfall and can grow up to 20 centimeters tall. It is easily recognized by its elongated, strap-like leaves and bright yellow, daisy-like flowers that enrich the desert with vibrant color.

Zamlouq emits a distinctive, aromatic fragrance that attracts bees and butterflies, playing a vital role in pollination and supporting ecological balance.

Zamlouq, also known as Nowair or Yellow Arabian, not only provides valuable forage for livestock and wildlife but also helps stabilize the soil and prevent erosion. (SPA)

It typically blooms from late winter into spring, carpeting the desert floor with natural ground cover that boosts soil fertility and provides valuable forage for livestock and wildlife. It also helps stabilize the soil and prevent erosion — especially in open desert areas.

“This annual herb thrives in sandy plains and open rangelands, blooming in spring,” Ghalia Aljeddani, associate professor of plant ecology at the University of Jeddah’s Department of Environmental Sciences, told Arab News.

“It serves as valuable forage for livestock and contributes to soil stabilization and ecological beautification.”

Another native species creating a breathtaking spectacle during the blooming season is the Ramth shrub (Haloxylon salicornicum), particularly in the valleys of the Northern Borders, such as Wadi Arar and its tributaries. Recent thunderstorms and rainfall have triggered renewed floral activity in these regions.

Ramth is a perennial, evergreen shrub known for both its ecological and pastoral value. Conservation efforts, including the establishment of nature reserves, have helped restore this once-declining species and expand Saudi Arabia’s green cover.

Ramth (Haloxylon salicornicum), a perennial desert shrub, thrives across the Arabian Peninsula under harsh desert conditions. (SPA photo)

Highly valued by herders as a key “Hamad” (palatable pasture shrub), Ramth typically grows to around 1 meter tall and can spread across several square meters. Its scale-like, tubular leaves retain moisture, allowing it to thrive in extreme desert conditions.

When protected from grazing, Ramth demonstrates a remarkable capacity to regenerate. In mid-summer, its foliage produces tiny granules of pure white sugar — a unique feature in its ecological profile.

Ramth is “commonly used as camel forage and firewood,” said Aljeddani.

“It is also a natural source of salt for camels and has uses in cleaning products and some medicinal applications. Its ability to thrive in saline and arid environments makes it a promising solution for combating desertification.”

DID YOU KNOW?

• More than 800 types of wildflowers have been recorded across the Arabian Peninsula.

• After rainfall, the deserts, rocky mountains and gravel plains burst into life with greenery.

• Despite their relatively small sizes, wildflowers in Saudi Arabia are remarkably resilient.

• Bedouin have long used wild plants to treat infections and for health-boosting properties.

Among the diverse Tribulus species found across the Arabian Peninsula, Tribulus omanense — locally known as Zahrah — stands out with its large, vivid yellow flowers and soft, feathery foliage.

This trailing plant thrives in loose sands and high desert dunes and can grow up to 80 centimeters tall, adding a dramatic splash of color to otherwise barren terrain. Belonging to the Zygophyllaceae family, Zahrah is distinguished by its star-shaped flowers with five delicate petals and its spiny seed capsules.

Tribulus omanense — locally known as Zahrah — is a creeping annual plant from the (Zygophyllaceae) family, distinguished by clover-like compound leaves and bright yellow flowers. (SPA photo)
Tribulus omanense stands out with its large, vivid yellow flowers and soft, feathery foliage. (SPA photo)

Its deep green, pinnate leaves and sprawling stems enhance its ornamental appeal, while its winter bloom transforms the desert into a radiant sea of yellow. Zahrah serves as an important food source for desert ungulates like gazelles and oryx, as well as for domesticated animals.

Native to the Arabian Peninsula, Zahrah is exceptionally adapted to harsh conditions, tolerating extreme heat, drought, and sandy soils. Its water-saving mechanisms make it indispensable to desert ecosystems.

Beyond its ecological value, Tribulus omanense is revered as a symbol of endurance and vitality — mirroring the resilience of the desert and the spirit of the people who call it home.

The Arnebia decumbens plant, a seasonal wildflower that flourishes in the Kingdom's Northern Borders region during spring, serves as a vital food source for wildlife and livestock and contributes to ecological balance and soil stabilization in sandy areas. (SPA)

Yet environmental pressures such as climate change, overgrazing, and urban expansion threaten the resurgence of these plants. Authorities are working to raise public awareness about the importance of conserving native vegetation to preserve biodiversity and protect the Kingdom’s natural heritage.

These measures will help maintain ecological balance without excessive strain on water resources, enhance natural resistance to drought and desertification, and support the development of resilient and sustainable ecosystems.

“These wildflowers are not merely natural adornments of the land,” said Aljeddani. “They play vital environmental, cultural, and economic roles and significantly contribute to national initiatives aimed at achieving sustainability.”
 

 


Sudanese culture in spotlight at Jeddah event

Updated 23 May 2025
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Sudanese culture in spotlight at Jeddah event

  • Passport to the World runs until May 24
  • The event previously placed the spotlight on Filipino, Bangladeshi, and Indian cultures

JEDDAH: Passport to the World, which is taking place in Jeddah until May 24, is offering visitors an immersive look at Sudan’s cultural heritage through live folk performances, traditional dances, and interactive workshops that highlight customs, celebrations, and community rituals.

The event also features a food corner serving authentic Sudanese dishes, desserts, and traditional drinks that reflect the country’s hospitality.

Guests are also given an opportunity to wear traditional Sudanese clothing and explore the meanings behind its regional colors and patterns.

Organized by the General Entertainment Authority, the event supports efforts to showcase the cultural diversity of expatriate communities in the Kingdom while promoting values of coexistence through interactive cultural programming.

The event previously placed the spotlight on Filipino, Bangladeshi, and Indian cultures.

The Sudanese showcase is its conclusion and has attracted strong public interest. A previous edition in Alkhobar was also well received.
 


Saudi minister of municipalities and housing concludes official visit to Kuwait

Updated 23 May 2025
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Saudi minister of municipalities and housing concludes official visit to Kuwait

  • Guidelines adopted at meeting of GCC’s ministers

KUWAIT CITY: Saudi Minister of Municipalities and Housing Majid bin Abdullah Al-Hogail has concluded his official visit to Kuwait, during which he headed the Kingdom’s delegation at the 23rd meeting of the Gulf Cooperation Council’s housing ministers, which included participation from the relevant ministers of member states and was attended by the secretary-general of the GCC.

Several technical guidelines were adopted at the meeting, most notably the Value Engineering Guide for GCC Housing Projects, which was prepared by Riyadh as a step to enhance spending efficiency while improving the quality of outcomes in Gulf housing schemes.