Saudi astronauts Rayyanah Barnawi, Ali AlQarni begin research projects aboard International Space Station
During their eight-day stay, Saudi astronauts will be undertaking 14 pioneering experiments in microgravity
Three of those will be conducted real-time with participation of 12,000 Saudi students across 47 locations
Updated 27 May 2023
Arab News
RIYADH: Saudi astronauts Rayyanah Barnawi and Ali AlQarni have started their research projects aboard the International Space Station (ISS), a few days after arriving via the privately-launched Axiom Space 2 mission
During their eight-day stay at the space station, the Saudi astronauts would be undertaking 14 pioneering experiments in microgravity and with three of those to be conducted real-time with the participation of 12,000 Saudi students across 47 locations of the Kingdom.
The involvement of students was aimed at “preparing future astronauts and engineers through quality education and training programs, and participation in scientific experiments, international research, and future space-related missions,” state news agency SPA reported.
The real-time interaction ensures that students can access the Saudi crew live as they simultaneously perform their experiments on Earth and in space.
Barnawi and AlQarni are running six experiments to understand the impacts of being in space, microgravity and a high radiation environment on the human brain and nervous system.
The research aims to evaluate the repercussions of space on human health and the safety of such space trips on the human brain and will utilize novel neuroscience tools including measuring blood flow to the brain and the brain’s electrical activity, SPA said.
The two Saudi astronauts will also do four cell science experiments to investigate the inflammatory response of human immune cells in microgravity.
Their research will be focused on changes in mRNA decay, a process that can turn off inflammation.
Musaed app concept highlights Kingdom’s youth-led innovation in service of pilgrims
Updated 31 May 2025
Rahaf Jambi
RIYADH: A team of students at King Abdulaziz University has developed a mobile app designed to help Hajj pilgrims navigate their journey with ease, eliminating a common challenge faced during the intense pilgrimage: getting lost.
Led by student Hassan Al-Sulami, the team created the Musaed app, an interactive tool that can help pilgrims locate their camps and navigate crowded areas.
“The innovative idea aims to ease the pilgrims’ journey by presenting it at the upcoming Hajj and Umrah Conference, seeking a sponsor to adopt it,” Al-Sulami said. “We are working to integrate it into the Nusuk Haq Hajj app.”
HIGHLIGHTS
• Although the app is still in its prototype phase and pending official approvals, the Musaed project reflects the creativity and technical potential of Saudi youth.
• Led by Saudi student Hassan Al-Sulami, the Musaed app is an interactive tool that can help pilgrims locate their camps and navigate crowded areas.
The app was born out of firsthand observation during the 2022 Hajj, when Al-Sulami and his team noticed many pilgrims struggling to find their tents, leading to missed rituals and logistical and transport delays.
Using technologies like the Internet of Things, Musaed enables pilgrims to identify their camp locations on an offline map after an initial download.
A standout feature is its use of the phone’s camera to identify the direction of the camp, similar to how one uses augmented-reality compass function to find the Qibla direction. The app’s concept also includes audio and visual directions that serve as a personal guide to help pilgrims navigate their surroundings.
The app will also provide suggested routes and available facilities, as well as a real-time alert feature that notifies users of congestion. A built-in contact feature allows direct communication with supervisors or relevant authorities, adding a layer of safety and assurance.
Although the app is still in its prototype phase and pending official approvals, the Musaed project reflects the creativity and technical potential of Saudi youth.
With more than 1 million pilgrims arriving each year, initiatives like Musaed offer scalable, tech-forward solutions that support Saudi Arabia’s commitment to serving pilgrims with efficiency and care.
Makkah royal commission leads Saudi Arabia’s push to streamline Hajj operations
Saleh bin Ibrahim Al-Rashid, CEO of the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites, said: “Our preparations aim to create an operational environment that empowers relevant authorities and facilitates the pilgrims’ journey”
Updated 31 May 2025
Tareq Al-Thaqafi
MAKKAH: Saudi Arabia is rolling out a high-tech, data-driven operational system to improve the pilgrim experience during Hajj, led by the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites.
The initiatives emphasizes real-time coordination, smart mobility solutions and infrastructure enhancements to manage the flow of millions with greater speed, safety and efficiency, deploying cutting-edge technology and infrastructure improvements and operating on continuous assessment and gradual improvement, according to officials.
At the core of the plan is a shift from reactive approaches to proactive operations. Through continuous assessment and integrated digital tools, the commission empowers authorities and streamlines pilgrim services across holy sites to achieve rapid response and strengthen functional integration.
At the core of the plan is a shift from reactive approaches to proactive operations. (SPA)
Saleh bin Ibrahim Al-Rashid, CEO of the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites, said: “Our preparations aim to create an operational environment that empowers relevant authorities and facilitates the pilgrims’ journey.”
Key elements include field operation rooms, backup buses and human-flow data analysis tools to guide resources and organize crowd movement, as well as electric scooter services and Makkah taxi services within carefully planned zones.
The Transport General Authority has implemented an advanced operational plan for the transport system during the Hajj season, facilitating the movement of more than 2.1 million pilgrims over a few days.
Efforts for health and safety infrastructure include a 200-bed field hospital in Mina. (SPA)
The plan includes several transport systems: Single-trip buses serving 427,433 with 9,094 buses; two-trip services for 209,656 pilgrims using 2,230 buses; a shuttle for 702,251 pilgrims using 4,980 buses; and the Mashaer Metro line serving 423,000 pilgrims.
To support this, the commission is overseeing key roadwork projects, including 1.7 km of the Second Ring Road with 208 meters of bridges and 3.35 km of service roads, as well as two phases of the Third Ring Road totaling more than 8 km, to reduce travel time and improve connectivity between Makkah and the Holy Sites.
The commission also oversees the Kingdom’s Project for the Utilization of Sacrificial Animals, also known as Adahi.
Saudi Arabia has launched a high-tech data driven system for Hajj this year with upgraded facilities and streamlined efforts. (SPA)
Recent efforts include equipping seven operational complexes over 1 million sq. m, processing more than 1.1 million animals, and expanding distribution to more than 30 countries via platforms such as Ehsan and Saudi Post. AI-powered systems track implementation and enhance efficiency.
The Business Intelligence Center and Makkah Urban Observatory support real-time decision-making and monitor demographic and spatial improvements.
Efforts for health and safety infrastructure include a 200-bed field hospital in Mina; 71 rapid intervention points; 15 mobile ambulance units; and 170,000 sq. m of shaded pedestrian pathways in Muzdalifah lined with 10,000 trees; 64 two-story restroom complexes, and 400 modern water coolers.
In central Makkah, more than 235,000 sq. m of sidewalks and 30,000 sq. m of shade have been added, along with prayer courtyards for 60,000 extra worshippers, all to improve mobility and spiritual access around the Grand Mosque.
Additional upgrades include multi-story tent systems, improved Miqat mosques, and expanded facilities at Al-Taneem and Al-Ji’ranah, enhancing the beginning stages of the pilgrimage.
The commission’s unified vision brings together more than 10 government agencies to support pilgrims logistically and elevate their overall experience through smart, coordinated planning.
Saudi Arabia highlights roles of data, AI in achieving UN goals
Arab League honors Saudi authority for leading role in digital transformation
Updated 31 May 2025
Arab News
RIYADH: The Saudi Data and AI Authority has highlighted the Kingdom’s efforts to use data and artificial intelligence in support of the UN’s 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.
The authority participated in the 22nd session of the UN High-Level Committee on South-South Cooperation, which was held May 27-30, with a presentation titled “Leveraging Science, Technology, and Innovation.”
The Saudi delegation was led by representatives of the Ministry of Economy and Planning and included members of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, and the Saudi Fund for Development.
The authority “showcased its expertise in developing AI- and big data-based digital solutions that enhance decision-making and support international efforts to achieve comprehensive, sustainable development — especially in developing countries — through integrated, innovation-driven technological systems,” according to the SPA, which added that the authority’s participation “reflects Saudi Arabia’s leading role in collaborating with international organizations and governments to exchange successful experiences in data and AI,” and “aligns with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 and strengthens the Kingdom’s presence as in global forums as an active partner in shaping the future of AI.”
Earlier this month, the authority was honored by Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit during the digital commerce exhibition Seamless Middle East in Dubai for its role in advancing Saudi Arabia’s data and AI sector and accelerating digital transformation.
The authority has expanded AI adoption across key sectors, “improving government service efficiency and driving sustainable development through innovative initiatives,” the SPA stated. “By advancing data and AI and building national capabilities, the authority has positioned Saudi Arabia among global AI leaders, supporting Vision 2030’s digital economy and knowledge society goals.”
President Mohamed Ould Cheikh Ghazouani performed prayers at the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah
Updated 31 May 2025
Arab News
MADINAH: President of Mauritania Mohamed Ould Ghazouani arrived in Madinah on Saturday to visit and pray at the Prophet’s Mosque.
Ghazouani was received at Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz International Airport by Abdul Mohsen bin Nayef bin Hamid, undersecretary of Madinah; the director of the Royal Protocol Office in the region Ibrahim bin Abdullah Barri; and a number of other officials, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Pakistan Nawaf bin Saeed Al-Malki met Mohamed Ali Randhawa, the chairman of Pakistan’s Capital Development Authority in Islamabad on Saturday. They discussed issues of common interest, according to a post made by the ambassador on X.
Body of Saudi boy who fell into river in Turkiye recovered
The body was recovered following an extensive six-day search by Turkish rescue teams
Media reports said the boy, 9, fell into Haldizen Creek during a family holiday in Trabzon
Updated 31 May 2025
Arab News
BEIRUT: Search and rescue teams in Turkiye recovered the body of a nine-year-old Saudi boy on Saturday morning, six days after he reportedly fell into Haldizen Creek in Uzungol region.
The Saudi Embassy in Turkiye confirmed in a statement on X that the body of the boy was recovered following extensive searches by Turkish rescue teams over the past few days, and that the required procedures are underway in coordination with the family and the pertinent authorities.
The boy, who media reports have identified as Faysal Ramzi Al-Sheikh, is believed to have been spending a holiday with his family in Trabzon province when he went missing.
It was reported that he was beside one of the steep banks of the creek when he slipped into the river due to heavy rainfalls which had upped the level of the river water.
In its statement on X, the Saudi Embassy said: “May God have mercy on him … the embassy, in coordination with his family and the competent Turkish authorities, will complete the required procedures.”
It expressed its deep condolences to the family, adding it “sincerely thanks the Turkish authorities for their great efforts in searching for the deceased … and recovering his body.”
