Ibdaa 2023 finalists to represent Saudi Arabia in US

Mawhiba's Secretary-General Amal Al-Hazzaa thanked Prince Saud for sponsoring the Ibdaa 2023’s finals and closing ceremony. (SPA file photo)
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Updated 31 January 2023
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Ibdaa 2023 finalists to represent Saudi Arabia in US

  • In the competition, 104 female and 56 male students will present their scientific research projects. The final results will be announced at the closing ceremony on Feb. 4 at King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, in the presence of Prince Saud

RIYADH:The finals of the National Olympiad for Scientific Creativity, Ibdaa 2023, will launch on Wednesday in Dhahran and continue until Feb. 4.

The event is organized by Mawhiba, the King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity, in cooperation with the Ministry of Education, and sponsored by Eastern Province Gov. Prince Saud bin Naif.

In the competition, 104 female and 56 male students will present their scientific research projects. The final results will be announced at the closing ceremony on Feb. 4 at King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, in the presence of Prince Saud.

Out of the 160 projects, only 40 students will participate and represent the Kingdom at regional and international levels, including the International Science and Engineering Exhibition in the US, where 2,000 students representing 90 countries will compete.

The finalists will also participate in international exhibitions, such as the International Invention, Innovation and Technology Exhibition in Malaysia and the Taiwan International Science Fair.

Mawhiba's Secretary-General Amal Al-Hazzaa thanked Prince Saud for sponsoring the Ibdaa 2023’s finals and closing ceremony. She noted that his sponsorship proves that the leadership is keen to enhance human capital and empower future generations in the areas of science and technology, which will result in the country’s advancement and prosperity.

Al-Hazzaa added that Ibdaa highlights Mawhiba’s partnership with the Ministry of Education, with the aim of serving national talent and achieving innovative entrepreneurship education for skilled Saudis, which is in line with the Saudi Vision 2030.

 


Saudi Arabia unveils robotic surgery program ahead of Hajj 2025 

Updated 7 sec ago
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Saudi Arabia unveils robotic surgery program ahead of Hajj 2025 

  • Technology will shorten recovery time, reduce surgical risks, and enhance quality of care provided to pilgrims, health ministry says  
  • Project ‘represents a major leap in healthcare capabilities during Hajj season,’ says minister

MAKKAH: Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Health Fahad Al-Jalajel inaugurated a surgical robotics program at King Abdullah Medical City in Makkah as part of the Kingdom’s preparations to ensure world-class healthcare during Hajj 2025.

The robotic surgery unit, operated by Saudi surgeons, will enable minimally invasive procedures in areas such as thoracic surgery, urology, and oncology. 

The technology is expected to shorten recovery time, reduce surgical risks, and significantly enhance the quality of patient care, the Ministry of Health said in press release on Thursday.

“This project represents a major leap in our healthcare capabilities during the Hajj season,” said Al-Jalajel. 

“We are harnessing innovation to ensure that pilgrims receive the highest level of medical care, in line with the Vision 2030 goals of improving health services and integrating advanced technologies,” he added.

In addition to the robotic surgery unit, the minister unveiled a new PET-CT scanner, the first of its kind in the ministry’s facilities in the Western Region.

The advanced imaging device will provide precise diagnostics for conditions such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and neurological disorders, and will support the early detection and treatment of critical cases.

The initiatives are part of a broader national effort to raise the standards of healthcare provided to pilgrims. 

The Kingdom has already launched multilingual health awareness campaigns, deployed mobile infectious disease units, and increased medical capacity across the holy sites.

With more than 50,000 healthcare professionals and advanced technologies in place, Saudi Arabia is aiming to make Hajj 2025 not only spiritually fulfilling but also medically safe and secure for all pilgrims.


Saudi Arabia unveils robotic surgery and PET-CT scanner to boost Hajj healthcare services

Saudi Minister of Health Fahad Abdulrahman AlJalajel visits King Abdullah Medical City in Makkah. (Supplied)
Updated 18 sec ago
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Saudi Arabia unveils robotic surgery and PET-CT scanner to boost Hajj healthcare services

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has introduced robotic surgery at King Abdullah Medical City in Makkah, the Kingdom’s Ministry of Health said on Thursday.

The new robotic system marks a major advancement in healthcare services provided to Hajj pilgrims and will support procedures in thoracic surgery, urology, and oncology, enabling greater surgical precision and faster recovery for patients.

The initiative is part of the Ministry of Health’s efforts to leverage technology to improve the quality and efficiency of care delivered during the annual pilgrimage.

The hospital has also launched the first-ever PET-CT scanner within the ministry’s hospitals in the western region.

The diagnostic tool allows for early detection of cancers, cardiovascular diseases, and neurological disorders, significantly enhancing diagnostic capabilities.

These developments are in line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, which emphasizes innovation and excellence in healthcare, the ministry said.

The expansion of high-tech medical services during Hajj reflects Saudi Arabia’s continued commitment to ensuring the health and safety of pilgrims from around the world.


India’s parliamentary delegation meets Saudi officials, underscores strong position against terrorism

Updated 12 min 9 sec ago
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India’s parliamentary delegation meets Saudi officials, underscores strong position against terrorism

  • Delegation met a cross-section of political dignitaries, government officials, thought leaders and members of the Indian community
  • Delegation held an extensive interaction with the Indian diaspora organized by the Indian Embassy in Riyadh

RIYADH: An all-party parliamentary delegation from India visited Riyadh to convey the country’s firm stance against terrorism and its continued efforts to combat it.

The delegation is visiting various countries to convey India’s response to terrorism in the aftermath of the military campaign, “Operation Sindoor.”

During the Riyadh visit, from May 27-29, the delegation met a cross-section of political dignitaries, government officials, thought leaders and members of the Indian community.

Led by BJP MP Baijayant Panda, the delegation held an extensive interaction with the Indian diaspora organized by the Indian Embassy in Riyadh on Thursday. The delegation shared with them the national consensus in the fight against terrorism.

Praising the Indian community, Panda said: “Our Indian diaspora in Saudi Arabia continues to make India proud through its success, contributions and standing in local society. Today, we are here with you to share India’s united national stance, the success of Operation Sindoor, and our unwavering commitment to combat cross-border terrorism with a zero-tolerance approach.”

On Wednesday, the all-party delegation had discussions with Adel Al-Jubeir, minister of state for foreign affairs, and underscored India’s position.

The Indian delegation appreciated the support received from the political leadership in Saudi Arabia in condemning the terrorist attack in Pahalgam.

Delegates reiterated India’s policy of zero tolerance toward terrorism, highlighting what Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in his speech earlier this month: “This is certainly not the era of war but this is also not the era of terrorism.”

It also held a meeting with Dr. Mishaal Al-Sulami, deputy speaker of the Shoura Council, and Maj. Gen. Abdulrahman Alharbi, chairman of the Saudi-India Parliamentary Friendship Committee of the Shoura Council, and conveyed India’s strong position against terrorism.

It expressed deep gratitude for Saudi Arabia’s strong condemnation of the terrorist attack in Pahalgam.

The delegation also met Dr. Mushabab bin Ayed Al-Qahtani, director general of the Prince Saud Al-Faisal Institute of Diplomatic Studies, and held discussions with the Institute on India’s approach to countering terror.

In all the meetings, the Indian delegation underlined that India has received unwavering support from Saudi Arabia on issues related to counter-terrorism. Both countries will continue to work together in their efforts toward de-radicalization and curbing extremism.

On Wednesday night, the Indian Embassy hosted a dinner interaction with distinguished personalities from Saudi civil society, which gave an opportunity for further discussions on countering terrorism as well as broader topics related to the India-Saudi bilateral partnership.


Saudi FM meets with chairperson of African Union Commission

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan receives the chairperson of the African Union Commission Mahmoud Ali Youssouf.
Updated 29 May 2025
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Saudi FM meets with chairperson of African Union Commission

  • During the meeting, the two officials reviewed aspects of relations between the Kingdom and the union

RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan received the chairperson of the African Union Commission Mahmoud Ali Youssouf in Riyadh on Thursday.

During the meeting, the two officials reviewed aspects of relations between the Kingdom and the union and ways to strengthen them in various fields. Topics of common interest were also discussed.


Heritage Commission records 53 violations in March and April as oversight efforts continue

Updated 29 May 2025
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Heritage Commission records 53 violations in March and April as oversight efforts continue

RIYADH: The Heritage Commission recorded 53 violations related to antiquities and urban heritage across several regions of the Kingdom during March and April 2025, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Thursday.

It comes as part of the commission’s efforts to protect Saudi Arabia’s cultural heritage and address irregular practices that threaten its preservation, SPA added.

In March, 29 violations were identified, including the unauthorized sale of antiquities and the carrying out of archaeological survey and excavation activities without the required permits.

Several violations were also detected via social media platforms.

Two cases were referred to the Public Prosecution, seven were sent to the Violations Review Committee, and 20 were passed on to the relevant security authorities.

In April, the commission monitored 24 violations, including encroachments on archaeological sites in Madinah, the Eastern Province, Tabuk, Hail, the Northern Borders Region and Al-Jouf.

These included unauthorized entry into sites, tampering with fencing or signage, and the unlicensed use of metal detectors. Additional violations were uncovered through digital platforms, involving the possession and display of manuscripts, coins and historical replicas intended for illegal trade.

The commission has initiated legal action in several cases, referring some to the Public Prosecution and others to Public Security. The Violations Review Committee has issued financial penalties ranging from SR5,000 ($1,332) to SR50,000.

The Heritage Commission stressed that monitoring and enforcement efforts are part of a broader strategy to raise awareness about the importance of preserving the Kingdom’s antiquities and preventing actions that could damage their historical or cultural significance.

It also emphasized the vital role of community members and institutions in safeguarding the nation’s heritage.

Citizens and residents are encouraged to report suspicious activity or attempts to trade antiquities through official channels, including the “Archaeological Report” service, the Commission’s social media accounts, or the Unified Security Operations Center at 911.

The commission reiterated that preserving national heritage was a shared responsibility that requires collective action.