Environment minister opens Saudi Agriculture Exhibition, oversees signing of agreements worth $960m
Environment minister opens Saudi Agriculture Exhibition, oversees signing of agreements worth $960m/node/2619579/saudi-arabia
Environment minister opens Saudi Agriculture Exhibition, oversees signing of agreements worth $960m
海角直播鈥檚 Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Abdulrahman bin Abdulmohsen Al-Fadley on Monday opened the 42nd Saudi Agriculture Exhibition in Riyadh, where 28 agreements and memoranda of understanding worth over SR3.6 billion ($960 million) were signed. (Supplied)
Short Url
https://arab.news/c3hgn
Updated 18 sec ago
Arab News
Environment minister opens Saudi Agriculture Exhibition, oversees signing of agreements worth $960m
The four-day exhibition, held at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center, features nearly 450 companies and organizations from 34 countries
Updated 18 sec ago
Arab News
RIYADH: 海角直播鈥檚 Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Abdulrahman bin Abdulmohsen Al-Fadley on Monday opened the 42nd Saudi Agriculture Exhibition in Riyadh, where 28 agreements and memoranda of understanding worth over SR3.6 billion ($960 million) were signed.
The four-day exhibition, held at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center, features nearly 450 companies and organizations from 34 countries, including 11 national pavilions, showcasing the latest technologies and innovations in plant, animal, and fish production.
The event highlights 海角直播鈥檚 growing agricultural capabilities and its progress toward food security and self-sufficiency, key goals under the Saudi Vision 2030 development plan.
Prince Saud bin Turki Al-Faisal, chairman of the board at the Riyadh Exhibitions Co., described the exhibition as a vital platform for exchanging expertise and advancing sustainable agricultural practices.
He said that growing environmental challenges required innovative and diligent work to develop solutions that preserve natural resources and contribute to sustainable development.
Prince Saud added that the strong international participation reflected the event鈥檚 global importance as a forum for collaboration in agriculture, food, and sustainability.
Following the inauguration, Al-Fadley toured the exhibition, which spans a range of sectors including plant production, livestock, aquaculture, organic foods, animal health, food processing, and agricultural innovation.
During the opening day, 28 agreements were signed between public, semi-governmental, and private sector entities to boost agricultural investment and innovation.
Several international companies also inked partnerships aimed at supporting 海角直播鈥檚 food and agriculture industries and stimulating economic growth.
According to organizers, the agricultural sector鈥檚 contribution to 海角直播鈥檚 gross domestic product rose to SR119 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach SR140 billion by 2030.
Running alongside the exhibition is the International Future of Agriculture Summit, which brings together local and international experts to discuss food security, sustainability, and the future of agricultural technology.
Railways play vital role in advancing industrial, economic developments, says vice minister
Development of the railway manufacturing sector and localization of technologies opens major investment opportunities
Martin Jackson: Railways have been around for 150 to 200 years 鈥 and we (as people) can be wary of change, but predictive analytics enables us to understand innovation and modern technology versus risk factors
Updated 41 sec ago
Tamara Aboalsaud
RIYADH: Railways play a vital role in advancing connectivity between industrial clusters to help support economic development in the Kingdom, Vice Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources for Industrial Affairs Khalil bin Ibrahim bin Salamah told the Saudi International Rail Exhibition and Conference in Riyadh.
He added that one of the key responsibilities of the railway network was the transportation of raw materials to manufacturing facilities as well as finished goods to ports and cities.
He said: 鈥淭o develop national industrial capabilities, and enhance Saudi鈥檚 industrial global competitiveness, we have launched specialized industrial clusters focused on transforming raw materials into high-value-added products.鈥
These clusters are then integrated through the advanced railway network, creating an ordered ecosystem.
The development of the railway manufacturing sector and localization of technologies then opens major investment opportunities, such as in products like locomotives, signaling systems, and wheels.
Junaid Khan, engineer and commercial manager at Metrolinx, spoke about using value engineering to create the ideal framework for innovative technologies while simultaneously cutting costs.
Khan said that all teams must be engaged from the start and that the design team and operational team, for example, needed to discuss their input in the first stage of a project.
He also emphasized the need to look ahead, to have a 鈥渓ife cycle perspective.鈥
When asked how to build flexibility in a major project without driving up additional costs, Khan argued that 鈥渃lients are usually specific in what they want 鈥 that is not the way to go.鈥
The answer was to be given performance-based specifications, from which the design and operation teams could come up with a cost-effective solution, life cycle evaluations which included both operational cost and capital cost, setting up contingency planning and targeted back-up reserves.
Khan added that artificial intelligence and emerging digital technologies could enhance these steps and reduce waste by providing smart value decision-making through more accurate predictability at each stage, such as clash detection and asset management.
In terms of cybersecurity and crisis management in metro systems, especially when introducing new innovations, Alaa Khaled, global ambassador for the Global Council for Responsible AI and cybersecurity director at Maaden, said: 鈥淚n general, when people think about a crisis, they think it is far away.鈥
In the case of COVID-19, for example, she said no one expected a crisis of that scale to emerge, adding: 鈥淲e need to be prepared for every possible scenario.鈥 This would include disaster management, recovery plans, and many practice trials.
Martin Jackson, health, safety, environment, and quality director for Capital Metro Company, said that the systems were very stable and that the challenge was in ensuring widespread community understanding.
鈥(This applied) especially in a new environment like the Kingdom,鈥 he added, saying that while people were used to driving vehicles such as cars and buses, a completely automated metro system was quite novel.
Jackson said: 鈥淟ike everything in the world, however, technology sometimes falters.鈥 In that case, staff were equipped to put passenger safety first, and asset protection second.
When asked how to balance efforts to increase digitalization of assets with cybersecurity, Khaled responded: 鈥淲e do not want a slow metro system, or a heavy one.鈥
Comparing it to a mobile phone, the interface was sure to start to lag if overcrowded with too many applications.
Khaled said that points of connection must be separated and that information technology and operational technology must be disconnected from internet connectivity, for example.
She added: 鈥淪o, if a hacker attacks the Wi-Fi, it will not bring down the whole system.鈥
The global ambassador also expressed her preference for using a hybrid system that employed both an open-source model and a vendor model for making efficient innovative technologies, and added: 鈥淎n open source internally and a vendor source externally.鈥
On Riyadh Metro, Jackson said it was still in the 鈥渇ledgling鈥 stage of operations.
鈥淥ur biggest stakeholders are our customers,鈥 he said, indicating that with major upcoming events in the Kingdom like the AFC Asian Cup in 2027 and the FIFA World Cup in 2034, the country was committed to optimizing the railway.
Jackson added: 鈥淭he great thing about our metro is it is a closed system. We do not have to worry about an external attack; we only worry about failures.
鈥淩ailways have been around for 150 to 200 years 鈥 and we (as people) can be wary of change, but predictive analytics enables us to understand innovation and modern technology versus risk factors.鈥
Jackson also pointed out that the metro uses in-house learning language models, allowing operators to understand the data without having to put it out in the world.
A significant development at the conference was the signing of an agreement between the Royal Institute of Traditional Arts and the Saudi Railway Company to showcase traditional Saudi arts within national transport, empowering local artisans through joint workshops, programs, and other cultural initiatives.
The new partnership hopes to highlight the richness of traditional arts in the Kingdom.
Jeddah forum highlights role of data in national development
Jeddah Gov. Prince Saud bin Abdullah bin Jalawi attended, along with representatives from universities, research centers and professional statistical associations
Fahad Al-Dossari, president of the General Authority for Statistics, highlighted the crucial role of statistics in national development
Updated 20 October 2025
SALEH FAREED
JEDDAH: The second Statistical Forum for Universities and Associations was held on Monday at Jeddah University alongside World Statistics Day.
Jeddah Gov. Prince Saud bin Abdullah bin Jalawi attended, along with representatives from universities, research centers and professional statistical associations.
Fahad Al-Dossari, president of the General Authority for Statistics, highlighted the crucial role of statistics in national development.
He described the forum as a platform for sharing expertise between academic and professional institutions, advancing research, statistical methods, innovation and strategic partnerships.
The forum featured panel discussions with experts, statisticians and data science specialists, focusing on key statistical products, methodologies and university programs to develop qualified national statisticians.
Al-Dossari also announced the launch of the Road to Riyadh program, preparing for the sixth UN World Data Forum in Riyadh in November 2026, to showcase the Kingdom鈥檚 leadership in statistics.
Prince Saud witnessed the signing of six cooperation agreements between the authority and King Abdulaziz University, Taif University, King Khalid University, Imam Mohammed bin Saud Islamic University, the Islamic University of Madinah and the Saudi Society for Statistical Sciences.
Orionids meteor shower reaches peak over Saudi skies in pre-dawn hours
Event, which happens 60 miles up in space, is one of the most impressive displays of the celestial calendar
Source is Halley鈥檚 Comet, which will approach its closest point to the sun again in July 2061, and some meteors may leave bright trails visible to the naked eye
Updated 20 October 2025
Rashid Hassan
RIYADH: It is a good time to be a skygazer as the annual Orionids meteor shower is at its peak in the coming hours.
The event, which happens 60 miles up in space, is one of the most impressive displays of the celestial calendar, and is known for being bright and fast.
The Jeddah Astronomy Society said the skies over 海角直播 and the Arab region will witness the meteor shower at its peak. It is expected to be clearly visible in the pre-dawn hours when its radiant point is high in the sky toward the southeastern horizon.
Majed Abu Zahra, the director at the JAS, said that the conditions this year were ideal for observation with the moon setting before dawn, allowing for dark skies that will make it easier to spot the shower, which is typically active from Oct. 2 to Nov. 7 each year, peaking for a week around Oct. 22.
He added that the Orionids were considered to be a moderate meteor shower, with around 20 meteors visible per hour from locations away from city lights.
Their source is Halley鈥檚 Comet, which will approach its closest point to the sun again in July 2061, and some meteors may leave bright trails visible to the naked eye.
Abu Zahra said that observing the event does not require a telescope or binoculars, only a dark location with a wide horizon. It offers astronomy enthusiasts and families a unique opportunity to witness a spectacular scene in the Kingdom鈥檚 night sky.
Amjad Nasser Al-Shafie, a member of the Misbar team which shares astronomy and space-related information, told Arab News he was looking forward to witnessing the event.
He said: 鈥淭his year鈥檚 optimal conditions with moonset before dawn and favorable radiant positioning make the shower鈥檚 peak exceptionally promising for observation.
鈥淭he shower鈥檚 origin from Halley鈥檚 Comet, combined with an expected rate of around 20 meteors per hour, offers an excellent opportunity for practical study.鈥
The Orionids are fast-moving meteors traveling at a speed of about 40 miles per second. They have long streaks of light and originate from Halley鈥檚 Comet, which passes Earth roughly every 75 years, with the next date expected to be the summer of 2061.
AI meets archeology in the hands of Saudi innovator
Hanin Al-Zahrani is giving 海角直播鈥檚 cultural treasures a digital life of their own
Updated 20 October 2025
Waad Hussain
ALKHOBAR: For Saudi innovator Hanin Al-Zahrani, the past is not a distant memory 鈥 it is data waiting to be decoded.
At 24, Al-Zahrani is one of the few specialists in 海角直播 working at the intersection of archeology and artificial intelligence.
Through her two startups, ArchTech and AeroQuest, she is redefining how cultural heritage can be preserved, translated, and experienced in the digital age.
鈥淢y interest in combining archaeology and artificial intelligence began with the question: 鈥榃hat if technology could help us read the past more clearly?鈥欌 she told Arab News.
鈥淲hile studying archeology, I realized that many ancient inscriptions remain undocumented or misunderstood due to their complexity or deterioration. This motivated me to explore AI as a tool to analyze patterns, recognize scripts, and uncover hidden stories.鈥
Her vision also extends to smart tourism, where digital tools turn passive sightseeing into immersive learning.
鈥淚 see AI as a bridge connecting heritage with modern technology, creating advanced, sustainable, and culturally immersive experiences for both researchers and the public,鈥 she said.
AeroQuest offers curated categories, from hotels and restaurants to historic sites and cultural events, transforming flights into immersive smart-tourism experiences. (Supplied)
ArchTech, her flagship project, is an AI-powered platform designed to translate and document ancient Saudi inscriptions.
鈥淎rchTech leverages AI to analyze high-resolution images of ancient inscriptions, including Thamudic, Sabaean, and Nabataean scripts,鈥 she said.
The system identifies characters, deciphers patterns, and translates content into Arabic, English, Chinese, and French, preserving historical context. It also records metadata such as location, material, and estimated date, creating a comprehensive digital archive.
The project does more than preserve history 鈥 it brings it to life for the public.
鈥淏eyond research, ArchTech supports smart tourism by allowing visitors to interact with heritage digitally,鈥 she explained. 鈥淭hrough AI, the platform safeguards historical knowledge while offering global access. This approach ensures both cultural preservation and public engagement, merging heritage conservation with digital transformation to create an innovative, educational, and immersive experience.鈥
Her second initiative, AeroQuest, connects travelers with Saudi culture even before they land.
鈥淎eroQuest was created to make air travel both educational and interactive,鈥 she said.
The app provides an in-flight map displaying tourist destinations, historical landmarks, and major cultural events across 海角直播 in real time.
鈥淭ravelers can explore sites from the air, learn about their history, and engage with augmented reality content,鈥 she added.
The AeroQuest interface displays Saudi landmarks and cultural destinations, allowing travelers to explore sites such as Diriyah, Al-Balad, and the Edge of the World through AI-powered interactive maps. (Supplied)
鈥淯sing AI, the app delivers accurate multilingual translations and interactive storytelling,鈥 she explained. 鈥淭his project integrates aviation, heritage, and smart tourism, transforming flights into immersive cultural journeys.鈥
AeroQuest demonstrates how technology can enhance tourism by linking innovation with heritage, allowing visitors 鈥渢o experience Saudi culture dynamically while supporting digital transformation and educational exploration throughout every journey.鈥
Both ArchTech and AeroQuest align with Saudi Vision 2030鈥檚 goals of cultural preservation, tourism diversification, and technological advancement.
鈥淎dditionally, they contribute to empowering women in technology, fostering knowledge-based development, and encouraging community engagement. Overall, my work bridges tradition with modern technology, demonstrating how innovation can support sustainability, cultural enrichment, and the strategic objectives of Vision 2030,鈥 Al-Zahrani said.
Creating AI models for archeological data came with challenges: 鈥淭he main challenge was data collection, as no comprehensive databases existed for ancient inscriptions. I had to gather information from books, manuscripts, and historical sources to train AI models accurately. The diversity of scripts, including Thamudic, Sabaean, and Nabataean, combined with natural erosion, made recognition more difficult.鈥
Translation accuracy was another obstacle. 鈥淎nother challenge was preserving historical and cultural meaning during translation for multiple languages,鈥 she said. 鈥淥vercoming these obstacles enabled creating interactive digital experiences that support smart tourism and digital transformation. Successfully addressing these challenges ensures AI can both safeguard heritage and engage researchers and the public in meaningful, immersive ways.鈥
Through ArchTech and AeroQuest, Al-Zahrani is helping reimagine how people engage with 海角直播鈥檚 archaeological treasures 鈥 from inscriptions carved centuries ago to landmarks visible from 30,000 feet above ground.
Her work embodies a national shift that embraces AI not only as a tool for innovation, but as a means of preserving identity.
In doing so, she joins a new generation of Saudi women driving scientific and cultural transformation.
In the Jazan region, traditional clothing is more than fabric and thread; it is a living memory that tells the story of the land and its people
Updated 20 October 2025
Arab News
RIYADH: 海角直播鈥檚 traditional outfits are rich in color and detail, embodying deep social roots and reflecting the nation鈥檚 cultural heritage and identity.
In the Jazan region, traditional clothing is more than fabric and thread; it is a living memory that tells the story of the land and its people.
(SPA)
It serves as a cultural language, passing down pride and belonging from one generation to the next, according to the Saudi Press Agency report.
Men鈥檚 attire symbolizes dignity, with fabrics chosen to suit the local environment.
In mountain villages, thick cotton provides warmth, while lighter materials in coastal areas allow comfort and ease in the heat and humidity.
(SPA)
Women鈥檚 clothing is a canvas of beauty and symbolism, with designs varying between daily wear and festive occasions.
Garments are embroidered in colors inspired by nature 鈥 the green of the mountains, the blue of the sea and the golden tones of the sand 鈥 that reflect women鈥檚 connection to their surroundings.
(SPA)
Despite the growing influence of modern fashion, the people of Jazan continue to wear their traditional attire with pride in daily life and social gatherings.
Today, young designers and artisans are reviving this heritage by blending traditional elements with contemporary styles in line with Saudi Vision 2030.
Their work keeps Jazan鈥檚 fashion a vibrant expression of identity, linking past and present while embracing the future.
