174 contestants from 123 countries participated in this year’s contest The prize pool for the competition is SR 4 million ($1,065,996) RIYADH: The deputy governor of Makkah will honor the winners of the 44th King Abdulaziz International Competition for the Memorization, Recitation and Interpretation of the Qur’an at the Grand Mosque on Wednesday. The supervisor of the competition, the Kingdom’s Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance Abdullatif bin Abdulaziz Al Al-Sheikh, said 174 contestants from 123 countries participated in this year’s contest, the highest number participating in the competition’s history. The minister said the competition highlights the Kingdom’s care for the holy Qur’an and those who memorize it. Al-Sheikh thanked Makkah Gov. Prince Khalid Al-Faisal and Deputy Gov. Prince Saud bin Mishal bin Abdulaziz for their support and assistance in making the current edition of the competition a success. The prize pool for the competition is SR 4 million ($1,065,996). Follow Topics: Makkah qur"an Grand Mosque Related 452Qur’an contest participants laud Saudi efforts during Makkah cultural tourphotos Qur’an contest participants laud Saudi efforts during Makkah cultural tour 843812-year-old from Gabon shines at Qur’an competition after converting to Islam 12-year-old from Gabon shines at Qur’an competition after converting to Islam ‘I hope to inspire young innovators,’ says Saudi student Student and innovator Ahmad Al-Rajeh won the Jahez Hackathon for Food and Beverages in February this year. (Supplied) Student and innovator Ahmad Al-Rajeh won the Jahez Hackathon for Food and Beverages in February this year. (Supplied) Updated 7 sec ago Waad Hussain August 19, 2024 20:37 179 Follow Ahmad Al-Rajeh, 22, is channeling tech innovation for societal benefit RIYADH: Ahmad Al-Rajeh, 22, is one of many young Saudis who represents the spirit of Saudi Vision 2030. A software engineering student at Prince Mohammad bin Fahd University, one of Al-Rajeh’s recent projects has been the founding of the Google Student Club at the university, a hub for tech enthusiasts and aspiring innovators. The initiative has fostered a community where students can collaborate, learn, and advance their skills in the realm of cutting-edge technologies. "The club not only provides a space for networking but also organizes workshops and events that bring together industry experts and students, creating a bridge between academia and practical application." (Supplied) The club not only provides a space for networking but also organizes workshops and events that bring together industry experts and students, creating a bridge between academia and practical application, he explained. Al-Rajeh also won the Jahez Hackathon for Food and Beverages in February this year. The hackathon provided an intense environment where quick thinking and adaptability were key, and his winning solution showcased his ability to integrate technology with everyday needs, delivering a product that was both innovative and practical. I hope to inspire other young innovators to pursue their ideas and contribute to a future where technology serves as a catalyst for positive change. Ahmad Al-Rajeh, Prince Mohammed bin Fahd University student In an interview with Arab News, Al-Rajeh said: “I identified a common challenge in food delivery apps — the difficulty of coordinating group orders. Typically, users resort to inefficient methods like creating WhatsApp groups or passing a phone around, which often leads to mistakes and frustration.” His project offered the solution of a “shared cart” feature that simplifies the process. “With a single click, users can generate a link or code to share with friends or family, allowing everyone to add their orders to the same cart in real time. Student and innovator Ahmad Al-Rajeh won the Jahez Hackathon for Food and Beverages in February this year. (Supplied) “This ensures a seamless and error-free group ordering experience, enhancing overall customer satisfaction,” he noted. Al-Rajeh said that his on-going participation in the Innovation Diwan Challenge, organized by the Misk Foundation, has been one of the significant milestones in his journey as an innovator. The competition, designed to foster social innovation among Saudi youth, aligns with his personal commitment to leveraging technology for societal benefit. For this challenge, along with his team, Azm, Al-Rajeh has developed an AI-powered educational app specifically tailored for individuals with ADHD. (Supplied) For this challenge, along with his team, Azm, Al-Rajeh has developed an AI-powered educational app specifically tailored for individuals with ADHD. The project was among the 55 selected for its potential impact and is currently in its second phase. The team includes Mariam Al-Hamar, Mariam Al-Hassan, and Salman Al-Snedi. Al-Rajeh is leading the technical development of the app, a role that places him at the forefront of transforming an ambitious idea into a tangible solution. He noted that there are two more phases to go and bootcamps have been part of the experience. “These bootcamps have been instrumental in equipping our team with necessary skills and insights, offering sessions on project management, AI integration, and user experience design,” he said. Speaking about the collaborative work that goes into the project, Al-Rajeh said: “The entire project is an app, so my role is crucial. But it’s the combined efforts of the team that drive us forward.” Each team member brings a unique set of skills, from project management to user-centric design, contributing to a well-rounded and dynamic development process. Al-Hassan leads the group, ensuring that the project stays on track and meets its objectives. The foundation has provided Al-Rajeh and his team with mentorship and resources that have been instrumental in refining their app. “The mentorship has provided insights into industry best practices and emerging trends, helping the team align their app with the latest technological advancements and educational needs,” he said. Al-Rajeh and his team’s efforts represent how Saudi Arabia’s youth are driving change and creating innovative solutions. Vision 2030, through its various initiatives and goal posts, seeks to empower young Saudis to lead projects that address societal challenges. “I hope to inspire other young innovators to pursue their ideas and contribute to a future where technology serves as a catalyst for positive change,” Al-Rajeh said. As he and his team continue their journey in the Innovation Diwan Challenge, they remain focused on their mission to create a more inclusive educational environment. In the coming months, Al-Rajeh looks forward to advancing through the remaining phases of the challenge and ultimately launching their app. As he balances his academic responsibilities with his passion for innovation, Al-Rajeh exemplifies the potential of Saudi youth to lead meaningful and impactful projects. Follow Topics: Ahmad Al-Rajeh Saudi Vision 2030 Jahez Hackathon for Food and Beverages Related 243Saudi perfume maker Al Majed Oud to offer 30% of shares in IPO on Tadawul Saudi perfume maker Al Majed Oud to offer 30% of shares in IPO on Tadawul 970Young Saudi storytellers recount pivotal moments in Kingdom’s history Young Saudi storytellers recount pivotal moments in Kingdom’s history How prepared is Saudi Arabia to handle mpox? How prepared is Saudi Arabia to handle mpox? Updated 5 min 22 sec ago Tamara Aboalsaud August 19, 2024 21:34 454 Follow As a new mpox variant spreads, officials say Saudi Arabia’s health infrastructure stands ready to prevent a potential outbreak Health experts emphasize the Kingdom’s preparedness to combat the virus with surveillance and rapid response measures RIYADH: Saudi Arabia is well-prepared to stave off a potential outbreak of mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, should the aggressive new variant of the virus spread to the Kingdom, a health professional told Arab News. On Aug. 14, the World Health Organization classified an outbreak of mpox in the Democratic Republic of Congo as a public health emergency of international concern, prompting fears of a regional epidemic or even a global pandemic. “The current upsurge of mpox in parts of Africa, along with the spread of a new sexually transmissible strain of the (mpox) virus, is an emergency not only for Africa but for the entire globe,” said Dimie Ogoina, the chair of WHO’s mpox emergency committee. “Mpox, originating in Africa, was neglected there and later caused a global outbreak in 2022. It is time to act decisively to prevent history from repeating itself.” In an interview with Al-Arabiya on Thursday, Dr. Alaa Al-Ali, a Saudi infectious diseases consultant, echoed the WHO official’s comments. “The issue of (mpox) is different from the coronavirus,” he said. “It (mpox) was eradicated in 1980 before returning due to the ‘negligence’ of some.” An international outbreak of a milder variant of mpox occurred between July 2022 and May 2023. The first cluster of cases was reported in the UK, followed soon after by more in other parts of the world, including Europe and North America. It was the first time that a transmission chain had been reported outside of Africa without any known epidemiological links to West or Central Africa. In all, 87,000 cases were reported in 111 countries, and 140 people died. Although there have been no confirmed cases of the new variant of mpox in Saudi Arabia yet, authorities in the Kingdom were said to be well-prepared to contain any outbreak, following successful responses to the previous mpox scare and the COVID-19 pandemic. “Health surveillance and precautions are in place at all health outlets and facilities to ensure that it does not spread,” Dr. Ghada Ali Al-Qudaihi, a Saudi epidemiologist and the director of clinical affairs at Qatif Health Network, told Arab News. In the event of reports of any suspected or confirmed cases, health authorities in the Kingdom are ready to implement several measures to help prevent the spread of the disease. The first involves monitoring and immediate reporting of the situation to ensure early detection of cases. “There is a specific epidemiological surveillance that focuses on monitoring people who have been in contact with wild animals or who have traveled to areas where the virus is prevalent,” said Al-Qudaihi. As soon as an infected or at-risk patient is identified, medical isolation immediately follows. In some cases, people who have been in close contact with the patient might also be quarantined. Preventative measures in the form of personal protective equipment are provided to all medical staff and strict sterilization standards are applied to prevent any spread of the disease. Even after treatment is completed, patients continue to be monitored periodically to ensure they recover fully and to prevent any potential spread of infection. The Ministry of Health is also ready to launch awareness campaigns to alert and educate the public about mpox, how it can be passed on and the vital importance of reporting any suspected cases. In the event of an outbreak, authorities in the Kingdom are prepared to provide guidance on how to prevent infection, such as avoiding contact with wild animals or eating meat that might be infected in an unsanitary manner. Accurate information about the disease and prevention is also ready for distribution through media organizations and on social media. “Hospitals and doctors in Saudi Arabia are highly prepared to treat and contain” mpox, said Al-Qudaihi. “The Kingdom has well-equipped laboratories, health centers and hospitals to diagnose and treat infectious diseases,” including mpox. To meet the standards for disease control, hospitals in Saudi Arabia are required to follow strict infection-prevention protocols and are required to immediately report suspected cases. The Ministry of Health has rapid-response teams ready to handle any outbreaks of infectious diseases, Al-Qudaihi added. Saudi Arabia also cooperates with international health organizations, such as the WHO, to follow up on the latest global developments and guidelines regarding mpox and other diseases. Given the large number of visitors to the Kingdom during the Hajj and Umrah seasons in particular, special measures are already in place to monitor and prevent the spread of infectious diseases among pilgrims. These include enhanced healthcare services and the implementation of quarantine procedures when necessary. Field hospitals and medical clinics are also provided, which are fully equipped to provide immediate care to pilgrims and other visitors. Saudi Arabia’s Public Health Authority, also known as Weqaya, issued a statement on Saturday reassuring the public that the Kingdom is fully prepared to deal with and contain any potential outbreak. “Weqaya emphasizes the strength and effectiveness of the Kingdom’s health sector, which is well-prepared to confront different health risks,” it said. “The Kingdom has taken comprehensive preventive measures to enhance monitoring, prevent the spread of the virus and safeguard the population’s health.” According to the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control, there have been 14,151 suspected cases of the new strain of mpox, known as Clade Ib, in the Democratic Republic of Congo this year alone, and more than 2,600 confirmed cases. Elsewhere in the region, there have been 165 suspected cases in Burundi, 223 in the Central African Republic, and 150 in Congo. Four cases have been confirmed in Rwanda, two in Uganda, and one in Kenya. Three cases have been reported outside of Africa. Swedish authorities confirmed the first case in the country on Aug. 15. The following day, another was confirmed in Pakistan. On Monday, the disease was detected in a patient in the Philippines with no history of foreign travel. Mpox was first identified in humans in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 1970. The disease is similar to human smallpox but not considered as dangerous, and two forms of the virus have been discovered. The symptoms can include a fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, swollen lymph nodes, and a general feeling of weakness and fatigue. A rash, which usually appears between one and three days after the onset of fever, begins as red spots that become fluid-filled blisters. The rash often starts on the face and spreads to other parts of the body. Al-Qudaihi said mpox “can be dangerous for people with weakened immune systems and for children. Some complications may occur, which may include secondary skin infections, pneumonia and encephalitis.” Mpox is typically transmitted in one of three ways: direct contact with the bodily fluids or open blisters of an infected person; respiratory droplets, usually through close contact; and through direct contact with infected animals, including monkeys, rodents and some other wild animals, or by eating undercooked infected meat. “Monkeypox is treatable but there is no fixed treatment specifically directed at the virus,” said Al-Qudaihi. “Treatment focuses mainly on relieving symptoms and supporting the patient until their body recovers from the virus.” The most important steps for recovery include isolation and preventative care, “especially in the early stages when the rash is visible,” Al-Qudaihi added. “During this period, preventative measures must be used, including hand washing and using personal protective equipment such as gloves and masks, and disinfecting all tools and surfaces.” The next step is management of symptoms, including treatment to reduce fever and pain using medications such as ibuprofen and paracetamol. The patient needs to take plenty of fluids to stay hydrated, especially if they have a high fever. There is also a focus on the prevention of secondary infections by thoroughly cleaning wounds, blisters and the skin in general, and applying antiseptic ointment if there is inflammation or contamination. Recovery is supplemented with balanced nutrition, medical monitoring and follow-ups, and psychological and social support. “The duration of the disease usually ranges from two to four weeks,” said Al-Qudaihi. “In general, the recovery rate from mpox is high, and many patients recover completely within a few weeks and without permanent complications.” The mortality rate can vary, however, depending on the strain of the virus and the existing health of the infected person. A form known as Clade Ib, which is endemic to Central Africa, for example, has a higher mortality rate, of about 10 percent, compared with Clade II, which is endemic to West Africa and has a mortality rate of less than 1 percent. Other factors that can play a major role in the chances of recovery include the age of the patient, the state of their immune system, and the medical care they receive. Al-Qudaihi said mpox does not spread easily between humans compared with other diseases such as influenza or COVID-19, and is preventable if people follow a set of general guidelines: avoid direct contact with animals that might carry the virus, such as rodents and monkeys; and ensure meat is prepared and cooked properly before consumption. Personal hygiene practices, including thorough hand-washing are also essential, especially after contact with animals. It is also recommended that people, especially those with weakened immune systems, avoid close contact with infected persons or sharing their personal items, and avoid unnecessary travel to outbreak hot spots. Good ventilation of enclosed spaces can also help prevent infection, as can proper veterinary care for pets and other animals. “Adhere to the guidelines and recommendations issued by the Ministry of Health on how to prevent mpox and other infectious diseases, and do not pay attention to rumors,” said Al-Qudaihi. Follow Topics: MPOX Editor’s Choice Mystery shopper program helps uncover IP violations across Saudi Arabia Mystery shopper program helps uncover IP violations across Saudi Arabia Updated 19 August 2024 Arab News August 19, 2024 18:47 414 Follow Saudi authority sees 50% surge in complaints in 2023; commercial courts issue over 270 rulings, totaling SR2.2m in fines More than 1,000 inspection tours of commercial establishments were conducted in 42 cities and governorates across the Kingdom RIYADH: The Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property has issued its annual report for preserving intellectual property rights for 2023, showing that it received over 2,680 complaints related to copyrights, including trademarks. The growing awareness of the need to adhere to laws and regulations that govern the ownership, use and protection of intellectual property contributed to a 50 percent increase in the total number of complaints in 2023, the authority said. Trademark complaints rose by 73 percent, and copyright complaints by 30 percent, it added. More than 1,000 inspection tours of commercial establishments were conducted in 42 cities and governorates across the Kingdom, based on complaints from copyright holders. The authority said that it continues to carry out the mystery shopper program, which is vital for enforcing compliance with intellectual property rights. The enforcement team continuously monitors and surveys commercial and electronic markets, identifying violations and gathering data on commercial establishments to provide the inspection team with information that supports its tasks. Mystery shoppers made more than 4,700 visits to more than 70 malls in 17 cities and governorates, and visited over 6,000 websites and online stores. The report said that 422 suspicious shipments were processed, with the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority reporting that 60 percent of the shipments were found to violate intellectual property laws and regulations. More than 3.4 million products violating intellectual property regulations failed to receive clearance at various border crossings. In the digital space, the authority focused on enforcing intellectual property rights in digital content and e-commerce. The number of reported websites reached 4,545, with the majority (81 percent) concerning sites that host movies and TV shows. The authority said that more than 41 million products infringing on intellectual property rights were confiscated, more than 16,300 content items were removed and over 3,400 non-compliant websites were blocked. In the course of assessing compliance with intellectual property rights, 13,000 establishments were visited, and field and electronic surveys were carried out. In 2023, commercial courts and the Committee for Resolving Intellectual Property Disputes issued more than 270 rulings against intellectual property violators, with total fines amounting to about SR2.2 million ($586,000). Follow Topics: Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property (SAIP) Related 217Saudi Arabia attends intellectual property meeting in Geneva Saudi Arabia attends intellectual property meeting in Geneva 3216Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property launches service for collective marks Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property launches service for collective marks Athar festival announces 2024 lineup, initiatives Athar festival announces 2024 lineup, initiatives Updated 19 August 2024 Ghadi Joudah August 19, 2024 18:37 152 Follow The event is set for Nov. 3-6 in Riyadh RIYADH: The Athar Saudi Festival of Creativity, a creative marketing event, has announced its lineup of speakers and initiatives for the upcoming second session. Motivate Media Group and Trans-Arabian Creative Communication Services, along with partners MBC Media Solutions and Flynas, revealed the details during a press conference on Monday. The event is set for Nov. 3-6 in Riyadh. Mohammed Al-Ayed, vice chairman of the festival and CEO of Trans-Arabian Creative Communication Services, emphasized the festival’s commitment to empowering Saudi Arabia’s future leaders. He said: “Athar 2024 is a unique national platform that enhances skills and fosters talent among Saudi Arabia’s greatest asset — its youth — preparing them to lead globally and tackle future challenges.” Ian Fairservice, chairman of the festival and managing partner of Motivate Media Group, said: “In addition to a robust lineup of speakers and panelists, the Young Talent Academies and Maheerah Programme exemplify our focus on learning and development.” Fairservice told Arab News that the academies, a keystone of Athar 2024, will span four days, despite the event being only two days long. He noted their popularity and high demand, emphasizing that developing young talent is central to Athar’s mission. Registrations are now open for the Young Talent Academies, which include the Student Creative Academy (in partnership with MCN), Student Marketers Academy, NextGen Creative Academy, and NextGen Marketers Academy. These academies are for full-time university students aged 18 to 25 and young professionals under 30 in creative communications, advertising, or marketing. The academies feature keynote sessions from industry experts, workshops, and a 24-hour hackathon. An impressive lineup of speakers was revealed, including Prince Fahad bin Faisal Al-Saud, founder of NA3AM; Sir Martin Sorrell, founder and executive chairman of S4 Capital; Matt McKie, director of marketing at Manchester United; and Najeeb Jarrar, chief marketing officer for the Middle East and North Africa at Google. Registrations are also open for the Maheerah Programme, powered by Publicis Groupe. This mentorship initiative empowers women in marketing communications through one-on-one mentoring and coaching. Participants — women with mid to senior-level expertise — will benefit from tailored coaching sessions, individualized workshops, and exclusive networking opportunities, all led by esteemed industry leaders from around the world. Additionally, Athar will host CEO and CMO roundtables — invite-only events powered by Raiyn Group and Bloomberg Media — that will bring together the Kingdom’s top brand leaders to discuss pressing issues affecting their businesses and the region. Follow Topics: Saudi Arabia Athar Festival Related 402Creativity? It’s child’s play, marketing expert tells Athar Festival workshop Creativity? It’s child’s play, marketing expert tells Athar Festival workshop 405Athar festival unlocks door on Saudi Arabia’s creative potentialvideo Athar festival unlocks door on Saudi Arabia’s creative potential King Salman academy launches ‘Camel Lexicon’ King Salman academy launches ‘Camel Lexicon’ Updated 19 August 2024 Arab News August 19, 2024 16:52 257 Follow The program is aimed at scholars and researchers, provides extensive information on the cultural significance of camels in Saudi society JEDDAH: The King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language recently launched a “Camel Lexicon” as a part of its Falak platform for linguistic databases. This initiative aligns with Saudi Arabia’s designation of 2024 as the Year of the Camel, recognizing the historical connection between these animals and the Arabian Peninsula. The “Camel Lexicon” is aimed at scholars and researchers, and provides extensive information on the cultural significance of camels in Saudi Arabian society. According to Abdullah Al-Washmi, secretary-general of the academy, this effort strengthens national identity by highlighting the role of camels in poetry, literature and daily life. Camels symbolize loyalty and authenticity in Saudi Arabia"s culture and are deeply embedded in the country’s poetic heritage. The Falak platform, launched earlier this year, is a gateway to Arabic linguistic lexicons with over 1.5 billion words from diverse contexts. It supports text analysis, linguistic data tagging, and collaboration among Arabic-language enthusiasts. As Saudi Arabia celebrates the Year of the Camel 2024, the academy has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting the Arabic language and preserving the nation’s rich cultural heritage. Follow Topics: Saudi Arabia camels Related 317The four-day exhibition in Geneva aims to highlight the importance of camels. 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