Latest news with #PrincessNourahUniversity
France 24
5 days ago
- France 24
New metro cuts through Saudi social divisions
A decade after breaking ground, Riyadh's gleaming new metro opened in December, offering the capital's eight million residents an alternative to roads chronically clogged by its two million cars. A quicker commute is not the only difference: for the first time, the wealthy are sharing journeys with the less well off, and Saudi nationals are mixing with the large expat population, from white-collar workers to labourers. "For 40 years, I was confined to my car or restaurants with my father and brothers, then with my wife and children," Ghamdi, a 42-year-old civil servant working in downtown Riyadh, told AFP. "I didn't mix or talk to anyone except those I knew or who resembled me. "Now, things have changed. You feel that society, with all its classes, is in one place," he added while speeding along the blue line, which connects working-class areas in the south with the downtown business district and affluent northern neighbourhoods. With its eye-watering oil riches, intricate tribal networks and large numbers of foreign workers, Saudi society has long been divided by rigid class structures. But on the metro, those divisions are more porous. Metro carriages are frequently crowded with labourers, university students, government employees and business executives wearing expensive suits. "I can now discuss general topics with strangers and even get to know new things and cultures up close," said 56-year-old engineer Nasser Al-Qahtani, pointing to a young Saudi holding a skateboard. 'Family and friends only' While the metro has done little to clear Riyadh's perennially gridlocked streets, its opening has been "a major social and psychological event", said sociologist Mohammed Al-Hamza. "The metro has shifted the mindset of Saudi society. It has made people come closer together," he said. "The culture in Saudi Arabia is one of family and friends only, and there is reluctance to get to know new people." Along with chipping away at class divisions, the system is saving commuters time and money, to the delight of many. "I used to get to work in over an hour and a half, exhausted and stressed due to traffic," said Ghamdi, adding that he had hardly used his prized SUV for months. "Now, I arrive relaxed and without stress," he added. Prices range from just four riyals ($1) for a limited one-day pass to 140 riyals for a month. As in other countries in the Middle East and beyond, the metro offers family carriages reserved for women, children and couples. They afford women a safe and socially acceptable way to use the network to travel to work or study. For those willing to pay an extra 10 riyals per day, first-class compartments also offer a reprieve from the busy single-male carriages. For law student Hadeel Waleed, 20, the metro has been a game-changer, cutting her trip from the southern suburbs to Princess Nourah University from three to four hours to one hour or less. "Now I arrive home with energy for my family and studying," she told AFP. 'No one expected this usage' The project is one of many major infrastructure initiatives under "Vision 2030" -- the reform programme overseen by the kingdom's de facto ruler, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. With six lines spanning about 176 kilometres (109 miles) of track, the network serves 85 stations, including stops at all terminals of Riyadh international airport. There had been fears among city officials that the huge project could prove a white elephant, with few Saudis deigning to use it. A bus network developed by the city struggled to gain traction as Saudis remained committed to their cars, especially during the hot summer months when temperatures hit 50 degrees Celsius (122 degrees Fahrenheit). "Honestly, for 10 years, the question was: 'Who will use the metro?'" a senior official who helps operate the system told AFP on condition of anonymity. "No one ever expected the current level of usage or even the financial returns," he added. The Royal Commission for Riyadh did not respond to AFP's enquiries about daily ridership but the official suggested the figure was likely in the tens of thousands if not more. Authorities are already hoping to expand the network, with a seventh line under development linking Riyadh to several new projects on the capital's outskirts. For Muneer, a 28-year-old government employee, the metro is a welcome addition to a city undergoing rapid change. "It makes life easier," he said.
CairoScene
27-04-2025
- Entertainment
- CairoScene
Leading Saudi Cultural Institutions Showcased at Abu Dhabi Book Fair
The Saudi pavilion features contributions from key institutions including the King Abdulaziz Foundation and Princess Nourah University. The 34th Abu Dhabi International Book Fair opened on 26th April 2025 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre and will run until 5th May, bringing together a global celebration of literature, culture, and ideas. Saudi Arabia is prominently represented at the fair with a pavilion organised by major cultural institutions. Participating entities include the King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives (Darah), the King Abdulaziz Public Library, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, the Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance, and the King Fahd Complex for the Printing of the Holy Quran. The Saudi pavilion offers visitors a diverse display of publications, research, and cultural initiatives, underlining the Kingdom's efforts to promote knowledge exchange and cultural diplomacy. A dedicated section at the pavilion spotlights the UNESCO Chair in Translating Cultures, showcasing research collaborations and initiatives in the field of cultural translation. This year's fair features more than 1,400 exhibitors from 96 countries and hosts over 2,000 cultural activities. The 2025 edition honours renowned Islamic philosopher Ibn Sina (Avicenna) as its Focus Personality, and celebrates 'One Thousand and One Nights' as the Book of the World, underlining the fair's emphasis on intellectual heritage and storytelling traditions.
Leaders
19-04-2025
- Science
- Leaders
Abeer Bint Shrgi Al-Anazi: Trailblazer for Saudi Women in Clean Energy, Academic Excellence
Interviewed by: Fatima Suleiman Abeer Bint Shrgi Al-Anazi, the first Saudi woman to obtain her PhD from the United States of America in the Department of Geography at King Saud University to make significant strides in clean energy research (from King Saud University, Riyadh), has shattered barriers in both academia and the professional world. From balancing motherhood with education to pursuing a pioneering PhD in clean energy in the U.S., Abeer's story is one of resilience, determination, and hope. In an exclusive interview, she opens up about the challenges she faced, her triumphs, and how her work aligns with Saudi Arabia's ambitious Vision 2030. Q: Abeer, tell us about your educational journey. How did it all begin? A: My journey began at a very young age, shaped by my responsibilities as the eldest daughter in a big family. I guess I became more responsible at an early age from helping my mother with my younger siblings, and this experience taught me the importance of patience, resilience, and responsibility. However, my educational path paused due to family circumstances. After a few years, with the unwavering support of my mother and father, I returned to education, especially to look after my children as a single mom. It was a decision that defined the rest of my life. Q: How did your ambitions evolve during those early years? A: Even as a child, I was always eager to learn. But it was during high school when I realized that I had a profound interest in geography. One of my teachers, Mrs. Salwa Al-Sarhan, recognized my potential and encouraged me to pursue cartography. She saw something in me that I hadn't fully realized, and her words pushed me to not only excel in my studies but also to pursue a future in this field. Q: Balancing motherhood and education must have been challenging. How did you manage? A: It certainly wasn't easy. Raising children and managing a household while trying to pursue an education required tremendous support, especially from my mother, who stepped in to care for my children. Being a part-time student while juggling the responsibilities of being a mother was difficult, but my dream of earning my diploma kept me motivated. Despite the odds, I graduated with excellent marks, proving to myself that with enough determination, I could achieve my goals. Q: What role did higher education play in your success? A: Higher education was a critical turning point for me. After completing my high school diploma, I graduated from Princess Nourah University with high honors. Right after, I enrolled at King Saud University to pursue a master's degree in geography and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). It wasn't straightforward to gain acceptance into the competitive program, but I did, and I graduated with honors and was honored by Princess Latifah Bint Abdulaziz Al Saud. My thesis focused on cartographic communication, geographic information systems, and mapping, which was the foundation for my future academic work. This experience solidified my belief that hard work and persistence could lead to opportunities. Q: After your studies, how did you transition into the communications field? A: After completing my master's degree, I began working with Saudi Telecom Company (STC). I was the only executive employee there with a master's degree, but my sincerity and dedication to work led me to get promotions within two years. I served as a trainer for several departments, and I ended up working as a high-value customer supervisor before going to academia. The experience was both challenging and rewarding. Working at STC allowed me to expand my professional skills, especially my marketing skills; manage teams; motivate them to achieve sales and maintain customers in the easiest way; meanwhile, keep the work environment good and healthy for the employees; and set the stage for my future academic and career pursuits. Q: You later had the chance to study abroad in the U.S. What was that experience like? A: Studying abroad in the U.S. is an incredible experience. It was an incredibly fulfilling experience! I was awarded a scholarship to pursue a PhD in geography at the University of Michigan. This opportunity, which came through King Saud University, changed my life. The transition was challenging, especially during the global pandemic, which led me to return to Saudi Arabia. However, I applied to multiple prestigious U.S. institutions and eventually earned admission to the University of Michigan, where I continue my research today. Studying abroad is a life-changer—a chance to shape your life, personality, experiences, skills, mentality, and how to deal with various people and cultures. Accept the changes and learn how to deal with challenges. Q: What challenges did you encounter while studying abroad, and how did you overcome them? A: The pandemic posed the greatest challenge, as it disrupted my plans and forced me to leave the U.S. earlier than expected. But rather than giving up, I applied to universities like the University of Florida, Texas Tech University, and the University of Michigan, and I succeeded in passing all required exams. These setbacks taught me the power of resilience and adaptability, and I kept pushing forward to finish what I had started. Believe in God and yourself, practice patience and continuous work, learn and ask, and remember that nothing stays the same—these are the secrets. Q: How has the empowerment of Saudi women influenced your journey? A: The empowerment of women in Saudi Arabia has significantly changed the landscape. Under the leadership of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Arabia has made remarkable strides in supporting women's education and professional development, among all other aspects. As a Saudi-empowered woman, the reframing of women and children's laws and initiatives like scholarships, mentorship programs, and leadership opportunities have been instrumental in helping me achieve my goals. I wouldn't have reached where I am today without the support of these efforts. We are glad that we are Saudi, supported greatly by our government, and prepared to get the chance when it comes to us. Q: What does 'empowerment' mean to you personally? A: For me, empowerment is about enabling women to pursue their dreams without barriers. Empowering women to transform their lives in a healthy environment, such as providing economic self-sufficiency, life skills, personal development, and leadership, thus supporting their families and communities. In Saudi Arabia, women now have the freedom to chase careers, engage in entrepreneurship, and contribute meaningfully to the economy. We have a growing presence in every sector, from engineering and technology to business and education. Empowerment is about providing the tools and the opportunities for women to succeed, and it's a movement that I'm proud to be a part of. Q: Can you tell us more about your PhD research in clean energy and its significance for Saudi Arabia? A: I aim to work to contribute to a better world. My research focuses on clean energy technologies, which align with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 goals to reduce the country's dependency on oil and increase renewable energy usage. I'm researching sustainable energy solutions that will support the kingdom's long-term objectives for a greener, more sustainable future. I am committed to discovering inventive solutions that will benefit Saudi Arabia and make a significant contribution to global sustainability initiatives. My country is investing in us, in human capital, and I am determined to seize the opportunity to give back by contributing and dedicating my life to it. Q: What advice would you give to young Saudi women who want to follow in your footsteps? A: My advice is simple: believe in yourself and never let anyone tell you that your dreams are unattainable. There is no limit to what you can achieve. Take advantage of the opportunities available to you, whether they are educational, professional, or personal— you can manage them! Moreover, Saudi women are paving the way for future generations, and I believe that we will continue to break barriers and accomplish wonderful things. Q: Looking ahead, how do you see the future of Saudi women? A: The future for Saudi women is bright, especially with the initiatives being driven by Vision 2030. We are already seeing women excelling in various fields, and the opportunities will continue to expand. I'm confident that Saudi women will keep breaking new ground and achieving extraordinary success in the years to come. We are a force to be reckoned with, and the world will see more of what we can do. Be the change that you want! Abeer Bint Shrgi Al-Anzi Abeer Bint Shrgi Al-Anzi's journey from a young single mother to a groundbreaking clean energy researcher is an inspiring testament to her resilience and determination. She has broken barriers in her field and serves as a role model for Saudi women striving to make their mark in the world. With her focus on clean energy and sustainability, Abeer is helping to shape the future of Saudi Arabia and contributing to the Kingdom's Vision 2030. As Saudi women continue to rise, Abir's story is one of many that will inspire future generations to dream big and achieve even bigger. Related Topics : Energy Minister Highlights Saudi Leadership in Clean Energy during Brazil's G20 Meetings Blue Ammonia: Inside Saudi Arabia's Push Towards Clean Energy Transition Politico Highlights Saudi Arabia's Significant Strides in Clean Energy Saudi Arabia Inks Major Renewable Energy Deals with Central Asia States at COP29 Short link : Post Views: 161
Arab News
13-04-2025
- Health
- Arab News
Saudi universities secure top honors at Geneva exhibition
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia's academic institutions flourished at the 50th Geneva International Exhibition of Inventions (April 9-13, 2025), where Princess Nourah University and Najran University earned five medals. Their wins, achieved in a field of 900 inventors from 40 countries, underscore the Kingdom's growing global scientific influence. PNU claimed four medals, including a silver medal for Dr. Sarah Al-Nufaiei's 'fixed dental reference marker' — a pioneering tool that standardizes dental implant placements by creating fixed intraoral reference points, improving precision in restorative procedures. The university was also awarded three bronze medals for transformative projects. Dr. Haya Al-Shahrani's 'smart wheelchair controlled via brain signals and eye blinks wirelessly' uses non-invasive EEG sensors and eye-tracking cameras to empower mobility-impaired users. Dr. Fahda Al-Qahtani's 'gum-based tool for isolating structurally damaged teeth' provides a biocompatible alternative to traditional rubber dam clamps, while Dr. Taghreed Al-Omar's 'anti-diabetic drug formulation with Friedelin (a chemical compound)' isolates the triterpenoid compound from Ziziphus spina-christi leaves to improve glycemic control. These innovations align with PNU's 2025 strategic plan to advance Saudi Arabia's sustainable development goals and position the university as a center for women-led STEM breakthroughs. Najran University won a gold medal for its 'nano-photocatalyst using date palm seed bio-carbon with gold nanoparticles and zinc oxide for industrial wastewater treatment.' The project addresses environmental challenges by converting locally sourced date palm seeds into bio-carbon — a sustainable base material — then augmenting it with gold nanoparticles and zinc oxide to create a photocatalyst that degrades organic pollutants under UV light. This low-cost, solar-powered solution underscores Saudi Arabia's commitment to eco-innovation under Vision 2030. The event featured 161 Saudi participants from schools, universities and technical institutes, showing advances in AI-driven infrastructure, healthcare robotics, and biometric security systems. With both universities now eyeing international patents and commercial partnerships, Saudi academia's footprint on the world stage continues to grow.
