Latest news with #QassimUniversity
Gulf Insider
05-05-2025
- Climate
- Gulf Insider
Massive Dust Storm Hits Saudi Arabia, Kuwait And Jordan, Triggering Travel Chaos And Flash Floods
A powerful dust storm has blanketed large parts of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Jordan, triggering travel disruptions, flash floods and emergency evacuations. Authorities in all three countries have issued red alerts and warned of further weather instability in the coming days. Saudi Arabia In central Saudi Arabia, residents of Al Qassim province witnessed a rare and dramatic phenomenon described as a 'wall of dust' that swept through the region on Sunday, reducing visibility to near zero and prompting widespread safety warnings. Videos shared on social media showed the sky turning orange as the storm surged forward like a towering wave, blocking out sunlight. Meteorologist Abdullah Al Misnad, a former professor at Qassim University, attributed the event to powerful downdrafts from cumulonimbus clouds — scientifically classified as gravity-driven haboobs — which generate intense, fast-moving dust walls. These walls, he noted, can reach heights of up to 2,000 meters and wind speeds of 100 km/h, posing major hazards to both air and land transportation. The National Center for Meteorology issued red alerts across five regions, including Riyadh and the Eastern Province, warning of continued dust storms, heavy rainfall, hail, and potential flooding. Authorities urged residents to remain indoors, avoid open areas, and limit travel, especially on highways and exposed roads. Kuwait Kuwait was battered by violent winds and thick dust clouds, leading aviation and maritime authorities to temporarily suspend operations. Wind gusts topping 100 km/h reduced visibility in some areas to zero. Two inbound flights from Egypt were diverted to Dammam, Saudi Arabia, while the Kuwait Ports Authority halted activity at Shuwaikh and Shuaiba ports to safeguard workers and infrastructure. Operations resumed Monday morning as weather conditions improved. Kuwait's acting Director of the Meteorological Department, Dharar Al Ali, warned that the country is currently in the 'Sarayat' period—a volatile seasonal transition known for rapid atmospheric shifts, thunderstorms, and heavy dust. Satellite data indicated intense regional activity, with scattered rain forecast through midweek. The Interior Ministry issued public safety alerts, urging drivers to reduce speed, maintain safe following distances, and pull over if visibility drops to zero. Jordan In Jordan, the storm system unleashed erratic and hazardous weather across several regions, with rain, thunderstorms, and dust severely reducing visibility and causing flash floods in low-lying areas. In Petra, one of Jordan's most visited tourist attractions, authorities evacuated hundreds of visitors on Sunday after flash floods inundated parts of the archaeological site. More than 1,700 tourists were present when Civil Defense teams implemented emergency protocols. Ticket sales were suspended at midday, and key landmarks — including Al Khazneh, the Siq, and the Monastery—were cleared as water levels rose rapidly. Tragically, the flooding claimed the lives of a Belgian woman and her son, who were part of an adventure tour in Wadi Al Nakhil near Ma'an. Two of her children survived. Jordan's Public Security Directorate said search and rescue teams are continuing efforts to locate missing persons, with additional incidents reported in Tafileh and Al Hasa involving stranded tourists and livestock herders. 'We evacuated most of the tourists without injuries,' said Yazan Mahadin, Commissioner of Petra Archaeological Park. 'Safety is our top priority.'
Gulf Insider
20-03-2025
- Climate
- Gulf Insider
Climate Expert Predicts Eid Al-Fitr Date Based On Lunar Observations
Dr. Abdullah Al-Misnad, former climate professor at Qassim University and vice president of the Saudi Weather and Climate Society, has shared his predictions on the expected end of Ramadan and the arrival of Eid al-Fitr. In a post on his X account, Al-Misnad posed the question: 'When will Eid be?' He then explained, 'There is a strong possibility that Ramadan will not be completed as a 30-day month.' The climate expert further stated, 'It is expected that Ramadan will conclude on the same day it began-Saturday-making Eid al-Fitr fall on Sunday, March 30. However, this is dependent on clear skies without clouds or dust obstructing the sighting of the crescent moon. And Allah knows best.' Also read: MPs Approve Stricter Digital Bans For Offenders
Daily Tribune
19-03-2025
- Climate
- Daily Tribune
Climate Expert Predicts Eid al-Fitr Date Based on Lunar Observations
TDT | Manama Dr. Abdullah Al-Misnad, former climate professor at Qassim University and vice president of the Saudi Weather and Climate Society, has shared his predictions on the expected end of Ramadan and the arrival of Eid al-Fitr. In a post on his X account, Al-Misnad posed the question: "When will Eid be?" He then explained, "There is a strong possibility that Ramadan will not be completed as a 30-day month." The climate expert further stated, "It is expected that Ramadan will conclude on the same day it began—Saturday—making Eid al-Fitr fall on Sunday, March 30. However, this is dependent on clear skies without clouds or dust obstructing the sighting of the crescent moon. And Allah knows best."
Leaders
09-03-2025
- General
- Leaders
Ramadan in Saudi Arabia: Fusion of Cultures and Spirituality
During Ramadan, Arab and Muslim communities in Saudi Arabia immerse themselves in a unique spiritual ambiance, blending their native traditions with local Saudi customs. The holy month is marked by daily acts of worship, such as Quran recitation and taraweeh prayers, as well as communal iftar meals and the preparation of traditional Ramadan dishes. Dr. Suliman Yousuf Khater, a Sudanese associate professor at Qassim University, shared his insights with the Saudi Press Agency, describing Ramadan in the Kingdom as a deeply spiritual experience. He emphasized the ease of observing Ramadan in Saudi Arabia, where essential needs are readily met. Dr. Khater also noted the vibrant social life during the month, characterized by family gatherings and shared meals. 'After 14 years in Qassim, I've found that many Ramadan traditions here closely resemble those in Sudan,' he remarked. Similarly, Mohamed Houcine Dhaou, a Tunisian professor at Qassim University, reflected on the spiritual essence of Ramadan, highlighting its role in inspiring repentance and renewed faith. Having lived in the Kingdom for a decade, he spoke of the profound spiritual connection he feels, particularly during visits to Makkah and Madinah. He described the 'unique charm' of Ramadan's daily life, with streets adorned in festive decorations and communities coming together for iftar and suhoor gatherings. This harmonious blend of cultural traditions and spiritual practices makes Ramadan in Saudi Arabia a truly enriching experience for Muslims from diverse backgrounds. Related Topics : 'Tawakkalna' App Elevates Ramadan Worship with Comprehensive Services KSrelief Launches Ramadan 'Etaam' Food Basket Initiative in Tajikistan Fam Foods, Kobe Beef Association Partner to Bring Halal-Certified Beef to Saudi Arabia World Without Hunger: Saudi Arabia's Efforts to Enhance Food Security Short link : Post Views: 78
Leaders
04-03-2025
- Business
- Leaders
Tarshid, Qassim University Launch Solar PV Project
The National Energy Services Company (Tarshid) and Qassim University have announced the launch of a solar photovoltaic (PV) project to enhance energy efficiency across the university's buildings and facilities. With a power generation capacity of 5,137 kW, the initiative is expected to achieve annual energy savings of 8.6 million kWh. Waled AlGhreri, Board Member and CEO of Tarshid, highlighted that after extensive field surveys and technical assessments, the company identified significant opportunities to optimize energy use by installing rooftop solar panels and systems. This project also promotes self-consumption of clean, renewable energy while adhering to the highest global standards. The initiative aims to reduce the university's annual electricity consumption from approximately 186 million kWh to 178 million kWh, preserving over 13,000 barrels of oil equivalent per year and preventing nearly 4,000 metric tons of carbon emissions. Moreover, this environmental impact is comparable to planting more than 82,000 tree seedlings annually. Aligned with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, this project reinforces Tarshid's commitment to sustainability, energy conservation, and carbon footprint reduction. Related Topics: Tarshid Launches Energy Efficiency Project at Al-Jouf Hospital, Targeting 22% Savings Al-Shuaiba Solar Energy Project: Symbol of Achievement, Development Breathtaking Scenery, Communications Disruption: Solar Storm Hits Earth-Photos SAMA Grants License to Tamara Finance for Consumer Finance, BNPL Services Short link : Post Views: 12
