Saudi Arabia: Science, Technology and Development News

[somebozo]

KACST plans to produce new generation of space scientists

By P.K. ABDUL GHAFOUR | ARAB NEWS
Published: Nov 19, 2011 00:00 Updated: Nov 19, 2011 00:00

JEDDAH: The King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) has embarked on a major program to assist outstanding students to conduct research works at US labs as part of efforts to produce a new generation of Saudi space scientists.

“The Saudi students will be able to conduct research programs on board US space stations, opening new horizons for them in space science,” the KACST said in a statement, adding that the students would work under the supervision of its experts.

The national research institute said students would design and develop their scientific research projects using CubeSat, a miniaturized satellite for space research that usually has a volume of exactly one liter and a mass of no more than 1.33 kg.

Beginning in 1999, California Polytechnic State University and Stanford University developed the CubeSat specifications to help universities worldwide to perform space science and exploration. It has since grown to become an international partnership of over 40 institutes that are developing picosatellites containing scientific payloads.

“This partnership project between KACST and the Education Ministry aims at transforming the Kingdom into a knowledge economy,” the statement said. The project will contribute to boosting the Kingdom’s industrial competitiveness by improving efficiency of the Saudi manpower and developing innovative skills of Saudi students.

“It also aims at producing a new generation of Saudi scientists, especially in the area of space science and technology,” it added.

KACST signed an agreement with Nanorex, a leading player in space research, to carry out a scientific program for Saudi students. Nanorex would provide all its commercial facilities for Saudi students to conduct research projects in biopharmacology, material science, nanotechnology and other areas.

KACST has already launched 12 satellites from Baikonur space station in Kazakhstan for communication and other purposes. It aims to make Saudi Arabia a leading supplier of earth monitoring products from the space, interactive maps and strengthen satellite capabilities. It has a full-fledged system to receive and analyze space photos.

The KACST program aims to integrate Saudi students into an essential field, and reveal their skills and creativity, thus enhancing their future attitudes toward knowledge and important sciences that the Kingdom industriously seeks to inseminate in its young generation.

The program enables Saudi students to make use of the facilities of Nanorex Incorporation in nanolab research in order to conduct researches in various fields. Nanorex was selected by KACST after the incorporation signed an agreement with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration in 2009.

West says Iran deceives world on nukes - Arab News

© 2010 Arab News

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KAU to sign pact for drone technology

By ARAB NEWS
Published: Nov 19, 2011 01:49 Updated: Nov 19, 2011 01:49

JEDDAH: King Abdulaziz University in Jeddah is making a strong entry to the sophisticated UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) technology with the signing of an agreement with Japan’s Tokai University and the British Cranfield University on Saturday.

The agreement is to design and build drones (uav) powered by solar energy.

The signing ceremony will take place at KAU campus in the presence of President of the General Authority for Civil Aviation Prince Fahd bin Abdullah.

KAU President Osama Tayyib said the project led by the university would take pioneering steps in the manufacture of aircraft in addition to advanced studies in aviation and control systems.

The project would contribute to the transfer and indigenization of drone design and manufacture technology and also construction of an advanced laboratory for solar energy research besides training engineers and researchers,” Tayyib said on Friday.

KAU to sign pact for drone technology - Arab News

© 2010 Arab News

 

[somebozo]

These days its seems Saudis, Germans and Chinese are the only people left on earth with money

German official praises Kingdom’s prudent policies
German official praises Kingdom

By ARAB NEWS
Published: Nov 19, 2011 00:01 Updated: Nov 19, 2011 00:01

JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s prudent and balanced policies in the Middle East under the leadership of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah and Crown Prince Naif have helped avert many crises that might have led to catastrophic consequences to the world economy, according to German Consul General Rolf Theodor Schuster.

“Such policies have not only won the appreciation of the Western world, but also global gratitude including that of Germany,” the consul general said at his country’s national day celebration at the Jeddah Hilton.

It goes without saying that Saudi Arabia is held in high esteem and regard throughout the world, he said, adding that the Saudi leadership has been able with foresight and hindsight to steer through the turbulent waters and turmoil encompassing the economies of many countries in the world today.

“It can be said without any exaggeration that the Kingdom today is an oasis of stability, economically, socially and politically,” he said.

Tracing the historic bilateral relations, he said it was more than 80 years ago that the two countries signed a treaty of friendship way back in 1929. Ever since, the ties between the two countries have grown stronger and have become more solid in recent times in the economic, commercial, educational and cultural fields. In addition to this, the two countries continue to play a pivotal role in world economic affairs and contribute to the economic stability of the world.

He said he was confident that the economic, business and trade relations between the two countries would continue to flourish and gain further momentum, as both countries are committed to the further development and cementation of their ties.

“Germany’s know-how, technology and expertise in various fields can play a major role in the development of this region, especially in view of the commitment and efforts of the Kingdom to modernize and boost education through the King Abdullah Scholarships Program. One of the results of this program is that we are seeing an increasing interest of Saudi doctors, scientists and engineers going to Germany for higher studies and training where they are most welcome.”

© 2010 Arab News

 

[roadrunner]

i don't get all these threads on Saudi students co-researching in some areas.

so what? Are you trying to say saudi is the next techno giant?

another point. So what if germany praises saudi?

 

[somebozo]

Young Saudi scientists show skills in Germany

By ARAB NEWS
Published: Nov 18, 2011 00:43 Updated: Nov 18, 2011 00:43

HAMBURG: Several Young Saudi researchers are participating in a forum on environment and renewable energy currently organized in Germany. Their active participation in the activities has shown that Saudi youth are not inferior to researchers in any other country, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Thursday.

The level of advancement made by Saudi students in sophisticated technologies has amazed young German scientists participating in the forum.

A presentation by Muhammad Al-Bakri, a master’s degree holder from the King Abdullah University for Science and Technology in nanotechnology for electromechanical applications, impressed the participants so much that the Hamburg University instantly invited him to read paper on his theories on control of pollution caused by hydrocarbon using nanotechnology.

He said his studies at the KAUST had helped him develop his research talent.

Meshari Al-Dousary, also a master’s degree holder of the KAUST, was another Saudi participant in the forum.

The forum also discussed topics such as coal based power generation, carbon capture, and architecture designs to reduce pollutions.

The youth delegation arrived in Berlin on Wednesday as part of bilateral meetings between Saudi and German youths, cultural dialogue and exchange of expertise in the area of environment and renewable energy.

Young Saudi scientists show skills in Germany - Arab News

© 2010 Arab News

 

[pak-marine]

he King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) has embarked on a major program to assist outstanding students to conduct research works at US labs as part of efforts to produce a new generation of Saudi space scientists.

That's a silly move why will they do so much hard work of research etc when they can hire much skilled and experienced indian/pakistani or may be a gora to do all this for them

 

[somebozo]

That's a silly move why will they do so much hard work of research etc when they can hire much skilled and experienced indian/pakistani or may be a gora to do all this for them

 

[longbrained]

But still science and technology much depends on R&D budget and Saudi Arabia spends so little compared to other countries ranking just at 62nd worldwide, spending just 0.05% of its GDP on research. List of countries by research and development spending - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

[Mosamania]

But still science and technology much depends on R&D budget and Saudi Arabia spends so little compared to other countries ranking just at 62nd worldwide, spending just 0.05% of its GDP on research. List of countries by research and development spending - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

It is true we do not spend that much on research (YET). However we spend a great amount of money on Education that is said to be the biggest Education embankment of the century. When Education is done research will follow.

Saudi Government Allocates $154 Billion in 2011 Budget - U.S.-Saudi Arabian Business Council

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Saudi Arabia's New Education Budget | Working towards the international exchange of people and ideas

 

[Abii]

Does that mean we're going to see KSA beat scientific giants such as Chile and Hungry soon? lol
SJR - International Science Ranking

 

[somebozo]

Does that mean we're going to see KSA beat scientific giants such as Chile and Hungry soon? lol
SJR - International Science Ranking

Not yet, but with time it will come..IF a proxy war does not erupt between KSA and Iran. As some foreign powers are wishing for!

There is long way to go though...Iran & Turkey are the shining stars of Muslims world it seem!

Taking USA and China as the benchmark

1 United States
2 China



18 Turkey
19 Iran
20 Poland
21 Sweden
22 Belgium
23 Austria
24 Denmark
25 Greece
26 Israel
27 Czech Republic
28 Malaysia
29 Finland
30 Mexico
31 Singapore
32 Norway
33 Portugal
34 Hong Kong
35 Romania
36 South Africa
37 New Zealand
38 Ireland
39 Argentina
40 Thailand
41 Egypt
42 Hungary
43 Pakistan
44 Ukraine
45 Chile
46 Saudi Arabia
47 Croatia
48 Serbia
49 Nigeria
50 Tunisia
51 Slovakia
52 Colombia
53 Slovenia
54 Bulgaria
55 Algeria
56 Lithuania
57 Morocco
58 Jordan
59 Bangladesh
60 United Arab Emirates
61 Indonesia
62 Estonia
63 Viet Nam
64 Venezuela
65 Cuba
66 Kenya
67 Belarus
68 Cyprus
69 Lebanon
70 Iceland
71 Philippines
72 Kuwait

 

[somebozo]

Just what the ****??? When you wished it couldn't get any worst!

Haia to benefit from KACST expertise

Haia to benefit from KACST expertise - Arab News

By ABDUL HANNAN TAGO | ARAB NEWS
Published: Nov 24, 2011 01:25 Updated: Nov 24, 2011 01:25

RIYADH: King Abdul Aziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) signed on Wednesday an agreement with the General Presidency of the Commission for the Promotion of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice (Haia).

The agreement is aimed to benefit the Haia from KACST's expertise in the areas of space science, information technology, telecommunications and electronics. It will also facilitate scientific research in areas that serve Haia's mission.

The agreement was inked by KACST President Mohammed Ibrahim Al-Suwaiyel and Haia Chairman Sheikh Abdul Aziz Al-Humain at KACST headquarters. Officials from both sides and media attended the ceremony.

In a statement, the KACST president said the agreement came within the framework of his organization's objective to support developments taking place in the Kingdom with the use of modern technology. “We are also coordinating with other government agencies in the field of research, and we exchange experiences and information besides providing consultancy and implementing national projects,” he said.

He added that the move would promote research and development as well as provide consultancy and technical solutions and services in the field of advanced electronics and space science to the commission.

On his part, Abdul Aziz Al-Humain stressed that his authority sought to keep up with developments in the regulatory framework and technical needs in compliance with the administrative reform process taking place in the Kingdom. He said the agreement would contribute to the provision of services to citizens and residents in a convenient and highly effective manner, as well as improving the performance of employees in the presidency. “This will serve the needs of the Haia to achieve many of its goals,” he observed.

The agreement will, among other things, provide space pictures and digital maps and assist the authority in establishing a unit of geographical information systems. The service will also improve information systems and databases as well as taking advantage of the KACST’s potential in art, research and technology.

Furthermore, KACST will implement human resource development and provide training programs to serve Haia's employees in the fields of space science, information technology, telecommunications and electronics. They will offer scientific and technical support for research and studies, which are either adopted by the commission or relevant to its work and activities. This includes access to databases available at KACST for practical purposes and research.

The commission can also consult relevant projects in order to provide support and promote and disseminate awareness programs and guidelines provided by the presidency to the members of the community.

© 2010 Arab News

 

[TARIQ BN ZIYAAD]

That's a silly move why will they do so much hard work of research etc when they can hire much skilled and experienced indian/pakistani or may be a gora to do all this for them

Assalam alaikum

so u r gonna object no matter what they will do ?

lol yaar itni nafrat aap ki sehet k liyai acchi nahi

TARIQ

 

[somebozo]

Aramco, Dow name Sadara board of directors
Aramco, Dow name Sadara board of directors - Arab News
By ARAB NEWS
Published: Nov 29, 2011 00:08 Updated: Nov 29, 2011 00:08

DAMMAM: Saudi Aramco and Dow Chemical Co. Monday announced the official formation of Sadara Chemical Co., a joint venture between the two companies. The world's two leading companies also announced Sadara's board of directors and senior officers.

The Sadara board comprises eight members. Saudi Aramco's Abdullatif A. Al-Othman is board chairman and Dow's James D. McIlvenny was named as deputy chairman.

Other members of the Sadara board include Tofiq H. Gabsani, president of Saudi Refining, Inc.; Michael R. Gambrell, Dow executive vice president and adviser on manufacturing and engineering to chairman and CEO; Abdulaziz M. Judaimi, Saudi Aramco's vice president, chemicals; Ahmad O. Al-Khowaiter, Saudi Aramco chief engineer; Howard Ungerleider, Dow senior vice president and president of Performance Plastics Division and William H. Weideman, Dow executive vice president and chief financial officer.

The Sadara board also announced the names of a number of senior officers for the key joint venture. Ali A. Abuali, former president of Aramco Services Co., Saudi Aramco, a US-based subsidiary in Houston, has been named Sadara chief executive officer; Luciano Poli, Dow finance director for Europe, Middle East & Africa, is chief financial officer; Lee Trusty, Dow Joint Manufacturing Program director for Sadara project, has been named vice president for manufacturing and engineering; Naser M. Al-Abdulkareem, commercial director for Vela International, is vice president, business and services and Mohammed T. Al-Sellemi, director of Human Resources Services Department, Saudi Aramco, has been named vice president for industrial relations.

Saudi Aramco President and CEO Khalid Al-Falih said: "Sadara is poised to become a significant contributor for Saudi Aramco's transformational downstream growth strategy. I am pleased to see that this game-changing enterprise has now become a reality. I am confident that Sadara will be a success story for many generations to come."

"Monday's announcements mark another exciting and significant step forward for Sadara as it fulfills its commitment to building and operating a world scale, fully integrated chemicals complex in Jubail," said Dow's Chairman and CEO Andrew Liveris. "I am truly delighted to see the progress that we have made, and I am most impressed with this line-up of outstanding leadership for Sadara. I have no doubt they will bring this premier partnership between Dow and Saudi Aramco to life and build a venture that is well positioned to create value on every front."

Once complete, the joint venture complex, now being built in Jubail, will be one of the world's largest integrated chemical facilities, and the largest-ever built in a single phase. First production units are expected to come on line in the second half of 2015. All units are expected to be up and running in 2016.







© 2010 Arab News

 

[somebozo]

KSU grabs 24 awards at technology exhibition
KSU grabs 24 awards at technology exhibition - Arab News

By ARAB NEWS
Published: Feb 20, 2012 00:37 Updated: Feb 20, 2012 00:37

JEDDAH: King Saud University in Riyadh has won 24 awards during the 11th Malaysia Technology Expo 2012, which was held in Kuala Lumpur from Feb. 16-18.

The university’s Innovation Center had presented 23 pieces of work on medicine, science, engineering, agriculture and information technology at the expo. KSU won the highest number of medals during the event competing with its counterparts from Russia, Nigeria, Iran, Croatia, Taiwan and other countries.

As many as 558 innovations were on display at the expo and the winners were declared by a jury comprising 98 experts.

The participants won 95 gold medals, 156 silver medals and 194 bronze medals.

“All innovations presented by KSU have won medals,” said Naif Al-Ajlan, supervisor of the Innovation Center. Muhammad Iqbal Khan from the Faculty of Engineering won the gold medal for the best innovation while Khaled Al-Hazeemi of Faculty of Dentistry won another gold medal.

Naif Al-Ajlan, Abdul Malik Al-Salman, Sufyan Qanuni and Maqsoud Mahmoud from the Faculty of Computer Science and Information, Enas Al-Nashif and Raja Ridwan of the Faculty of Engineering, Amani Awad, Ebtisam Al-Olayan of the Faculty of Sciences, Mahmoud Bukhari of Faculty of Dentistry, Ahmed Al-Khazim of the Faculty of Food Science and Agriculture, Sultan Turkistani from the Innovation Center and Wafa Al-Dawad of Faculty of Business Administration got silver medals.

Yaqub Baazi, Muhammad Abulish of Faculty of Computer Science and Information, Adel Haseeb of Faculty of Pharmacology, Amani Awad of Faculty of Sciences, Ahmed Khazim of Faculty of Food Sciences and Agriculture and Ayed Al-Aklabi of Faculty of Medicine received bronze medals. The Innovation Center selected the best innovations for participation in the international event after inviting them from staff and students. Some of these innovations were displayed for the first time in an international exhibition. Eight students were given the chance to present their innovations in the expo.

“This is the fruit of our hard work,” said Naif Al-Ajlan, supervisor of the center, while commenting on the awards received by the university.

The magnificent exhibition featured the latest inventions and innovations by universities, research institutions, individual inventors and corporate sectors from Asian and European countries.

“It was a perfect meeting point for business and research organizations to exhibit their newest inventions and compete with their competitors in the technology based industries,” said an organizer.

© 2010 Arab News

 

[PERSIAN GOD KING]

This thread should be in a special made place called the "The joke section".