BIPA Director General meets with BAS CEO

Dr. Shaikha Rana bint Isa bin Duaij Al Khalifa, Director General of Bahrain Institute for Public Administration (BIPA), received Mohammed Khalil Ahmed, CEO of Bahrain Airport Services Company (BAS).

The meeting discussed cooperation and the exchange of expertise through a series of training programmes and services that the institute is preparing to offer.

The director general affirmed that the government has led a clear strategic path to unify efforts of the public and private sectors aimed at further boosting national development.

She said that the BIPA’s partnerships with the private sector, including that with BAS, serves the public and private sectors by providing training and educational programmes to contribute to the national capacity building and creating future leaders.

The CEO of BAS said that the cooperation with BIPA aimed at benefiting from the training services and leadership programmes provided by the institute in capacity building.

Source: Bahrain News Agency

Syrian children present their country’s history and civilization in Minsk

Syrian children on Sunday participated in an event held at the Belarusian National Health Education Center (Zubronok camp) under the title “Syrian-Belarusian Friendship Evening”.

The children presented a number of national, traditional and heritage shows that express the history and civilization of Syria and the identity of the Syrian national heritage.

During the event which was attended by Syrian Ambassador to Belarus, Muhammad al-Omrani, the visitors expressed their admiration of the shows innovated by the children of Syrian Distinction and Creativity Agency, who are participating in the third camp organized by the Republic of Belarus this year.

The camp, which started on August 10th , is the third of its kind hosted by the Republic of Belarus for Syrian children this year, and it will continue until August 23rd with the participation of 75 children from Distinction and Creativity Agency.

Source: Syrian Arab News Agency

FSC: Demand for School Supplies Increases 80%

The Federation of Saudi Chambers (FSC) has revealed that there has been an 80% increase in the demand for school supplies compared to the previous year. This surge in demand coincides with the start of the new academic year, 1445 AH, and the return of over 6 million students to school.

According to a report prepared for the new academic year, FSC noted that libraries, retailers, and shops selling school supplies throughout the Kingdom have witnessed a significant increase in visits from students and parents. These visits were primarily motivated by the purchase of bags, notebooks, stationery items, and school uniforms, ultimately leading to a notable increase in sales and profitability for the school supplies sector.

The report also highlighted that the back-to-school season is a critical period for commercial activity in the Kingdom. It not only contributes to a boost in the overall economic activity but also plays a pivotal role in driving growth within the school supplies sector. To meet the students’ needs, markets, shops, and libraries began early preparations and offered substantial discounts, which further amplified the volume of demand and sales.

FSC emphasized that the growth observed in the school supplies sector reflects the advancement of the education sector in alignment with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030. This growth is a testament to the government’s dedication to this vital sector, the favorable investment environment, and the purchasing power enjoyed by the population at large.

Source: Saudi Press Agency

ICESCO Launches Program to Integrate Educational Technologies into Arabic Education System in Nigeria

The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) launched its model program for the integration of educational technologies into the Arabic education system in Nigeria

ICESCO said in a statement Thursday that it has provided its training hub for Arabic language excellence in Nigeria with the latest technological resources to develop Arabic education programs, modernize Arabic language teaching materials, and train Arabic language teachers in Nigeria.

For their part, Nigerian education officials commended ICESCO’s support, especially the delivery of computers and communication devices to integrate educational technologies into the Arabic education system.

Source: Saudi Press Agency

HH Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad, Education Minister discuss cooperation

His Highness Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad Al Khalifa, First Deputy Chairman of the Supreme Council for Youth and Sports (SCYS), Chairman of the General Sports Authority (GSA) and President of the Bahrain Olympic Committee (BOC), received Dr. Mohammed bin Mubarak Juma, Minister of Education.

HH Shaikh Khalid bin Hamad affirmed the importance of schools as the place for discovering the talents of students as individuals and in team activities, and the starting point for various clubs and teams for both males and females.

He stressed the importance of coordination between GSA and the ministry.

Shaikh Khalid praised the ministry’s efforts in organizing sports activities and highlighting athletic talents.

The meeting discussed the implementation of joint programs and initiatives to improve school sports activities.

The minister commended HH Shaikh Khalid’s efforts in advancing the sports sector through GSA’s initiatives and programs and stressed the ministry’s keenness for further cooperation to support the sports sector.

Source: Bahrain News Agency

DANAT empowers 18 young Bahrainis from almabarrah alkhalifia foundation with dynamic training course

The Bahrain Institute for Pearls and Gemstones (DANAT) recently conducted a training program designed for 18 students of the AlMabarrah AlKhalifia Foundation. The program centered around the fundamental knowledge of pearls and gemstones, aiming to equip these young individuals with comprehensive insights into pearl-related aspects, including extraction and examination methodologies.

The program encompassed both hands-on practical sessions and insightful theoretical modules, delving into an array of engaging subjects. These topics encompassed a rich spectrum, ranging from the historical significance of natural pearls to the intricacies of gemstone manufacturing and finishing techniques. Furthermore, the training covered vital areas such as marketing strategies, sales approaches, and the latest trends and advancements within the dynamic pearl industry.

This is the second training program of this kind for AlMabarrah AlKhalifia Foundation’s students, following a successful program held last summer.

Delivering this year’s training was Mr. Bader Al-Shaibani, a former participant of the program who now works with the Foundation. His involvement underscores the program’s efficacy and its ability to drive progress among its beneficiaries in the realm of jewelry and gemstones.

Noora Jamsheer, the CEO of DANAT, highlighted that this initiative is a manifestation of the institute’s dedication to nurturing emerging talents within the pearl and gemstone sector. The program aligns with the broader goal of the national plan for the revival of the pearl sector in Bahrain, aiming to empower young enthusiasts and facilitate their contribution to the industry. The program’s overarching aim is to provide exceptional prospects for individuals aspiring to excel in this pivotal domain, enabling them to fulfill their career aspirations through active participation in the institute’s array of programs and training modules.

Jamsheer further emphasized that the remarkable outcomes achieved through the previous program conducted by the Institute for AlMabarrah AlKhalifia’s students earlier this year served as a compelling catalyst for DANAT to evolve and reinitiate the program. The aim is to fortify its capacity to engage a greater number of Bahraini youth within the pearl sector. It is worth noting that nurturing young talents stands as a cornerstone of the Institute’s strategic framework, designed to foster national expertise in the Bahraini pearl industry and elevate the Kingdom’s global standing in pearl extraction, trade, and examination.

Distinguished by its departure from conventional training approaches, this program takes a progressive leap by embracing innovative and interactive learning methodologies. These methods are crafted to optimize participant engagement, encompassing workshops, interactive sessions, and individual and collaborative projects tailored to augment the practical and creative proficiencies of attendees.

The program offers direct access to industry experts and accomplished educators, fostering dynamic learning experiences that facilitate profound comprehension of the subject matter.

Specifically, the program delved into an insightful exploration of the historical evolution of the pearl industry over centuries, highlighting its cultural and economic significance within the Kingdom. Furthermore, it meticulously examined strategies for industry sustainability and growth, emphasizing the need to preserve its historical value and importance. Modern techniques employed in Bahrain for cultivating pearls were also a pivotal focus, alongside a comprehensive study of the pearl and gemstone market. The program rigorously addressed understanding consumer behaviors, trends, and preferences, as well as their specific requirements for examination and evaluation services.

The participants expressed their profound admiration for DANAT’s endeavors. They underscored the pivotal role the Institute plays in pioneering innovative and captivating realms of employment. The Institute’s extensive opportunities for young individuals within the pearl, gemstone, and jewelry sectors were notably lauded. The students emphasized that their enriching experiences during the Institute’s training programs significantly broadened their career prospects and fueled an intensified passion for their chosen field.

Several students went on to share their affirmative perspectives and firsthand encounters gained during their frequent visits to the Institute. Their enthusiastic endorsements, extended to colleagues and acquaintances, encouraged exploration of this exceptional domain and the promising occupational avenues it offers. These endorsements underscored the notion of rewarding professional growth and a promising future, showcasing an elevated engagement and profound comprehension of the expansive realm encompassing pearls and precious stones.

Source: Bahrain News Agency

KSrelief Distributes 1,000 School Bags in Somalia

The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) distributed on Wednesday 1,000 school bags packed with stationery items in Togdheer Region in Somalia.

A total of 1,000 people have benefited from the bags, which were distributed as part of the project to distribute school bags and stationery in Somalia for 2023.

The aid is part of the humanitarian and relief aid provided by the Kingdom through the KSrelief to support education in countries in need, enhance the educational environment and provide basic school requirements for male and female students.

Source: Saudi Press Agency

KSAA Launches Creating Digital Dictionaries Pathway

The King Salman Global Academy for the Arabic Language (KSAA) launched today the “Creating Digital Dictionaries” pathway, which aims to empower lexicographers in modern technologies used in creating modern digital dictionaries, translating digital content into Arabic, and training them to use modern standards followed in the lexicography.

Furthermore, this step will help improve and develop Arabic dictionaries, and enrich the Arabic linguistic content available on the Internet, thus contributing to spreading knowledge, improving the cultural and educational level, enhancing cultural communication and interaction among peoples, and supporting works that serve the Arabic language.

The pathway consists of four main areas: dictionaries concerned with vocabulary, dictionaries concerned with structures, dictionaries concerned with terms, and dictionaries concerned with uses and semantics.

This pathway targets individuals specialized in the Arabic lexicon industry, those interested in this field, those wishing to convert their paper dictionaries into digital dictionaries, and translators and non-linguists from other disciplines who have the desire to develop their skills in creating digital dictionaries and translating digital lexical content.

KSAA invited those wishing to participate in creating the digital dictionaries to register via https://anlp.ksaa.gov.sa/e-dictionaries/.

Source: Saudi Press Agency

15 Saudi Youth Showcase Innovations in Software and AI at the Summer Program of Oxford University

Representing different universities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, 15 Saudi students have successfully showcased student projects related to software and artificial intelligence (AI) during Lady Margaret Hall (LMH) Summer Program, University of Oxford.

This program is organized by Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA) in collaboration with King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST).

The camp represents a unique opportunity for trainee students to enhance their thinking and scientific creativity skills, aligning with the current era’s requirements, tools, and technologies. This program aligns with the goals of the Human Capability Development Program, one of the initiatives of Saudi Vision 2030, which aims at bolstering both local and global competitiveness of national human capacities.

During the summer program, students underwent intensive training to enhance their cognitive abilities under the guidance of AI experts at the University of Oxford for eight weeks.

They engaged in various scientific experiments within educational programs on AI, enabling them to advance their skills in cutting-edge technological domains.

Source: Saudi Press Agency

Higher Education Ministry Inks Cooperation Agreement with Bahwan Cybertech

The Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation today signed a cooperation agreement in the fields of higher education, research, innovation and vocational training with Bahwan Cybertech.

The agreement was signed by Dr. Rahma Ibrahim Al Mahrouqi, Minister of Higher Education, Research and Innovation, and Durgaprasad (DP), Co-founder, Director and Group CEO of Bahwan CyberTek (BCT) Group.

The agreement states that Bahwan Cybertech will support the higher education sector through annual funding of undergraduate scholarships in various disciplines in Oman. The company will also train students of private higher education institutions, develop partnerships and cooperation programmes with private universities and colleges (in the fields of research and innovation), invest in readily available opportunities and support the ministry’s cultural programme titled “We are Oman” over the next three years.

The agreement also secures the company’s support for the research and innovation sector by financing three startups envisaged as part of a programme known as “Upgrade”, which seeks to transform student graduation projects into startups. Such innovation-based entrepreneurships will be set up in accordance with standard regulations and established business norms.

The company will also lend backing to applied research and the university’s annual research forum, besides funding the participation of a Nobel Prize-winning speaker or a world-renowned scientist in the forum. This is in addition to funding the establishment of an online electronic platform (named “Oman Innovates”), which is designed to boost research and innovation.

Under the agreement, Bahwan CyberTek will support and finance a number of development projects undertaken by vocational colleges affiliated to the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation.

The company will also provide training programmes to the staff of the Ministry and vocational colleges

Source: Oman News Agency

Higher Education Admission Centre Announces First Sorting Results on 16 August 2023

The Higher Education Admission Center (HEAC) at the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation will announce on 16 August 2023 the results of the first sorting for the academic year 2023/2024.

Dr. Hamad Khalfan Al Nu’amani, Director General of HEAC said that the results of the first sorting are expected to witness high competition, especially on high-demand educational programmes, such as programmes of Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) and scholarships abroad, as well as health and education specializations in various establishments that offer such programmes.

Source: Oman News Agency

Oman, ESCWA Discuss Joint Cooperation

The Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation today reviewed the joint cooperation with the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for West Asia (ESCWA).

This online meeting between Dr. Rahma Ibrahim Al Mahouqi, Minister of Higher Education, Research and Innovation and Rola Dashti, Executive Secretary of the ESCWA discussed cooperation between Oman and the ESCWA, particularly what is related to Oman’s hosting of the launch of the skills observatory platform for the Arab world (widget).

Source: Oman News Agency