Dr. Waleed Alrodhan Alshalan: A journey through cybersecurity and the worlds of literature and history
At the fascinating crossroads of technology and imagination, Dr. Waleed Alrodhan Alshalan emerges as a prominent figure in Saudi Arabia's academic and cultural landscape. A cybersecurity associate professor and passionate novelist, Alshalan blends technical expertise with literary finesse. His novel Leonardo da Vinci gained significant attention in the Saudi cultural scene in 2022, and now, he celebrates the release of his first English-translated work, Laith the First: The Unknown King of England.
In this exclusive interview, we delve into his unique journey, explore the intersection of cybersecurity and literature, and get a glimpse into his upcoming creative projects.
Q: Dr. Waleed, as a cybersecurity professional and academic, what inspired you to step into the world of literature and novel writing?
Since 2002, I've been actively engaged in the field of cybersecurity, both in industry and academia, a domain that continues to fuel my professional passion. Yet, from an early age, I developed a strong affinity for literature and history. My father, a well-known littérateur, encouraged me to embrace writing as a bold parallel path.
This literary pursuit turned out to be an enriching adventure that never conflicted with my academic career; in fact, it expanded my intellectual horizons. Interestingly, my background in cryptography and cybersecurity has also enriched my writing, which is quite apparent to the readers of my novels.
Q: How many books have you authored so far? And do you also write scientific literature alongside fiction?
I've authored four novels in Arabic: Bob Isn't My Uncle; Laith the First: The Unknown King of England; Leonardo da Vinci; and 42: The Answer to the Ultimate Question of Life, the Universe, and Everything.
On the academic side, I published a book titled Privacy and Practicality of Identity Management Systems with VDM Verlag Dr. Müller in Germany. Additionally, I contributed two chapters to the well-regarded book Digital Identity and Access Management, published by Information Science Reference in the United States.
Q: Your novel Laith the First was recently released in English. What was your motivation behind this step, and what makes this novel unique?
I've long aspired to translate my Arabic works into other languages to reach a broader, more diverse audience. That aspiration materialized with the English release of Laith the First, masterfully translated by Ms. Rana Alden. Originally published in Arabic in 2017, the novel spans nearly a millennium, beginning with the reigns of Henry I and Henry II and ending in 2016.
It tells the fictional biography of an English king, Laith the First, who is imagined to have been born and buried in the ancient city of Dumat Aljandal in modern-day Saudi Arabia. The narrative weaves together history, action, romance, and layered themes of mathematics and cryptography — a reflection of my professional roots. More profoundly, the novel seeks to underscore the unity of human destiny and the interconnectivity of global histories. It also aims to introduce the rich heritage of Dumat Aljandal while engaging Arab readers with British history through an edutainment lens.
Q: What upcoming cultural projects are you currently working on?
I'm currently working on a new novel that marks a departure from my previous work. It demands extensive research and intricate plot development, making it a rewarding yet challenging endeavor.
Additionally, I've completed a bilingual (Arabic-English) screenplay adaptation of Leonardo da Vinci, and I've written the script for a documentary series exploring the mysteries of the Voynich manuscript — projects I hope will come to life soon.
On the educational front, I continue to deliver public lectures; my most recent one, titled Algorithmed Lives, was met with enthusiastic feedback. I plan to deliver more talks this year. I've also launched a brief edutainment video series called Minutes with Waleed, and I continue publishing episodes of my educational podcast, Information Security for Everyone – Prime, designed to make cybersecurity concepts more accessible to the public.
Q: Any final message you'd like to share with your readers?
I truly believe that a diversity of interests and interdisciplinary engagement are what enrich the human experience. Reading and writing are not merely hobbies, they are gateways to self-discovery and deeper understanding of others. My hope is that my work serves as a bridge, guiding readers toward new intellectual realms and inspiring a more expansive worldview.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Saudi Gazette
4 days ago
- Saudi Gazette
Prince Faisal bin Salman joins King Charles at Royal Ascot in London
Saudi Gazette report LONDON — Prince Faisal bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Special Advisor to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the King Abdulaziz Foundation, participated in the opening of the Royal Ascot Festival in London, one of the most prominent and oldest horse races in the world. Prince Faisal appeared alongside King Charles III and Queen Camilla in the first royal carriage leading the official procession, in a festive moment that brought together dignitaries from the British and Saudi royal families, drawing widespread attention from the audience and the British media. He attracted attention by appearing in traditional Saudi dress, rather than the formal suit expected for such an occasion, which is characterized by its refined British atmosphere. He participated in the procession, which was preceded by a royal horse-drawn carriage, in a scene that combined English tradition with Arab authenticity. This participation gave the opening a special character, reflecting the bonds of mutual respect and appreciation between Riyadh and London, particularly in the cultural and sporting fields, where equestrianism occupies a prominent place in the identity of both countries. Prince Faisal joined the Royal Pavilion to watch the first day of racing, alongside several members of the British royal family, including Princess Beatrice and Zara Ascot is a traditional event that brings together political and royal elites from around the world. It holds a significant symbolic place in British culture, with the festival days transformed into an elegant celebration of the sport of kings.
Saudi Gazette
5 days ago
- Saudi Gazette
Al-Daqal Castle: A timeless sentinel in the mountains of Abha
Saudi Gazette report ABHA — Al-Daqal Castle, one of Abha's most prominent archaeological landmarks, has regained its place in the cultural spotlight following a restoration project by the Heritage Commission of the Ministry of Culture. The project reinforces the historical significance and architectural authenticity of the castle, positioning it as a key cultural destination in the Asir region. Located in the northwestern part of Abha, the castle sits atop a mountain at approximately 2,342 meters above sea level, giving it a strategic vantage point to oversee routes through the surrounding mountain ranges. Researchers, including Dr. Ghaithan Grace of King Khalid University, estimate the fortress was built over 110 years ago in 1334 AH (circa 1916 CE). The rescue and consolidation efforts included rebuilding the damaged sections of the castle with original local stone, preserving its traditional design. Interior corridors and chambers were cleaned and prepared to receive visitors interested in the region's rich his academic study The Fortifications of the City of Abha (2006), Dr. Mahfouz Al-Zahrani noted that the name 'Al-Daqal' is derived from a classical Arabic word referring to elevation. It also alludes to the central mast of a sailboat, symbolizing the castle's commanding on a rugged rocky foundation, the castle adapted traditional architecture to its terrain, taking on a rectangular layout measuring 43.6 meters in length and 16 meters in width, with a semi-circular northern faç natural rock slopes on the northern and western sides were incorporated to strengthen the defensive structure comprises three main units: the command center, soldiers' housing, and a service section.A central vestibule divides the castle into eastern and western wings. Among its features is a large stone oven used by stationed forces to bake bread, with an opening two meters wide and a chimney rising 110 castle also includes a sealed grain storage chamber, designed with stone insulation to protect against moisture and pests, as well as a dedicated space for preparing haneeth, a traditional dish emblematic of the Asir region's culinary craftsmen constructed the castle using granite, known for its erosion resistance, and juniper wood for roofing, supplemented with clay, reeds (shohat), and Red Sea-imported plaster. Aesthetic and waterproof plaster layers were added to the exterior roofing technique involved placing juniper beams in parallel, covering them with reeds and a compacted mix of mud and straw, ensuring effective insulation against site is expected to open to the public in the upcoming phase of development, further enriching Abha's cultural landscape and promoting awareness of the Asir region's archaeological heritage.
Saudi Gazette
5 days ago
- Saudi Gazette
Al-Daqal Castle restored as Abha heritage icon reopens to visitors
Saudi Gazette report ABHA — Al-Daqal Castle, one of Abha's most prominent archaeological landmarks, has regained its place in the cultural spotlight following a restoration project by the Heritage Commission of the Ministry of Culture. The project reinforces the historical significance and architectural authenticity of the castle, positioning it as a key cultural destination in the Asir region. Located in the northwestern part of Abha, the castle sits atop a mountain at approximately 2,342 meters above sea level, giving it a strategic vantage point to oversee routes through the surrounding mountain ranges. Researchers, including Dr. Ghaithan Grace of King Khalid University, estimate the fortress was built over 110 years ago in 1334 AH (circa 1916 CE). The rescue and consolidation efforts included rebuilding the damaged sections of the castle with original local stone, preserving its traditional design. Interior corridors and chambers were cleaned and prepared to receive visitors interested in the region's rich heritage. In his academic study The Fortifications of the City of Abha (2006), Dr. Mahfouz Al-Zahrani noted that the name 'Al-Daqal' is derived from a classical Arabic word referring to elevation. It also alludes to the central mast of a sailboat, symbolizing the castle's commanding height. Built on a rugged rocky foundation, the castle adapted traditional architecture to its terrain, taking on a rectangular layout measuring 43.6 meters in length and 16 meters in width, with a semi-circular northern façade. The natural rock slopes on the northern and western sides were incorporated to strengthen the defensive fortifications. The structure comprises three main units: the command center, soldiers' housing, and a service section. A central vestibule divides the castle into eastern and western wings. Among its features is a large stone oven used by stationed forces to bake bread, with an opening two meters wide and a chimney rising 110 cm. The castle also includes a sealed grain storage chamber, designed with stone insulation to protect against moisture and pests, as well as a dedicated space for preparing haneeth, a traditional dish emblematic of the Asir region's culinary culture. Local craftsmen constructed the castle using granite, known for its erosion resistance, and juniper wood for roofing, supplemented with clay, reeds (shohat), and Red Sea-imported plaster. Aesthetic and waterproof plaster layers were added to the exterior walls. The roofing technique involved placing juniper beams in parallel, covering them with reeds and a compacted mix of mud and straw, ensuring effective insulation against rainfall. The site is expected to open to the public in the upcoming phase of development, further enriching Abha's cultural landscape and promoting awareness of the Asir region's archaeological heritage.
