Latest news with #KhalilIbrahim
Arab News
a day ago
- Business
- Arab News
Industrial cities in Saudi Arabia's Qassim region hit 77% occupancy rate, official reveals
RIYADH: Industrial cities in Saudi Arabia's Qassim region are performing at occupancy rates of up to 77 percent, with 158 factories currently in operation, reflecting strong growth and a supportive business environment, according to a top official. During a meeting organized by the the area's chamber of commerce, the Kingdom's Deputy Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources for Industrial Affairs Khalil Ibrahim bin Salamah explained that the value of industrial investments in the region during the first quarter of 2025 reached SR700 million ($186 million), with the city of Buraydah accounting for the largest share, the Saudi Press Agency reported. This reflects the Kingdom's National Industrial Strategy, introduced in October 2022, which aims to increase the number of factories in the Kingdom to approximately 36,000 by 2035. This approach is designed to attract investment, scale up local production, and strengthen non-oil exports. The SPA statement said: 'The meeting aimed to introduce the most prominent ministerial services and programs and discuss the sector's aspirations to achieve continued growth in development and investment.' It added: 'The meeting addressed several topics related to the industrial sector, including standard incentives for the industrial sector, which enhance the competitive sustainability of the industrial sector in the Kingdom.' The statement further revealed that the assembly addressed the environmental impact of industrial facilities and presented solutions to help improve efficiency and quality. It also included a review and introduction to the Factories of the Future Program, as well as the process of converting these facilities to adopt modern manufacturing practices, automation, and digitization, which directly contribute to the development of the industrial sector in the Kingdom. The gathering also saw a review of the Industrial Links Program, which connects manufacturers with major projects to achieve the goals of the national strategy for increasing local content. The Qassim region experienced 25 percent growth in its business sector over the past seven years, reflecting increased economic activity and contributing to the Kingdom's goal of balanced development, the Ministry of Commerce reported in a post on its official X account in May. The number of commercial records in the central region rose from 68,000 in 2018 to 85,000 by the end of the first quarter of this year, the ministry said at the time. In 2024, Qassim Municipality announced that the region had successfully concluded 711 investment contracts, with a total value exceeding SR740 million. The municipality also provided 1050 diverse investment opportunities aimed at supporting economic development and enhancing the quality of life in the region. The increase comes as the Kingdom pushes ahead with its economic diversification strategy, aiming to increase the private sector's share of the gross domestic product from 40 percent to 65 percent by 2030.
Daily Tribune
13-06-2025
- Daily Tribune
Tutor who bit and slapped pupils ordered to pay BD1,500
A private tutor who bit, slapped and pinched two young boys during English lessons has been ordered to pay BD1,500 in damages. The Lower Civil Court found that the woman, an Asian national, assaulted the children repeatedly while teaching them at home. The abuse remained hidden from their parents until bruises and bite marks began to appear on the boys' bodies. Only then did the full picture begin to emerge. The children's father filed a criminal complaint. The tutor was convicted and sentenced to one month in prison. Mandatory attendance The sentence was later replaced with mandatory attendance at a rehabilitation and training programme, with bail set at BD100 to suspend the term. No appeal was filed against the verdict. In the civil proceedings, the court said the woman's actions had caused physical injury and left the boys suffering from fear and anxiety. The criminal ruling, supported by the Court of Appeal, was considered final and binding, confirming the tutor's liability. Lawyer Khalil Ibrahim, representing the father, stated that his client was the boys' legal guardian. Sentence He submitted official documents showing that the tutor had served her sentence and that the ruling had not been challenged. The court awarded BD1,000 to the children, to be divided equally between them, as compensation for the physical and emotional harm. It also held the tutor responsible for the payment, which is to be made to the father in his legal capacity
The Star
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Star
Malaysian national art collection digitally reimagined for a new generation
The National Art Gallery (NAG) in Kuala Lumpur is embracing the future with Into The Frameless (Merungkai Bingkai), an immersive art exhibition that reimagines the national collection through innovative technology. Featuring 34 artworks displayed through digital formats, this long-term exhibition – running until April 2027 – explores the fusion of art and technology through three segments: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Augmented Reality (AR), and projection mapping. These cutting-edge mediums, currently showcased at Filamen's gallery at Muzium Telekom, and the Immersify KL show, are revolutionising how audiences in Kuala Lumpur engage with and experience visual art in the digital age. It's only fitting that NAG now joins this movement, embracing innovation at the forefront of the art world. 'At the heart of Into The Frameless is the National Art Gallery's mission to make art more accessible, particularly to a tech-savvy generation. Through immersive technologies, the exhibition not only enhances aesthetic appreciation but also supports long-term preservation of these national treasures,' outlines a media statement. Visitors can 'step into' a 1960 Khalil Ibrahim oil painting and take home a digital copy via the AI Holobox Photobooth. Photo: National Art Gallery Malaysia A highlight of the exhibition is the Immersive Video Segment, featuring 31 works across five thematic zones: "Coastlines", "Sea", "Paddy Fields", "Micro Flora", "Macro Flora", and "Mountains". These nature-inspired themes celebrate Malaysia's cultural and environmental diversity. Gallery visitors can take a seat and watch the 30-minute screen display at their own pace. Featured classic works include Syed Ahmad Jamal's Storm (1958), Chuah Thean Teng's Fishing Village (1959), A.J. Rahman's Night In Langkawi (1976), Chung Chen Sun's Pemandangan Kampung Nelayan (1964), Ibrahim Hussein's Genting (1978), and Lai Foong Moi's Menuai Padi (1960). This exhibition is a unique way to introduce the national art collection to the public. Using advanced projectors and mapping technology, the artworks are brought to life with motion, light, and sound, offering a sensory-rich experience that transcends traditional viewing. For interactivity, art lovers can also see their own works come to life in the 'AR Colouring' segment, featuring classic paintings by Dzulkifli Buyong. Photo: The Star/M. Irsyad "Balancing tradition and modernity, this digital shift aligns with Malaysia's aspirations to become a global tech hub and elevate quality of life through technological literacy," adds the exhibition notes. An interactive feature of the exhibition is the AR Colouring segment, where attendees can engage directly in the creative process. After colouring printed designs, participants can watch their creations come to life through AR software, transforming simple colourings into animated digital experiences. These designs will animate animals in a village scene inspired by the work of legendary KL-born artist Dzulkifli Buyong. The backdrop is crafted from three of Dzulkifli's 1960s paintings: Kapal Kertas, Bermain Dengan Anak Patong, and Mengejar. A.J. Rahman's 'Night In Langkawi' (1976) painting gets a digital revival in the immersive exhibition. Photo: The Star/M. Irsyad Another highlight is the AI Photobooth, which uses image recognition and machine learning to turn visitor portraits into unique digital compositions. By superimposing users into Khalil Ibrahim's 1960 oil painting Pemandangan, the installation playfully blurs the line between canvas and audience, offering a fresh way to connect with modern art. Many of these works have been restored by NAG's in-house Art Hospital, a conservation unit dedicated to preserving Malaysia's visual heritage. For those looking to extend their visit to NAG, the sprawling multi-gallery Nusa exhibition – featuring highlights from the national collection in a more traditional gallery setting – is well worth exploring. All exhibitions at NAG offer free admission.
