AlUla Utilizes SHIMM System to Boost Astronomical Research and Tourism

This effort forms part of the commission’s commitment to supporting future development of astronomical infrastructure in AlUla. - SPA
This effort forms part of the commission’s commitment to supporting future development of astronomical infrastructure in AlUla. - SPA
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AlUla Utilizes SHIMM System to Boost Astronomical Research and Tourism

This effort forms part of the commission’s commitment to supporting future development of astronomical infrastructure in AlUla. - SPA
This effort forms part of the commission’s commitment to supporting future development of astronomical infrastructure in AlUla. - SPA

The Royal Commission for AlUla has launched the astronomical monitoring system SHIMM at AlUla Manara site near Gharameel nature reserve, aiming to assess the site’s readiness for hosting advanced astronomical activities and research, while strengthening AlUla’s position as a premier destination for astronomical tourism and scientific discovery, SPA reported.

The version of SHIMM deployed in AlUla is among the most advanced globally, designed to withstand harsh weather conditions, from sandstorms to extreme temperature fluctuations. Enhanced with AI technologies, it provides automated, accurate, and continuous monitoring, including early detection and alerts for any factors that may impact the precision and quality of astronomical observations.

The system will operate for 12 months, during which it will collect and analyze data on weather variations and atmospheric measurements affecting the clarity of astronomical images.

This effort forms part of the commission’s commitment to supporting future development of astronomical infrastructure in AlUla.



Saudipedia, Saudia Airlines Partner to Showcase Kingdom's Culture

The agreement was signed by Saudipedia CEO Khaled Qattan and Saudia Vice President of Marketing Essam Akhonbay in Jeddah. (SPA)
The agreement was signed by Saudipedia CEO Khaled Qattan and Saudia Vice President of Marketing Essam Akhonbay in Jeddah. (SPA)
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Saudipedia, Saudia Airlines Partner to Showcase Kingdom's Culture

The agreement was signed by Saudipedia CEO Khaled Qattan and Saudia Vice President of Marketing Essam Akhonbay in Jeddah. (SPA)
The agreement was signed by Saudipedia CEO Khaled Qattan and Saudia Vice President of Marketing Essam Akhonbay in Jeddah. (SPA)

Saudipedia, a Ministry of Media initiative, and Saudia Airlines signed a cooperation agreement on Wednesday to promote and exchange national content, bolster the Kingdom’s cultural identity, and enrich the traveler experience on Saudia Airlines flights.

The agreement, signed by Saudipedia CEO Khaled Qattan and Saudia Vice President of Marketing Essam Akhonbay in Jeddah, covers various areas of cooperation, including boosting marketing strategies and exploring mutual interests.

The partnership underscores both organizations' dedication to advancing Saudi Arabia's cultural and knowledge products.

A key aspect of the agreement is the display of diverse Saudipedia content — visual, audio, and written — through Saudia Airlines' in-flight entertainment system, ensuring that travelers, both domestic and international, have access to reliable information about the Kingdom.

The Saudipedia initiative is part of the Human Capability Development Program under Vision 2030. Its goal is to provide comprehensive encyclopedic content reflecting Saudi Arabia's cultural, social, economic, political, geographical, and historical realities, establishing it as a definitive source of knowledge for regional, Arab, and international media and knowledge platforms covering Saudi affairs.