Abu Dhabi Organizes Interactive Reading Session between Robots, Students

A NAO robot developed by Aldebaran Robotics dances to a song at the World Robot Conference in Beijing on November 24/ JASON LEE/REUTERS
A NAO robot developed by Aldebaran Robotics dances to a song at the World Robot Conference in Beijing on November 24/ JASON LEE/REUTERS
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Abu Dhabi Organizes Interactive Reading Session between Robots, Students

A NAO robot developed by Aldebaran Robotics dances to a song at the World Robot Conference in Beijing on November 24/ JASON LEE/REUTERS
A NAO robot developed by Aldebaran Robotics dances to a song at the World Robot Conference in Beijing on November 24/ JASON LEE/REUTERS

The Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi has organized a workshop called the “Intelligent Robotics Initiative” for a group of students from the Department of Education and Knowledge schools.

This initiative, organized by the IT and National Library departments at the department, aims at familiarizing students with methods of using innovative modern technologies in line with the government's vision of transforming the UAE’s cities into smart environments introducing first-of-its-kind services.

For its part, The Department of Culture and Tourism has already conducted several trials using robots for library activities such as reading stories and interacting with visitors, in particular students.

The workshop held at Mazyad Mall included an overview of robotics and their importance, emphasizing that the field of robotics is one that is currently witnessing rapid, pioneering progress, especially in developed countries.

Robotics technology has become a burgeoning international industry with the level of progress now a standard for measuring the industrial strength of a country. The robots provided by the department also interactively read a story to children, as part of the department’s social responsibility towards promoting the Arabic language and to increase the interest in reading among children in the country.

Through its initiatives throughout the year, the department seeks to develop literary interest in children by offering them attractive, interactive reading experiences that not only promote reading, but also help them develop a true understanding of the Arabic language at an early age.



Saudi Reef Launches Project to Boost Coffee Tree Productivity by 30%

Saudi Reef Launches Project to Boost Coffee Tree Productivity by 30%
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Saudi Reef Launches Project to Boost Coffee Tree Productivity by 30%

Saudi Reef Launches Project to Boost Coffee Tree Productivity by 30%

The Sustainable Agricultural Rural Development Program (Saudi Reef), in collaboration with the National Research and Development Center for Sustainable Agriculture (Estidamah), has launched an innovative project to enhance the production of coffee seedlings using tissue culture technology.

The project aims to increase the productivity of coffee trees by 30% and to plant some 50,000 seedlings by the end of 2025, SPA reported.

Saudi Reef Spokesperson Majid Al-Buraikan said the coffee tree tissue culture project has achieved several tangible results. These include the re-evaluation of 82 previously selected genetic patterns, which were consolidated into 12 genetic groups based on morphological similarities. The production of seedlings from cuttings of selected genetic types has also begun, with 1,000 cuttings planted to produce 1,000 traceable seedlings.

Al-Buraikan noted that disease-resistant and drought-tolerant varieties have been developed. Fourteen knowledge products have also been prepared, focusing on advanced techniques and good agricultural practices to improve coffee farms and enhance their productivity.

As part of the project, the technical review of the coffee cultivation guide has been completed, and a book on coffee resources has been prepared as a primary reference for coffee production and post-harvest operations management in the Kingdom.

Four study tours—both domestic and international—were also conducted, with over 109 farmers participating. These visits included experimental fields, demonstration farms, and cooperatives, allowing farmers to learn about modern practices and technologies and apply them to their farms.

Al-Buraikan pointed out that the initiative also included organizing workshops and scientific seminars to train and qualify farmers and stakeholders, covering more than 200 farmers, as well as participating in numerous international conferences, forums, and exhibitions related to the coffee sector to exchange expertise and stay up to date on industry developments.