GEA Launches Program to Discover Saudi Talents

GEA Launches Program to Discover Saudi Talents
TT

GEA Launches Program to Discover Saudi Talents

GEA Launches Program to Discover Saudi Talents

The General Entertainment Authority (GEA) has launched the national program to discover talents dubbed "Entertainment Challenges". The program aims to discover, develop and enable the best talents to reach world class levels in 20 categories.

The program aims to discover national talents in various fields of entertainment, and its scope would be broadened to include all Saudis, along with encouraging all segments of the society to take part with a local entertainment content that suits the Kingdom’s image and culture. Winners will receive a fund of SR20 million ($5.3 million) to train and take their talents to an international audience.

Turki Al-Sheikh, chairman of the General Entertainment Authority (GEA), announced that winners of the three first places in all the challenges will be supported with training programs aimed at developing their talents and enhancing their potentials. Prizes will be given to the winners as follows: SR500,000 ($133,000) for the first place, SR300,000 for the second, and SR200,000 for the third.

The 20 entertainment challenges are: entertainment song, laughing marathon, graffiti artist, Saudi singer, national poet, Saudi circus, nature Olympics, entertainment activities, acting, folk dances, tank shows, kingdom chef, car shows, Saudi cartoon, animal shows, magic arts, skiing, Saudi comedy, video and photography, and events coverage.

The Authority said it will be ready to receive any proposal on other entertainment talents that are not included in the available categories.

The GEA announced that doors for registration have been opened until April 30. The evaluation and nomination stage is scheduled on May 1 to July 30, and live performance shows before the jury will take place from July 1 until Aug. 31.



KFSHRC Performs World's First Robotic-Assisted Artificial Heart Pump Implantation

The surgery was performed on a 35-year-old man who had been hospitalized for 120 days  - SPA
The surgery was performed on a 35-year-old man who had been hospitalized for 120 days - SPA
TT

KFSHRC Performs World's First Robotic-Assisted Artificial Heart Pump Implantation

The surgery was performed on a 35-year-old man who had been hospitalized for 120 days  - SPA
The surgery was performed on a 35-year-old man who had been hospitalized for 120 days - SPA

King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center (KFSHRC) in Riyadh has successfully performed the world’s first robotic-assisted implantation of an artificial heart pump (HeartMate 3) developed by Abbott, a groundbreaking procedure that marks a significant advancement in medical technology and patient care, SPA reported.
The surgery was performed on a 35-year-old man who had been hospitalized for 120 days due to advanced heart failure, which had also led to kidney and lung function deterioration. Thanks to this innovative surgical procedure, the patient is now on track to fulfill his dream of returning home to his family.
The procedure was led by Dr. Feras Khaliel, head of cardiac surgery and director of the hospital’s Robotics and Minimally Invasive Surgery Program. The patient spent only four days in the intensive care unit, a stark contrast to the 26-day average for similar procedures performed with traditional surgical methods. Recovery time is also expected to be significantly reduced, with discharge anticipated within 10 days instead of the usual 63 days required for conventional interventions.
Dr. Khaliel emphasized the precision and safety of robotic-assisted surgery, noting that the patient experienced no infections or bleeding during or after the operation. "The patient was amazed at the minimal scarring, reflecting the advanced capabilities of robotic technology," he said.
This success builds on KFSHRC’s legacy of global achievements, including the world’s first fully robotic heart transplant and robotic liver transplantation. These milestones underscore KFSHRC’s commitment to pioneering innovation and further cement its status as a global leader in specialized healthcare.