عربي English Türkçe اردو فارسى
Logo
Latest News
Gulf

Saudi Arabia Launches 2 Satellites into Space

Saudi Arabia launches two satellites into space. (SPA)
Saudi Arabia launches two satellites into space. (SPA)
TT
TT

Saudi Arabia Launches 2 Satellites into Space

Saudi Arabia launches two satellites into space. (SPA)
Saudi Arabia launches two satellites into space. (SPA)

Saudi Arabia launched on Monday two satellites into space.

The Shahin Sat 17, affiliated with King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), and CubeSate Satellite, affiliated with King Saud University (KSU), were launched from the Baikonur Base in Kazakhstan on board a Russian Soyuz 2 Rocket that has already reached its orbit, reported the Saudi Press Agency.

The Shahin Sat 17 is a new generation small size satellite and will be used for marine tracking purposes. The CubeSat Satellite is the first satellite to be launched by a Saudi university and aims at preparing and training engineering students in satellite design and programming.

President of KSU Dr. Badran bin Abdulrahman Al-Omar praised the successful launch, extending his gratitude to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, for supporting innovation and scientific research.

CubeSat will take images of space, the Earth and the moon and send them to the ground station at the university, he told SPA.

The satellite, which weighs one kilogram, was designed and manufactured by about 130 students from the College of Engineering at the university.

KSU plans on launching a larger version of the satellite, Al-Omar revealed.

Most Viewed

 
 
Gulf

Int’l Forum in Riyadh Discusses Digital Diplomacy

Some of the participants, including ministers, ambassadors, and relevant experts (GCC)
Some of the participants, including ministers, ambassadors, and relevant experts (GCC)
TT
TT

Int’l Forum in Riyadh Discusses Digital Diplomacy

Some of the participants, including ministers, ambassadors, and relevant experts (GCC)
Some of the participants, including ministers, ambassadors, and relevant experts (GCC)

The Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO), in collaboration with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), hosted the 4th Diplomatic Connect event on December 17th at the GCC headquarters in Riyadh.
Bringing together ministers, ambassadors, private sector and representatives from DCO Member States, the platform for dialogue and cooperation explored tech diplomacy as a vital tool for engaging stakeholders.
Participants included Jasem Albudaiwi, GCC Secretary-General; Deemah AlYahya, DCO Secretary-General; and ministerial representatives from the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) attendees.
The event featured a keynote presentation titled “Global Tech Diplomacy Forecast – Key Influences on 2025” delivered by Martin Rauchbauer, Co-founder of Tech Diplomacy Network, which examined geopolitics shaping tech regulation, innovation priorities, and international relations.
The event continued with an engaging panel discussion that explored the role of tech diplomacy and multilateralism in promoting a safe, resilient, and prosperous digital economy.
In his welcome remarks, Albudaiwi stated: “The DCO Diplomatic Connect is a strategic platform for the GCC to demonstrate its leadership in digital innovation and international collaboration.”
“By showcasing our commitment to advancing the digital economy, the GCC acts as a key player in shaping the future of global economic transformation. This aligns with the region’s broader goals of economic growth and diversification,” he added.
On her part, AlYahya said: “Digital technologies are at the heart of future economic opportunities. The DCO Diplomatic Connect underscores the role of tech diplomacy and the importance of collective action in harnessing the full potential of the digital economy and driving digital transformation.”
“By bringing stakeholders together, we not only strengthen understanding among our Member States and international organizations on the need for tech diplomacy, but also advocate for social inclusion within the digital economy, that includes women empowerment and marginalized communities,” she affirmed.
Rauchbauer said: “Amidst a polycrisis demanding collaborative solutions, new technologies hold the key to addressing our greatest global challenges. The DCO Diplomatic Connect underscores the pivotal role of tech diplomacy in shaping a future where diplomacy and technology are inseparable.”.
The Diplomatic Connect brings together ministers, ambassadors, diplomats, thought leaders, and other stakeholders to engage in thought-provoking conversations about digital diplomacy, aiming to underscore its importance in international relations. It also explores inventive approaches to diplomacy, leveraging the latest technological advances, digital tools, and data-driven insights to bolster diplomatic efforts.