Saudi Team Receives US National Science Foundation Research Grant

Saudi Team Receives US National Science Foundation Research Grant
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Saudi Team Receives US National Science Foundation Research Grant

Saudi Team Receives US National Science Foundation Research Grant

The US National Science Foundation (NSF) has provided a research grant worth $1.2 million to a research team consisting of three American universities led by Saudi academic and faculty member at the University of California, Dr. Faisal Nawab.
In a statement to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), he said that the universities participating in the research team include the University of California at Irvine, the University of California at Davis, and New Jersey Tech, noting that the project aims to address the challenges of data protection and privacy in Internet applications and smart cities.
He added that the project seeks to enable the transformation of the current data infrastructure to comply with user data protection legislation and regulations, such as the personal data protection system that the Kingdom is working on, represented by the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA).
He stated that the team's mission will last four years, and its first results will be revealed at the Data Systems Development Conference in Italy and will be presented and discussed annually at the NSF.
Dr. Nawab highlighted his cooperation with some Saudi universities and entities through his research laboratory at the University of California for this goal, adding that Saudi Arabia, represented by SDAIA, was the first to introduce systems and regulations for data protection in a way that guarantees user rights and that personal data protection.



North Riyadh Geopark, Salma Geopark Join UNESCO’s Global Geoparks List

The newly recognized geoparks will serve as key destinations for local and international visitors, offering an opportunity to explore the Kingdom’s geological wonders while fostering scientific and cultural awareness of geodiversity conservation - SPA
The newly recognized geoparks will serve as key destinations for local and international visitors, offering an opportunity to explore the Kingdom’s geological wonders while fostering scientific and cultural awareness of geodiversity conservation - SPA
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North Riyadh Geopark, Salma Geopark Join UNESCO’s Global Geoparks List

The newly recognized geoparks will serve as key destinations for local and international visitors, offering an opportunity to explore the Kingdom’s geological wonders while fostering scientific and cultural awareness of geodiversity conservation - SPA
The newly recognized geoparks will serve as key destinations for local and international visitors, offering an opportunity to explore the Kingdom’s geological wonders while fostering scientific and cultural awareness of geodiversity conservation - SPA

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has officially designated the North Riyadh Geopark and Salma Geopark as part of its UNESCO Global Geoparks Network, marking a significant milestone for Saudi Arabia in preserving geoheritage and promoting sustainable development.
The recognition follows UNESCO’s stringent selection criteria, which emphasize the comprehensive management of geoparks. These criteria ensure a balance between conservation, education, and sustainable development while actively involving local communities.
CEO of the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification (NCVC) Khaled Al-Abdulkader praised the announcement as a testament to Saudi Arabia’s dedication to protecting its natural and historical heritage, SPA reported.
He attributed the achievement to the steadfast support of the Saudi leadership in enhancing environmental initiatives and promoting sustainability.
He also underscored NCVC’s efforts to preserve the country’s unique natural landscapes, particularly its geological sites, in line with Vision 2030’s sustainable development goals.
Senior Director of the Saudi Geoparks Initiative Hussam Al-Turki emphasized that the inclusion of North Riyadh Geopark and Salma Geopark is a moment of national pride. He noted that this milestone not only reinforces Saudi Arabia’s commitment to preserving its cultural and natural identity but also strengthens its role as a global leader in geoheritage conservation and sustainable development.
With this designation, Saudi Arabia reaffirms its commitment to global environmental efforts.

According to SPA, the newly recognized geoparks will serve as key destinations for local and international visitors, offering an opportunity to explore the Kingdom’s geological wonders while fostering scientific and cultural awareness of geodiversity conservation.
Beyond geotourism, geoparks play a vital role in sustainable natural resource management by connecting geotourism with local economic development, creating jobs, and fostering environmental education. This initiative represents a collaborative effort among government bodies, the private sector, and non-profit organizations, enhancing Saudi Arabia’s contribution to both national and sustainable development goals.