Saudi Arabia Nominates 45 Scientific Projects for ISEF 2024

The Riyadh governor with students nominated for participation in ISEF 2024. (SPA)
The Riyadh governor with students nominated for participation in ISEF 2024. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Nominates 45 Scientific Projects for ISEF 2024

The Riyadh governor with students nominated for participation in ISEF 2024. (SPA)
The Riyadh governor with students nominated for participation in ISEF 2024. (SPA)

Saudi Arabia’s “Mawhiba” program selected 45 scientific projects to represent the Kingdom at the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF 2024) after winning the National Olympiad for Scientific Creativity (Ibdaa).

Over 210,000 students from various Saudi cities participated in the Olympiad.

ISEF, considered the world’s largest pre-university scientific research competition held in the US, will feature these projects, with around 1,800 students from over 70 countries.

Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz, the Riyadh region governor, presided over the closing ceremony of the Olympiad, which was organized by Mawhiba in partnership with the Ministry of Education.

The students representing Saudi Arabia at ISEF 2024 were announced during the event.

Prince Faisal congratulated the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, and Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, on the international scientific achievements of Saudi youth.

He emphasized the leadership’s support for education and students, expressing confidence in the young talents who have brought pride to the Kingdom.

The governor wished success to these talents as they compete globally, aiming for top positions to showcase Saudi Arabia’s scientific prowess.

He also thanked Mawhiba and the Ministry of Education for their efforts in nurturing and developing these promising talents.

Dr. Amal Al-Hazza, Mawhiba’s Secretary-General, explained that judging committees selected 45 projects out of 390 presented in regional exhibitions in Jeddah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province.

These projects, reflecting significant research efforts, will now compete in ISEF 2024.



French Bikers Race to Buy Harleys before Possible Tariffs

 The logo of American motorcycle manufacturer Harley-Davidson is seen at an Harley-Davidson dealership in Paris, France, April 8, 2025. (Reuters)
The logo of American motorcycle manufacturer Harley-Davidson is seen at an Harley-Davidson dealership in Paris, France, April 8, 2025. (Reuters)
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French Bikers Race to Buy Harleys before Possible Tariffs

 The logo of American motorcycle manufacturer Harley-Davidson is seen at an Harley-Davidson dealership in Paris, France, April 8, 2025. (Reuters)
The logo of American motorcycle manufacturer Harley-Davidson is seen at an Harley-Davidson dealership in Paris, France, April 8, 2025. (Reuters)

Sales are brisk at the Villiers-Sur-Marne Harley-Davidson dealership outside Paris, where French bikers reckon they had better hurry if they want the American motorcycle of their dreams before trade war puts them out of reach.

"It's now or never," said 55-year-old carpenter Stephane Roger as he inspected the gleaming machines. He had been thinking about buying a Harley anyway, he said. But when he heard the news of US President Donald Trump's "Liberation Day" tariffs, he figured he had better hurry.

Motorcycles were on a list of American goods due to be hit by EU tariffs announced this week in response to Trump. After Trump rowed back on some of his tariffs, the EU suspended its levies but said they could still kick in if negotiations fail.

"Yeah, I think it's time to buy a Harley," said Theo Mottet, a 30-year-old French soldier. If tariffs put the price up, it will no longer be possible for regular people to own one, he said. "It's going to be an elitist pleasure."

Jean-Luc Peschel, a 65-year-old retired musician in a leather blazer and a red necktie, said Harleys conjured up images of Americana that had been swirling around in his head since childhood.

"I'm an old man," he said. "Harley-Davidson rocked my childhood. American films make you dream, and so I think there are people who need to dream today."