������Ƶ

Riyadh: Saudi scholarship student Abdullah Al-Ghamdi is participating in the research team of Professor Omar Yaghi, the Saudi winner of the 2025 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, at the University of California, Berkeley, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

According to SPA, Al-Ghamdi continues his university studies and participates in advanced research in the fields of chemistry, artificial intelligence and quantum computing.

Al-Ghamdi achieved a national accomplishment by winning the Best Researcher Award at the 2019 Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair, the highest individual Saudi achievement in the competition’s history, before continuing his research career at one of the world’s most prominent scientific institutions.

According to SPA, Al-Ghamdi is involved in implementing scientific projects that include high-throughput synthesis using robotic platforms, crystal characterization using X-ray diffraction and advanced microscopy techniques, as well as molecular simulation and computational data analysis to accelerate the discovery of new materials.

Al-Ghamdi has published research in prestigious international journals, including Nature Synthesis and the Molecular Frontiers Journal. He also leads a project developing a new gallium-based zeolitic framework, resulting in innovative structures that support future applications in sustainability, energy and water.

Professor Yaghi praised Al-Ghamdi’s performance, describing him as the most distinguished undergraduate student he has worked with, noting his diligence, collaborative spirit and advanced research skills.

Tahani Al-Baiz, the Saudi cultural attache to the US and Canada, who oversees South American countries, praised the step, which embodies an advanced model of the fruits of talent discovery and nurturing programs in the Kingdom.

She explained the desired impact of the strategic objectives of the Human Capacity Development Program, which continues to empower Saudi citizens to move from student innovation platforms to the forefront of global research.

Jeddah: HorrorCon Festival, running until Nov. 5 as part of Jeddah Season 2025, offers locals and visitors an unforgettable mix of suspense, adventure and thrilling experiences.

It brings together haunted houses, interactive games and adrenaline-pumping attractions for fans of horror and those seeking thrilling adventures. From mazes and arcade-style challenges to storylines that pull visitors into terrifying worlds, the festival introduces a new attraction not seen before in the city. From the moment guests enter, every zone is designed to transport them into a new kingdom of horror.

The festival has already drawn excited crowds, with many praising the quality and attention to detail. “It’s not just scary or creepy, each zone feels like stepping into a completely different world. I had so much fun with my friends visiting Qaid Station and The Dead Zone. We screamed our lungs out, and it was such an exciting experience. I’d love to come back to explore all the zones, because on our first visit we were too scared to go through everything in one day,” said Sara Al-Mutairi, a local resident.

Among the highlights is Horror Hospital, a return of the iconic nightmare venue where guests step into the dark corridors of a haunted medical facility, encountering eerie sounds, unexpected scares and spine-chilling surprises at every turn. Qaid Station, a deserted parking lot, hides a horrifying secret in every bus, visitors navigate tight, dimly lit spaces, facing jump scares and unsettling stories that make every step unpredictable.

Guests can also brave the Field Maze; hearts race as they try to find their way out, after being chased by a vengeful ghost, and encountering unexpected twists and terrifying visuals along the path.

The next zone is Qalat Wadrean, an abandoned house hidden in the winding streets of the old city, a place locals avoid after dark. The story behind this zone is that the house belonged to Sheikha Rahada, a mysterious healer known for mixing potions that promised everything from protection against evil spirits to helping women find love. But whispers of darker deeds persist; some believe her remedies were part of secret midnight rituals invoking jinn, ceremonies that have since become the source of chilling tales passed down through generations. Visitors to Qalat Wadrean navigate its shadowy corridors, where every corner seems alive with the unknown, blending historical intrigue with spine-tingling scares.

For those craving intense action, The Dead Zone invites visitors into a zombie survival experience, where teamwork and quick reflexes are the key to fending off wave after wave of the undead. Meanwhile, The Farm 2 takes guests on a chilling ride through cornfields, past a haunted slaughterhouse, a spooky dog yard, and a possessed farmhouse, combining suspense, sudden frights and detailed set designs to keep excitement high from start to finish.

Another visitor, Mohammed Abdul Samad, said, “The Field Maze was terrifying in the best way. The thrill of being chased feels so real, and the creativity in each attraction is simply amazing.”

“We came for the haunted houses, but the interactive games and surprises really kept everyone on their toes,” another visitor, Lina Raheem, said.