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RIYADH: King Faisal University has been formally admitted as an “Innovation District” by the International Association of Science Parks and Areas of Innovation.

The announcement was made during the 42nd IASP World Conference on Science Parks and Areas of Innovation, held in Beijing, China, from Sept. 15-19. 

Vice President for Postgraduate Studies and Scientific Research and Acting Head of the Innovation and Business Development Sector Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Lily accepted the designation on behalf of King Faisal University.

Al-Lily praised the recognition as an important achievement for the university and reaffirmed its commitment to advancing research and innovation in line with Saudi Vision 2030.

He added that the Innovation District status strengthens the university’s role within global research and innovation networks and creates new opportunities for collaboration with leading institutions worldwide.

King Faisal University’s membership in IASP positions it within a distinguished global network of science and innovation hubs.

This milestone also underscores the steadfast support of the Council of Universities’ Affairs and the Research, Development and Innovation Authority, whose efforts are empowering Saudi universities to emerge as drivers of knowledge and innovation, contributing to strengthening the Kingdom’s presence on the global innovation map.

RIYADH: Saudi actor Hamad Al-Muzaini died on Sunday at the age of 80 after a long illness.

He leaves behind a deep-rooted cultural and artistic legacy that helped shape ��������’s cultural landscape.

Al-Muzaini had a presence in countless Saudi households. He was renowned for his roles in a wide array of television series, including the iconic “Tash ma Tash.”

He also contributed to other popular shows such as “Ailat Abu Ruwaishid,” “Ghashamsham,” the youth-oriented “Shabab Al-Bomb,” and “Al-Asouf.”

He played a central figure who helped shape traditions, storytelling, and family bonds for a generation of viewers.

Born in 1945 in Unaizah in the Al-Qassim Province, Al-Muzaini began a career at the Ministry of Education before embarking on his artistic journey in the mid-1980s. He also possessed a remarkable gift for poetry.

A true champion of local content and stories, Al-Muzaini was a vocal critic of writers and producers who ignored traditional narratives, believing they saw the tales as conventional and superficial. His dedication to authentic storytelling earned him a special place in the hearts of many across the Arab world.

Thousands of fans and admirers took to social media to express their condolences and reflect on his profound impact following his death.

Faiz Al-Malki, a public figure and ambassador for the Saudi aid agency KSrelief, said on X: “I ask almighty God to grant him paradise. May God magnify the reward of his family and loved ones. And praise be to God for everything.” 

Fans and fellow supporters of Saudi film and the arts also expressed their sorrow on X.

Osamah Shehri wrote: “A heartbreaking, painful, and shocking piece of news at the same time. I’m trying as much as possible to comprehend it, with no objection to God’s decree.

“We ask God to have mercy on him, forgive him, and pardon him. And to make him dwell in the spacious gardens of paradise and the bliss of His good pleasure.”

Saudi journalist Ahmed Balhareth said: “The artistic scene has lost one of its pillars with the passing of the artist Hamad Al-Muzaini who immortalized his name through prominent dramatic works such as ‘Tash ma Tash,’ ‘Ghashamsham,’ ‘Bayni wa Baynak,’ and others.

“Sincere condolences to the artistic community and the honorable Al-Muzaini family. ‎He participated in most of the famous Saudi works.”

Many people spoke of their grief, and many wrote that a part of the Kingdom’s rich cultural and artistic heritage had been lost with the death of the actor, adding that his memory would live on through his timeless work.