Crowned in Creativity: Doha’s Stars of Science Season 17 Shines Bright

In the heart of **Doha, Qatar**, a wave of inspiration swept through the Arab world as *Season 17 of Qatar Foundation's (QF) Stars of Science* concluded on an electrifying high note. As the Arab region’s leading edutainment show, it once again proved its power to fuel young minds with the spirit of innovation, entrepreneurship, and curiosity.  

After months of intense challenges, idea refinement, and prototype creation, the competition reached its apex with the crowning of Laid Dardabou from Algeria. His groundbreaking invention, *ViDa* — a smartwatch-integrated system that estimates Vitamin D levels and provides health insights to help prevent mental health symptoms — captured hearts and minds alike. This seamless blend of biotechnology and emotional well-being impressed the judges and reminded the world that science can be both compassionate and accessible.  

Turning Passion into Impact: Innovators Who Inspire

Upon receiving the coveted title of **Top Arab Innovator**, Dardabou shared an emotional reflection, explaining that his work began as a deeply personal mission. “This win is not the end — it's a beginning,” he said, reminding audiences that empathy and technology can unite to save lives. His journey illustrates how determination and purpose can transform an idea into a life-changing solution.  

However, the finale was more than just one victory. Second place went to the talented Razan Salem Bahabri from Saudi Arabia, whose project *Teleab* has the potential to revolutionize physical rehabilitation. This wearable gaming system turns recovery into an engaging, interactive experience, empowering patients while giving medical professionals real-time data. By merging fun with function, Bahabri has crafted a vision of healthcare that is not only efficient but also uplifting.  

A Future Fueled by Innovation

As **Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP)** President Rama Chakaki expressed during the ceremony, each finalist demonstrated the incredible potential of purpose-driven science. Their achievements stand as beacons for the next generation, encouraging others to dream, create, and dare to innovate.  

If you missed the grand finale, don't worry — you can relive every unforgettable moment of *Stars of Science Season 17* on the show’s official YouTube channel. Experience the passion, brainpower, and breakthroughs that have left an indelible mark on the world of innovation. 

From Doha to the wider Arab world, Season 17 shows us that creativity, compassion, and cutting-edge science can spark solutions powerful enough to change lives.

Bridging Horizons: COLABS Lands in the Heart of Riyadh

A New Chapter in an Expanding Story

In the bustling capital of **RIYADH, Saudi Arabia**, a fresh wave of entrepreneurial energy is about to unfold. **COLABS**, Pakistan's leading venture-backed workspace and vibrant community platform, has announced its exciting entry into Saudi Arabia with a flagship site in Riyadh. This move is more than just a strategic expansion—it is a symbolic bridge between two nations with growing business and investment ties.  

Omar Shah, CEO and Co-Founder of COLABS, describes this moment as transformative. As Saudi Arabia’s *Vision 2030* fuels unprecedented momentum for innovation, Riyadh stands out as the natural gateway for COLABS' journey into the MENA region. With this expansion, the company aims to connect founders, nurture ecosystems, and merge the thriving entrepreneurial energies of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. 

The flagship site, set to open in the coming months, is just the first step in their MENA strategy. Backed by fresh capital and bolstered by a local partnership with **Waseel Investment**, COLABS is positioning itself to become a central hub for startups, creatives, and innovators. This collaboration promises to open channels for Pakistani businesses to flourish in Saudi Arabia, while offering Saudi entrepreneurs unprecedented access to Pakistani talent and ideas.  

Riyadh – The Gateway to MENA Opportunities

Riyadh is not just a city; it’s a rapidly growing epicenter of entrepreneurship. Currently, **Saudi Arabia** boasts the fastest-growing startup ecosystem in the MENA region, attracting over $2 billion in venture funding in 2024 alone and holding over 40% of all regional deals. Such numbers speak volumes—the ground here is fertile, and COLABS is ready to plant innovative seeds. 

By partnering with Waseel Partners and benefiting from investment rounds led by Shorooq and Waad VC, COLABS is stepping into a market that’s on track to see its coworking industry exceed $1 billion by 2025. This new expansion dovetails perfectly with Pakistan and Saudi Arabia’s shared vision for youth empowerment, industrial growth, and digital collaboration. As Federal Minister for IT & Telecommunication, Ms. Shaza Fatima Khawaja, expressed, COLABS’ arrival is yet another step toward deepening cross-border digital ties.  

Beyond the desks and meeting rooms, COLABS stands out for creating cultural and creative spaces. From founder support initiatives to the Artist-in-Residence programme, their environments are designed to foster not only business but also human connections. In bringing this ethos to Saudi Arabia, COLABS aims to craft a space in Riyadh where ideas, art, and innovation flow seamlessly—a hub destined to redefine coworking across MENA.  

COLABS’ bold leap into Riyadh is more than a business move—it’s a story about shared visions, united ambitions, and a future where **Saudi Arabia** and **Pakistan** lead the charge in regional innovation. With its flagship site on the horizon, COLABS isn’t just expanding; it’s weaving together two vibrant entrepreneurial worlds into one dynamic fabric.  

Gliding into the Future: ROX ADAMAS Marks a New Era in Abu Dhabi's Luxury Mobility

A Grand Unveiling in the Heart of Innovation

In the vibrant capital of the UAE, **Abu Dhabi** recently became the launch pad for one of the most significant milestones in global luxury mobility. **ROX Motor officially unveiled its new global flagship SUV, the ROX ADAMAS**, amid a wave of excitement and anticipation. This iconic debut not only strengthens the brand’s presence internationally but also celebrates the deepening of **China–UAE collaboration in next-generation mobility**.

At the heart of this grand introduction lies an impressive partnership: the inauguration of the **Borouge–ROX Motor Innovative Materials Joint Laboratory**. This cutting-edge initiative aims to accelerate innovation by developing specialised materials for ROX Motor’s vehicles. Furthermore, it reinforces Abu Dhabi's vision to emerge as a sustainable, innovation-driven hub for **advanced mobility** and human progress.  

Notably, the launch was backed by the proactive support of the **Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO)**, which, through strategic collaboration and the **Automotive Programme**, is steering international partnerships toward building an integrated ecosystem focused on industrial progress, sustainable transportation, and transformative investment opportunities.

ROX ADAMAS – Power, Precision, and Elegance in Perfect Harmony

Guided by its compelling design philosophy of *"Gliding Luxury"*, the ROX ADAMAS stands as an embodiment of **power, precision, and elegance**. Inspired by Abu Dhabi's architectural beauty and forward-thinking culture, the SUV fuses advanced engineering with refined comfort to deliver a driving experience that feels both commanding and effortless — whether gliding along open highways, conquering desert dunes, or navigating urban streets.  

Performance is at the core of this masterpiece. Equipped with next-generation REEV technology, the ROX ADAMAS boasts a **235-km pure-electric range** and a **1,226-km total range**, paired with dual-motor AWD delivering 350 kW of power and 740 N•m of torque. Its closed air suspension, coupled with adaptive damping, ensures control and comfort across diverse terrains. From steep mountain drives to sandy stretches, specialised driving modes and intelligent systems like off-road cruise control and desert thermal management make every journey safe, stable, and exhilarating.  

Inside, innovation meets indulgence. The **ROX OS Intelligent Cockpit**, powered by the Qualcomm 8155 chip, offers Arabic voice control, multi-screen interaction, and a global app ecosystem. Every detail—from L2+ driver assistance to OTA updates, versatile seating configurations, and luxury outdoor features—has been designed to suit Abu Dhabi’s dynamic lifestyle. The ROX ADAMAS doesn’t just transport passengers; it transforms travel into an elevated experience that seamlessly blends luxury, sustainability, and adventure.  

A Shared Vision for the Road Ahead

The debut of the ROX ADAMAS in Abu Dhabi is much more than a product launch — it symbolizes **a shared global vision**. By uniting **Chinese innovation** with Abu Dhabi’s exceptional standards of excellence, ROX Motor and its partners are charting a course toward an era where mobility represents sustainability, collaboration, and progress. As the journey continues, this flagship SUV sets a new benchmark for what the future of luxury mobility can be, not just in the UAE, but across the world.