Madinah Rising: Where Heritage Meets the Future

In the heart of Saudi Arabia lies **Al Madinah Al Munawwarah**, a city whose name resonates with history, spirituality, and cultural depth. Yet today, this revered region is not only a custodian of the past—it is stepping boldly into the future. The sweeping socio-economic transformations taking place here are not mere adjustments; they represent a profound and visionary reimagining of what a city can be, in harmony with both its traditions and modern aspirations.  

According to the latest Oxford Business Group (OBG) report *Bright Horizons: Socio-economic Transformation in Al Madinah Al Munawwarah*, the city is becoming a beacon of progress under **Vision 2030**. From smart city innovations to lush green spaces, the focus on citizen well-being shines through every project. The digital shift in public services mirrors national ambitions, setting Al Madinah apart as a living model of how technological advancement can serve the public good while respecting deep-rooted cultural heritage.  

Urban Renewal and Economic Diversification: Building Tomorrow Today

Walk through Al Madinah today, and you can sense the rhythm of transformation. Towering construction sites stand alongside shimmering new public parks, each a testament to the city's bold approach to urban renewal. This is not development for development’s sake—it is a strategically crafted journey toward balance. OBG’s report highlights how the region is preserving historic landmarks even as it embraces infrastructure upgrades, improved public transport, and innovations designed to enhance everyday life.  

The economic vision is equally captivating. In addition to tourism—long a cornerstone of Madinah’s vibrancy—the city is expanding into industries such as mining, manufacturing, entertainment, and agriculture. These new engines of growth stem from Saudi Arabia’s desire to diversify its economy, creating opportunities that both honor the Pilgrim Experience and contribute to the **Quality of Life programmes**. The result is a dynamic regional economy that welcomes the world while empowering its own citizens.  

Heritage as the Foundation for Innovation

What makes Al Madinah’s transformation so compelling is its respectful dialogue between past and future. As Fahad Albulihshi, the Mayor, emphasizes, the city’s development directly supports Vision 2030’s ambitions, all while protecting the sacred and historical character that defines it.  

OBG’s Country Director for Saudi Arabia, Büşra Karacadağ, describes this as "harmonious progress." By combining modern infrastructure with cultural preservation, Al Madinah is carving out a unique role in both national and global arenas. This is a story of a city that draws on centuries of spiritual significance, not as a constraint, but as a wellspring of inspiration for innovation.  

Al Madinah today stands at a crossroads where heritage embraces modernity, and history fuels forward-looking ambition. As the OBG report makes clear, the city is not just transforming—it is redefining what it means to grow, prosper, and stay true to one’s roots. In doing so, **Madinah, Saudi Arabia** becomes a living example of how Vision 2030 can turn dreams into reality. 

Future-Ready Banking: How Bank AlJazira is Redefining ATM Experiences with VCP-Lite 7

In the fast-paced world of digital transformation, milestones are more than just upgrades; they are bold statements of vision. **Diebold Nixdorf ** announced today a groundbreaking leap in self-service banking: **Bank AlJazira**, one of Saudi Arabia’s leading financial institutions, will deploy **VCP-Lite 7**, part of the modern and powerful **Vynamic® Connection Points** software family.  

But this isn’t just any implementation — it’s the *world’s first* deployment of **VCP-Lite 7** on **Microsoft® Windows® 11** using the **DDC protocol** across more than 400 **DN Series® ATMs**. Offering full bilingual support in Arabic and English, NFC transactions, and both on-us and off-us functionality, this upgrade promises a seamless experience for every customer who interacts with Bank AlJazira’s network.  

Transformation at the Core

Bank AlJazira’s commitment to innovation shines through every detail of this project. The new **VCP-Lite 7** platform allows the bank to operate on the latest **Windows 11** operating system, with guaranteed support well into **2034**.  

Utilizing industry-standard protocols and modern APIs, the system ensures rapid connectivity to self-service networks. The addition of **web extensions** even integrates the look and feel of the bank’s digital channels across physical ATMs — bridging the gap between online and offline customer experiences.  

With installation and expert services provided by **Alhamrani Universal**, Diebold Nixdorf’s trusted Saudi partner, the transition has been seamless and efficient. This collaboration emphasizes not only technological advancement but also the power of local expertise in achieving successful innovation.  

The People Behind the Progress

Fahad Al Muteri, VP and Head of Retail Digital Banking at Bank AlJazira, proudly announced:  

> “This milestone reflects the strength of our collaboration with trusted technology partners, and the dedication of our teams who continue to modernize our infrastructure.”

Indeed, by upgrading its network to Diebold Nixdorf’s latest self-service systems and software, the bank addresses performance, security, and operational efficiency in one stride. This investment doesn’t just enhance customer service today — it **future-proofs infrastructure until 2034** and cements the bank’s position as a leader in secure, smart, and customer-centric banking.  

Habib Hanna, Managing Director for the Middle East at Diebold Nixdorf, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the strategic partnership and advanced capabilities offered by the DN Series ATMs. Together, these leaders are positioning **Bank AlJazira** at the forefront of banking technology — and redefining consumer expectations along the way.  

**In essence:** This isn’t merely an ATM software upgrade; it’s a blueprint for the future of banking, combining innovation, security, and user-friendly design into every transaction. Bank AlJazira’s journey with VCP-Lite 7 and Diebold Nixdorf is proof that when technology meets vision, the possibilities are limitless. 

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.