The King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives (the Darah) concluded the first edition of the "National History Lab," held at the Conference and Exhibition Center of Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University in Riyadh, under the patronage of Prince Faisal bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Special Advisor to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and Chairman of the Board of the King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives, with the attendance of a number of ministers and senior officials.

The lab saw male and female students from more than 25 Saudi universities compete over three days to present creative solutions and innovative initiatives serving national history and strengthening Saudi identity through modern and innovative approaches, with more than 40 universities and national entities taking part.

Winning Projects

Al-Jouf University won first place in the innovation challenge within the social-impact track for its app concept "In a Gathering Where No One Feels Burdened." Hafr Al-Batin University came second with its digital service idea "Thamin" in the historical-engagement track.

Third place went to Shaqra University for its app concept "Our Time," addressing the challenge of interpreting historical photographs within the digital-innovation track, while King Faisal University placed fourth with a project linking oral heritage to the Riyadh Metro transport system. Unaizah Colleges took fifth place with a game concept called "Our Sciences," while King Saud University placed sixth with a project titled "From Nature to Heritage: Sustainable Protection With a Renewed Vision."

Honoring Participating Entities

Dr. Fahd bin Abdullah Al-Semmari, board member of the King Abdulaziz Foundation, and CEO Turki bin Mohammed Al-Shuwaier honored the universities and entities that took part in the event. Participating organizations included prominent national bodies such as the King Abdulaziz Royal Reserve Development Authority, the Heritage Commission, the Authority for Persons with Disabilities, the Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property, the Saudi Esports Federation, the Theater and Performing Arts Commission, the National Center for the Development of the Nonprofit Sector, and the Quality of Life Program through its "Hawi" platform.

A Pioneering Initiative

The "National History Lab" is one of the King Abdulaziz Foundation's initiatives to promote innovation and modern technology in documenting and preserving national heritage, showcasing it through contemporary methods in line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 to promote the Kingdom's cultural and historical legacy locally and internationally.