How AI could help keep Saudi Arabia’s homes safer

Special How AI could help keep Saudi Arabia’s homes safer
Solutions provided include smart energy management and lighting solutions. (Supplied)
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Updated 29 November 2024
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How AI could help keep Saudi Arabia’s homes safer

How AI could help keep Saudi Arabia’s homes safer
  • Integration of AI with 'internet of things’ devices enables real-time monitoring and smart threat detection for better security
  • Tech firm Smart Citizens’ expansion aligns with Kingdom’s Vision 2030, elevating living standards through innovative technology

RIYADH: As part of Saudi Arabia’s push to establish itself as a leader in the data-driven, AI-powered economy, the Kingdom is harnessing the transformative potential of artificial intelligence to revolutionize homes.

AI and machine-learning technologies are making houses and apartment smarter, more efficient and easier to live in. They are also making them safer.

Real-time monitoring of security video, identifying threats, automated alerts to residents and integration with other smart home devices will completely change how homeowners protect their properties.

Industry leaders such as the tech firm Smart Citizens are expanding into Saudi Arabia following their success elsewhere.

The UAE-based firm says that it delivers innovative, cutting-edge solutions, particularly in smart-home automation.

“Smart Citizens believes AI will drive the most compelling advancements in home security and safety in Saudi Arabia,” Ashraf Nouri, Smart Citizens CEO, told Arab News.  

He explained that the integration of AI with a network of devices that could connect and exchange data (known as the “Internet of things”), enhanced home security by enabling real-time monitoring and smart threat detection.

Smart Citizens’ expansion strategy, Nouri said, was crafted to “be in tune with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which wants living standards to match modern concepts and foster innovation in technology.”

AI is projected to contribute more than $135 billion to Saudi Arabia’s economy by 2030, making up 12.4 percent of the Kingdom’s gross domestic product, according to accounting firm PwC.

The Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority was set up in 2019 to help drive the Kingdom’s AI capabilities and make it a global leader in data-driven economies.

Saudi Arabia is also ramping up AI investment, looking to cement its position as one of the world’s main investors in the technology. 




Shutterstock illustration

The embrace of home AI technology fits with the Kingdom’s mission to become a leader in smart city development. A key example is NEOM, the futuristic mega-city project that integrates advanced technologies and smart home solutions to foster connectivity and sustainability.

Elaborating on how AI is reshaping residential security in the Middle East, Nouri said that his company had developed a comprehensive AI-enabled security ecosystem.

The system, he said, offered a “new generation of smart home security.”




These solutions have already shown results with a 40 percent decrease in false alarms. (Supplied)  

This included AI-driven intrusion detection, voice-activated security controls and predictive maintenance.

Nouri said: “We involve our AI technologies in the following domains: Computer vision for video surveillance and object detection, natural language processing for voice interaction and analysis, and neural networks for driving predictive analytics on maintenance and anomaly detection.”

As Smart Citizens prepares to enter the Saudi market, Nouri said that the company was committed to teaching its consumers about the new technologies it offered.

“Smart Citizens adopts an integrated approach in consumer education for the adoption of advanced technologies, especially in home security and safety, in Saudi Arabia,” he said.




Nouri said that Smart Citizens is working to ensure compliance with Saudi standards. (Supplied)
 

The company’s strategies, he added, include public awareness campaigns, workshops and seminars, partnerships with educational institutions, and incentive programs to drive engagement and adoption.

These initiatives, Nouri said, aligned with the ambitions of Vision 2030 for digital transformation and the development of smart cities.

He added: “Through such programs, the company aspires to encourage a technological society that shall be ready for innovations in home security and safety.”

Nouri explained that his company was “implementing an AI-enabled behavioral analytics system that filters the routine household activities from potential threats.” This, he said, enhanced the accuracy of threat detection.




Shutterstock illustration image on Internet of Things

This was achieved through the integration of “Internet of things” devices, which are essential to the system’s overall effectiveness.

Nouri said: “IoT devices are collecting key data from sensors, smart locks and cameras to build the backbone of our system. The processing and analysis of this data in real-time happen through our AI models.”

DID YOUKNOW?

• Smart homes gain popularity as Saudi Arabia advances its AI-powered economy.

• AI-driven behavioral analytics can filter routine activities from potential threats.

• Internet of things devices enhance home security by enabling real-time monitoring.

Emphasizing that Smart Citizens prioritized user experience, he added: “We design interfaces that are easy to navigate, allowing users to control and monitor their smart home systems effortlessly.”

The company’s AI systems were able to learn individual preferences over time, enabling tailored automation that aligned with each homeowner’s lifestyle, he said.

Nouri said that robust measures were in place to address privacy concerns swiftly and effectively.

“We have multiple approaches to address privacy and security at our systems: Encryption protocols, localized data processing and compliance with UK standards, UAE standards,” he said, noting that his company was also working to ensure full compliance with Saudi regulations.




Smart Citizens actively embrace AI-powered technologies in luxury apartments and homes. (Supplied)

In the UAE, people were increasingly embracing AI-powered technologies in luxury apartments and homes, he added, describing homeowners there as “keen adopters of high-tech innovations to enhance their lifestyles and ensure comfort.”

Looking ahead, Nouri is optimistic about AI’s growing role in home security, believing that AI will become increasingly autonomous and seamlessly integrated into daily life.

“Solutions like the smart energy management and lighting solutions provided by Smart Citizens will evolve to provide even more personalized and predictive capabilities,” Nouri said.

Smart homes are also seen as a more sustainable solution to mitigate climate change, and Saudi Arabia is adopting a whole-of-society approach to reduce carbon emissions by 278 million tonnes annually by 2030.




Shutterstock illustration

A 2019 study published in Environment International found that household energy consumption accounted for one-third of global carbon emissions, and home automation had the potential to reduce these emissions by 12.78 percent.

Nouri said that emerging home security trends, such as biometric security enhancements and edge computing, which processes data on devices closer to the user, will allow for faster, more private operations.

And the impact of these solutions is measurable, providing “up to a 40 percent reduction in false alarms,” he said.

“These AI-powered solutions provided by us make a residence safer through real-time threat detection, personalized security, and seamlessly integrated automation, ensuring constant protection,” Nouri said.




Ashraf Nouri, Smart Citizens CEO

This new AI technology enhances home security while giving residents greater peace of mind and control over their living spaces.

Smart Citizens is just one example of a company entering the Saudi market with AI powered solutions for people’s daily lives.

Many more will follow, deploying data-driven technology that will transform how we live.
 

 


Exhibitions at Prophet’s Mosque bring Islamic heritage to life

The exhibitions enrich the visitor experience with historical and cultural insights reflecting Islamic heritage. (SPA)
The exhibitions enrich the visitor experience with historical and cultural insights reflecting Islamic heritage. (SPA)
Updated 9 sec ago
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Exhibitions at Prophet’s Mosque bring Islamic heritage to life

The exhibitions enrich the visitor experience with historical and cultural insights reflecting Islamic heritage. (SPA)
  • The Rare Manuscripts exhibition in annex 204 of the southern courtyards, which is open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., showcases “historical manuscripts, documents, and inscriptions that trace the evolution of Islamic writing”

MADINAH: The corridors and courtyards of the Prophet’s Mosque feature “unique sites and exhibitions that enrich the visitor experience, offering historical and cultural insights that reflect Islamic heritage and Madinah’s hospitality,” according to an article published by the Saudi Press Agency on Saturday.

A key attraction is the Architectural Evolution of the Prophet’s Mosque exhibition, located on the southern courtyard opposite exits 308 and 309, which uses interactive displays to highlight the mosque’s architectural development. It is open daily from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Opposite exits 306 and 307 is the International Exhibition of the Prophet’s Biography. Open from 4:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. daily, it offers “a contemporary presentation of Prophet Muhammad’s life and teachings.”

The Rare Manuscripts exhibition in annex 204 of the southern courtyards, which is open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., showcases “historical manuscripts, documents, and inscriptions that trace the evolution of Islamic writing.”

The mosque’s library, at gate 10 on the western side, is open 24 hours a day and includes sections on manuscripts, rare books, audio archives, and art collections.

Near Uthman Gate, the Manuscripts and Rare Books Department serves researchers and enthusiasts. It houses more than 4,000 original manuscripts, nearly 60,000 digital copies, 4,600 photocopies, and 450 different editions of the Qur’an. It operates in two shifts: 8 a.m.–noon and 4–8 p.m.

“Together, these exhibitions and centers enhance the cultural and educational value of visiting the Prophet’s Mosque, offering pilgrims a more enriching experience,” the SPA stated.

 


New campaign urges Saudis to safeguard artifacts

New campaign urges Saudis to safeguard artifacts
Updated 15 sec ago
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New campaign urges Saudis to safeguard artifacts

New campaign urges Saudis to safeguard artifacts
  • Nationwide effort aims to curb threats to heritage sites and artifacts

RIYADH: The Heritage Commission launched the “Aadat” national awareness campaign to enhance public understanding of the importance of Saudi antiquities.

The campaign underscores the vital role of artifacts in reinforcing the Kingdom’s cultural and national identity, reflecting the succession of civilizations across its land over millennia.

It is part of a broader series of initiatives by the commission to spotlight Saudi antiquities and raise awareness of threats they face, such as encroachments and illegal trafficking.

HIGHLIGHT

The campaign promotes the idea that protecting antiquities is a shared responsibility, rooted in a deep appreciation of their role in the nation’s cultural heritage.

The campaign promotes the idea that protecting antiquities is a shared responsibility, rooted in a deep appreciation of their role in the nation’s cultural heritage, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

It adopts a comprehensive approach using various media and outreach tools, including field campaigns in public areas, markets, malls, and universities across multiple regions.

The commission also plans to introduce interactive pavilions to showcase key archaeological sites and highlight the Kingdom’s geographical and cultural diversity.

It stressed that the campaign continues its ongoing efforts to safeguard artifacts, which are rich in symbolic and cultural meaning.

Each artifact, the commission noted, tells a story from the past, and its preservation is essential to maintaining the national memory for future generations.

The commission announced last week that 744 new archaeological sites have been added to the National Antiquities Register, raising the total to 10,061 across the Kingdom.

This milestone underscores the richness and diversity of Saudi Arabia’s cultural heritage and reflects the commission’s ongoing commitment to documenting and preserving these sites.

The newly registered sites are spread across several regions: Riyadh (253), Makkah (11), Madinah (167), Qassim (30), Eastern Province (13), Asir (64), Tabuk (72), Hail (13), Northern Borders (2), Jazan (23), Najran (86), and Jouf (10).

Stressing the importance of community involvement in heritage preservation, the commission urged citizens and residents to report unregistered sites via the Balagh platform, social media, or the Unified Security Operations Center at 911.

 


Saudi Arabia, France civil aviation authorities discuss boosting cooperation

Saudi and French civil aviation officials pose for a group photo in Paris. (SPA)
Saudi and French civil aviation officials pose for a group photo in Paris. (SPA)
Updated 24 sec ago
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Saudi Arabia, France civil aviation authorities discuss boosting cooperation

Saudi and French civil aviation officials pose for a group photo in Paris. (SPA)
  • Discussions were held on mutual investment opportunities in aircraft design and assembly, as well as the incentives Saudi Arabia offers to attract high-quality investments in the aviation industry

PARIS: A delegation from the Saudi civil aviation sector, led by General Authority of Civil Aviation President Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej, visited the Airbus factory in Toulouse, France, as part of the 55th Paris Air Show at Le Bourget, which ends on June 22.

The visit strengthens cooperation with France in areas such as manufacturing, technology transfer, and localization of the aerospace industry, Saudi Press Agency said in a report.

Discussions were held on mutual investment opportunities in aircraft design and assembly, as well as the incentives Saudi Arabia offers to attract high-quality investments in the aviation industry.

 

 


Saudi FM reaffirms support for Palestine, condemns Israeli strikes on Iran at OIC meeting in Istanbul

Saudi FM reaffirms support for Palestine, condemns Israeli strikes on Iran at OIC meeting in Istanbul
Updated 21 June 2025
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Saudi FM reaffirms support for Palestine, condemns Israeli strikes on Iran at OIC meeting in Istanbul

Saudi FM reaffirms support for Palestine, condemns Israeli strikes on Iran at OIC meeting in Istanbul
  • Was speaking during opening session of 51st meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the OIC

RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan reaffirmed the Kingdom’s unwavering support for the Palestinian cause during the opening session of the 51st meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, held in Istanbul on Saturday.

The foreign minister also condemned the Israeli strikes on Iran, describing them as a “blatant” violation of international law and an infringement on Iranian sovereignty and security.

The meeting, hosted by Turkiye, marked the start of its presidency of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers. Prince Faisal congratulated Turkiye on assuming the role and extended thanks to Cameroon for its efforts during its previous term.

In his address, Prince Faisal underscored the importance Saudi Arabia placed on the Palestinian issue, highlighting the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to end the war in Gaza, alleviate the worsening humanitarian crisis, and unify Arab and Islamic positions on the conflict.

He reiterated Saudi Arabia’s firm support for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state along the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Turning to the Israeli-Iranian conflict, he said: “These attacks threaten the security and stability of the region,” and called for an immediate halt to military operations, de-escalation, and a return to negotiations between Iran and the international community.

Prince Faisal also reiterated Saudi Arabia’s continued backing of efforts to resolve the crisis in Yemen, expressing support for a comprehensive political solution and the restoration of peace, stability, and security in the country.


Saudi foreign minister holds talks with Egyptian and Pakistani counterparts on OIC sidelines

Saudi foreign minister holds talks with Egyptian and Pakistani counterparts on OIC sidelines
Updated 21 June 2025
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Saudi foreign minister holds talks with Egyptian and Pakistani counterparts on OIC sidelines

Saudi foreign minister holds talks with Egyptian and Pakistani counterparts on OIC sidelines

ISTANBUL: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan held separate meetings on Saturday with his Egyptian and Pakistani counterparts on Saturday.

The discussions were held on the sidelines of the 51st session of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation Council of Foreign Ministers in Istanbul.

During talks with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, the two sides reviewed the close relations between the Kingdom and Egypt and discussed regional developments and their impact on the security of the region, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Prince Faisal also met with Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. The discussions focused on bilateral ties, as well as regional and international developments and ongoing efforts to address them, SPA added.

Both meetings were attended by Prince Musab bin Mohammed Al-Farhan, advisor to the Foreign Minister for Political Affairs, and Fahd bin Asaad Abu Al-Nasr, Saudi ambassador to Turkiye.