How the convergence of AI and 5G is transforming Saudi Arabia’s smart technologies

Special How the convergence of AI and 5G is transforming Saudi Arabia’s smart technologies
A man tries the Saudi Telecom virtual reality glasses on a 5G connected car at the Mobile World Congress, the world's biggest mobile fair, on February 26, 2018 in Barcelona. (AFP/File)
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Updated 20 September 2024
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How the convergence of AI and 5G is transforming Saudi Arabia’s smart technologies

How the convergence of AI and 5G is transforming Saudi Arabia’s smart technologies
  • The Kingdom is harnessing the power of AI and 5G to usher in a new generation of devices that go beyond conventional smartphones
  • Saudi telecom giants are embracing AI-driven 5G tech to optimize networks, boost efficiency and enhance customer experience

DAMMAM: As Saudi Arabia rapidly evolves into a global technology hub, the convergence of artificial intelligence and 5G technology is playing a critical role in reshaping the Kingdom’s digital landscape.

The fusion of these cutting-edge technologies is transforming devices beyond conventional smartphones, creating smarter systems that enhance industries ranging from telecommunications to manufacturing and healthcare.

Saudi Arabia’s commitment to digital transformation, outlined in its Vision 2030 initiative, has propelled the Kingdom toward large-scale adoption of AI-driven technologies, supported by the rollout of 5G networks.

With AI’s predictive power and 5G’s ultra-fast connectivity, the Kingdom is poised to become a leader in deploying next-generation smart devices that transcend traditional communication tools.

AI algorithms now have the ability to anticipate user needs, infer intent and automate tasks, creating seamless user experiences and improving productivity.

According to a recent PwC report called “The Smarter Phone,” AI-enabled smartphones are already integrating with daily activities, leveraging predictive analytics to automate routine processes and provide real-time solutions.

AI-powered assistants, image recognition and voice command systems are increasingly becoming integral parts of mobile devices, enabling more intuitive user interfaces and features such as facial recognition, automated photo sorting and smart scheduling.

This evolution of mobile technology not only improves productivity at work but also frees up time for leisure.

As Saudi Arabia embraces this digital transformation, its telecommunications sector is at the forefront of integrating AI into 5G-powered networks.

“The country’s commitment to advanced technologies and its focus on digital transformation highlights the importance of AI, both globally and locally,” Raghav Sahgal, president of Nokia’s Cloud Network Services Group, told Arab News.




Raghav Sahgal, president of Nokia’s Cloud Network Services Group. (SUpplied)

At the heart of this transformation is 5G technology, which offers faster speeds, lower latency and greater connectivity capacity than its predecessor, 4G.

Its ability to transfer data at rates of up to 10 gigabytes per second allows for seamless communication between devices, supporting emerging technologies such as autonomous vehicles, smart cities and the internet of things.

When combined with AI, 5G enables the real-time processing of vast amounts of data, making way for new applications that were previously unimaginable.




5G technology offers faster speeds, lower latency and greater connectivity capacity than its predecessor, 4G. (Supplied)

One of the most transformative aspects of 5G in Saudi Arabia is its potential to digitize industries.

“5G is enabling the digitization of industries by offering deterministic and reliable connections that are critical for sectors such as petroleum, gas and manufacturing,” said Sahgal.

By leveraging 5G’s speed and reliability, companies in these industries can improve operational efficiency, reduce downtime and optimize processes through AI-powered predictive analytics.

Nokia has played a pivotal role in Saudi Arabia’s AI-driven telecom revolution. Its AVA platform (Automation, Visualization, Analytics) bundles together its software portfolio, allowing telecommunications providers to secure, automate and monetize their 5G networks.




Nokia’s AVA platform combines AI and automation to enhance telecom performance, security and reliability. (Supplied)

The platform’s AI-driven analytics and automation tools provide telecom operators with actionable insights to enhance network performance, security and reliability. This is particularly important as Saudi Arabia’s telecom companies continue to expand their 5G infrastructure.

Telecommunications giants such as Saudi Telecom Company, Mobily and Zain KSA have embraced AI-driven systems to optimize 5G networks as well as enhance the user experience.

STC has implemented Nokia’s AVA platform to automate and optimize its 5G networks. By using AI, the company can monitor and predict network performance, addressing potential issues before they impact customers.

DID YOUKNOW?

AI and 5G are powering Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals, accelerating digital transformation across industries like manufacturing, telecom and healthcare.

5G enables data transfer rates of up to 10 Gbps, allowing seamless device communication in areas such as IoT and autonomous vehicles.

Saudi telecoms are adopting AI for network optimization — STC, Mobily, and Zain KSA enhance customer experiences using AI-driven solutions.

Nokia’s AVA platform combines AI and automation to enhance telecom performance, security and reliability in Saudi Arabia’s 5G networks.

Mobily has integrated AI into its 5G networks, using it to manage network resources efficiently and provide real-time service improvements.

Zain KSA, another key player in the Kingdom’s telecommunications sector, utilizes AI to manage 5G network slicing, a feature that allows telecom providers to tailor services to different user cases, ensuring optimal performance for each.

Indeed, in addition to network optimization, AI is transforming customer service within Saudi Arabia’s telecom industry. AI-powered virtual assistants and chatbots provide personalized, real-time support, helping customers resolve issues quickly and efficiently.

AI is also being used to enhance security, with applications such as fraud detection and network protection playing crucial roles in safeguarding users’ data and privacy

As Saudi Arabia continues to invest heavily in AI and 5G technologies, the convergence of these innovations is expected to have far-reaching implications for the Kingdom’s economy.

AI-enabled devices will not only enhance consumer experiences, but will also contribute to the Kingdom’s broader economic goals by improving efficiency, productivity and innovation across various industries.

The convergence of AI and 5G in Saudi Arabia is creating a new era of smart devices that go far beyond the traditional smartphone. These technologies are driving the digital transformation, enabling the Kingdom to build a more connected, efficient and innovative future.

 

 


Baha Craftsmen Forum engages youth, children

Baha Craftsmen Forum engages youth, children
Updated 21 July 2025
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Baha Craftsmen Forum engages youth, children

Baha Craftsmen Forum engages youth, children

Riyadh: The Baha Craftsmen Forum, organized by the Technical and Vocational Training Corp., teaches youth and children the basics of the traditional handicrafts for which the region is renowned.

Forum supervisor Nouf Al-Harbi said the forum offers 10 specialized training courses, including crochet doll-making, palm weaving, and stone and marble carving, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.

The courses are led by expert instructors who showcase works blending traditional craftsmanship with modern design, striking a balance between preserving cultural heritage and meeting the evolving demands of today’s market.

As part of the Baha Summer Festival, the forum’s second week began on Saturday, drawing a remarkable turnout of visitors.

The month-long forum, held in partnership with governmental and private entities, offers various training programs, dialogue sessions and live interactive activities celebrating cultural heritage.

The forum aims to showcase the region’s traditional crafts and cultural heritage, while fostering interaction between artisans and the public.


Saudi Arabia hands over 129 housing units to Tunisian families

Saudi Arabia hands over 129 housing units to Tunisian families
Updated 21 July 2025
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Saudi Arabia hands over 129 housing units to Tunisian families

Saudi Arabia hands over 129 housing units to Tunisian families
  • The project was funded by the Saudi Development Fund in Sousse governorate, south of Tunis

RIYADH: The Kingdom has handed over 129 housing units to families in Tunisia, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.

The nation’s ambassador to Tunisia, Abdulaziz bin Ali Al-Saqr, and Tunisia’s Minister of Equipment and Housing Salah Zouari were present for the handover ceremony.

The project was funded by the Saudi Development Fund in Sousse governorate, south of Tunis.

Zouari thanked the Kingdom for its continued support and solidarity with Tunisia, noting that the project benefits low-income families. 

Al-Saqr congratulated the beneficiaries and reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s commitment to supporting Tunisia’s growth and development across various sectors.

The units are a part of the first phase of a social housing program across several Tunisian governorates.

The full project aims to provide 4,715 units through concessional financing from the Saudi Development Fund, totaling $150 million.


Madinah presents SDG progress at UN in New York

Madinah presents SDG progress at UN in New York
Updated 21 July 2025
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Madinah presents SDG progress at UN in New York

Madinah presents SDG progress at UN in New York

RIYADH: The Madinah Region Development Authority participated in the main session of the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development at the UN headquarters in New York, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.

In the session, titled “Transformation from the Ground Up: Acting at Local Level,” the authority highlighted Madinah’s pioneering role and the Kingdom’s leadership in localizing the Sustainable Development Goals.

Abdulrahman Ibrahim, the authority’s chief data and innovation officer, said Madinah had become a model for international best practices.

Key initiatives include the 2023 Madinah City Voluntary Local Review — the first in the Kingdom and second in the Arab region; the 2024 State of Sustainable Development Report for Madinah Region — the first Voluntary Subnational Review in the Arab region; and the launch of the Atlas of Sustainable Development in Madinah City Neighborhoods, a global first for precise, neighborhood-level SDG assessment.

The session also reviewed successful local and regional approaches to accelerating sustainable SDG solutions, discussing key enablers and opportunities to expand local action.

The authority’s participation, part of the Saudi delegation led by Minister of Economy and Planning Faisal Alibrahim, underscores the Kingdom’s commitment to sustainable development aligned with Vision 2030.

The UN forum, running through to July 23, also featured dialogue sessions on global frameworks for resilient urban development and strategies to create value for cities through data-driven trends.


Restoration efforts bring new life to Saudi historic Kasbat Al-Midmar

Restoration efforts bring new life to Saudi historic Kasbat Al-Midmar
Updated 20 July 2025
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Restoration efforts bring new life to Saudi historic Kasbat Al-Midmar

Restoration efforts bring new life to Saudi historic Kasbat Al-Midmar
  • The recently restored structure is now preserved under the supervision of Saudi Arabia’s Heritage Commission

RIYADH: In the heart of Badr Al-Janoub governorate, the historic Kasbat Al-Midmar rises proudly from the old district — a striking reminder of Saudi Arabia’s deep architectural and cultural heritage.

Built more than 300 years ago, the kasbah, or watchtower, is a seven-story mudbrick structure designed in the traditional circular form, wide at the base and tapering as it ascends, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Originally built as a watchtower to safeguard nearby farmlands, it still looks out over the village and valley today.

FASTFACT

Saudi Arabia’s Heritage Commission continues to protect and restore the region’s historic buildings, placing them on the National Antiquities Register as part of the Kingdom’s cultural legacy.

The recently restored structure is now preserved under the supervision of the Kingdom’s Heritage Commission.

Surrounding the kasbah are the remnants of traditional mud houses, part of a network of historical fortresses and homes that reflect the enduring legacy of the region.

These buildings illustrate the ingenuity of local architecture and the importance of such fortifications in the daily life of previous communities.

Manea Naji Al-Saad, vice president of the Najran Society for History and Archaeology, told SPA that the governorate where aware that Badr Al-Janoub is rich in archeological sites, including old mud houses and Qishla Castle, which stands atop Mount Al-Qarah.

Nearby is Al-Thaghr Palace, a structure dating back to the First Saudi State. Built by the order of Imam Saud bin Abdulaziz bin Mohammad in 1221 AH, the four-story palace is made of stone and features a large protective wall and a deep central well.

The commission continues to protect and restore the region’s historic buildings, placing them on the National Antiquities Register as part of the Kingdom’s cultural legacy, the SPA reported.

 


Research grants to revive Saudi Arabia’s craft heritage

Research grants to revive Saudi Arabia’s craft heritage
Updated 20 July 2025
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Research grants to revive Saudi Arabia’s craft heritage

Research grants to revive Saudi Arabia’s craft heritage
  • Program offers funding in six categories to explore how traditional skills sustain culture and economy

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Culture, in collaboration with the Heritage Commission, has announced a new research grant initiative to study traditional handicrafts.

As part of the Year of Handicrafts campaign, the program invites scholars to examine how traditional crafts preserve cultural knowledge, embody inherited skills, fulfill social roles, and reflect economic practices that have shaped Saudi society.

The grant covers six research categories to provide insights into handicraft studies. Applications are open until Sept. 1, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.

Historical research will trace the development of surviving and lost crafts over time, examining how social, economic, and political changes have influenced them.

A second category focuses on craft promotion, investigating initiatives to support and institutionalize traditional handicrafts in contemporary Saudi society.

Economic impact and creative economy studies will analyze how handicrafts contribute to the national economy, including comparisons of domestic and international markets for handmade cultural goods.

Technology integration research explores how modern techniques, design and digital tools intersect with traditional methods to create market-ready products.

Social research will examine community relationships with handicrafts and how cultural perceptions affect the sector’s growth and sustainability.

The final category addresses conceptual frameworks, critically analyzing handicraft terminology, its evolution, and making comparisons with related concepts such as cultural industries, fine arts, and the roles of craftspeople versus artists.

Applicants must hold an advanced degree, master’s or doctorate, or demonstrate equivalent expertise through substantial research. Late submissions will not be considered.

Selected researchers must produce publication-ready papers suitable for peer-reviewed journals and comply with all guidelines and documentation on the grant website. Simultaneous submission to other funding bodies is prohibited unless the applicant withdraws from this program.

Beyond supporting individual projects, the grant aims to strengthen local expertise in handicraft studies, foster researcher networks, and promote traditional handicrafts as a key element of Saudi culture. Interested researchers can apply through the ministry’s website.