JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia will be a global artificial intelligence (AI) leader by 2030, a prominent Saudi expert has said.
Dr. Abdullah bin Sharaf Al-Ghamdi, president of the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), made the comments during a media briefing on shaping new frontiers at the International Media Center in Riyadh ahead of the G20 Leaders’ Summit.
Last year, the authority developed the Estishraf Platform, an AI-based platform that utilizes data to create diversified insights and respond to the top priorities of decision-makers in Saudi Arabia.
“Through this platform we were able to earn revenues amounting to SR43 billion ($11.5 billion), only in 2019,” said Al-Ghamdi. “Undoubtedly, this is an excellent indicator for the great opportunities the national economy is waiting for after AI has become a knowledge-based economy.”
The SDAIA chief said the authority launched the NSDAI during the Global AI Summit, organized by the SDAIA and the G20 Saudi Secretariat as part of the international conferences program two weeks ago.
“We have finalized all logistic and procedures to set up the SDAIA Artificial Intelligence Company, which will be the national AI investment arm for the country,” he said.
In his speech, Al-Ghamdi, who is also chairman of the Global AI Summit, shed light on digital economy topics and the role of technology, especially AI-related tech, and its role in surviving the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic. He also focused on shaping the future into a “new normal” situation.
“As much as we are proud of our ability to overcome these challenges, despite all these circumstances we also recognize the criticality of delivering together all three themes of the Saudi G20 presidency to realize the opportunities of the 21st century —empowering people, safeguarding the planet and shaping a new frontier,” he said.
“As we recover from the pandemic, there is an opportunity to unlock the potential of scientific advancements and utilize technologies to set the foundations for a brighter and sustainable future for us, our children and the generations to come.”
He said that digital technology is playing a central role in shaping today and tomorrow, and it continues to gain new grounds in people’s lives, work, education and more.
“While there is a lot of potential from emerging technologies such as AI, there is also a growing digital gap, which, if not addressed collectively, will further widen and lead to unfair distribution of the benefits and wealth that nations will be able to generate out of these technologies,” said Al-Ghamdi.
In recognition of these risks, Saudi Arabia has led fruitful G20 dialogues on critical topics that will shape digital economies and the future, including trustworthy AI, data free flow, smart cities and digital economy security and measurement.
Al-Ghamdi said that Saudi Arabia’s unique national digital and data capabilities were vital in enabling the country to fight and reduce the effects of the pandemic, while continuing to advance the national agenda towards the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.
The SDAIA president warned that, while AI can cause the disappearance of jobs, new AI-based job opportunities will flourish.
“As per the 2030 targets, we are going to train 40 percent of the relevant workforce in data and AI. We will also have over 20,000 AI and data specialists by the year 2030. Moreover, we are creating up to 40,000 direct and indirect jobs related to data and artificial intelligence,” he said.
Saudi Arabia eyeing AI future ahead of G20 summit
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Saudi Arabia eyeing AI future ahead of G20 summit
- Al-Ghamdi: “We have finalized all logistic and procedures to set up the SDAIA Artificial Intelligence Company”
US energy secretary visits Saudi Aramco HQ, Shaybah oil field
- Chris Wright accompanied by Saudi counterpart, Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman
- Sides discuss renewable energy, cooperation, investment
RIYADH: US Secretary of Energy Chris Wright visited the headquarters of Aramco in Dhahran on Tuesday in the company of his Saudi counterpart, Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman.
Amin Nasser, the president and CEO of the petroleum and natural gas giant, gave a briefing on the company’s latest initiatives and innovations, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
During his visit, Wright saw Aramco’s Exploration and Petroleum Engineering Advanced Research Center, the Accelerated Innovation Laboratory and the Fourth Industrial Revolution facility.
The two officials were also shown the Shaybah oil field and visitor center — one of Aramco’s environmental initiatives — in the Empty Quarter.
Wright, who arrived in the Kingdom on Sunday, has praised the Saudi leadership for supporting energy cooperation between the two countries.
He also discussed renewable energy sources, such as green hydrogen and solar power, with Saudi officials and stressed the need for long-term investment to meet rising global demand, the report said.
Saudi foundation, UN sign deal to tackle food waste
- Agreement aims to strengthen partnerships that support the charitable sector and contribute to national development goals
- Establishes a framework for knowledge exchange, joint programs and food waste reduction efforts
RIYADH: The Grace Preservation Foundation signed a cooperation agreement on Tuesday with the UN Environment Programme to promote sustainability and reduce food waste through community awareness and joint initiatives.
The agreement aims to strengthen partnerships that support the charitable sector and contribute to national development goals, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
It establishes a framework for knowledge exchange, joint programs, food waste reduction efforts, and the development of scientific tools for data analysis and informed decision-making.
Abdullah Abdulrahman bin Saeed, the foundation’s secretary-general, said the agreement aligns with Vision 2030 and national priorities in sustainability and food security. He also emphasized the value of strategic cooperation in empowering community efforts.
The agreement covers food waste competitions and awards aligned with Sustainable Development Goal, the SPA reported.
Key activities include awareness campaigns, educational programs, and the UNEP “Recipe for Change” initiative.
Seasonal efforts will be launched during Ramadan, Hajj, and UN international days to promote food preservation and environmental responsibility.
Madinah forum to discuss Islamic finance progress
- Symposium will explore six main topics and over 20 sub-themes, focusing on Islamic banking’s role in economic development, justice, and sustainability
- Scientific sessions will cover early foundations, current industry analysis across economies, and regulatory and technological shifts
JEDDAH: Al-Baraka Islamic Economics Symposium will be held in Madinah on Wednesday under the theme “Islamic Banking in 50 Years: Achievements of the Past and Hopes for the Future.”
Hosted by Prince Muqrin University’s female campus, the event’s 45th edition will gather ministers, financial leaders, experts, and representatives from more than 15 countries.
The two-day symposium will explore six main topics and over 20 sub-themes, focusing on Islamic banking’s role in economic development, justice, and sustainability.
Scientific sessions will cover early foundations, current industry analysis across economies, and regulatory and technological shifts.
Future-focused discussions will highlight Shariah governance, financing mechanisms, Islamic windows, acquisitions, and the sector’s contribution to sustainable development.
Distinguished individuals and institutions will be honored for advancing Islamic economics in theory and practice.
Abdullah Saleh Kamel, the forum’s chairman, said that since 1981, Al-Baraka has been a key platform for dialogue on Islamic economics.
He said the 50-year milestone offers a chance to reflect and look ahead, reaffirming the commitment to innovation, financial inclusion, and Shariah-compliant progress.
Several cooperation agreements will also be signed, reinforcing the symposium’s role as a hub for intellectual exchange.
A documentary titled “Glimpses of Islamic Banking: From Inception to Contemporary Reality” will be screened, tracing the evolution of Islamic banking and its pioneers.
The symposium will also announce this year’s nomination topics for the Saleh Kamel Prize for Islamic Economics, which honors his legacy and supports excellence in research.
Saudi deputy FM urges unified action on Sudan crisis at London conference
- Al-Khereiji said that the crisis extends beyond Sudan’s borders, posing a serious threat to regional stability and both Arab and African national security
- Al-Khereiji discussed the importance of halting all external support to the conflicting parties to create the conditions for a lasting ceasefire
LONDON: Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed bin Abdulkarim Al-Khereiji called on Tuesday for intensified international efforts to end the conflict in Sudan during his address at the London Conference on Sudan.
Al-Khereiji said that the crisis extends beyond Sudan’s borders, posing a serious threat to regional stability and both Arab and African national security, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
“Our collective responsibility requires us to support the dialogue process, work toward a ceasefire, deliver urgent humanitarian aid and safeguard Sudan’s unity, institutions and territorial integrity,” he said.
Representing Saudi Arabia at the conference, Al-Khereiji was attending on behalf of Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan.
He highlighted the Kingdom’s sustained diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis, particularly through hosting the first and second talks. These negotiations resulted in the Jeddah Declaration on protecting civilians, a short-term ceasefire agreement that contained crucial humanitarian arrangements.
The second round also led to the creation of a humanitarian coordination platform under OCHA, the adoption of four confidence-building measures and a proposed resolution formula on military base issues.
In his address, Al-Khereiji discussed the importance of halting all external support to the conflicting parties to create the conditions for a lasting ceasefire and comprehensive political solution. He added that neutralizing foreign interference would facilitate humanitarian operations — particularly the opening of safe corridors and the delivery of aid.
He warned against the formation of any parallel government or alternative political entity, calling such attempts illegitimate and damaging to Sudan’s unity and sovereignty.
“These actions undermine the political process and deepen national divisions,” he said.
The deputy foreign minister reiterated the Kingdom’s belief that a solution to the war must be Sudanese-led and based on respect for the country’s sovereignty, unity and the preservation of its state institutions.
Saudi citizen sentenced to five years in prison for electronic financial fraud
- The accused committed several fraudulent operations, including offering fake products for sale online
RIYADH: A Saudi citizen has been sentenced to five years in prison for financial fraud that defrauded 41 victims, Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.
An investigation carried out by the Financial Fraud Prosecution revealed that the accused had committed several fraudulent operations, including offering fake products through online sales outlets, deceiving victims into believing that goods were for sale, and then immediately blocking them after they transferred the required amounts to his bank account.
The Public Prosecution affirmed its commitment to protecting society from all financial fraud crimes and anyone who attempts to seize the money of others through fraud.
