How Saudi Arabia is indigenizing the AI revolution and future-proofing its workforce

Special How Saudi Arabia is indigenizing the AI revolution and future-proofing its workforce
Saudi Arabia is determined to future-proof its workforce, for a start by training and developing a pool of 20,000 AI and data specialists. (Supplied)
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Updated 25 September 2023
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How Saudi Arabia is indigenizing the AI revolution and future-proofing its workforce

How Saudi Arabia is indigenizing the AI revolution and future-proofing its workforce
  • Digitalization and emerging technologies are forecast to contribute some 2.4 percent to the Kingdom’s GDP by 2030
  • Saudi Arabia’s investments in technology align with the objectives of the Vision 2030 economic diversification agenda

JEDDAH: In the coming years, artificial intelligence technology is expected to transform economies, business practices and the way people live, work and consume. Conscious of these potentially momentous changes on the horizon, Saudi Arabia is pouring investments into AI research and development.

The Kingdom launched its National Strategy for Data and Artificial Intelligence in October 2020 aimed at becoming a global leader in the field, as it seeks to attract $20 billion in foreign and local investments by 2030.

Saudi Arabia is also determined to future-proof its workforce, for a start by training and developing a pool of 20,000 AI and data specialists.

Riyadh’s adoption of digitalization and emerging technologies is forecast to contribute some 2.4 percent to its gross domestic product by 2030, according to a recent report by global consultancy firm PwC.




In this file picture, the chief of the General Presidency for the Two Holy Mosques, Abdul-Rahman al-Sudais, is shown inaugurating the “Information” robot, which would be available in the Grand Mosque and will provide visitors with general information, lectures, lessons, Khutbahs and information about imams and muadhins. (Courtesy: General Presidency of Haramain)

In terms of average annual growth in the contribution of AI by region, Saudi Arabia is expected to grab a 31.3 percent share in the technology’s expansion between 2018 and 2030, the PwC report added.

“I believe that Saudi Arabia has a huge potential,” Ali Al-Moussa, a Saudi entrepreneur and AI expert, told Arab News.

“Being in the field for years now, I saw a lot of smart, talented people who are able to compete with (others around) the globe to create great technologies, not only artificial intelligence, but everything from robotics to blockchain, you name it.”

Saudi Arabia’s drive toward new technologies aligns with the objectives of the Vision 2030 social reform and economic diversification agenda, which aims to strengthen the Kingdom’s position as the regional leader in the field.




Saudi Arabia’s youth are particularly adaptable to technology and are eagerly experimenting with these tools, says Saudi entrepreneur and AI expert Ali Almussa. (Supplied)

Al-Moussa says Vision 2030 has created a “lot of opportunity in the market,” empowering and enabling Saudi entrepreneurs to “imagine different applications” and to begin establishing tech startups.

“They build technologies, and they conduct research, and there is a lot of energy,” he said.

Interest in AI has boomed since ChatGPT, a large-language model developed by Microsoft-backed startup OpenAI, became a viral sensation when it was released in November 2022.

Conversations with the chatbot show that the program can explain complex scientific concepts, compose plays and poetry, generate university dissertations, and even write functional lines of computer code.

Its emergence kicked off fierce competition among Silicon Valley rivals for monetization of what software engineers call “generative AI,” including Google’s Bard, and more recently LLaMA developed by Facebook parent company Meta Platforms.

Meta recently released an AI model capable of translating and transcribing speech in dozens of languages, a potential building block for tools enabling real-time communication across language divides.

The company said in a blog post that its SeamlessM4T model could support translations between text and speech in nearly 100 languages, as well as full speech-to-speech translation for 35 languages, including Modern Standard Arabic.




A “guidance robot” has been developed to assist pilgrims and Umrah performers in understanding rituals and fatwas. (Supplied)

This and other more advanced programs are expected to transform decision-making, automation, and creative problem-solving across industries, from healthcare and finance to transportation and entertainment.

The emergence of these technologies will inevitably impact the labor market and make it necessary for nations to invest in training and education for their emerging workers, so that they have the tools to prosper in a fast-evolving economy.

“Saudi Arabia’s youth are particularly adaptable to technology and are eagerly experimenting with these tools,” said Al-Moussa.

To nurture this homegrown talent, the Kingdom is actively promoting AI competitions and “hackathons,” encouraging its researchers and students to tackle AI-related challenges to gain valuable hands-on experience.

Although the technology shows immense promise and seemingly limitless potential, experts have urged caution regarding the timing and approach to adopting AI technologies.

A report in March by investment bank Goldman Sachs predicted that AI could soon take the place of 300 million full-time jobs around the world, with 46 percent of administrative jobs and 44 percent of legal jobs risking replacement.

However, it also found that the rollout of AI could boost labor productivity and push global growth up by 7 percent year-on-year over a 10-year period.




Equipped with upper and lower cameras, specialized Zamzam distributing robots with laser sensors help it avoid any surrounding obstacles. (FILE/General Presidency of Haramain)

Al-Moussa says there are broadly two schools of thought about AI. The first views the technology as “complementary to our lives,” serving essentially as “an augmentation to our abilities.” This type of AI will not negatively impact the job market and, if anything, could enhance the way people live and work.

The other school of thought warns that AI will replace people’s jobs, will be “fast and intrusive,” and “all profit-driven,” causing harm to sections of society.

Rejecting the warnings of doomsayers about an “AI apocalypse,” Al-Moussa predicts that such programs will be primarily used for “repetitive tasks” that do not require “high intellect” or human input.

As part of Saudi Arabia’s preparation of the coming age of AI, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in June approved the establishment of the International Center for Artificial Intelligence Research and Ethics in Riyadh.




Introduced amid covid-19 pandemic, specialized robots roam the grounds of the Two Holy mosques distribute Zamzam water. (FILE/General Presidency of Haramain)

Earlier that same month, the Kingdom also established the Global Cybersecurity Forum Institute in Riyadh to harness the potential of cyberspace and support efforts to boost cybersafety on a global scale.

AI advocates have sought to address doubts surrounding the technology by emphasizing the critical importance of transparency and responsible usage.

Whatever the truth of the matter, there is no disputing that the popularity of AI applications in businesses is on the rise.

In May, the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority inaugurated the Center of Excellence for Generative Artificial Intelligence in partnership with the US computing firm Nvidia.

The authority also unveiled an AI chat application of its own capable of answering queries in Arabic known as Allam.

According to the Financial Times, Saudi Arabia recently bought as many as 3,000 of Nvidia’s H100 chips, which cost $40,000 each and are the first designed for generative AI, through the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology.

Achieving the goal of becoming an AI powerhouse will of course take time as widespread adoption of new systems requires the creation of an AI ecosystem and a strong culture of entrepreneurship.

Collaboration with international partners, investment in local talent, and adherence to global practices and standards in AI development are viewed as the best means of promoting Saudi initiatives in the field.

Al-Moussa believes there is an especially promising future in “homegrown technology” for Saudi Arabia, which will best reflect its language, culture and priorities.

“Nobody better understands us than us,” he said. “We grew up here. We know the culture. So, the kind of AI that can be developed at home is definitely closer to the culture, whether it is generative AI or something related to our environment. Because this kind of experience or this kind of intellect is unique to our country.

“You cannot imagine someone in a different part of the globe developing something for us better than us because we understand our power and our nature better than anyone else.”

 


Saudi king, crown prince congratulate UAE on 52nd National Day

Saudi king, crown prince congratulate UAE on 52nd National Day
Updated 11 sec ago
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Saudi king, crown prince congratulate UAE on 52nd National Day

Saudi king, crown prince congratulate UAE on 52nd National Day
  • Monarch wishes Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed ‘good health and happiness’
  • Annual event marks unification of 7 emirates into one nation

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s King Salman sent a message of congratulations to UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed to mark his country’s national day on Saturday, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The king “wished the Emirati president continued good health and happiness, and the government and friendly people of UAE further progress and prosperity.”

He also lauded the fraternal relations that bind the two countries.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman sent a similar message to Sheikh Mohammed.

The UAE is celebrating its 52nd National Day anniversary, which falls on Dec. 2 each year and commemorates the unification of all seven emirates into one nation.

The UAE leader received congratulatory messages from around the world, as did Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, vice president, prime minister and ruler of Dubai, and Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, vice president, deputy prime minister and chairman of the Presidential Court.

The US congratulated the UAE and sent its best wishes for the country’s continued success.

“The United States and the UAE are bound together by more than five decades of friendship and partnership,” the State Department said, attributing the comments to Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

“Our many successes stand as a testament to our leaders’ shared commitment to advance regional peace and stability, deter threats, de-escalate conflicts, and drive forward an affirmative agenda for prosperity and peaceful coexistence,” it said.

Blinken said the two countries shared a “vision of an interconnected region and world,” which was embodied in establishing diplomatic relations with Israel, also known as the Abraham Accords, and the UAE’s hosting of COP28 in Dubai.

“In these and many other groundbreaking diplomatic efforts, the UAE’s leadership has been instrumental,” he said.


Saudi communications commission to join Green Digital Action initiative

ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin. (Twitter @ITUSecGen)
ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin. (Twitter @ITUSecGen)
Updated 38 min 43 sec ago
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Saudi communications commission to join Green Digital Action initiative

ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin. (Twitter @ITUSecGen)
  • ITU scheme aims to fast-track commitments to tackling climate challenges
  • CST will lead ‘Foster a Circular ICT Industry’ track

RIYADH: The Saudi Communications, Space and Technology Commission has agreed to join the Green Digital Action initiative convened by the International Telecommunication Union.

An announcement was made on the sidelines of COP28, in the presence of ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin.

Green Digital Action aims to enhance collaboration, fast-track industry-wide commitments to addressing climate challenges, and put digital solutions at the forefront of climate action, by transforming into a digital infrastructure that enables environmental and sustainable solutions, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The initiative is supported by several international entities and agencies.

FASTFACT

The International Telecommunication Union scheme aims to fast-track commitments to tackling climate challenges.

The commission said it would be leading the “Foster a Circular ICT Industry” track as part of Green Digital Action, which covers reducing ICT sector emissions, advancing climate solutions through open environmental data and technologies, implementing green standards, facilitating a green transition across all industries through digital technology, and leveraging digital systems for disaster alerts and early warnings.

By joining the initiative, the commission will be helping to provide digital and sustainable solutions to address climate challenges and improve and implement regulations that enable a circular economy that contributes to reducing carbon emissions, the report said.

It also seeks to move to an eco-friendly digital infrastructure by collaborating with the public and private sectors and UN organizations.

The commission has also organized a panel discussion to be held on the sidelines of COP28 to highlight Saudi Arabia’s efforts in leading digital sustainability.

Titled “Circular Economy,” it will be attended by ITU Deputy Secretary-General Tomas Lamanauskas as well as representatives from countries that will apply the “E-Waste Management Regulations” launched by the Kingdom in partnership with the ITU.

The initiative aims to implement the regulations in Zambia, Rwanda and Paraguay as a way to tackle the challenges facing the treatment of e-waste around the world and raise awareness of the issue among policymakers and industry leaders.

Saudi Arabia has launched many initiatives that contribute to raising awareness and educating the public about the best practices for the use of technology to create a sustainable future for all.

 


Rain, thunderstorms set to lash Saudi Arabia until Monday

Rain, thunderstorms set to lash Saudi Arabia until Monday
Updated 41 min 44 sec ago
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Rain, thunderstorms set to lash Saudi Arabia until Monday

Rain, thunderstorms set to lash Saudi Arabia until Monday

RIYADH: Authorities on Saturday urged the public to exercise caution as further rain and thunderstorms are forecast to hit most regions until Monday, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

People should avoid areas that might be susceptible to flooding, not swim in open waters and adhere to the instructions announced through various media outlets, the General Directorate of Civil Defense said.

Light to moderate rains and the possibility of dust storms are forecast for the Makkah region, which includes the Holy Capital, Al-Jumum, Bahrah, Taif, Adham, Al-Ardiyat, Maysan, Al-Kamil, Al-Layth and Al-Qunfudhah.

The Madinah region, particularly Yanbu and Badr, as well as Al-Baha, Hail, Tabuk, Al-Jawf and the Northern Borders Region are also likely to be affected, the authority said.


2023 Republic of Korea Navy Cruise Training Task Group enters Saudi Arabia

2023 Republic of Korea Navy Cruise Training Task Group enters Saudi Arabia
Updated 56 min 4 sec ago
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2023 Republic of Korea Navy Cruise Training Task Group enters Saudi Arabia

2023 Republic of Korea Navy Cruise Training Task Group enters Saudi Arabia
  • CTTG is celebrating the 70th anniversary of its cruise training

JEDDAH: The Republic of Korea Navy Cruise Training Task Group (CTTG) arrived in Saudi Arabia at Jeddah Islamic Port on Friday, Dec. 1, on its second visit since 2015.

Jeddah is one of 13 ports and 12 cities that ROKS Hansando and combat support ship ROKS Hwacheon will visit during the group’s training, which is designed to familiarize the midshipmen with ships and to develop their skills before they are commissioned as naval officers.

Welcoming the ships and their crews at the port after their voyage from Egypt was South Korea’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Park Joon-Yong, South Korean Consul General Woo Hong-Koo, Commanding Officer Cho Chong Ho, consuls, members of the Korean International School of Jeddah, and South Korean residents of Jeddah.

Crew members Jang Jae-Kyung and Lee Hak-Je explained that the 4th grade of the Republic of Korea Naval Academy, also known as first-class midshipmen, annually go on a training exercise to different parts of the world. This year, they decided to visit Saudi Arabia because of the enduring relationship between the two countries, which dates back to the 1950s and the Korean War.

“Saudi Arabia helped us during the war, and for that we are always thankful,” said Jae-Kyung.

The CTTG is celebrating the 70th anniversary of its cruise training and the graduation of the 78th class of ROK Naval Academy, which consists of around 150 midshipmen.

ROKS Hansando is crewed by around 460 sailors. ROKS Hwacheon is celebrating its seventh circumnavigation as a commemoration of the CTTG’s 70th anniversary.

The training cadre includes a Saudi midshipman on an exchange program, Faisal Mohammed Alkhathami, who was celebrating his temporary trip home with his family. His father and brother attended the welcoming ceremony.

The ships will remain in the Kingdom until Dec. 4. During their stay, the group will hold several events, including an exchange between the Republic of Korea Navy and the Royal Saudi Navy, a visit to the Korean International School of Jeddah, an on-board reception, a ship tour, and a defense industry exhibition.

The crew also revealed that they will be touring Jeddah and expressed their excitement to venture into the city and learn about the history of Saudi Arabia.

Following the CTTG’s visit to the Kingdom, the ships will sail to India before heading to their final port of call in Japan. Once back in South Korea, the CTTG will have sailed for 30,000 miles — 1.5 times the circumference of the Earth.


KSrelief sends 3rd relief ship to Palestinians in Gaza

KSrelief sends 3rd relief ship to Palestinians in Gaza
Updated 02 December 2023
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KSrelief sends 3rd relief ship to Palestinians in Gaza

KSrelief sends 3rd relief ship to Palestinians in Gaza
  • The shipment, carrying 300 large containers weighing 1,246 tons, includes 200 containers of medical supplies
  • It comes as part of the Kingdom’s historic role in standing with the Palestinian people

JEDDAH: The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center on Saturday shipped the third batch of Saudi assistance to the Palestinian people in Gaza.
The shipment, carrying 300 large containers weighing 1,246 tons, includes 200 containers of medical supplies for hospitals in Gaza, and 100 containers of basic foodstuffs, baby formula and shelter material.
The ship set sail from Jeddah Islamic Port heading to Port Said in Egypt, from where it will be transported to Gaza.
It comes as part of the Kingdom’s historic role in standing with the Palestinian people.
Meanwhile, people sheltering in the south of Gaza after fleeing their homes earlier in the war said on Saturday they had nowhere safe to go now.
The city of Khan Younis is the focus of Israeli airstrikes and artillery fire after fighting resumed on Friday following the collapse of a week-long truce.
Its population has swelled in recent weeks as several hundred thousand people from the northern Gaza Strip have fled south.