Saudi Arabia to lead the way forward with tech

Saudi Arabia to lead the way forward with tech
Sherwani said that everyone had a role to play in the semiconductor sector (AN/Loai Elkeallwai)
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Updated 24 August 2024
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Saudi Arabia to lead the way forward with tech

Saudi Arabia to lead the way forward with tech
  • Kingdom’s recent technological shift unlike anywhere in the world, says Pakistani expert

RIYADH: Pakistani native and chairman of the National Semi-Conductor Hub, Naveed Sherwani, wants to inspire future Saudi generations to join in making the Kingdom a global semiconductor leader.

“I believe our mission is not to establish 50 companies, our mission is to inspire the Saudi nation to get involved in making Saudi Arabia a hub of semi-conductors; the only way for that to happen is for all of us to work together and ensure the young generation get involved in building semi-conductors,” Sherwani told Arab News.

“The semiconductor industry is a crucial industry that cannot be run by foreigners, it has to be run by Saudis … we will have to get Saudi youth and Saudi engineers to get interested,” he said.  

In June this year, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology hosted the third Future of Semiconductors Forum in Riyadh, establishing a roadmap for creating thousands of high-value training and job opportunities for Saudi innovators in the semiconductor industry.

As a part of the forum, the National Semiconductor Hub was introduced, which aims to develop and localize the electronic chip industry in the Kingdom. As its chairman, Sherwani aims to support Saudi youth in continuing to grow the semiconductor sector.  

“Semiconductors are important to the future of the Kingdom,” he said. “When you are working on such a crucial project it has to be done by the citizens.”

He underlined that this was the reason why investments must be made to ensure that Saudi universities produced high-quality electric engineers.

“We create this enthusiasm by giving them vision … that this is another great career for them,” he said.

Sherwani said that everyone had a role to play in the semiconductor sector: “We will all have to join hands together and try to inspire our generation to lead this (semiconductor sector).”

Sherwani, whose father worked in Saudi Arabia for about 16 years, noted his early memories of the Kingdom, adding that he first came to Saudi Arabia in the early 2000’s.

His father was a meteorologist based in Jeddah and worked on the Kingdom’s environmental policy in the 1980’s and 1990’s. 

In June 2023, Sherwani attended the Arab-China investment conference. “That was the first time that I fully understood the focus of the Kingdom on technology … and I said this is the right time, we need to focus and see what we can do in semi-conductors,” he said.

Discussing the technological change that he noticed in Saudi Arabia, Sherwani said: “This is kind of shift I have never seen anywhere in the world.”

He added that Saudi Arabia’s strategic location in the region made it “the growth driver of the region.”

“This region is going to grow,” he said. “The next level of growth in the MENA region is going to be technology and digitization … the base of digitalization is chip design and semi-conductors.”  

Investing heavily in technology was the way forward, he said: “Our intent in setting up the National Semi-Conductor Hub in Saudi Arabia is to establish the design ecosystem for chip design here. The goal of the National Semi-Conductor Hub over the next five to six years as part of Vision 2030 is to establish 50 semiconductor design companies in the Kingdom.”

He said that chips were used in all spaces and aspects of daily life, from hospitals to schools to communication, smartphones and cars. 

Sherwani said that because the Kingdom was expanding into other areas, diversification in semi-conductors was needed across sectors. “If you want to become a nation of making electric cars then you have to make semi-conductors,” he said.

Sherwani said that while some might claim that the Kingdom could easily outsource and import semi-conductors from elsewhere: “I think that dependence is not healthy … what we should do is build our own capability.  

“I think that the best country to do that in the region is Saudi Arabia,” he said.


Saudi Arabia is evaluating BRICS membership, says economy minister

Saudi Arabia is evaluating BRICS membership, says economy minister
Updated 12 February 2025
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Saudi Arabia is evaluating BRICS membership, says economy minister

Saudi Arabia is evaluating BRICS membership, says economy minister
  • Study ongoing, says Al-Ibrahim at World Governments Summit
  • Slow forecast global growth means Kingdom needs to ‘engage’

DUBAI: Saudi Arabia is evaluating the benefits of joining the BRICS economic bloc, Faisal Alibrahim, the Kingdom’s minister of economy and planning, said at the World Governments Summit on Wednesday.

Speaking during a session titled “The Emergence of Multiple Economic Blocs,” Alibrahim highlighted Saudi Arabia’s commitment to fostering global dialogue while navigating an increasingly fragmented economic landscape.

The BRICS bloc was formed in 2009 and initially named after its original founders Brazil, Russia, India and China, while South Africa joined a year later. It now has 10 full members including Iran, Egypt, Ethiopia, the UAE and Indonesia.

Alibrahim said economic blocs such as BRICS were not an end in themselves but tools to promote stability and integration. “Dialogue is important. It’s important for the Kingdom and for the world today.”

He said Saudi Arabia viewed such platforms as opportunities to build, protect, and expand common ground.

Since the launch of Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia has demonstrated an increased openness to global dialogue, aiming to enhance regulatory alignment and market integration.

The minister emphasized that while regional proximity and cultural ties were vital, meaningful economic cooperation also required open, transparent discussions on trade policies and regulatory frameworks.

“During hyperinflation days, like what happened in the 70s, we will be operating less than our potential and less than our optimal output,” he said.

“Which means we will be operating at a loss, and the global economy can’t afford this especially since it is projected to grow at 3.3 percent in 2025. We can’t afford not to continue to engage.”

Alibrahim also addressed the evolving economic dynamics within the GCC. “In the case of the GCC, we’re looking at a common market and a customs union.”

“To be very transparent, we were considering a currency union, but effectively, because of our collective peg, we are more or less pegged to the dollar. This peg has created a form of economic unity.”

The minister said GCC countries were taking a step back to reassess what Gulf economic unity and integration should look like in the future.

“We’re having very open, transparent discussions among all six countries about trade policy and many other topics,” he added.

Addressing Saudi Arabia’s potential BRICS membership, Alibrahim said the Kingdom was undergoing a “rigorous process” to evaluate the pros and cons of joining the bloc.

“Like any multilateral platform, we carefully assess the benefits and challenges,” he explained.

When asked whether BRICS membership might undermine the petrodollar system, Alibrahim dismissed such concerns, stressing that continued dialogue remained essential, even amid policy differences.

“Engagement does not mean endorsement. It’s about sharing perspectives to address global challenges,” he said.

Alibrahim reflected on the current global economic climate marked by rising protectionism and trade disruptions.

He warned that the fading era of hyper-globalization necessitated a shift from merely seeking consensus to fostering meaningful, solution-oriented discussions.

“Hyper globalization is fading. You said it. Protectionism is increasing. Trade disruptions, we don’t want to say specifically, trade wars, trade disruptions are increasing.

“This means that companies and countries are now solving for more stability, not necessarily for efficiency. We can’t afford not to engage.

The minister advocated for robust multilateralism.

“The solution is being honest with each other. We are in the Saudi government, and ministers among themselves are very candid and very respectful.

“But we critique each other, and I think governments bilaterally should develop that strong relationship to be able to comment and support and give each other feedback. And I think that will create the shift needed in global data.”


Saudi Cabinet reviews regional developments, approves key agreements

Saudi Cabinet reviews regional developments, approves key agreements
Updated 11 February 2025
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Saudi Cabinet reviews regional developments, approves key agreements

Saudi Cabinet reviews regional developments, approves key agreements
  • Ministers reject Israeli statements advocating displacement of Palestinians
  • Meeting praises Kingdom’s economic diversification efforts

RIYADH: Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman chaired the weekly Cabinet session in Riyadh on Tuesday, where key regional and international issues were discussed and agreements aimed at enhancing the Kingdom’s global partnerships were approved, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The crown prince briefed the Cabinet on his recent phone calls with Jordan’s King Abdullah II and UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan.

The Cabinet strongly rejected Israeli statements advocating the displacement of Palestinians, reaffirming Saudi Arabia’s commitment to the Palestinian cause. The ministers said that lasting peace could be achieved only through the two-state solution and peaceful coexistence.

The session highlighted the Kingdom’s growing influence in multilateral organizations, particularly its recent election to the Executive Committee of the International Association of Anti-Corruption Authorities. The achievement reflects global recognition of Saudi Arabia’s efforts to combat corruption and promote transparency.

On the domestic front, the Cabinet praised the continuing economic diversification efforts, particularly the launch of the King Salman Automobile Manufacturing Complex, which is expected to boost the economic contribution of the non-oil sector and support the National Industry and Logistics Development Program.

The ministers commended the completion of the Financial Sustainability Program’s executive plan, which aims to enhance spending efficiency, develop revenue streams and strengthen Saudi Arabia’s economic resilience under Vision 2030.

The Kingdom’s top ranking on the security index for the Group of 20 industrialized and emerging-market nations was also recognized as a testament to its leadership in ensuring stability and prosperity.

During the session, the Cabinet approved several agreements to strengthen Saudi Arabia’s international partnerships. In the field of security cooperation, ministers signed a deal with Jordan to combat narcotics trafficking, while on the diplomatic front, a mutual visa exemption deal was finalized with the Solomon Islands for holders of diplomatic, special and official passports.

Economic and trade relations were also discussed, with the Cabinet authorizing negotiations for a political consultations memorandum with Armenia and approving a commercial cooperation agreement with the Maldives.

A new partnership was also established with Oman in the field of economy and planning, while a separate memorandum of understanding was signed with Qatar to enhance financial cooperation. The government also approved an agreement with Serbia to avoid double taxation and prevent tax evasion.

In the cultural and scientific fields, a memorandum of understanding was signed with Morocco’s Hassan II Mosque Foundation to promote traditional arts, while another was agreed with the UK’s Meteorological Office for cooperation in meteorology.

Transport and infrastructure initiatives were also on the agenda, with the approval of an agreement with Egypt to enhance maritime connectivity and passenger transport in the Gulf of Aqaba. In the financial sector, the Cabinet endorsed a new partnership to enhance cooperation between the Saudi Central Bank and the Central Bank of Turkiye.

The Cabinet also approved amendments to the Public Prosecution Law and the Board of Grievances Law, adding experienced professionals to their respective councils. Additionally, key promotions were confirmed, including the appointment of Abdul-Moneim bin Abdul-Rahman bin Saleh Al-Mahmoud as an ambassador at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.


Saudi paralympic ball game helping empower people with disabilities

Boccia, a precision ball game, was introduced into the Paralympic Games in 1984 and has since rocketed in popularity. (SPA)
Boccia, a precision ball game, was introduced into the Paralympic Games in 1984 and has since rocketed in popularity. (SPA)
Updated 11 February 2025
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Saudi paralympic ball game helping empower people with disabilities

Boccia, a precision ball game, was introduced into the Paralympic Games in 1984 and has since rocketed in popularity. (SPA)
  • Boccia uses six leather balls per side and can be played by individuals, pairs, or teams of three

RIYADH: The sport of boccia is helping to empower people living with severe physical disabilities across the Kingdom, the head of its governing body said.

The precision ball game, which is related to bowls and petanque, was introduced into the Paralympic Games in 1984 and has since rocketed in popularity.

Boccia, a precision ball game, was introduced into the Paralympic Games in 1984 and has since rocketed in popularity. (SPA)

Mohsen Al-Ismail, president of the Saudi Boccia Federation, said his organization was committed to promoting the sport throughout the Kingdom and helping nurture talent, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

When the game was introduced to the Paralympics it was designed to be played by people with cerebral palsy but now includes athletes with other disabilities affecting motor skills.

FASTFACTS

• Mohsen Al-Ismail, president of the Saudi Boccia Federation, said his organization was committed to promoting the sport throughout the Kingdom and helping nurture talent.

• In 1984, the sport attracted just 19 athletes from five countries. In 2024, there were 116 players from 75 countries.

In 1984, the sport attracted just 19 athletes from five countries. In 2024, there were 116 players from 75 countries.

Al-Ismail said the sport helped individuals with cerebral palsy, particularly those with nerve issues, by improving balance, stimulating blood circulation, strengthening muscles and supporting motor rehabilitation.

Boccia uses six leather balls per side and can be played by individuals, pairs, or teams of three. The aim is for players to throw their balls as close as they can to a white target ball, or jack.

The game dates back to ancient Greece and Egypt and its name is derived from the Latin word for “boss.”

 


Saudi Arabia tops G20 Safety Index, GASTAT report says

Saudi Arabia tops G20 Safety Index, GASTAT report says
Updated 11 February 2025
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Saudi Arabia tops G20 Safety Index, GASTAT report says

Saudi Arabia tops G20 Safety Index, GASTAT report says

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has ranked first among G20 countries in public safety perception, with 92.6 percent of the Kingdom’s population feeling safe walking alone at night in their residential areas, according to the 2023 Safety Index Publication issued by the General Authority for Statistics.

The data, drawn from the Global Sustainable Development Goals Indicators Database, highlights the effectiveness of government initiatives aimed at enhancing security and quality of life across the country, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

GASTAT said the results reflected the contributions of various government sectors in ensuring the safety of individuals across all regions and governorates.

Saudi Arabia’s ranking aligned with its broader efforts as part of the Saudi Vision 2030 to enhance stability and well-being across multiple domains, including economic, food, environmental, health, social, political, intellectual, technological, and cybersecurity safety, SPA added.

The Safety Index Publication was a key outcome of the 2023 Household Socio-Economic Survey, which assessed various aspects of economic and social life in Saudi Arabia, including residents’ perceptions of safety in their local communities.


Saudi Arabia’s real estate giant ROSHN using AI to enhance efficiency, improve services

Pablo Sanz, Executive Director of Digital Products at ROSHN Group speaks to Arab News at LEAP 2025. (AN photo)
Pablo Sanz, Executive Director of Digital Products at ROSHN Group speaks to Arab News at LEAP 2025. (AN photo)
Updated 12 February 2025
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Saudi Arabia’s real estate giant ROSHN using AI to enhance efficiency, improve services

Pablo Sanz, Executive Director of Digital Products at ROSHN Group speaks to Arab News at LEAP 2025. (AN photo)
  • Technology helps build 3D models, automate procurement, executive says
  • State-owned developer has plans to build fully integrated communities in 5 cities

RIYADH: State-owned property developer ROSHN said it is using artificial intelligence across its operations to enhance efficiency, improve the customer experience and support its sustainability efforts.

Speaking to Arab News on the sidelines of the LEAP 2025 technology conference in Riyadh, Pablo Sanz, executive director of digital products, said: “We are deploying multiple AI agents … so we can serve you better or we can solve your problems in a more convenient way.”

The move was part of the company’s broader strategy to simplify processes and improve accessibility, to assist customers with purchases, moving in and managing services, he said.

Sanz said AI-powered tools were being used to create 3D models of buildings, automate the procurement process, streamline construction, reduce waste, improve efficiency and analyze data on real estate markets.

ROSHN recently partnered with Google Cloud to enhance its AI capabilities. The collaboration is designed to improve data-driven decision making and ensure the company’s developments align with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 for smart and sustainable cities.

“AI is changing how we do a lot of things,” Sanz said. “The human touch is still important, but AI allows us to work faster and make processes more convenient in many areas, from customer interactions to supplier relationships.”

ROSHN has plans to build fully integrated communities in five cities – Jeddah, Makkah, Riyadh, Hofuf and Dammam – across the country and is a key player in the Kingdom’s goal to achieve 70 percent home ownership by 2030.