The future is artificial, but ethical decisions remain human

The future is artificial, but ethical decisions remain human

The future is artificial, but ethical decisions remain human
While the future may be artificial, our ethical decisions remain very much human. (Shutterstock photo)
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In a world where artificial intelligence is poised to rule our lives, one man stands at the intersection of technological advancement and ethical oversight: Mr. Gus.

With a flair for irony and a heart of gold (somewhere beneath the layers of skepticism), Gus is on a mission to restore dignity to our historical sites and water caves — places that have suffered under the relentless assault of plastic and human negligence.

As Techville embraces its reputation as a hub of innovation, it is hard to ignore the plastic pollution that silently chokes our beloved natural wonders. Socrates McHipster, a local philosopher, once said: “The unexamined life is not worth living.” Yet, in Techville, it seems the unexamined rubbish is here to stay. Gus, a self-proclaimed environmentalist with a PhD in sarcasm from the University of Everyday Life, has taken it upon himself to lead the charge against this growing crisis.

“You’d think with all the AI we have, we could program people to not throw their trash everywhere,” Gus mused, surveying the remnants of last weekend’s picnic at Crystal Water Cave. “But here we are, drowning in a sea of plastic straws and forgotten snack wrappers, like a bad dream brought to life by a malfunctioning AI.”

As AI continues to revolutionize industries from healthcare to dog grooming, it raises a compelling question: Can AI teach us ethical behavior? Perhaps a robotic conscience could be the answer. Picture this: an AI system programmed to chastise litterbugs, reminding them of their moral obligations with an eerie yet oddly endearing voice.

“Hey, buddy, did you really think that chip bag belonged in the cave?” the AI could say, followed by an awkward silence, a pause for reflection, and maybe a robotic sigh. Ah, ethics in the age of machines.

But as we know, the irony of our digital age is that while technology advances, human behavior often lags behind. The ancient philosopher Aristotle wisely declared: “Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.” In Techville, knowing yourself seems to include knowing which trash can is closest — often leading to the conclusion that “the nearest bush” is an acceptable disposal method.

Gus, armed with a recycled clipboard and an unyielding spirit, has assembled a motley crew of fellow Techville residents, including techies, environmentalists, and those who just really love wearing matching T-shirts. Together, they’re committed to cleaning up their city, but not without a good dose of irony.

“Some say we should harness AI to manage waste,” Gus said while deftly dodging a half-buried plastic bottle at the cave entrance. “But I’d settle for teaching people to manage their own waste first. Maybe AI can help us learn to remember basic concepts like ‘don’t litter’ and ‘we don’t live in a dumpster.’”

As AI continues to revolutionize industries from healthcare to dog grooming, it raises a compelling question: Can AI teach us ethical behavior?

Rafael Hernandez de Santiago

His team, known as “The Green Guardians of Techville,” have made it their mission to not only clean up but also educate the community on ethical behavior in our increasingly plastic-laden society. They’ve even created a catchy slogan: “Trash it, and you’ll crash it!”

As the Guardians tackle the plastic plague, they often find themselves reflecting on history. Techville, known for its innovation, is also home to historical sites that deserve better than to be adorned with plastic. “It’s like putting a clown wig on the Mona Lisa,” Gus said. “You wouldn’t do that to a masterpiece, so why do it to our natural wonders?”

Philosopher Immanuel Kant once stated: “Act only according to that maxim whereby you can, at the same time, will that it should become a universal law.” If only everyone could adopt this principle when reaching for a snack. If we all acted with the consideration that our actions have broader implications, perhaps Gus wouldn’t have to remind us that a water cave is not a rubbish bin.

Yet, as Gus and his crew dive into the depths of this ethical quagmire, they encounter the undeniable truth: the challenge is not simply to remove the rubbish; it’s to address the human condition itself. The ethical conundrum isn’t just about plastic, it’s about our capacity for change.

“Maybe we need AI to give us the moral pep talk we’ve been avoiding,” Gus mused. “Something like, ‘Hey, remember that time you threw your trash on the ground? How did that work out for you?’”

As Techville prepares for the upcoming “Clean Up the Cave” event, Mr. Gus reminds us that while technology can help, it’s ultimately our responsibility to change. “AI might be the future,” he said, “but the real question is: Are we ready to evolve alongside it?”

With a wink and a wave, he added: “Now if only we could program it to make a decent cup of coffee while we ponder our ethical dilemmas.”

In a city grappling with its own contradictions, Mr. Gus stands as a beacon of hope, reminding us that while the future may be artificial, our ethical decisions remain very much human. And as we look ahead, perhaps we’ll find that it’s not just about cleaning up our caves, but also cleaning up our act.

Rafael Hernandez de Santiago, viscount of Espes, is a Spanish national residing in Saudi Arabia and working at the Gulf Research Center.

Disclaimer: Views expressed by writers in this section are their own and do not necessarily reflect Arab News' point of view

Bangladesh prepares to send Hajj pilgrims by sea after 40 years

Bangladesh prepares to send Hajj pilgrims by sea after 40 years
Updated 1 min 9 sec ago
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Bangladesh prepares to send Hajj pilgrims by sea after 40 years

Bangladesh prepares to send Hajj pilgrims by sea after 40 years
  • Bangladesh has been struggling to meet its Hajj pilgrim quota due to high airfares
  • Travel by sea estimated to help decrease the cost of pilgrimage package by about $900

DHAKA: Bangladeshi authorities are preparing to resume sending Hajj pilgrims via the sea route, aiming to significantly reduce travel costs starting next year.

For the past few years, Bangladesh, one of the most populous Muslim-majority countries, has struggled to meet its Hajj quota, as fewer people have been able to afford the pilgrimage since international airfares surged after the COVID-19 pandemic.

The possibility of pilgrimage by sea was discussed during Bangladeshi Religious Affairs Adviser Khalid Hossain’s meeting with Saudi Hajj and Umrah Minister Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah in Jeddah last month.

Dhaka’s envoy to the Kingdom, Brig. Gen. S.M. Rakibullah, told Arab News on Thursday that the first session on the logistics was set to take place next week.

“We have received confirmation from (the) Saudi authority regarding the transportation of pilgrims by sea. A coordination meeting on this issue will be held in Jeddah on the 3rd of December,” he said.

Targeting to start sending pilgrims by sea already during next year’s Hajj season — which will take place between June 4 and June 9 — Bangladeshi authorities are planning to reduce the cost of pilgrimage packages.

The price of the current 2025 package is about $4,000.

“We will declare a new Hajj package for the pilgrims who are interested in taking the sea route,” Matiul Islam, additional secretary at the Ministry of Religious Affairs, told Arab News.

“This new sea route will help us in fulfilling the Hajj quota ... Our assigned shipping company is working on sourcing the ship. If we get ship on time, there is no other problem at our end.”

Hajj travel by sea will take place for the first time in four decades.

“To the best of my knowledge, in 1984, Bangladeshi pilgrims traveled to the Kingdom by ship to perform the Hajj rituals for the last time,” Islam said.

Karnaphuli Ship Builders, the shipping company chosen by the Bangladeshi government to operate the route, expects that the new mode of transport will reduce the cost of the current pilgrimage package by more than 20 percent.

It plans to purchase a 32-story ship to carry pilgrims from the southern Bangladeshi port of Chottogram to Jeddah.

“The costs of the Hajj journey will be reduced by around $900,” said M.A. Rashid, the company’s managing director.

“We have already sourced a Caribbean cruise ... The ship will carry up to 3,000 pilgrims at a time. It will take eight days to reach from Chottogram Port to Jeddah.”

Last year, Saudi Arabia granted Bangladesh a quota of 127,000 pilgrims, but because of high inflation and the cost of flights to the Middle East, only 85,000 were able to embark on the spiritual journey that is one of the five pillars of Islam.


Thai scholar thanks Saudi Arabia for ‘transformative role’ in his life

Thai scholar thanks Saudi Arabia for ‘transformative role’ in his life
Updated 4 min 24 sec ago
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Thai scholar thanks Saudi Arabia for ‘transformative role’ in his life

Thai scholar thanks Saudi Arabia for ‘transformative role’ in his life

RIYADH: Abdullah Mustafa, a prominent Muslim scholar from Thailand and one of the guests of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques’ Program for Umrah and Visit, has expressed gratitude to Saudi Arabia for its pivotal role in shaping his life and career, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Fifty years ago, a young Mustafa embarked on a life-changing journey to Saudi Arabia, receiving a scholarship from the Islamic University of Madinah. He fondly recalled the simplicity of the Prophet’s Mosque during his early days — a stark contrast to the magnificent religious landmark it has become today.

During his 16 years in Saudi Arabia, Mustafa immersed himself in Islamic studies, earning a doctorate in Islamic advocacy and interfaith dialogue. His academic pursuits were particularly focused on understanding Buddhism, the predominant religion in Thailand, and developing effective strategies for Islamic outreach.

Upon his return to Thailand, he dedicated his life to spreading the message of Islam. He translated the Holy Qur’an into the Thai language, making it accessible to a wider audience. His tireless efforts have led to numerous conversions and a strengthened Muslim community in Thailand.

He emphasized the enduring impact of Saudi Arabia’s support for Muslims worldwide and highlighted the “esteemed” position held by graduates of Saudi universities in various fields, including education and Islamic jurisprudence.

Looking to the future, Mustafa expressed hope that his daughter, currently studying at Taibah University in Madinah, will continue his legacy of serving Islam.

He acknowledged the Kingdom’s progressive approach to education, emphasizing the importance of women scholars in Islamic advocacy.

He also extended heartfelt thanks to King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for their unwavering commitment to serving Islam and Muslims around the world, and gratitude to the Ministry of Islamic Affairs for its endeavors to promote moderate Islam and foster “global Islamic unity.”


Israel military strikes kill 32 Palestinians in Gaza, medics say

Israel military strikes kill 32 Palestinians in Gaza, medics say
Updated 19 min 41 sec ago
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Israel military strikes kill 32 Palestinians in Gaza, medics say

Israel military strikes kill 32 Palestinians in Gaza, medics say
  • Among the 32 killed, at least seven died in an Israeli strike on a house in central Gaza City

The Israeli military said it killed a Palestinian it accused of involvement in Hamas’ October 7 attack on Israel in a vehicle strike in Gaza, and is investigating claims that the individual was an employee of aid group World Central Kitchen.
At least 32 Palestinians were killed in Israeli military strikes across Gaza overnight and into Saturday, with most casualties reported in northern areas, medics told Reuters.
Later on Saturday medics said seven people were killed when an Israeli air strike targeted a vehicle near a gathering of Palestinians receiving aid in the southern area of Khan Younis south of the enclave.
According to residents and a Hamas source, the vehicle targeted near a crowd receiving flour belonged to security personnel responsible for overseeing the delivery of aid shipments into Gaza.
Among the 32 killed, at least seven died in an Israeli strike on a house in central Gaza City, according to a statement from the Gaza Civil Defense and the official Palestinian news agency WAFA early on Saturday.
The Gaza Civil Defense also reported that one of its officers was killed in attacks in northern Gaza’s Jabalia, bringing the total number of civil defense workers killed since October 7, 2023, to 88.
Earlier on Saturday, WAFA reported that three employees of the World Central Kitchen, a US-based, non-governmental humanitarian agency, were killed when a civilian vehicle was targeted in Khan Younis, southern Gaza.
The World Central Kitchen has not yet commented on the incident.


Startup Wrap – Early-stage funding continues to capture interest

Startup Wrap – Early-stage funding continues to capture interest
Updated 39 min 58 sec ago
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Startup Wrap – Early-stage funding continues to capture interest

Startup Wrap – Early-stage funding continues to capture interest

CAIRO: Early-stage startups across the Middle East and North Africa region secure investments to drive innovation in sectors such as logistics, fintech, and climate tech.

Saudi-based Nama Ventures co-led Egypt’s Nowlun $1.7 million seed funding round along with venture capital firm A15.

The round also saw participation from Sanabil 500 Global and other angel investors.

Founded in 2021 by Moataz Khamis, Ahmed Emara, and Mahmoud Khaled, Nowlun’s platform provides businesses with access to real-time pricing across major shipping lines, enabling them to make faster and more informed decisions.

The company plans to utilize the raised capital for expansion and the development of its technology.

Mohammed Al-Zubi, founder of Nama Ventures, and Bassem Raafat, principal at A15, lauded the company’s mission and strategy.

Naif Al Rajhi acquires stake in Jordan’s Mawdoo3

Saudi investment firm Naif Al Rajhi Investment has acquired a strategic stake in Jordan-based artificial intelligence Arabic content platform Mawdoo3 for an undisclosed amount.

Founded in 2010 by Mohammad Jaber and Rami Al-Qawasmi, Mawdoo3 specializes in AI technologies and large language models tailored to the Arabic language.

The deal aligns with Naif Al Rajhi Investment’s focus on emerging sectors, while providing the Jordan-based firm with the resources to expand into the Saudi market.

Mawdoo3, which has raised $25 million over three funding rounds – including a $10 million series B in 2019 – is poised to strengthen its regional presence through this partnership.

Geidea expands SoftPos solution to Egypt after success in Saudi Arabia and UAE

Geidea, a prominent Saudi provider of digital payment solutions, is set to launch its SoftPos service in Egypt after successful rollouts in Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

The SoftPos technology enables merchants to accept secure contactless payments via smartphones, eliminating the need for traditional point-of-sale devices.

This expansion is part of Geidea’s strategy to drive digital transformation across the region by enhancing payment efficiency and accessibility for businesses of all sizes.

SoftPos allows merchants to process secure payments directly from smartphones, adhering to global data protection and transaction safety standards, the company explained.

Flat6Labs backs 10 Saudi startups in Riyadh Seed Program cycle

Flat6Labs, a seed and early-stage venture capital firm operating in the MENA region, has invested in 10 Saudi startups as part of its fourth Riyadh Seed Program cycle.

The startups span a variety of sectors, including e-commerce, logistics, Software-as-a-Service, and cybersecurity, and each received $133,000 in funding.

The initiative is supported by the Saudi Venture Capital Co., Jada Fund of Funds, and Riyadh Valley Company, with additional backing from the National Technology Development Program.

Since launching its Riyadh program in 2023, Flat6Labs has funded 41 startups, solidifying its role in fostering innovation in Saudi Arabia’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Sylndr secures $7.46m to boost Egypt’s used car marketplace

Egypt-based used car marketplace Sylndr has raised $7.46 million in a capital facility to support its operations and growth.

EFG Hermes acted as the sole financial advisor for the transaction, with financing provided by EFG Corp-Solutions, Bank NXT, and EG Bank, among others.

Founded in 2021 by Amr Mazen and Omar El-Defrawy, Sylndr enables users to buy and sell used cars while offering financing solutions.

The new capital will be used to enhance customer experience, diversify inventory, and expand financing options. This follows a $12.6 million pre-seed round in 2022, led by RAED Ventures and Algebra Ventures.

Morocco’s PTS raises $500k to scale fintech solutions

Premium Technology & Services, a Morocco-based fintech startup, has secured $500,000 from BMCE Capital Investments, the private equity arm of BMCE Capital Group.

The funding will be used to advance PTS’s solutions for digitizing traditional banking cards, which are tailored to meet the evolving needs of banks and businesses.

Founded in 2020 by Samir Younes and two others, PTS plans to leverage the investment to drive innovation and scale operations to meet increasing demand in the region.

Watercycle Technologies raises $5.6m to advance MENA expansion

UK-based climate tech company Watercycle Technologies has closed a $5.6 million series A investment round led by Par Equity, alongside participation from Aer Ventures, Greater Manchester Combined Authority, and the University of Manchester Innovation Factory.

Founded in 2020 by Ahmed Abdelkarim and Sebastian Leaper, Watercycle Technologies focuses on sustainable critical mineral recovery while producing clean, drinkable water.

This investment will help the company expand its operations, with plans to extend services into the MENA region to support global Net Zero initiatives.

Iraq-based edtech Eduba acquired by a regional telecom giant

Eduba, an Iraq-based education tech startup, has been acquired by an undisclosed telecommunications conglomerate in a seven-figure deal.

Founded in 2019 by Azad Hassan, Haider Shaaban, and Raed Kadhem, Eduba began as a school management app and gained traction among private schools, securing accreditation from Iraq’s Ministry of Education.

This acquisition highlights the growing value of edtech solutions in the region and positions Eduba for further expansion under its new ownership.

Japan’s AI startup Recursive Inc. inks MoU with Saudi Arabia’s KAIMRC

Japan-based AI startup Recursive Inc. has signed a memorandum of understanding with the King Abdullah International Medical Research Center in Saudi Arabia to jointly develop an advanced system for the early detection of tuberculosis.

The partnership, formalized during the Riyadh Global Medical Biotechnology Summit, aims to leverage Recursive’s AI expertise and KAIMRC’s medical research capabilities to improve TB screening accuracy and diagnosis speed in the Kingdom.

This collaboration, supported by the Ministry of National Guard-Health Affairs, aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals to transform its healthcare system and improve public health.

Using chest X-ray imaging data, the AI solution will enable timely TB diagnosis and treatment, reducing mortality and transmission risks.

“We are truly honored to partner with KAIMRC on this groundbreaking initiative,” said Tiago Ramalho, CEO of Recursive Inc.

“By combining KAIMRC’s pioneering medical research with our AI expertise, we are confident we can make a meaningful impact, not only in Saudi Arabia but also in regions worldwide that face the increasing challenge of TB and other infectious diseases,” he added.

The initiative also supports Saudi Arabia’s National Tuberculosis Program, which seeks to reduce TB mortality and incidence rates by 95 percent and 90 percent, respectively, by 2035 compared to 2015 levels.

Through this collaboration, Recursive and KAIMRC aim to create a scalable TB screening model for broader application in high-burden regions while exploring the use of AI to address other infectious diseases.


UAE and India emerge as top destinations for Saudi Arabia’s non-oil goods

UAE and India emerge as top destinations for Saudi Arabia’s non-oil goods
Updated 46 min 35 sec ago
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UAE and India emerge as top destinations for Saudi Arabia’s non-oil goods

UAE and India emerge as top destinations for Saudi Arabia’s non-oil goods

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Arab neighbor UAE was the favorite destination for the Kingdom’s non-oil goods in September, with exports to the Emirates amounting to SR6.54 billion ($1.74 billion), official data showed.

According to the General Authority for Statistics, Saudi Arabia exported mechanical and electrical equipment worth SR3.10 billion to the UAE in September, followed by transport parts and chemical products valued at SR1.64 billion and SR375.8 million, respectively.

Bolstering the exports of non-oil goods is a crucial goal outlined in Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 economic diversification agenda, with the Kingdom steadily reducing its decades-long dependence on crude revenues.

Earlier this month, speaking at the World Investment Conference, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Economy and Planning Faisal Alibrahim said that non-oil activities now account for 52 percent of the Kingdom’s gross domestic product.

He also added that this sector of the economy has been growing at 20 percent since the launch of the Vision 2030.

In September, Saudi Arabia’s outbound shipments of plastic and rubber products to the UAE stood at SR345.9 million, followed by live animals and animal products at SR149.6 million.

India was another major destination for Saudi Arabia’s non-oil products over the period, with the Asian nation receiving inbound shipments worth SR2.35 billion from the Kingdom.

Chemical products and allied industries worth SR1.21 billion were imported from Saudi Arabia by India.

Other major non-oil exports to the country were plastic products and jewelry valued at SR438.4 million and SR345.5 million, respectively.

China held the third spot for Saudi Arabia’s non-oil exports, with the Asian giant receiving inbound shipments from the Kingdom valued at SR1.73 billion in September.

Other top destinations for Saudi Arabia’s non-energy products over the month were Singapore, which imported goods valued at SR1.39 billion, Turkiye at SR973.4 billion, and Belgium at SR964.7 billion.

Egypt imported non-oil goods worth SR862.8 billion from the Kingdom, followed by the US and Jordan at SR743.2 billion and SR733.1 billion, respectively.

Overall, Saudi Arabia’s non-oil exports increased by 22.8 percent year on year in September, reaching SR25.95 billion.

Affirming the progress of Saudi Arabia’s non-oil business activities, the Kingdom’s purchasing managers’ index rose to a six-month high of 56.9 in October, beating the September rating of 56.3 and the August level of 54.8.

According to the Riyad Bank Saudi Arabia PMI report, any readings above 50 indicate expansion of non-oil business activities, while levels below 50 signal contraction.

In October, a report released by Moody’s also projected that Saudi Arabia’s non-hydrocarbon real gross domestic product is set to grow between 5 percent and 5.5 percent from 2025 to 2027, driven by increased government spending.

GASTAT revealed that non-oil exports worth SR16.52 billion were sent to other countries through sea from Saudi Arabia, while outbound shipments via land and air totaled SR4.96 billion and SR4.46 billion, respectively.

King Fahad Industrial Sea Port in Jubail was the main exit point for Saudi Arabia’s non-energy exports with goods valued at SR3.54 billion.

Al Bat’ha Port handled non-oil outbound goods worth SR1.78 billion, while exports worth SR802.8 million passed through Al Hadithah Port.

Among airports, King Khalid International and King Abdulaziz International handled non-hydrocarbon export goods worth SR2.33 billion and SR1.89 billion, respectively.

Saudi Arabia’s overall merchandise exports

GASTAT, in its report, revealed that Saudi Arabia’s overall merchandise exports in September stood at SR88.56 billion, representing a decline of 14.9 percent compared to the same period of the previous year.

According to the authority, oil exports witnessed a fall of 24.5 percent year on year in September.

“Consequently, the percentage of oil exports out of total exports decreased from 79.7 percent in September 2023 to 70.7 percent in September 2024,” said GASTAT.

To stabilize the market, Saudi Arabia cut its oil production by 500,000 barrels per day in April 2023, a reduction now extended until December 2024.

China was the Kingdom’s most important trading partner in September, with exports to the Asian nation amounting to 13.91 billion, followed by Japan and the UAE at SR7.98 billion and SR7.49 billion, respectively.

The strong flow of Saudi exports to China signifies strong bilateral relations between both nations, with the Kingdom being the largest trading partner of China in the Middle East since 2001, and bilateral trade between the nations reaching $107.23 billion in 2023.

China and Saudi Arabia are strategic partners in various other sectors like energy and finance, as well as the Belt and Road Initiative.

In September, Saudi Arabia’s exports to South Korea amounted to SR6.87 billion, followed by the US at SR3.27 billion, Egypt at SR2.89 billion and Singapore at SR2.70 billion.

Imports in September

GASTAT revealed that Saudi Arabia’s overall imports in September reached SR69.8 billion, representing an increase of 15 percent compared to the same month of the previous year, while the surplus of the merchandise trade balance decreased by 56.9 percent during the same period.

In September, Saudi Arabia imported goods worth SR17.99 billion from China, led by mechanical appliances and electrical equipment valued at SR8.29 billion.

The authority added that Chinese imports of transport equipment and base metal products amounted to SR2.37 billion and SR1.66 billion, respectively.

Saudi Arabia also imported plastic and rubber products from China valued at SR976.6 million, followed by textiles at SR955.6 million.

China was closely followed by the US and Germany with imports from these nations to the Kingdom in September stood at SR5.39 billion and SR3.45 billion, respectively.

In September, Saudi Arabia imported goods worth SR3.42 billion from the UAE, and SR3.21 billion from India.

Italian imports to the Kingdom amounted to SR2.50 billion, while inbound shipments from Japan and Indonesia stood at SR2.34 billion and SR2.08 billion, respectively.

GASTAT said that inbound shipments worth SR43.07 billion reached the Kingdom via sea, while imports valued at SR18.07 billion and SR8.73 billion came via air and land, respectively.

King Abdulaziz Sea Port in Dammam was the primary entry point for goods in September through sea, with imports valued at SR19.65 billion, representing 28.1 percent of the total inbound shipments.

The report revealed that Jeddah Islamic Sea Port handled incoming shipments valued at SR12.54 billion, followed by Ras Tanura Sea Port at SR4.78 billion.

King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh welcomed inbound shipments worth SR8.57 billion.

Through land, Al Bat’ha Port and Riyadh Dry Port handled imports valued at SR3.51 billion and SR3.09 billion, respectively.