Industry leaders optimistic about quantum computing breakthroughs in Saudi Arabia

Special Industry leaders optimistic about quantum computing breakthroughs in Saudi Arabia
An illustration of the Google Sycamore quantum processor. (AFP)
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Updated 11 February 2025
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Industry leaders optimistic about quantum computing breakthroughs in Saudi Arabia

Industry leaders optimistic about quantum computing breakthroughs in Saudi Arabia
  • Superpowered quantum computers have potential to shape industries, they say during discussion at LEAP tech conference in Riyadh
  • Development of the technology is difficult but Aramco and others are already working to deploy first quantum computer in the Kingdom

RIYADH: As industries across the Kingdom strive to leverage the power of artificial intelligence, the development of quantum computing is expected to drive technological breakthroughs with the ability to shape industries, industry experts predicted on Tuesday.

Quantum computers uses qubits, a basic unit of information, to run multidimensional algorithms, rather than the binary 1s and 0s in traditional computing. This means the machines are more powerful and capable of solving complex problems much faster than traditional computers.

Speaking at the LEAP technology conference in Riyadh during a panel discussion titled “Quantum Leap: The Intersection of Quantum Computing and AI,” Daniela Herrmann, the co-founder of quantum computing platform Dynex, highlighted Saudi Arabia’s progressive efforts in the development of artificial intelligence and painted a positive picture of the country’s future role in the development of quantum computing.

“There is an amazing initiative already in AI, on ethics, and I think the Kingdom could play an enormous role in expanding that … also into quantum (computing),” she said.

“The Kingdom, as it is, is very foresighted and extremely progressive. I do promise myself that the Kingdom would be a fast driver of supporting the movement towards mainstream (quantum computing).”

The use of quantum computing could be particularly beneficial in the health and automotive industries, Herrmann added.

The breakthrough technology is not a new concept for the Kingdom. Last year, for example, Aramco signed an agreement with tech company Pasqal to deploy the country’s first quantum computer. In 2021, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology announced a collaboration with Zapata Computing in the US.

During the panel discussion, Bob Sutor, the CEO of Sutor Group Intelligence and Advisory, stressed the difficulty level of quantum computing development, and cautioned that the future of the technology remains uncertain.

“Quantum computing, on one hand, the science, the engineering, is very, very hard, but it’s also very, very hard to understand the relative quality of them and how quickly they will develop … so the fact is, we don’t quite know when we will have real quantum computers, right, at scale,” he said.

Nevertheless, Sutor said he is hopeful that AI will help “drive the development of the hardware” and added: “I think as we open up the world and we think of quantum networking, quantum communications beyond this, this is where the quantum and AI thing is really going to shock you.”

Reflecting on the present state of quantum computing and what comes next, Hermann said: “It is a fascinating time we are entering into.”

LEAP began on Sunday and concludes on Wednesday. The annual event in Riyadh, which began in 2022, aims to play a critical role in Saudi Arabia’s ambitions to become a global technology hub, in line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 plan for national development and diversification of the economy. To that end, Saudi authorities have pledged $100 billion of investment to advance the nation’s tech sector.

LEAP 2025 features more than 680 tech startups, 1,100 speakers, 1,800 technology brands, and more than 170,000 visitors, organizers said.


Thousands of people benefitting from KSrelief food aid

Thousands of people benefitting from KSrelief food aid
Updated 14 March 2025
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Thousands of people benefitting from KSrelief food aid

Thousands of people benefitting from KSrelief food aid
  • The Etaam project, now in its fourth phase, aims to distribute 390,109 food parcels across 27 countries during Ramadan

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia's aid agency KSrelief recently launched its Etaam Ramadan project in Djibouti to deliver 6,640 food parcels for the benefit of 9,840 people, state news agency SPA reported on Friday.

The announcement comes as KSrelief continues to deliver food to some of the world’s most needy during the holy month.

In Nigeria’s Kebbi state there were 433 parcels delivered, benefiting 2,598 people. And in Bucharest and Constanta in Romania, a further 299 packages to aid 1,495 people were distributed.

Also, 172 packages were sent to Syrian and Palestinian refugees and vulnerable families in the Lebanese governorate of Mount Lebanon.

And in Bangladesh’s Naogaon town, 250 were sent for 1,250 people.

In the Teyarett district of the Mauritanian capital, 220 parcels were sent for the benefit of 1,320 people.

The Etaam project, now in its fourth phase, aims to distribute 390,109 food parcels across 27 countries during Ramadan, benefiting 2.3 million people at a cost of more than SR67 million ($17.8 million), the SPA added.


Offences related to drug methamphetamine outlined

Offences related to drug methamphetamine outlined
Updated 14 March 2025
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Offences related to drug methamphetamine outlined

Offences related to drug methamphetamine outlined
  • Saudi attorney general decision effective March 1
  • Addicted individuals will be given choice of rehab

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Attorney General Sheikh Saud bin Abdullah Al-Mujib has outlined the list of criminal offences related to the drug methamphetamine.

Sheikh Saud’s decision, dated March 1, 2025, is a part of efforts to combat the use and distribution of drugs in the country, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Friday.

The criminal offences that warrant arrest include possession, smuggling, obtaining, purchasing, transporting and manufacture. In addition, personal use and consumption are also criminal offences.

Methamphetamine — also known as shabu, crystal meth, or the poor man’s cocaine —  causes serious psychological and behavioral disorders, and contributes to the rise in crime and violence.

As such, the scourge has to be dealt with firmly in accordance with deterrent legislation and decisions, the report stated.

While the law against drug trafficking and abuse is harsh, it also allows for individuals to seek reform and rehabilitation.

Article 42 of the Anti-Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances Law stipulates that the user “shall be granted the opportunity to receive treatment.”

The legislation further states that this can be done without “legal accountability, by not filing a lawsuit against the user or addict, if he or one of his relatives comes forward intending to receive treatment.”

In addition, the law requires that the person “hands over the narcotic or psychotropic substances” and provide “information about their location.”


Crown prince receives Yazeed Al-Rajhi after winning Saudi Dakar Rally

Crown prince receives Yazeed Al-Rajhi after winning Saudi Dakar Rally
Updated 14 March 2025
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Crown prince receives Yazeed Al-Rajhi after winning Saudi Dakar Rally

Crown prince receives Yazeed Al-Rajhi after winning Saudi Dakar Rally

RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman received Yazeed Al Rajhi, winner of the 2025 Dakar Rally Saudi Arabia, at Al-Salam Palace in Jeddah.

After winning the title in the cars category, Al-Rajhi became the first Saudi to accomplish the feat in the rally, one of the world's most prestigious motorsports championship.

The Crown Prince congratulated Al-Rajhi on winning a tough competition, featuring a number of prominent international competitors. He emphasized that the achievement should serve as motivation for Saudi athletes to continue developing their skills for future success.

Al-Rajhi thanked the Crown Prince for the gesture.

Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al-Faisal, Minister of Sports, and Prince Khalid bin Sultan, Chairman of the Saudi Automobile & Motorcycle Federation, attended the reception.

Saudi Arabia has hosted the Dakar Rally since 2020, when it moved from South America.


Newly-appointed Saudi ambassadors take oath of office before crown prince 

Newly-appointed Saudi ambassadors take oath of office before crown prince 
Updated 14 March 2025
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Newly-appointed Saudi ambassadors take oath of office before crown prince 

Newly-appointed Saudi ambassadors take oath of office before crown prince 

RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, on behalf King Salman, received newly-appointed Saudi ambassadors to a number of countries.

The ambassadors took oath of office before the crown prince at Al-Salam Palace in Jeddah.

Prince Faisal bin Farhan, the Kingdom’s Foreign Minister, attended the ceremony.


Saudi crown prince, Russia president discuss Ukraine crisis 

Saudi crown prince, Russia president discuss Ukraine crisis 
Updated 14 March 2025
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Saudi crown prince, Russia president discuss Ukraine crisis 

Saudi crown prince, Russia president discuss Ukraine crisis 

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman made a phone call to Russian President Vladimir Putin, the Saudi Press Agency said early Friday.

The crown prince affirmed the Kingdom’s commitment to exerting all efforts to facilitate dialogue and achieve a political solution to the crisis in Ukraine.

President Putin renewed his thanks and appreciation to the Kingdom for its constructive efforts and endeavors.

The two leaders also reviewed ways to boost bilateral cooperation.