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)
Short Url
Updated 11 February 2025
Follow

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.


Comoros president performs Umrah

The President of Comoros Azali Assoumani and his accompanying delegation perform Umrah at the Grand Mosque in Makkah Wednesday.
The President of Comoros Azali Assoumani and his accompanying delegation perform Umrah at the Grand Mosque in Makkah Wednesday.
Updated 26 March 2025
Follow

Comoros president performs Umrah

The President of Comoros Azali Assoumani and his accompanying delegation perform Umrah at the Grand Mosque in Makkah Wednesday.

RIYADH: The President of Comoros Azali Assoumani performed Umrah at the Grand Mosque in Makkah on Wednesday. 

He arrived in the Kingdom on Tuesday, landing at Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah.

In Madinah, the president visited and prayed in the Prophet’s Mosque. 


Saudi manga producer participates in one of world’s largest anime events in Tokyo

Saudi manga producer participates in one of world’s largest anime events in Tokyo
Updated 26 March 2025
Follow

Saudi manga producer participates in one of world’s largest anime events in Tokyo

Saudi manga producer participates in one of world’s largest anime events in Tokyo
  • Held at the Tokyo Big Sight exhibition center, the four-day festival drew more than 150,000 visitors and featured over 100 global exhibitors
  • A subsidiary of Misk, Manga Production’s participation underscored Saudi Arabia’s growing position in the global anime industry

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Manga Productions made a historic debut as the first Middle Eastern sponsor of AnimeJapan 2025, one of the world’s largest anime events.

Held at the Tokyo Big Sight exhibition center, the four-day festival drew more than 150,000 visitors and featured over 100 global exhibitors, organizers said in a statement.

A subsidiary of the Mohammed bin Salman Foundation, known as Misk, Manga Production’s participation underscored Saudi Arabia’s growing position in the global anime industry.

Attendees experienced interactive exhibitions, including traditional Saudi attire try-ons and authentic Saudi coffee tastings, offering a unique fusion of heritage and creativity.

Essam Bukhary, CEO of Manga Productions, delivered a keynote speech titled “A New Era of Animation! The Future of ‘Saudinimation’ Driven by Japan and Saudi Arabia,” outlining the collaborative opportunities between the two nations.

He said: “The overwhelming response reflects our mission to position Saudi creativity globally. AnimeJapan 2025 was a milestone in fostering co-production and content partnerships, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s vision to be a hub for entertainment innovation.”

The pavilion also welcomed high-profile Japanese officials, including Akamatsu Ken, vice minister of education, culture, sports, science and technology, and Kobayashi Fumiaki, vice minister of the environment, signaling strong governmental interest in cultural exchange.

Abdulaziz Al-Mowani, director of marketing and communications, said: “This platform allowed us to share Saudi Arabia’s creative identity while forging strategic media and industry connections.

“Effective storytelling bridges cultures, and the event proved the power of our narrative.”


Saudi hospital launches palliative care program for young patients

Saudi hospital launches palliative care program for young patients
Updated 26 March 2025
Follow

Saudi hospital launches palliative care program for young patients

Saudi hospital launches palliative care program for young patients

JEDDAH: King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre has launched the first dedicated palliative care program for adolescents and young adults in the Arab world.

This initiative aims to improve the quality of life of young patients with life-threatening illnesses by offering integrated care throughout their treatment journey.

The program not only enhances patient care but also serves as a model for similar initiatives, addressing a critical gap in palliative services for young patients across the Arab world.

Palliative care focuses on improving the quality of life for those with life-limiting illnesses, such as advanced cancers, heart disease, neurological disorders and organ failure. It also offers psychological and social support, aids decision-making and improves the overall patient experience.

For adolescents and young adults, the program addresses age-specific challenges including balancing treatment with education or work, coping with the psychological impact of illness and maintaining autonomy in care decisions.

The program features a multidisciplinary team of palliative care physicians, specialized nurses, social workers and mental health experts to support both patients and their families.

The World Health Organization reports that only 14 percent of patients globally who need palliative care receive it, highlighting a significant service gap.

Research shows that integrating palliative care into treatment plans for young patients with critical illnesses reduces symptom burden and improves overall quality of life. Cancer patients, in particular, often face inadequate pain management, psychological support, and guidance during their treatment.

The program has earned accreditation from the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties, the European Society for Medical Oncology and the International Association for Hospice and Palliative Care.

This ensures the highest standards of clinical competency, enabling healthcare professionals to deliver evidence-based, culturally sensitive palliative care.


Saudi AI chief reviews crowd management tech in Makkah

Saudi AI chief reviews crowd management tech in Makkah
Updated 26 March 2025
Follow

Saudi AI chief reviews crowd management tech in Makkah

Saudi AI chief reviews crowd management tech in Makkah
  • Abdullah Al-Ghamdi explores advanced technologies for Grand Mosque operations and highway security

RIYADH: Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority President Abdullah Al-Ghamdi has visited the Grand Mosque Operations Center in Makkah, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

He met the director of Public Security and chairman of the Hajj Security Committee, Lt. Gen. Mohammed Al-Bassami, along with several security officials and Saudi programmers from the authority working at the center.

Al-Ghamdi reviewed the operations of the Baseer platform, developed by the authority in collaboration with the Ministry of Interior, represented by Public Security.

The platform uses computer vision and AI to monitor and analyze the movement of visitors to the Grand Mosque, ensuring smooth crowd management and assisting in locating missing persons.

He also reviewed the Sawaher platform, designed to enhance the safety of the Grand Mosque, contributing to a secure and smart environment that facilitates worshippers and Umrah performers in performing their rituals seamlessly.

Al-Ghamdi also visited the Highway Security Center in Al-Shumaisi, where he was briefed on the Banan device, which enhances identity verification using biometric features.

He observed the center’s operations, the command room and the advanced technology used in the Saudi Lucid vehicle, which is equipped with AI tools.


KSrelief delivers aid to Syria, Yemen, Lebanon

KSrelief delivers aid to Syria, Yemen, Lebanon
Updated 26 March 2025
Follow

KSrelief delivers aid to Syria, Yemen, Lebanon

KSrelief delivers aid to Syria, Yemen, Lebanon
  • Saudi aid agency KSrelief has delivered thousands of food packages to some of the world’s most vulnerable people

RIYADH: Saudi aid agency KSrelief has delivered thousands of food packages to some of the world’s most vulnerable people, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.

In Syria, 170 packages were distributed to families in need in the Rif Dimashq governorate as part of the Etaam Ramadan food project.

In Yemen, KSrelief distributed 1,300 baskets to vulnerable groups in the Al-Wadi district of the Marib governorate, benefiting 9,100 individuals. In the Aden governorate, 1,188 parcels were given to people with disabilities.

The Etaam project in Yemen targets displaced individuals, those in greatest need, and people with disabilities in Aden, Hadramout, Marib, Al-Mahra, Shabwah, and Hajjah, benefiting 160,812 individuals.

Now in its fourth phase, the Etaam project aims to distribute more than 390,000 food parcels in 27 countries during Ramadan, benefiting 2.3 million people at a cost of more than SR67 million ($17.8 million).

Additionally, KSrelief distributed 564 food baskets to people in need in Deir Ammar, northern Lebanon, benefiting 2,820 individuals.

In Syria, KSrelief provided food baskets and hygiene kits to 803 families in Harem, benefiting 4,818 individuals.