JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia will be a global artificial intelligence (AI) leader by 2030, a prominent Saudi expert has said.
Dr. Abdullah bin Sharaf Al-Ghamdi, president of the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), made the comments during a media briefing on shaping new frontiers at the International Media Center in Riyadh ahead of the G20 Leaders’ Summit.
Last year, the authority developed the Estishraf Platform, an AI-based platform that utilizes data to create diversified insights and respond to the top priorities of decision-makers in Saudi Arabia.
“Through this platform we were able to earn revenues amounting to SR43 billion ($11.5 billion), only in 2019,” said Al-Ghamdi. “Undoubtedly, this is an excellent indicator for the great opportunities the national economy is waiting for after AI has become a knowledge-based economy.”
The SDAIA chief said the authority launched the NSDAI during the Global AI Summit, organized by the SDAIA and the G20 Saudi Secretariat as part of the international conferences program two weeks ago.
“We have finalized all logistic and procedures to set up the SDAIA Artificial Intelligence Company, which will be the national AI investment arm for the country,” he said.
In his speech, Al-Ghamdi, who is also chairman of the Global AI Summit, shed light on digital economy topics and the role of technology, especially AI-related tech, and its role in surviving the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic. He also focused on shaping the future into a “new normal” situation.
“As much as we are proud of our ability to overcome these challenges, despite all these circumstances we also recognize the criticality of delivering together all three themes of the Saudi G20 presidency to realize the opportunities of the 21st century —empowering people, safeguarding the planet and shaping a new frontier,” he said.
“As we recover from the pandemic, there is an opportunity to unlock the potential of scientific advancements and utilize technologies to set the foundations for a brighter and sustainable future for us, our children and the generations to come.”
He said that digital technology is playing a central role in shaping today and tomorrow, and it continues to gain new grounds in people’s lives, work, education and more.
“While there is a lot of potential from emerging technologies such as AI, there is also a growing digital gap, which, if not addressed collectively, will further widen and lead to unfair distribution of the benefits and wealth that nations will be able to generate out of these technologies,” said Al-Ghamdi.
In recognition of these risks, Saudi Arabia has led fruitful G20 dialogues on critical topics that will shape digital economies and the future, including trustworthy AI, data free flow, smart cities and digital economy security and measurement.
Al-Ghamdi said that Saudi Arabia’s unique national digital and data capabilities were vital in enabling the country to fight and reduce the effects of the pandemic, while continuing to advance the national agenda towards the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.
The SDAIA president warned that, while AI can cause the disappearance of jobs, new AI-based job opportunities will flourish.
“As per the 2030 targets, we are going to train 40 percent of the relevant workforce in data and AI. We will also have over 20,000 AI and data specialists by the year 2030. Moreover, we are creating up to 40,000 direct and indirect jobs related to data and artificial intelligence,” he said.
Saudi Arabia eyeing AI future ahead of G20 summit
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Saudi Arabia eyeing AI future ahead of G20 summit
- Al-Ghamdi: “We have finalized all logistic and procedures to set up the SDAIA Artificial Intelligence Company”
Hajj Ministry sets April 13 as final Umrah entry date
RIYADH: The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has designated April 13 as the final date for those performing Umrah to enter Saudi Arabia, with April 29 set as the deadline for departure in preparation for the upcoming Hajj season.
The ministry emphasized that staying beyond this date will result in statutory penalties and urged individuals as well as Umrah companies and institutions to comply with regulations and instructions, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
Companies and establishments serving pilgrims and Umrah performers that fail to report any delays to the relevant authorities could face fines of up to SR100,000 ($26,600), along with legal action being taken against those responsible.
Fines will be multiplied depending on how many individuals have violated the departure deadlines, according to the SPA.
On Monday, the Ministry of Interior said Hajj and Umrah service companies and establishments must adhere to all relevant rules and guidelines.
Royal reserve limits grazing to protect vegetation
RIYADH: The Imam Abdulaziz bin Mohammed Royal Reserve Development Authority has prohibited grazing within the reserve, allowing it only for licensed local community members in designated areas, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The authority emphasized its ongoing efforts to enhance vegetation cover and regulate sustainable grazing to prevent land degradation, loss of plant diversity, and soil erosion.
It confirmed that penalties will be imposed on those who violate these regulations to protect the reserve’s biodiversity and vegetation, the SPA added.
The authority encouraged those seeking information about grazing to consult its website and official channels.
Recently, the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification launched the Agroforestry Action Plan Development Project to promote environmental sustainability, social development, and economic growth.
The project focuses on assessing the current state of agroforestry, applying global best practices, and encouraging investment to ensure sustainable forest management.
The center is also working to establish sustainable vegetation cover in forests through its initiative to plant 60 million trees — equivalent to rehabilitating 300,000 hectares by 2030.
It aims to implement a national plan for sustainable forest management, protect and develop forests, and regulate grazing in forest areas.
Saudi authorities make arrests in ongoing anti-drug operations
- The authorities have urged the public to report information related to drug smuggling by calling 911 in Makkah, Riyadh and the Eastern Province
DUBAI: Saudi authorities have arrested several people in separate operations as part of the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to combat drug smuggling and dealing.
In Najran, the General Directorate of Narcotics Control arrested two citizens for selling amphetamine and referred them to the Public Prosecution.
In another operation, Border Guard land patrols in the Al-Rabou’ah sector of the Asir region arrested three Ethiopian nationals for violating border security laws and attempting to smuggle 45 kg of qat.
The authorities have urged the public to report information related to drug smuggling by calling 911 in Makkah, Riyadh and the Eastern Province, or 999 in other regions. Reports can also be made in confidence to the General Directorate of Narcotics Control at 995 or by emailing 995@gdnc.gov.sa.
Saudi, US defense chiefs discuss regional security in phone call
RIYADH: Saudi Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman received a phone call from US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth on Monday, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The two discussed defense cooperation between the two countries, SPA added.
They also spoke about regional developments and shared efforts to enhance security and stability in the region and beyond.
Saudi Arabia highlights cultural preservation efforts at UNESCO Executive Board session in Paris
- Kingdom’s permanent representative announces two digital initiatives to be launched in partnership with UN body
- Abdulelah bin Ali Al-Tokhais says Kingdom remains committed to advancing the organization’s strategic priorities
PARIS: Saudi Arabia has highlighted its work in cultural preservation at the 221st session of the Executive Board of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization at the organization’s headquarters in Paris, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The session, which opened Monday and runs until April 17, is being attended by representatives from member states and key international stakeholders.
The UNESCO Executive Board, of which Saudi Arabia is a member, is one of the organization’s three main governing bodies, alongside the General Conference and the Secretariat.
Comprising 58 member states elected for four-year terms, the board evaluates the organization’s work, oversees programs, and reviews budgetary matters.
Saudi Arabia’s delegation is led by Abdulelah bin Ali Al-Tokhais, the Kingdom’s permanent representative to UNESCO.
Also in attendance are members of the Saudi National Commission for Education, Culture and Science, and representatives from various national institutions.
Delivering the Kingdom’s address during the opening session, Al-Tokhais underscored Saudi Arabia’s historic and ongoing partnership with UNESCO, highlighting that the Kingdom was among the first nations to sign the UN Charter in 1945.
He emphasized the robust cooperation between Saudi Arabia and UNESCO, particularly through the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning, a partnership that recently culminated in the Kingdom hosting the Sixth International Conference on Learning Cities, held under the patronage of King Salman.
Al-Tokhais also noted the Kingdom’s role in cultural preservation, citing the Saudi Fund to Support, Protect and Promote Culture and Heritage at UNESCO.
As part of collaborative efforts, he announced that two digital initiatives — the Virtual Museum of Stolen Objects and the Digital Heritage Platform — will be launched in partnership with UNESCO in the first half of 2025.
He also reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s support for UNESCO’s mission, and said that the Kingdom remained committed to advancing the organization’s strategic priorities and contributing to global development goals.
