Saudi FM stresses Kingdom’s public and private positions identical on Gaza

Saudi foreign minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan is currently leading the Arab-Islamic Ministerial Committee’s visit in Washington to call for a Gaza ceasefire. (X: @KSAMOFA)
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Updated 09 December 2023
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Saudi FM stresses Kingdom’s public and private positions identical on Gaza

  • Prince Faisal disagreed with the US veto on Gaza ceasefire
  • Prince Faisal met with US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken for talks on Gaza

RIYADH: Saudi foreign minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan, during an interview with PBS NewsHour, confirmed that the Kingdom’s stance on Gaza is the same in public and private.

Prince Faisal was refuting claims from PBS Presenter Nick Schifrin that “[Saudi Arabia’s] public calls do not match your private calls to destroy Hamas. Why the dual message?”

The Saudi foreign minister said, “There is no dual message. What we say in private and what we say in public is exactly the same, not just for the kingdom but for all the Arabs.”

He added, “I am very proud that what we are saying in public and private are the same. I can’t say the same for some of our Western interlocutors.”

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Prince Faisal, who is currently leading the Arab-Islamic Ministerial Committee’s visit in Washington to call for a Gaza ceasefire, disagreed with the US veto on the UN Security Council resolution on Saturday.

He also voiced disappointment at the Security Council’s inability to “take a firm position” on Gaza.

“We have now seen a level of carnage in Gaza that is unprecedented, that is unjustifiable under any pretext of self-defense,” noted Prince Faisal.

The Arab-Islamic Committee also objected to the US veto that blocked the UN Security Council resolution during a meeting with the US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken. Prince Faisal said the committee would push for a ceasefire to prevent more civilian deaths.

“This continuing level of civilian casualties does not serve anybody's interests, including the interests of Israel or its security.”

The Saudi foreign minister warned against the risk of the war’s expansion from Gaza to the rest of the region, as well as the rising threat of extremism. “People are losing their trust in the argument for peace in our region, but they're also losing their trust in the international systems of security and legitimacy,” he said.

On Saturday, Prince Farhan met separately with Blinken in Washington to discuss the Israel-Hamas war.

The officials discussed “all possible efforts to reduce the pace of escalation and ensure that the violence does not expand to avoid its dangerous repercussions on international peace and security,” reported the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).

The meeting was attended by Princess Reema bint Bandar, the Saudi Ambassador to the United States.


Jeddah event discusses AI’s role in driving economic growth, innovation for Saudi SME sector

Updated 10 sec ago
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Jeddah event discusses AI’s role in driving economic growth, innovation for Saudi SME sector

JEDDAH: The Jeddah Chapter of the American Chamber of Commerce in Saudi Arabia recently hosted an event exploring the transformative role of artificial intelligence in reshaping the Kingdom’s economic landscape.

Moderated by Maha Akeel, lecturer at Dar Al-Hekma University, the event brought together industry leaders, policymakers, and small and medium-sized enterprise owners to discuss practical approaches to leveraging AI for the scalability of SMEs in Saudi Arabia.

The panel featured distinguished speakers, including Fatmah Baothman, associate professor of AI at King Abdulaziz University; Loulwa Bakr, senior partner at Chrome Advisory; Nizar Kammourie, CEO of SAWACO Water Group; and Fawaz Abu-Ghazaleh, CEO of Remedium Network.

The experts highlighted key aspects of AI’s impact on businesses, investment potential, and economic development in alignment with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.

Baothman, emphasizing the Kingdom’s significant strides in AI adoption, said: “The landscape of AI is growing rapidly in the Kingdom, and this requires efforts from everyone. The tangible investments in AI across various sectors are evident worldwide.

“Saudi Arabia is not limiting itself to oil and gas; it is focusing on economic growth and talent development, which will reshape the economy over the next 10 to 20 years.”

According to a PwC report, the projected return on investment from AI is expected to reach $135 billion by 2030, and Baothman believes the actual figure could be even higher given the Kingdom’s focus on innovation and economic diversification.

The conversation also turned to the challenges and opportunities for women-led SMEs. Baothman addressed the existing funding gap and market competition, emphasizing the need for targeted initiatives to empower women in AI and business.

“AI is changing the economic landscape, and Saudi Arabia has established various programs with ministries and councils to support SMEs. I believe there are plans to focus on better investments that empower women in AI and other sectors,” she said, adding, “The door is open for international companies to invest in Saudi Arabia, and this will create more opportunities for women-led businesses.”

Akeel highlighted the progress women have made, noting that women now make up 34 percent of the labor force, exceeding the Vision 2030 target of 30 percent, and AI is playing a significant role in this progress.

Bakr added: “As investors at Chrome Advisory, we’ve witnessed the evolution of tech adoption, particularly with AI, in the startup and SME ecosystem. However, the challenges facing SMEs in emerging markets, including Saudi Arabia, are universal.

“Implementing AI requires significant investment in both hard infrastructure — like data centers and power — and soft infrastructure, such as human capital. The human capital pool is tight, and even well-resourced SMEs struggle to find the right talent. Regulatory frameworks also need to catch up to address critical issues like intellectual property protection, data privacy, and ethical governance. Additionally, there’s reluctance among business owners to adopt AI due to lack of awareness, fear of disruption, or uncertainty about the right timing. The high cost of overhauling outdated systems is another major barrier for SMEs who rely on them to run their operations efficiently.”

Baothman noted that programs developed by the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority are helping SMEs integrate AI into their operations.

Abu-Ghazaleh focused on AI’s role in sustainability and compliance, sharing insights from his experience at Remedium Network. “AI can learn from past responses and streamline repetitive tasks, such as documentation for environmental permits. This not only increases efficiency but also frees up time for businesses to focus on core challenges,” he said.

“Language models can guide managers through complex regulatory processes, making compliance more accessible.”

He also advised startups in the climate change sector to be technology-agnostic and focus on solving specific challenges before diving into AI.

Addressing the issue of algorithmic bias against female entrepreneurs, Bakr stressed the importance of recognizing and correcting these biases:

“The first step to changing any bias is recognizing it exists. Language models are created by humans, and they inherit human biases. To level the playing field, we need programs that specifically target and incentivize women’s participation in AI. Financial support and grants should be structured to encourage AI-enabled initiatives, creating a more inclusive ecosystem.”

The event underscored the transformative potential of AI in driving economic growth and innovation in Saudi Arabia. As Baothman aptly put it, “What is happening now in Saudi Arabia is really amazing. The focus on talent and economic diversification is changing the landscape, and AI will play a pivotal role in this transformation.”

By fostering collaboration, building capacity, and promoting investment, events like these are paving the way for a more competitive and diversified economy, where SMEs — especially those led by women — can thrive in the age of AI.

According to Kammourie, the four key pillars for SMEs to successfully adopt AI are: data sufficiency and collection; forming strategic partnerships with startups and leveraging cloud-sharing to mitigate the costs of building AI infrastructure; upskilling the workforce; and aligning with regulatory frameworks, such as Saudi Arabia’s National Strategy for AI, which presents opportunities for SMEs to access financial support and drive growth through AI innovations.

Nausherwan Hafeez, president of AmCham Saudi Arabia’s Jeddah Chapter, said: “With AI’s growth globally and rapid adoption in KSA specifically, this event did an excellent job of showcasing the utilization of AI across industries. Learning about the impact on industries helps illustrate why the AI sector is projected to contribute to 12 percent of the national GDP by 2030.”

Zeina Al-Nouri, Jeddah Chapter head of events and programs, said: “AI has become a key driver of economic growth and innovation, especially for SMEs in Saudi Arabia. By bringing together industry leaders, our event aimed to equip businesses with the insights needed to leverage AI effectively, fostering a more competitive and diversified economy.”


AI tools are perpetuating gender stereotypes, says UN representative

Updated 51 min 32 sec ago
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AI tools are perpetuating gender stereotypes, says UN representative

  • Children, young people should be taught how to use the technology, says Nicolas Burniat
  • AI reportedly being fed biased data, propagating discrimination

AMMAN: Material being produced by artificial intelligence tools is helping to perpetuate gender stereotypes, according to a representative of the UN’s gender equality entity.

In an interview with Arab News, Nicolas Burniat, UN women Jordan country representative, spoke about how AI technology can only be as good as the data that is being fed into it.

He said: “The reality is that the data, the materials that are being used and processed by AI tools, include a lot of gender stereotypes and is generally biased towards dominant Western patriarchal perspectives.

“Whatever material is being produced by the AI tools based on that imperfect data is therefore going to be imperfect. It is actually just going to repeat and really propagate those imperfections, including all the stereotypes, gender-based and others, that it contains.”

One example, he said, is how AI tools will translate a word such as nurse into a feminine noun for non-gender neutral languages, whereas doctor will be translated into a masculine noun.

He added: “We need to ensure that data that is being produced around the world better reflects the various realities of people, whether we are talking about women, persons living with disabilities, people of different ethnic or socio-economic (backgrounds).

“What we need going forward is to improve the quality of the data in the world and make sure that men and women are a part of the change.

“In addition, we need the AI algorithms to be developed in a way that compensates for this imperfection of the data, to ensure that they don’t reproduce stereotypes and biases and potentially lead to further discrimination.”

In addition, Burniat spoke about how children and young people should be educated about the best ways to use AI tools.

He said: “The jobs of tomorrow are not going to be the same as the jobs of today, for both boys and girls. So they need to be fully digitally savvy and literate. But we need to help them use this in a wise manner and in a smart manner, because otherwise we're basically just going to look at a future world that reproduces the inequalities and discriminations of today.”

Jana Krimpe, CEO of B.EST Solutions, shared a similar sentiment during a panel discussion with Burniat at the International Digital Cooperation Forum in Amman, Jordan, on Wednesday.

Krimpe spoke of her decision to switch career paths from political science to tech, despite being informed that it was a male job.

Krimpe said: “If you are not investing into education, the result will be zero … You have to educate the whole society because everything is dependent.

“So, this is why women in leadership is extremely important. To go to face-to-face meetings, to the regions, to the rural areas, to the villages, and meet the families and children and bring the benefit of understanding how AI changes their lives.”


Advanced limb surgery at King Faisal Hospital restores child’s mobility

Updated 19 February 2025
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Advanced limb surgery at King Faisal Hospital restores child’s mobility

  • Innovative approach was a significant advance in pediatric orthopedic oncology in the Middle East
  • Success was made possible through collaboration between oncology, orthopedic, and rehabilitation specialists

RIYADH: King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre successfully reconstructed the lower limb of an 8-year-old child after removing a malignant bone tumor, avoiding amputation and restoring normal walking ability.

The innovative approach was a significant advance in pediatric orthopedic oncology in the Middle East, offering hope to children facing similar conditions, according to a report.

Given the child’s continuing skeletal growth, the medical team used advanced techniques to ensure proper bone development and limb stability post-surgery.

By combining sports medicine and ligament surgery methods, the reconstruction preserved limb functionality, allowing natural growth and gradual mobility recovery without the need for prosthetics.

The success was made possible through collaboration between oncology, orthopedic, and rehabilitation specialists, using cutting-edge 3D imaging and precise surgical planning.

This achievement offers a new alternative to amputation in pediatric bone cancer treatment and highlights the hospital’s commitment to medical innovation and specialized care. The hospital plans to expand this technique in collaboration with international medical centers.


Saudi-Japan textile partnership weaves sustainability, innovation in Riyadh

Updated 19 February 2025
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Saudi-Japan textile partnership weaves sustainability, innovation in Riyadh

Riyadh: Saudi Arabia’s Fashion Commission is working on strengthening partnerships with Japan in fashion and textile.

The commission hosted “A Journey into Japanese Textile Mastery” in collaboration with the Japan External Trade Organization, bringing together leading textile manufacturers, designers and industry experts from both countries.

Held at Future Creative Residence in Riyadh, the event focused on high-quality materials, sustainability and innovation. 

It featured a panel discussion with insights from industry experts, including Ammar Bogari, general manager of the Fashion Commission; Asma Al-Othaimeen, co-founder of Chaldene Loungewear; and Japanese representatives from FAO International and Itochu Corp.

Discussions centered on the potential for Japanese textiles to influence Saudi brands, particularly in craftsmanship, sustainable production and luxury materials.

“Our goal at the Fashion Commission is to not only develop Saudi Arabia’s fashion industry but to establish it as a major player in the global market,” Bogari told Arab News.

The event also showcased an exhibition space featuring renowned Japanese textile companies, including Curlelabo, Maker’s Shirt Kamakura, Shindo, Uni Textile, and Parfait Textile.

Attendees explored the latest fabric technologies, materials and high-quality textiles designed to support both emerging and established Saudi designers.

Al-Othaimeen emphasized the importance of integrating Japanese precision and attention to detail into local sustainable fashion.

“The Japanese are known for their quality and their dedication to paying attention to details, and these are important for a sustainable brand. Merging our values together will help us work better,” she said.

Vivian Huang, co-founder of Parfait Textile, highlighted the advantage of Japanese craftsmanship and its appeal to small and growing brands.

“Japanese fabric has high quality, and they do some by hand, so it’s different … we can deliver small orders, so we can support small brands that just started and want to get big,” Huang said.

One of the key displays at the event focused on the history of Japan’s fabric trade relations with Saudi Arabia, illustrating how Japanese textile exports have evolved over the decades, with synthetic textiles being a major export today, particularly for traditional Saudi attire.

The event concluded with a networking session, allowing Saudi designers and business owners to explore potential collaborations with Japanese manufacturers, strengthening the growing relationship between the two countries in the fashion sector.


Tajik ambassador praises KSrelief’s humanitarian work

Updated 19 February 2025
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Tajik ambassador praises KSrelief’s humanitarian work

  • Saudi aid agency to send doctors to perform pediatric heart surgeries after Ramadan

Riyadh: Akram Karimi, Tajikistan's ambassador to Saudi Arabia, praised the Kingdom’s relief and humanitarian efforts through the Saudi aid agency KSrelief, which supports those in need in the Central Asian country.

The envoy met with KSrelief Assistant Supervisor General for Planning and Development Aqeel Al-Ghamdi in Riyadh to discuss relief and humanitarian matters, as well as ways to enhance humanitarian efforts in Tajikistan.

Karimi told Arab News that during his meeting with Al-Ghamdi, he discussed cooperation between Tajikistan and KSrelief and conveyed his government’s gratitude to Saudi Arabia for its support in implementing humanitarian and social programs.

He highlighted KSrelief as one of the leading institutions operating in Tajikistan in the fields of relief, humanitarian, and social activities, noting that the agency has undertaken more than 25 projects in the country, with funding exceeding $16 million.

Of future cooperation, Karimi said they explored ways to strengthen collaboration, particularly in priority sectors such as healthcare.

He added: “We reached an agreement on the visit of a team of Saudi doctors to Tajikistan after the holy month of Ramadan to hold a medical campaign to perform voluntary surgeries for children with heart failure.”