Outer Edge Summit in Riyadh explores AI, digital futures

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Outer Edge Innovation Summit brought together some of the biggest names in the blockchain, AI, and gaming ecosystems from all over the world. (AN photos by Abdulrhman Bin Shalhoub)
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Outer Edge Innovation Summit brought together some of the biggest names in the blockchain, AI, and gaming ecosystems from all over the world. (AN photos by Abdulrhman Bin Shalhoub)
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Updated 24 April 2024
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Outer Edge Summit in Riyadh explores AI, digital futures

  • Experts highlight issues in data ownership and the revolutionary Web3

RIYADH: By owning our data, we will be empowered and safe, says Krista Kim at Outer Edge Innovation Summit on April 23 at The Garage in Riyadh.

Kim spoke in one of the summit’s panel discussions, titled “Web3 and AI for business and smart cities,” which included guest speakers Naif Al-Rabeah, director of Web3 and spatial reality portfolio at NEOM; Eric Pulier, founder & CEO at Vatom Corporation; and Kamal Youssefi, president at the Hashgraph Association.




Outer Edge Innovation Summit brought together some of the biggest names in the blockchain, AI, and gaming ecosystems from all over the world. (AN photos by Abdulrhman Bin Shalhoub)

The Korean Canadian artist has a goal to raise awareness of the importance of each person owning their data: “I believe that data is power. You need to allow people to be empowered by owning their own data and to give them a choice of what projects they want to be involved in.”

Kim highlighted that data ownership “is one of the greatest human rights issues in the 21st century.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Topics at the Outer Edge Innovation Summit in Riyadh include smart cities, gaming, esports, art, culture, and more.

• The panel discussion titled ‘Web3 and AI for business and smart cities’ included guest speaker Naif Al-Rabeah, the director of Web3 and spatial reality portfolio at NEOM.

• Last month, Krista Kim presented ‘Heart Space,’ the first collaborative generative AI biometric artwork in history, commissioned by Julius Baer at Art Dubai.

“Right now, in the Web2 system, our data is taken for free. The companies practice surveillance capitalism and they take your data and they monetize on your free data.”

Scott Lawin, CEO of Candy Digital, a gaming and fan engagement company focused on sports and entertainment, attended the summit to support Web3: “Web3 really gives people that opportunity to authenticate their data and share it in a selective way where necessary. And also benefit from the contribution of that data.”




Krista Kim, Contemporary artist

Lawin attended the panel discussion highlighting the importance of the harmony of web3 and smart cities. Web3 is a term used to describe an idea for the next stage of internet development, which incorporates concepts such as decentralization, blockchain technologies, and token-based economics.

"I’m really excited about the Kingdom’s push forward and support for Web3. And I wanted to come and sort of see it here at first hand and meet the community here."

(Data ownership) is one of the greatest human rights issues in the 21st century.

Krista Kim, Contemporary artist

“As it relates to smart cities, (they) are designed and built around data. And understanding how the personalization of that data can help improve citizens’ lives,” he explained. “But ownership of that data and giving each individual the ability to sort of turn on and turn off the way that data is utilized is also quite important. From a privacy perspective and just a self-determination perspective.”

Meanwhile, Kim hopes to raise awareness of the global issue through personal projects and artistic efforts.

Last month, she presented “Heart Space,” the first collaborative generative AI biometric artwork in history, commissioned by Julius Baer at Art Dubai.

Within the exhibition, visitors take their heartbeat measurements with an app that will create a heart signature to be used an artwork in the immersive space.

“So, you are contributing through your heartbeat to the experience of the artwork, and you have the opportunity to create the NFT of your heart signature on the app,” the artist explained. “This is a project that I'm creating for people to take the first step to create your heart signature and then from that first step, you can start the movement toward that privacy and identity on the chain.”

The line between real and fake is being blurred further, creating ramifications in various fields. “AI can now create fake articles and they can fake your identity ... in three years, AGI (artificial general intelligence) is going to automatically just create stories,” Kim said. “So, we need to differentiate between what is real and what is fake, and also what is made by a human being versus what is made by the machine.”

Technology can be used to its advantage. Blockchain provides a solution of creating verification for newspapers, journalists and online media outlets, Kim says.

Speaking about how it works, she added: “On-chain media is very important, so that you can see the verification of this story on the blockchain. To bring it a step further — biometrics. So, your heart signature that I spoke about, as a journalist, you can use your heart signature to sign your story online.”

Outer Edge Innovation Summit brought together some of the biggest names in the blockchain, AI, and gaming ecosystems from all over the world.

In partnership with Animoca Brands and King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, the summit highlights advances in Web3 and the gaming ecosystem development in Saudi Arabia.

Topics at the summit will include smart cities, gaming, esports, art, culture, and more.

For more information about the Outer Edge Innovation Summit in Riyadh, visit outeredge.live/riyadh.

 

 


International expert highlights the importance of safety measures to prevent fires in cities

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International expert highlights the importance of safety measures to prevent fires in cities

  • International experts and other officials from more than 24 countries participated in the conference held in Riyadh from Nov. 3-7

RIYADH: A fire safety and occupational health expert said that neglecting safety precautions and preventive measures is one of the leading causes of fires.

Jiff Dulin, a strategic adviser at the International Association of Fire Chiefs, shared his insights at the 4th International Fire Operations Conference, held in Riyadh from Nov. 3-7.

International experts and other officials from more than 24 countries participated in the conference, which focused on the latest developments in firefighting and crisis management. 

The conference was organized by the General Directorate of Civil Defense in collaboration with Saudi Aramco and the International Association of Fire Chiefs. 

Dulin urged city planners to consider safety rules and standards that help reduce the occurrence and impact of fires, as well as to enhance preparedness for crisis management through training and advance planning.

He also called for the continuation of specialized conferences and exhibitions focused on firefighting equipment and studies, emphasizing their role in exchanging experiences and enhancing the capabilities of firefighting and civil protection agencies.

Col. Mohammed Al-Hammadi, spokesperson for the Saudi Civil Defense, has stated that the directorate pays more attention to proactive preparedness and high-level readiness to handle incidents and combat fires; this is achieved through pre-established plans and scenarios based on a risk matrix.

Col. Mohammed Al-Hammadi, spokesperson for the Saudi Civil Defense, affirmed the directorate’s commitment to the highest international standards in firefighting. (General Directorate of Civil Defense photo)

IFOC was an exceptional opportunity for networking and exchanging expertise among specialists and experts in the firefighting field, boosting public safety standards and fostering a secure environment for all, Al-Hammadi said.

Such events address the growing challenges and serve as a key driver for advancement and innovation in the civil protection sector, he added.

Technical sessions during the conference covered safety standards and approved codes in firefighting, as well as displaying technologies in electric vehicles and fuel cell applications.

One panel discussion focused on the readiness of the local workforce to respond to crises and disasters, while another focused on leadership and control in emergency situations.

There were special sessions on the sidelines of the conference, addressing environmental protection issues and urban fires. Participants reviewed innovative solutions for tackling emerging challenges in this field, discussed the role of artificial intelligence in enhancing firefighting capabilities, and explored industrial fires and prevention strategies.

In a dedicated session, participants discussed occupational medicine and health, the importance of promoting fire safety culture, and reviewed issues related to crowd management and conducting investigations and studies concerning major incidents.

The conference was accompanied by an exhibition showing the latest innovations and advanced technologies in firefighting and crisis management. Leading global companies participated in the exhibition to display their products and technical solutions.


 


US and UK embassies host women’s health majlis in Riyadh

Updated 37 min 16 sec ago
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US and UK embassies host women’s health majlis in Riyadh

  • Topics discussed include breast cancer awareness and the health challenges women face at every stage of their lives, from adolescence to menopause
  • Event is latest monthly gathering organized by the US embassy to celebrate the experiences and accomplishments of women and encourage them to share expertise

RIYADH: The British and US embassies hosted a women’s majlis at the residence of the UK ambassador in Riyadh featuring a panel discussion and advice from doctors and other medical specialists.

“When we gather together as professionals in the industry, we share best practices,” Alison Dilworth, the deputy chief of mission at the US embassy, told Arab News.

“To be able to have that connection with other countries is invaluable, and the expertise on this panel was incredible. To see what is happening in Saudi Arabia in the field of women’s health was just extraordinary.”

The event was the latest in a series of monthly gatherings organized by the US embassy in partnership with other embassies in Saudi Arabia to celebrate the experiences and accomplishments of women, and encourage them to share their expertise in a private and relaxed setting. Previous gatherings explored topics such as literature, poetry, science and art.

The latest majlis focused on the mental and physical health of women and included a panel discussion featuring expert speakers Dr. Wafa Alkhayal, a breast and endocrine surgeon; Dr. Norah Alissa, a clinical psychologist; and Kathleen Stroia, senior vice president of performance health with the Women’s Tennis Association. It was chaired by Alice Burt, the UK’s deputy ambassador to the Kingdom.

“It is always so inspiring to get women together who are absolutely on top of their game,” Burt said. This is particularly important when considering women’s health, she continued, because “it helps us to identify the solutions and not just dwell on the problems.”

She added: “We are all very firm friends and I think it is in conversation with friends that you tend to come up with the best outcomes and have the most honest conversations, too.

“I was really struck by the openness and the honesty, and through that, in the spirit of friendship, how you can discuss the tough issues but get to the good outcomes, too.”

Specific topics that were discussed include breast cancer awareness and the importance of mammograms, and the health challenges women face at every stage of their lives, from adolescence to menopause.

Alissa, the clinical psychologist, offered some insights into the important need for people to make time for tranquility in their daily lives, and to perform a wellness checks through techniques such as meditation and breathing exercises.

“Find your moment of stillness in your busy day, even if it is just five minutes, any moment of stillness that can make you feel grounded in your busy day,” she told Arab News.

“We are overly stimulated by everything and we have to be on it all the time. Having that moment of stillness keeps you in check with your body and with your emotions and mind; you know that you are doing okay, and if you are not doing okay, what do I need to do to make myself get okay?”

The panel members also discussed the importance of looking after one’s health through good nutrition and detoxing, as well as building physical health and endurance through activities such as cardio exercises, tennis and pilates.

They highlighted the need to “invest in your future self by taking care of your needs,” and create a support network that helps to make you feel connected. It is also important that people know professional help is available and when to seek it.

“Therapy is not intervention-based it’s prevention-based as well,” Alissa said. “Therapy is for anyone at any time; it isn’t just when crises hit.”


Global AI competition aims to revolutionize Arabic language technology

Updated 07 November 2024
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Global AI competition aims to revolutionize Arabic language technology

  • 3-day event in Riyadh ends on Saturday

RIYADH: The finals of the Allam Challenge are taking place in Riyadh, bringing together tech talent from 17 nations in an initiative to advance Arabic language technology, the Saudi Press Agency has reported.

The three-day event, which finishes on Saturday, is being hosted at Digital City’s Crowne Plaza and is a collaboration between the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority and the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming and Drones, with technical support from IBM and the National Technology Development Program.

The challenge aims to develop AI models capable of composing and analyzing Arabic poetry; performing complex grammatical analysis; and creating engaging Arabic language learning tools for children, with a prize pool of SR1 million ($260,000).

Participants will be showcasing their capabilities in developing innovative solutions through the enhancement of large language models. They will benefit from training opportunities and workshops led by more than 50 mentors and 40 judges, and comprising AI experts and Arabic language specialists.

These experts will support participating teams and evaluate their projects according to criteria, ensuring the sustainability of solutions and their potential transformation into real-world AI projects serving the Arabic language across various sectors, the SPA added.


Saudi Quality of Life Program’s CEO stresses ‘people first’ approach

CEO of Saudi Arabia's Quality of Life Program Khalid bin Abdullah Al-Bakr speaking at the World Urban Forum in Cairo. (SPA)
Updated 07 November 2024
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Saudi Quality of Life Program’s CEO stresses ‘people first’ approach

CAIRO: CEO of the Quality of Life Program Khalid bin Abdullah Al-Bakr has reaffirmed that the initiative places people at its heart.

This human-centered approach drives a range of projects across the Kingdom, aligned with the objectives of Vision 2030 to transform urban landscapes, elevate the quality of city services, and foster innovation through the adoption of modern technologies.

The statement was delivered during a dialogue session called “Putting People First in a Digital Era,” which was organized by the UN as part of the 12th World Urban Forum. The session featured the participation of experts and specialists from across the world.


Falcons club, NEOM in preservation drive

Updated 07 November 2024
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Falcons club, NEOM in preservation drive

  • The partnership is a major step in promoting the concept of sustainable falconry
  • The Hadad program works to revitalize the habitat of peregrine falcons at the NEOM reserve

NEOM: The Saudi Falcons Club’s Hadad program has announced a strategic partnership with NEOM to improve falcons’ habitat in the NEOM Nature Reserve.
The partnership, which was signed during Hadad’s annual meeting hosted by NEOM on Thursday, is part of the second phase of the program, which focuses on protecting endangered species and reviving habitats by employing the latest international standards in wildlife conservation.
The partnership is a major step in promoting the concept of sustainable falconry by preserving cultural and environmental heritage while integrating ancient traditions with modern practices.
The Hadad program works to revitalize the habitat of peregrine falcons at the NEOM reserve and implement effective environmental measures to ensure the sustainability of the species.
The partnership reflects NEOM’s efforts to preserve 95 percent of its land for nature, set new international standards to preserve the environment, and rehabilitate wildlife through its reserve.
It also illustrates the Kingdom’s commitment to enhancing its global leadership position in sustainable development and environmental protection, in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.