How generative AI is transforming business management in Saudi Arabia

Generative AI copilot Joule is rapidly becoming the natural language interface across the portfolio as SAP continues to embed AI across its applications. (Supplied)
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Updated 19 August 2024
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How generative AI is transforming business management in Saudi Arabia

  • Generative AI is streamlining business processes, enhancing decision-making, and boosting productivity
  • Ahmed Al-Faifi, head of SAP MENA, highlights the revolutionary impact of the technology on the Kingdom’s digital transformation

DUBAI: As businesses in Saudi Arabia and the wider Gulf region strive for greater efficiency, innovation, and profitability, SAP’s generative artificial intelligence program, Joule, is set to revolutionize the way firms operate.

By integrating cutting-edge AI capabilities directly into business processes, the German software company aims to streamline workflows, enhance decision-making, and boost productivity across industries.

Ahmed Al-Faifi, senior vice president and managing director of SAP Middle East and Africa — North, emphasized the impact of AI on the region during remarks at the recent SAP Sapphire conference in Barcelona, Spain.




Joule, SAP’s natural language generative AI copilot, is designed to simplify tasks and improve outcomes. (SAP photo)

“The groundbreaking use of generative AI and the partnerships announced by SAP at Sapphire are particularly relevant to our region, where both the public and private sectors have embraced the digital transformation necessary to leverage AI technologies,” said Al-Faifi.

Joule, SAP’s natural language generative AI copilot, is at the heart of this transformation. Designed to simplify tasks and improve outcomes, Joule is expected to manage 80 percent of the most common tasks performed by SAP’s 300 million end users by the end of 2024.

This shift has the potential to increase productivity by 20 percent, offering significant benefits to businesses in the Gulf region.

The capabilities of Joule extend across various business functions, from finance and analytics to order management. Joule also provides strategic recommendations, leveraging SAP’s B2B data model to offer real-time insights that enhance cash collection, supply chain decisions, and procurement strategies.

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This level of AI-driven support is particularly valuable in the Gulf, where businesses are navigating rapid growth and digital transformation.

Al-Faifi, a Saudi national leading SAP’s efforts in the region, highlighted the strategic importance of Saudi Arabia as a market.

“Amid this impressive and rapid digital evolution, it is imperative that we use AI in a way that will benefit our region’s businesses and communities,” he said.




Ahmed Al-Faifi, senior vice president and managing director of SAP Middle East and North Africa. (Supplied)

“From the outset, SAP pioneered AI solutions that are relevant, reliable, and responsible, and we remain committed to ensuring that the business AI infused across our portfolio adheres to these fundamental principles, while driving successful outcomes for public and private enterprises.”

SAP’s investment in Saudi Arabia reflects its commitment to this mission. Earlier this year, the company opened an SAP Experience Center in the Kingdom’s Eastern Province city of Alkhobar, designed to drive innovation with customers and partners.

In collaboration with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, SAP has also extended its Academy of Engineering program until 2025, further bolstering the country’s technological capabilities.




Last year, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology in collaboration with SAP Global launched a specialized training program aimed at qualifying national digital talent through both virtual and in-person journeys. (MICT photo)

Innovation is about leveraging knowledge about existing industries, Al-Faifi told Arab News. “For example, in the oil and gas sector, we are working with Saudi Aramco on innovation, specifically regarding maintenance. 

“We are making sure that AI and technology are being used to help optimize the company’s maintenance. Of course, there is a business aspect here. We need to reduce costs or increase the time to revenue because maintenance means downtime.”

Al-Faifi also stressed the need for businesses to adapt quickly to the fast-paced advancements in AI.

“AI is challenging everybody. It is going too fast,” he said. “There are so many scenarios, so many capabilities available, and the regulation is still evolving. The major focus here for SAP AI is to help the customer adapt and consume the technology they have in a much easier way.”

Joule is a key tool in this adaptation process, acting as an adviser to clients and simplifying complex business processes to enhance efficiency and productivity. This comes at a crucial time for Saudi Arabia, where rapid growth and transformation are driving the need for innovative solutions.

“The transformation taking place in Saudi Arabia is very exciting,” said Al-Faifi. “We can leverage the use of AI in business to expedite projects and attract new ones. The SAP innovation center in Saudi is meant to help local projects learn how to go faster to realize their goals.”

As SAP continues to expand its AI capabilities, the Gulf region stands to benefit from more streamlined operations, faster project completion, and ultimately, a more competitive position in the global market.
 

 


Health campaign promotes quality care in Saudi Arabia

Updated 04 November 2024
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Health campaign promotes quality care in Saudi Arabia

RIYADH: The Ministry of Health has launched a campaign to promote health by enhancing access to and the quality and efficiency of health services and raising awareness of health risks, the Saudi Press Agency reported Monday.

The campaign “A Vibrant, Healthy Nation” introduces a modern healthcare model, offering integrated, individual-centered services aligned with Vision 2030’s goal of fostering a healthy society.

The ministry is committed to “enhancing public health, improving quality of life, and raising the Kingdom’s global healthcare standing.”

The campaign highlights the health transformation initiative’s positive impacts and informs citizens about its main features, aiming to engage all segments of society, SPA reported.

It emphasizes a shift from treating illness to prevention, involving primary care doctors and early detection programs.


Saudi environment ministry launches program to develop green tech

Updated 04 November 2024
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Saudi environment ministry launches program to develop green tech

  • Scheme seeks new ways to repurpose wastewater, looks at impact of microplastics

RIYADH: The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture has opened applications for a new program to find ways to develop sustainable technologies in Saudi Arabia.

The Sustainable Innovation Fellowship Program aims to find ways to repurpose by-products from water treatment for the benefit of the environment; develop sustainable technologies for recycling membranes used in water treatment; and explore methods to reuse treated wastewater in desert and arid regions.

Supported by the Environment Fund and the Research, Development and Innovation Authority, the fellowship program will also assess the environmental impact of microplastics in water treatment plants, sewage, and wastewater.

In line with Saudi Vision 2030, the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture is also introducing new e-services in accordance with international standards.


Industry meets creativity at Athar festival in Riyadh

Updated 04 November 2024
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Industry meets creativity at Athar festival in Riyadh

  • With workshops, discussions, and awards, the festival aims to drive growth in Saudi Arabia’s creative sectors

The second Athar Saudi Festival of Creativity will take place in Riyadh from Nov. 5 to 6.

Hosted by UAE-based Motivate Media Group and communications consultancy TRACCS, the festival will gather over 1,500 professionals and leaders from the creative marketing industry, featuring 100 regional and international speakers.

Ian Fairservice, managing partner and group editor in chief of Motivate Media Group, will chair the event, alongside Vice Chairman Mohammed Al-Ayed, CEO of TRACCS.

Pre-festival activities began on Nov. 3 with the Young Talent Academies, including the Student Creative Academy (in partnership with the Middle East Communications Network), the Student Marketers Academy, the NextGen Creative Academy, and the NextGen Marketers Academy.

These academies, featuring keynote sessions from industry experts, workshops, and a 24-hour hackathon, are open to full-time university students aged 18 to 25 and professionals under 30 in creative communications, marketing, or advertising.

The festival will continue on Tuesday and Wednesday with panel discussions, presentations, and fireside chats focused on redefining and growing the creative landscape in Saudi Arabia, the Middle East, and beyond, covering various sectors such as sports, entertainment, and tourism.

The event will conclude with the Athar Awards ceremony on the evening of Nov. 6.

Notable speakers include Sir Martin Sorrell, founder and executive chairman of S4 Capital PLC; Matt McKie, director of marketing for Manchester United; Waseem Kashan, executive director of marketing at ROSHN Group; Yahya Hamidaddin, vice president of corporate communications at ACWA Power; and Houda Tohme, CEO of Havas Media Middle East.

Sessions and keynotes will explore themes such as purpose-driven marketing, brand growth strategies, artificial intelligence, technology, cross-sector innovation, and unlocking creative potential.


Saudi Arabia and Iraq sign MoU on military cooperation

Updated 04 November 2024
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Saudi Arabia and Iraq sign MoU on military cooperation

  • Two defense ministers reviewed longstanding relations between their countries, focusing on ways to enhance defense ties

RIYADH: Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman and his Iraqi counterpart Thabet Al-Abbasi signed a memorandum of understanding on Monday aimed at strengthening cooperation in the military field.

The agreement, signed during a high-level meeting in Riyadh, represents a significant step forward in defense collaboration between the Kingdom and Iraq, Saudi Press Agency reported.

During their discussions, the two ministers reviewed the longstanding relations between their countries, focusing on ways to enhance defense ties.

They emphasized the importance of continued cooperation to foster regional security and stability, particularly amid ongoing regional tensions.

Both ministers discussed recent developments and shared efforts aimed at de-escalating conflicts, prioritizing actions that support peace and security in the region.

The MoU establishes a framework for increased collaboration on military matters, allowing Saudi Arabia and Iraq to address shared security challenges more effectively and pursue mutual goals in defense, SPA added. 


Saudi Islamic affairs minister receives Chinese envoy

Updated 04 November 2024
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Saudi Islamic affairs minister receives Chinese envoy

Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah and Guidance Dr. Abdullatif Al-Asheikh received Chinese Ambassador to the Kingdom Chang Hua in Riyadh on Monday.

During the meeting, they exchanged cordial talks and discussed issues of common interest, particularly those related to Islamic work and promoting moderation and peaceful coexistence, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Riyadh Gov. Prince Faisal bin Bandar received Ambassador of Iran to the Kingdom Alireza Enayati in Riyadh on Monday. They discussed bilateral relations and other topics of common interest.