How AI is transforming motorsports and the car industry in Saudi Arabia

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Updated 24 October 2024
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How AI is transforming motorsports and the car industry in Saudi Arabia

RIYADH: Artificial intelligence is transforming the automotive industry, from the advent of fully electric autonomous vehicles to radical advances in the world of motorsports, optimizing race performance and enhancing the fan experience.

Motorsports rely heavily on real-time data analysis, making AI indispensable in predicting tire wear, running simulations, and improving aerodynamics. For fans, AI offers new insights with predictive race analyzes and enhanced live experiences.

Formula 1 and Formula E are prime examples of how AI can optimize performance. Teams gather massive amounts of data during races, and AI analyzes these in real time, helping to adjust strategies and make key decisions.

Off the racetrack, this technology is also shaping the future of electric vehicles and autonomous driving, which will soon transform how the general public gets from A to B.

NetApp, a California-based leader in AI-driven data management, has partnered with brands such as Aston Martin and Porsche to help optimize motorsports performance through advanced AI tools.

“AI will play a pivotal role in developing next-generation vehicles and capabilities,” George Kurian, CEO of NetApp, told Arab News.

AI’s potential in Saudi Arabia is particularly significant. The Kingdom has hosted both Formula 1 and Formula E in recent years and is positioning itself as a key player in the AI revolution within motorsports.

Saudi Arabia hosts two major motorsport events that have become integral to its global sports calendar. The Formula 1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix has been held annually since 2021 at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit.

Since 2018, the Kingdom has also hosted the Formula E Diriyah E-Prix, an electric car race that takes place in the historic city of Diriyah near Riyadh. The Jeddah E-Prix is scheduled to take place in February next year.

These events are considered crown jewels of the Kingdom’s burgeoning sports and entertainment industry.

As part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 social reform and economic diversification agenda, the Kingdom is keen to adopt cutting-edge technologies across various sectors, including the automotive industry.

“Unifying and securing data is crucial for supporting the ambitious goals of initiatives like Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030,” Kurian said.

NetApp’s AI technology enables the smooth flow of data between different cloud environments, facilitating everything from predictive maintenance to real-time data processing. In motorsports, this translates into the ability to simulate race conditions, predict failures, and enhance team decision-making.

By processing large volumes of data from electric and autonomous vehicles, companies can optimize everything from battery performance to driving efficiency.

“We see the increased adoption of electric vehicles and enhanced autonomous driving capabilities as major trends,” Kurian said.

These innovations are being integrated not only into elite motorsports but also into the consumer market, with automakers looking to optimize everything from energy efficiency to driverless capabilities.

Saudi Arabia is making significant strides in the electric vehicle and autonomous vehicle industries. In the EV sector, Saudi Arabia launched Ceer, its first homegrown EV brand, in partnership with Foxconn and with technical backing from BMW.

The Kingdom has also invested heavily in Lucid Motors, acquiring a majority stake in the American EV manufacturer.

However, the integration of AI into the automotive sector is not without its challenges. Managing the sheer volume of data produced by vehicles and ensuring data quality and security are major concerns for automakers.

DID YOU KNOW?

1. Saudi Vision 2030 promotes AI and clean technology, including advances in electric and autonomous vehicles.

2. AI helps race teams and automakers optimize energy efficiency and enhance autonomous vehicle capabilities.

3. Motorsports hosted by the Kingdom include the Formula 1 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix and Formula E Diriyah E-Prix.


Ensuring compliance with international data protection standards is also a critical focus for companies such as NetApp, which work to secure vehicle data against potential cyber threats.

“Data safety and security are critical as AI technologies become more integrated into vehicles,” Kurian said.

NetApp’s approach ensures that manufacturers can maintain compliance with international standards while safeguarding sensitive data, particularly as more autonomous driving solutions are developed.

As Saudi Arabia continues to host major motorsports events such as Formula 1 and Formula E, the Kingdom is positioning itself as a leader in the adoption of AI technologies in this field. With fan engagement increasingly driven by AI-powered insights, Saudi Arabia could lead the charge in offering cutting-edge spectator experiences.

In a sport where milliseconds matter, the integration of AI allows teams to extract every possible advantage, whether it is through tire strategy or optimizing fuel efficiency. For fans, AI can predict race outcomes or enhance real-time viewing by offering deeper insights into team strategies and driver performance.

NetApp’s collaborations with motorsport brands underscore the broader trend of AI-driven innovation. “Our solutions enable manufacturers to create real-time data pipelines, facilitating the efficient processing and analysis of vehicle data,” Kurian said.

This seamless integration of AI into racing underscores the future of motorsports as a data-driven enterprise, where the ability to process vast amounts of information in real time can make or break a race.

AI’s influence on motorsports is only just beginning. With Saudi Arabia embracing this technology, the Kingdom is set to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of AI in the automotive world.

“AI will continue to drive the next wave of innovations in the automotive industry,” Kurian said.

As both Formula 1 and Formula E return to the region, Saudi Arabia’s commitment to innovation will likely accelerate the adoption of AI, enhancing not only the performance of the vehicles but also the experience for the millions of fans watching around the world.

 


MWL hosts forum to foster dialogue, promote Islamic unity

MWL will host second edition of the Global Conference for Building Bridges Between Islamic Schools of Thought and Sects in March
Updated 7 min 38 sec ago
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MWL hosts forum to foster dialogue, promote Islamic unity

  • Makkah conference will feature senior figures from various sects, denominations
  • Guide to common Islamic principles to be launched during forum

RIYADH: The Muslim World League will host the second edition of the Global Conference for Building Bridges Between Islamic Schools of Thought and Sects on March 6-7 in Makkah, Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.

The conference will bring together leading muftis, scholars, intellectuals, and representatives from senior Islamic councils, jurisprudential academies, and religious institutions across different sects and denominations.

It will serve as a unified platform for fostering constructive dialogue among diverse Islamic traditions as well as coordinating efforts and resources to strengthen Islamic unity, while ensuring mutual respect for doctrinal diversity.

The forum also aims to overcome sectarian disputes that have historically led to division and conflict, and promote fraternity and cohesion through practical initiatives.

This year’s conference marks a critical step in transforming the principles outlined in the inaugural conference into actionable programs, SPA said.

Discussions will address issues such as enhancing intra-Islamic dialogue and cooperation.

A highlight of the conference will be the launch of the encyclopedia of Islamic intellectual convergence, prepared by the Center for Safeguarding Intellect.

The encyclopedia, developed with contributions from 60 Islamic scholars and thinkers, aims to serve as a comprehensive guide to common Islamic principles.


Arab countries welcome Saudi Arabia’s hosting of talks between US, Russia

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio shake hands in Riyadh. (SPA)
Updated 18 February 2025
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Arab countries welcome Saudi Arabia’s hosting of talks between US, Russia

  • Russia, US agree to start working toward ending conflict in Ukraine

RIYADH: Arab countries on Tuesday welcomed Saudi efforts to host talks in Riyadh between the US and Russia on the Ukraine conflict.

Russia and the US agreed to start working toward ending the conflict in Ukraine and improving their diplomatic and economic ties, the two countries’ top diplomats said after the talks.

The UAE expressed “hope that the talks will serve as a significant step towards bridging differences, fostering communication and advancing dialogue to bring an end to the nearly three-year-long conflict,” the Emirates News Agency reported.

Its Ministry of Foreign Affairs commended the efforts of Saudi Arabia in hosting the talks “which reflect the Kingdom’s commitment to supporting international peace efforts, and achieving global stability and prosperity.”

The ministry reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to supporting peaceful resolutions to conflicts and promoting international cooperation in addressing global challenges.

Majed Al-Ansari, the spokesperson for Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, welcomed Saudi efforts to lead the talks that “will hopefully result in peace in a struggle that has gone on for a very long time.”

Al-Ansari added: “We have called from day one for both parties to engage in a peaceful resolution of this war. This war has had huge humanitarian costs and great geopolitical (and) economic impact globally.”

Kuwait’s Foreign Ministry also welcomed the talks and expressed the hope that they would “lead to achieving their desired goals in enhancing security and stability in the world.”

Sufyan Qudah, Jordan’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, commended Saudi Arabia for its pivotal role in hosting the talks and said they highlighted the Kingdom’s continuous efforts to foster comprehensive and just peace worldwide.

The Palestinian presidency said the talks were a culmination of the wise policy pursued by Saudi Arabia’s leadership, adding that it was “a policy that fosters regional and international stability and affirms Riyadh’s commitment to its effective role in achieving peace and security.”


Manga exhibition in Jeddah explores evolution of Japanese artform

Updated 18 February 2025
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Manga exhibition in Jeddah explores evolution of Japanese artform

  • Event strengthens bonds of friendship, cooperation between Kingdom and Japan, says consul-general

JEDDAH: As Saudi Arabia and Japan celebrate 70 years of diplomatic relations, the Consulate-General of Japan in Jeddah is marking the milestone with Manga Hokusai Manga, a three-week art exhibition running until March 8.

Organized in collaboration with the Jeddah Historical Development Project and the Japan Foundation, the exhibition explores the evolution of Japanese manga from the 19th-century works of ukiyo-e master Katsushika Hokusai to the modern format that has gained widespread popularity in the Kingdom.

‘Futatasumakura,’ 1981 by Hinao Sugiura. (AN photos/Supplied)

Hosted at Bait Amir Bahar in Al-Balad, one of Jeddah’s historic homes, the exhibition highlights both the similarities and contrasts between the artistic styles while showcasing the cultural depth of Japanese storytelling.

Rather than simply focusing on how Hokusai’s work influenced manga, the exhibition invites visitors to compare both styles and understand what makes them unique. It examines themes such as visual storytelling, artistic techniques and cultural participation across different eras.

HIGHLIGHT

The exhibition in Jeddah explores the evolution of Japanese manga from the 19th-century works of ukiyo-e master Katsushika Hokusai to the modern format that has gained widespread popularity in the Kingdom.

Hokusai’s manga drawings, while sometimes resembling cartoons, encompass a wide variety of subjects, from nature to human expressions and everyday life. Unlike modern comics, his work was not centered on humor but balanced artistic instruction with entertainment — much like how manga today combines storytelling with visual artistry.

‘Portrait of Hokuai,’ 2015, by Sawa Sakura. (AN photos/Supplied)

Hokusai created his manga using woodblock printing, transferring the images onto paper in three primary colors: Black, gray and pale peach. The collection, comprising 4,000 illustrations across almost 800 pages, was published between 1814 and 1878 in 15 volumes bound with string.

The phrase denshin kaishu, which precedes the title, translates to “transmitting the spirit and learning the craft,” highlighting the collection’s educational purpose.

Hosted at Bait Amir Bahar in Al-Balad, one of Jeddah’s historic homes, the Manga Hokusai Manga exhibition showcases the cultural depth of Japanese storytelling. (AN photos/Supplied)

Hokusai Manga was originally used as a reference book for aspiring artists, much like today’s “How to Draw Manga” guides. Similar to modern fan-made manga, his work encouraged learning, copying and artistic experimentation.

In an exclusive interview with Arab News, Daisuke Yamamoto, the consul-general of Japan in Jeddah, described Hokusai as one of Japan’s greatest artists, modernizing traditional print styles through innovations in subject matter and composition.

Daisuke Yamamoto, Consul-general of Japan in Jeddah

“Hokusai transformed the ukiyo-e genre traditionally focused on images of fleeting pleasures — by shifting its emphasis from people to landscapes and the changing seasons,” Yamamoto said. “His print designs invited audiences to witness nature’s transience, capturing birds in flight, flowers in bloom and water in motion. Through his work, he blended an acute awareness of the fleeting with a deep appreciation for the timeless.”

According to an official statement, Hokusai’s work captured Japan’s diverse landscapes, portraying scenes and activities connected by shared symbols and narratives. He was among the first artists to both shape and be shaped by globalization, drawing from international influences and later inspiring European artists who adopted his decorative motifs, serialized compositions and vision of contemporary society. To this day, countless artists continue to engage with his legacy.

(This exhibition) provides an opportunity for a wide range of people to know about each other’s culture, which will be reflected in the future in their understanding of each other and facilitate all other aspects of cooperation.

Daisuke Yamamoto, Consul-general of Japan in Jeddah

Reflecting on the exhibition’s significance, Yamamoto highlighted its role in strengthening cultural ties between Saudi Arabia and Japan: “Holding this exhibition and other cultural events basically confirmed the excellent cultural cooperation between Japan and Saudi Arabia, and strengthens the bonds of friendship and cooperation, and provides an opportunity for a wide range of people to know about each other’s culture, which will be reflected in the future in their understanding of each other and facilitate all other aspects of cooperation.”

Hokusai’s manga drawings, while sometimes resembling cartoons, encompass a wide variety of subjects, from nature to human expressions and everyday life. (AN photos/Supplied)

Since the 1970s, Hokusai himself has appeared as a character in manga, reimagined by various artists in styles ranging from realistic portrayals to fantastical interpretations. This reflects manga’s evolution, blending historical figures with contemporary storytelling techniques.

Ukiyo-e, the popular art of the 18th and 19th centuries, foreshadowed comic techniques such as visualizing the invisible. However, its speech-like balloons often depicted dreams rather than dialogue, and weather lines were integrated into the scene rather than used as abstract symbols.

Hosted at Bait Amir Bahar in Al-Balad, one of Jeddah’s historic homes, the Manga Hokusai Manga exhibition showcases the cultural depth of Japanese storytelling. (AN photos/Supplied)

Hokusai’s most popular collection of printed drawings was named “manga.” While the collection is primarily known for its diverse subjects and painting style, its frequent portrayal of exaggerated expressions and acrobatic scenes has led many to associate “manga” with cartoons or humorous images.

When compared to the work of his contemporary, Utagawa Kuniyoshi, it becomes clear that Hokusai’s manga images were not necessarily intended to be funny.

In 19th-century Japan, the success of Hokusai’s manga was rooted in the balance between the mundane and the whimsical, instruction and entertainment. This blend helped secure the collection’s lasting appeal.

Today’s Japanese comics share similarities in content, particularly in their focus on capturing movement, and in their wide circulation, thanks to advancements in reproduction technology.

 


Saudi Arabia’s Nusuk app expands services for pilgrims

Updated 18 February 2025
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Saudi Arabia’s Nusuk app expands services for pilgrims

  • The Nusuk app serves visitors from over 100 countries in 10 languages, offering more than 120 services to facilitate their arrival and experience

MAKKAH: The Nusuk app, the official guide for pilgrims visiting the holy sites, has introduced new services to enhance the visitor experience, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The updates include features that allow users to explore unique historical destinations, a tasbih service, a Hisnul Muslim guide for daily prayers and supplications, and Haramain Qur’anic recitations.

Additionally, the app offers awareness cards, interactive maps, an event calendar, and a comprehensive digital guide with multilingual instructions.

It also provides health information and services. Moreover, service providers can showcase their offerings electronically to Umrah pilgrims and visitors, according to the SPA.

The Nusuk app serves visitors from over 100 countries in 10 languages, offering more than 120 services to facilitate their arrival and experience.

Integrated with 25 government bodies and 10 business sector entities, the app aligns with the Kingdom’s digital transformation efforts to enhance technology use.

 


Saudi leadership congratulates Jordan king after successful surgery

Saudi Arabia’s King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. (File/SPA)
Updated 18 February 2025
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Saudi leadership congratulates Jordan king after successful surgery

  • King Abdullah left hospital on Tuesday after undergoing minor surgery
  • The 63-year-old monarch was admitted earlier in the day for an incisional hernia at King Hussein Medical City

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman sent cables of congratulations on Tuesday to Jordan’s King Abdullah after he underwent minor surgery.

In separate cables, the king and crown prince prayed for the Jordanian monarch’s health and happiness. 

King Abdullah left hospital on Tuesday after undergoing minor surgery, the Jordanian royal palace said.

The 63-year-old monarch was admitted earlier in the day for an incisional hernia at the country’s King Hussein Medical City.

He is set to resume his working schedule on Wednesday, according to the royal palace.