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How AI is driving innovation in event management and urban development in Saudi Arabia

Riyadh's Qiddiya megaproject is expected to redefine leisure, entertainment and events through advanced AI applications. (Supplied)

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Updated 02 January 2025

Sulafa Alkhunaizi

January 02, 2025 22:41

How AI is driving innovation in event management and urban development in Saudi Arabia

AI technologies are central to the Kingdom’s mega-projects, enhancing personalized services, transport, and entertainment
From autonomous transport to real-time event coordination, AI communication tools are enhancing efficiency and user engagement

Updated 02 January 2025

Sulafa Alkhunaizi

January 02, 2025 22:41

RIYADH: Artificial intelligence is poised to play a transformative role in Saudi Arabia’s urban development, event management and visitor experiences, particularly as the Kingdom prepares to host major global events like the FIFA World Cup 2034.

AI technologies are already central to the Kingdom’s megaprojects, including NEOM and Qiddiya, and are positioning Saudi Arabia as a global leader in innovation and smart city development.

From autonomous transport systems to real-time event coordination platforms, AI-driven communication tools are enhancing efficiency and user engagement in many sectors, particularly sports and entertainment.

“The Saudi Pro League has implemented AI-powered tools like OptaVision to enhance on-field analysis and deepen fan and sponsor engagement,” Amsal Kapetanovic, country manager at Infobip KSA, a communication platform specializing in AI solutions, told Arab News.

“The Saudi Company for Artificial Intelligence has also launched SportNative, an AI-driven sports product suite that optimizes operations and harnesses the full potential of the current sports ecosystem.”

The impact of AI was evident in Riyadh on Dec. 21 when the boxing rematch between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury featured an experimental fourth judge powered by AI, designed to eliminate bias and human error in scoring.

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Beyond enhancing sports, AI is being used to manage large crowds at events, reduce queuing times, and improve navigation, enhancing experiences for visitors.

“AI-powered systems can provide personalized recommendations, real-time translations, and seamless navigation for international visitors,” Kapetanovic said.

In Saudi Arabia's northwest, the NEOM smart city project is incorporating AI to redefine urban living. (Supplied)

“The Saudi Tourism Authority’s virtual travel companion, SARA, demonstrates how AI delivers real-time insights and information about attractions and events.”

NEOM, Saudi Arabia’s $500 billion smart city project on the Kingdom’s northwest coast, is incorporating AI to redefine urban living. The technology is expected to play a pivotal role in personalizing services, optimizing transport, and enhancing hospitality.

“AI will revolutionize communication technologies in projects like NEOM by facilitating intelligent, scalable, and seamless interactions,” Kapetanovic said. “In NEOM’s envisioned smart city ecosystem, AI-powered platforms could enable real-time collaboration, multilingual translation, and predictive analytics.”

DID YOUKNOW?

• AI technologies are central to Saudi Arabia’s megaprojects, enhancing personalized services, transport, and entertainment experiences.

• AI-powered tools, such as SportNative and OptaVision, optimize sports operations, on-field analysis, and fan engagement in the Kingdom.

• AI systems like SARA provide personalized recommendations, real-time translations, and seamless navigation.

AI is also expected to enhance travel and logistics in NEOM, enabling real-time route planning, efficient cargo management, and predictive maintenance of transport networks.

“These tools have the potential to empower residents, visitors and businesses through dynamic, efficient communication and logistical systems,” Kapetanovic said. “By leveraging AI, NEOM aspires to become a global benchmark for interconnected and sustainable living.”

The influence of AI extends beyond infrastructure to retail and entertainment, where conversational AI is reshaping customer interactions. Data from Infobip revealed a 26 percent increase in customer interactions during Black Friday, reflecting the growing adoption of AI in consumer communications.

AI is now being used to manage large crowds at events, reduce queuing times, and improve navigation, enhancing experiences for visitors. (Supplied)

“This surge in digital communication aligns perfectly with the smart city vision of projects like NEOM,” Kapetanovic said.

Qiddiya, meanwhile, another megaproject taking shape near Riyadh, is expected to redefine leisure, entertainment and events through advanced AI applications.

In November, software development company Globant and the Qiddiya Investment Company‎ signed an agreement to develop Qiddiya’s “PLAY LIFE Connected Experience,” an AI-powered platform offering personalized itineraries, event bookings, and community engagement.

AN AI rendering of the Qiddiya project in Riyadh. (Supplied)

“The platform will allow visitors to book events, manage their itineraries, discover new adventures, and engage with the community through a real-time interface,” Kapetanovic said.

AI is also critical to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals, which prioritize sustainable development and quality of life. From predictive maintenance to efficient resource allocation, AI-driven infrastructure advancements are minimizing costs while accelerating progress.

“When it comes to infrastructure, AI could drive predictive maintenance and efficient resource allocation,” Kapetanovic said. “These advancements align with Vision 2030 by fostering innovation, enabling sustainable development, and elevating the quality of life.”

Saudi Arabia, UK set up sustainable infrastructure assembly to bolster trade

Updated 6 sec ago

Arab News

April 13, 2025 23:22

Saudi Arabia, UK set up sustainable infrastructure assembly to bolster trade

Partnership will support initiatives under Saudi Vision 2030
London ‘a natural partner in achieving our shared vision,’ Saudi investment minister says

Updated 6 sec ago

Arab News

April 13, 2025 23:22

LONDON: Saudi Arabia and the UK on Sunday unveiled a new strategic partnership aimed at deepening collaboration between British financial and professional services firms and the Kingdom’s sustainable infrastructure developers.

The deal was announced by the Saudi Ministry of Investment, UK Department for Business and Trade and City of London Corp.

Central to the agreement is the establishment of the UK-Saudi Sustainable Infrastructure Assembly, a platform that will bring together companies, policymakers and industry experts from the two countries to shape the future of investment in the sector.

The assembly will initially focus on projects such as the new Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Co., led by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, and the Prince Faisal Bin Fahad Sustainable Sports City project, spearheaded by the Kingdom’s National Center for Privatization.

Set to launch next month in Riyadh, the assembly will also meet in London in June under the banner of the UK Government’s “Great Futures” campaign, which showcases cooperation across trade, investment, tourism, education and culture. A final meeting will take place during the Future Investment Initiative in Riyadh in the fall.

Among the Saudi members of the assembly are Deputy Assistant for Service Sectors at the Ministry of Investment Fahad Al-Hashem, and Hatim Alghamdi, Hisham Sumayli and Faisal Abdeen from the Ministry of Economy and Planning.

Sultan Al-Khalil, general manager of alternative funding at the National Debt Management Center, and Salman Badr, vice president of infrastructure advisory at the National Center for Privatization, will also take part.

The British side includes UK Export Finance CEO Tim Reid and Deputy Trade Commissioner for the Middle East Arabian Peninsula Peter Ashby.

As Saudi Arabia pursues a $1 trillion infrastructure development pipeline as part of Vision 2030, the assembly is set to help strengthen business ties between the two countries.

Saudi Minister of Investment Khalid Al-Falih said: “Saudi Arabia is driving one of the most ambitious infrastructure transformations in the world, with approximately $1 trillion committed to projects that are not only reshaping our cities but also setting new global benchmarks for sustainability.

“Through Vision 2030, we are integrating cutting-edge technologies, green financing and world-class expertise to ensure that our infrastructure delivers long-term economic, social and environmental value.

“The City of London’s leading global expertise and innovative approach to sustainable finance, infrastructure governance and public-private partnerships complement our own ambitions.

“Our long-standing partnership with the UK spans decades, making the City of London a natural partner in achieving our shared vision for a more sustainable and prosperous future,” he said.

UK Minister for Investment Poppy Gustafsson said the UK and Saudi Arabia shared a deep commitment to driving sustainable economic growth and attracting global investment into transformational infrastructure projects.

“These assemblies represent an opportunity to strengthen commercial ties between our two nations, ensuring that Saudi projects are well positioned to secure international capital and expertise through the UK.

“This landmark UK-Saudi collaboration exemplifies our ‘Great Futures’ campaign, fostering partnerships that will drive sustainable development and prosperity, with the UK as a trusted partner in Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 journey.”

Lord Mayor of London Alastair King echoed the sentiment.

“This new partnership offers exciting opportunities for both countries,” he said.

“The UK’s expertise in sustainable finance is in demand across the globe. We are world leaders because of our reputation for innovation, access to capital and world-class clusters of expertise.

“This assembly will identify new growth opportunities for Saudi infrastructure and will make it easier for UK firms to engage with Saudi Arabia’s thriving market.”

Topics: Saudi Arabia UK

Saudi Arabia welcomes Oman’s hosting of Iran-US talks, says dialogue is the way to go

Updated 14 April 2025

Arab News

April 14, 2025 01:29

Saudi Arabia welcomes Oman’s hosting of Iran-US talks, says dialogue is the way to go

Kingdom says it prefers dialogue as a way to end all regional and international disputes
American and Iranian delegations met for the first time in Muscat, Oman, to lay down the format of their talks

Updated 14 April 2025

Arab News

April 14, 2025 01:29

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia welcomed Oman's hosting of the Iran-US talks on Tehran's nuclear program, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has said, adding that the Kingdom prefers dialogue as a way to end all regional and international disputes.

In a statement carried by the Saudi Press Agency, the ministry said Saudi Arabia hopes that the talks "will lead to supporting joint action to enhance security, stability and peace in the region and the world."

On April 12, American and Iranian negotiators met for the first time in Muscat, the Omani capital, as the long-term adversaries try to come up with a new nuclear deal in place of the failed 2015 accord.

The 2015 accord, or the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), was a long-term deal that Iran agreed with world powers known as the P5+1 — composed of the US, UK, France, China, Russia and Germany.

Under that agreement, Iran was to limit its nuclear activities and allow international inspectors to visit its nuclear sites. In return, economic sanctions on Iran would be lifted by the world powers, notably the US.

Donald Trump, however, pulled the US out of the agreement in his first term of office in 2018 amid objections by other regional powers that the accord lacked the teeth to curtail Iran's nuclear activities and only empowered Tehran to continue interfering in the affairs of its neighbors.

In his second term as president, Trump invited Iran's leadership to the negotiating table to avoid military action.

In Saturday's initial meeting in Muscat, Oman's Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi acted as intermediary, shuttling from one room to the other where the American and Iranian delegations were assigned, as the long-time adversaries tried to lay the groundwork for their high-stakes nuclear talks.

Albusaidi later told reporters that the talks took place in a “friendly atmosphere,” adding: “We will continue to work together.”

According to the Iranian foreign ministry, the negotiators also spoke directly for “a few minutes,” and that the talks were held “in a constructive and mutually respectful atmosphere.”

Steve Witkoff, a real estate magnate, headed the US team, while Iran's team was led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, a seasoned diplomat and key architect of the 2015 accord.

Just before the first meeting started, Trump told reporters: “I want Iran to be a wonderful, great, happy country. But they can’t have a nuclear weapon.”

Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s adviser Ali Shamkhani said Iran was “seeking a real and fair agreement.”

The two sides have agreed to meet again.

Topics: Iran-US talks Oman 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA)

Misk Foundation, London Business School sign strategic agreement

Updated 14 April 2025

Arab News

April 14, 2025 00:44

Misk Foundation, London Business School sign strategic agreement

The agreement aims to explore collaboration in areas such as leadership development, executive education, scientific research, and strategic communication

Updated 14 April 2025

Arab News

April 14, 2025 00:44

RIYADH: The Mohammed bin Salman Foundation, also known as Misk, and London Business School signed on Sunday a strategic agreement to strengthen leadership and advance executive education.

The agreement aims to explore collaboration in areas such as leadership development, executive education, scientific research, and strategic communication, in line with Saudi Vision 2030’s goals to empower leadership across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors.

It was signed by Dr. Badr Al-Badr, CEO of the foundation, and Professor Sergei Guriev, Dean of London Business School, in the presence of Majid Al-Qasabi, Vice Chairman of Misk Foundation, and Yousef bin Abdullah Al-Benyan, Minister of Education.

The cooperation includes designing and delivering empowerment and leadership development programs for youth, and developing short executive courses and tailored workshops for Saudi leaders.

It will study the potential establishment of a regional executive education hub in Mohammed bin Salman Nonprofit City.

Commenting on the partnership, Al-Badr said the agreement reflects Misk Foundation’s commitment to developing a generation of leaders capable of shaping a sustainable future and driving national transformation.

“Through the strategic collaboration, we aim to deliver effective educational and executive solutions, and to advance scientific research that support the development of qualified leadership capabilities, contributing to enhancing the Kingdom’s competitiveness regionally and globally,” he added.

This partnership with London Business School, one of the world’s most prestigious academic institutions, falls within Misk Foundation’s broader efforts to provide innovative learning and training opportunities that contribute to building a thriving society led by youth.

Topics: Saudi Arabia MISK Foundation London Business School

US energy secretary praises Saudi cooperation

Updated 13 April 2025

Arab News

April 13, 2025 22:59

US energy secretary praises Saudi cooperation

Chris Wright discussed renewable energy sources with Saudi officials

Updated 13 April 2025

Arab News

April 13, 2025 22:59

RIYADH: US Energy Secretary Chris Wright praised Saudi Arabia’s leadership for fostering robust energy cooperation between the two countries.

Wright, who visited the Kingdom on Sunday, expressed his gratitude to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman for supporting energy partnership with the US.

During a media briefing at the Energy Ministry in Riyadh, Wright discussed his conversations with Saudi officials regarding energy investment, trade and security. He praised the Kingdom’s solar energy sector and innovative energy development approach.

He discussed renewable energy sources such as green hydrogen and solar power with Saudi officials, stressing the need for long-term investments to meet rising global demand, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Wright highlighted the importance of stable oil prices to encourage investments in vital minerals, and emphasized the need to promote mutual investment and consistent growth in energy supplies, the SPA added.

Regarding the tariffs introduced globally by the US, he said the focus was on fair trade and bringing jobs back to the country. Wright described them as strategic tariffs aimed at encouraging domestic investment.

Topics: Green & Blue

Fashioning identity: Saudi designer champions tour guides as ambassadors

Updated 13 April 2025

Nada Hameed

April 13, 2025 20:55

Fashioning identity: Saudi designer champions tour guides as ambassadors

Dallal Al-Juhani’s uniform concept weaves together tradition, technology
We should showcase Saudi heritage to the world through tourism and fashion, she says

Updated 13 April 2025

Nada Hameed

April 13, 2025 20:55

JEDDAH: In Saudi Arabia, where each region’s distinct heritage shines through its landscape and traditions, tour guides serve as vital ambassadors — and one Saudi designer believes their attire is key to embodying the cultural treasures they represent.

Dallal Al-Juhani, a fashion design faculty member at Taibah University, has developed a visionary concept for tour guide uniforms in AlUla which blends heritage with modern style.

Dallal Al-Juhani’s uniform concept reflects the rich identity of AlUla through colors, patterns, materials, and techniques, all inspired by the region’s heritage. (Supplied)

Using technology to champion heritage, her project merges the cultural identity of AlUla with aesthetics and the functional needs of the job, highlighting Saudi identity in its finest form.

“Saudi heritage has its place and value,” she told Arab News. “We should be proud of it and showcase it to the world through the tourism and fashion sectors."

HIGHLIGHT

Dallal Al-Juhani, a fashion design faculty member at Taibah University, has developed a visionary concept for tour guide uniforms in AlUla which blends heritage with modern style.

Al-Juhani holds a bachelor’s degree in clothing and jewelry design from Taibah University, and boasts a master’s in fashion design from King Abdulaziz University.

She added: “During my studies there was a significant focus on fashion that reflects heritage, as well as the role of modern technologies in the development of the fashion industry.”

Reflecting on the inspiration behind her vision for tour guide uniforms, she said: “During my visit to AlUla in 2021 I noticed that tour guides did not have a specific uniform to stand out to visitors.

Saudi heritage has its place and value. We should be proud of it and showcase it to the world through the tourism and fashion sectors.

Dallal Al-Juhani, Saudi designer and academic

“As a fashion designer I felt compelled to find a solution to this issue by creating designs suitable for this role.”

Al-Juhani’s uniform concept reflects the rich identity of AlUla through colors, patterns, materials, and techniques, all inspired by the region’s heritage.

It serves as a visual narrative, representing the beauty of AlUla’s monuments while establishing a deep connection between the storyteller and the place itself.

She said: “Patterns were inspired from iconic locations such as Al-Hijr and Jabal Ikmah, incorporating Nabataean letters and prominent symbols such as the bull, lion, and hand.”

Dallal won the Gold Medal at the London International Exhibition of Inventions and Innovations 2024, alongside special recognition from Croatia and Romania. (Supplied)

Functionality was a key consideration in the uniform’s design, and Al-Juhani added: “The uniform gives the tour guide a sense of belonging and comfort, leaving a positive impression on tourists, which elevates the level of professionalism in the tourism sector.”

As a young Saudi designer Al-Juhani’s message to her peers is to keep up with modern trends by utilizing new technologies in design and illustration. In fact, as part of her project, she harnessed artificial intelligence techniques to enhance her designs.

And to bring her vision to life she used AI-powered tools like Midjourney and Lexica to develop prototypes before transitioning to manual work.

She said: “I used natural leather and techniques such as burning and decoration that mimic the ancient Nabataean style. I also added traditional details using leather threads and blanket stitching to enhance the heritage touch.”

While Al-Juhani did face some challenges in sourcing high-quality materials, the input offered by tour guides made the process smoother.

She added: “I made sure to involve them in every stage to strengthen their connection to the uniform, making it a project they felt a part of rather than just a product.”

Her innovative approach has already earned her recognition, and Al-Juhani was awarded the gold medal at the London International Exhibition of Inventions and Innovations in 2024, as well as receiving special recognition from Croatia and Romania at the same event.

“It was proof that heritage and monuments give design authenticity, uniqueness, and enhance its aesthetic and expressive value,” she said.

Topics: Dallal Al-Juhani saudi fashion Taibah University Saudi Arabia

How AI is driving innovation in event management and urban development in Saudi Arabia