Latest news with #AbdullahAl-Swaha
Leaders
10 hours ago
- Science
- Leaders
Saudi Minister Calls for Global Action to Bridge AI Divide
Saudi Arabia's Minister of Communications and IT, Abdullah Al-Swaha, has urged decisive international collaboration to tackle the AI divide. Speaking at the 160th anniversary of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in Geneva, he highlighted the concentration of computing power in few regions and the limited AI infrastructure in many countries. Al-Swaha pointed out the lessons from past technological eras, since the analog era took over a century to connect 800 million people, while the digital era linked 5.5 billion individuals in just 50 years, leaving 2.6 billion unconnected. In the AI era, gaps in computing infrastructure, data availability, and algorithms could hinder progress. Saudi Arabia's Commitment Saudi Arabia is committed to leading international efforts to close these technological divides as the minister highlighted Saudi Arabia's efforts, including the digital empowerment of women, who now have a participation rate of about 35%, with the Kingdom ranks top globally in digital competitiveness for two consecutive years. Moreover, Al-Swaha praised researchers at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), who rank among the top one percent globally in scientific citations in an achievement that signals a promising future for AI development in the Kingdom. He also highlighted advancements in data protection regulations and the creation of language models that ensure inclusive access to technology. He cited the HUMAIN project, launched by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, to provide a full spectrum of AI capabilities, positioning the Kingdom as a global AI pioneer. Al-Swaha stressed the importance of the next decade and called for multination partnerships under the ITU to build a fair, safe, and inclusive AI ecosystem. Al-Swaha emphasized that bridging the AI divide is critical and requires urgent global cooperation, calling for partnerships under the ITU to build a fair, safe, and inclusive AI ecosystem that supports sustainable development and enhances human well-being. Short link : Post Views: 10
Saudi Gazette
28-05-2025
- Business
- Saudi Gazette
Saudi, Syrian ministers explore digital economy cooperation in virtual meeting
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — Saudi Minister of Communications and Information Technology Abdullah Al-Swaha held a virtual meeting with his Syrian counterpart, Abdul Salam Heikal, to discuss future cooperation in the digital economy sector. The discussion focused on opportunities to enhance digital infrastructure in Syria to support sustainable development and align with broader aspirations for economic growth and national recovery. Al-Swaha reaffirmed Saudi Arabia's commitment to supporting Syria's future by fostering digital transformation and innovation. Both ministers emphasized the importance of regional integration and knowledge exchange, particularly in advancing innovation, empowering young talent and entrepreneurs, and building capabilities that enable both nations to compete on the global stage.
CairoScene
20-05-2025
- Business
- CairoScene
Saudi Tops MENA Digital Economy Ranking With SAR 495 Billion Valuation
The announcement at Riyadh's Digital Saudi Exhibition spotlighted local talent and tech leadership. Saudi Arabia has emerged as the largest digital economy in the Middle East and North Africa, with a total valuation exceeding SAR 495 billion (approximately USD 132 billion), according to Minister of Communications and Information Technology Abdullah Al-Swaha. The figure reflects cumulative contributions from digital infrastructure, e-commerce, cloud services, and emerging tech applications. Globally, the Kingdom now ranks fourth in digital systems preparedness, a reflection of sustained investments in infrastructure and a broader push under Vision 2030 to diversify the economy beyond oil and foster a culture of innovation. The announcement was made during the opening of the Digital Saudi Exhibition in Riyadh, where Al-Swaha highlighted the role of homegrown talent and local innovation in driving national progress. While the exhibition showcased Saudi Arabia's technological advancements, no new sector-specific investment details or future funding commitments were disclosed.
Saudi Gazette
13-05-2025
- Business
- Saudi Gazette
Saudi-US strategic partnership in artificial intelligence highlighted
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — Minister of Communications and Information Technology Eng. Abdullah Al-Swaha emphasized the importance of the strategic partnership between Saudi Arabia and the United States in the field of artificial intelligence. "This cooperation reflects a shared understanding and a genuine commitment from both parties to support innovation and achieve success in a sector worth trillions of dollars," he said while addressing the Saudi-US Investment Forum in Riyadh on Tuesday. Al-Sawaha emphasized that advances in advanced technologies are accompanied by legitimate concerns about their misuse. However, he noted that complex technologies, such as servers with high-performance processors, are difficult to exploit surreptitiously, contributing to enhanced security and transparency. "Saudi Arabia seeks to deploy and adopt these technologies to serve the public good, in cooperation with trusted partners. The Kingdom's commitment to adopting a responsible approach to developing AI technologies, one that takes into account ethical and security considerations and aims to benefit society," he said. Al-Sawaha reviewed some of the fruits of technical cooperation between the Kingdom and the United States, including the development of AI-based government services, such as issuing passports in five minutes and renewing driver's licenses. He also highlighted the use of generative AI technologies in the development of advanced medical robots to treat cellular diseases and harmful cholesterol, which has contributed to reducing the cost of treatment from $2.2 million to just $100,000. The minister said that Saudi Arabia continues to make progress in the field of renewable energy, working to reduce costs to the lowest possible level. The Kingdom is also witnessing developments in the field of physical artificial intelligence, noting that Saudi Arabia boasts of performing the first heart transplant relying entirely on a robot.
Arab News
22-02-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Saudi embassy in Syria celebrates Founding Day
DAMASCUS: Saudi Arabia's Embassy in the Syrian Arab Republic held a reception on the occasion of the Kingdom's Founding Day at its headquarters in the Syrian capital, Damascus. The celebration was attended by the Syrian Deputy Foreign Minister Yasser Al-Jundi, members of the diplomatic corps accredited to Syria, and a group of businessmen and intellectuals, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday. Meanwhile, Saudi Minister of Communications and Information Technology Abdullah Al-Swaha held high-level meetings with senior executives from major global companies at the Future Investment Initiative in Miami to bolster partnerships in technology, artificial intelligence, investment and the space sector.
