Latest news with #SDAIA
Leaders
19 hours ago
- Business
- Leaders
ICAIRE, Microsoft Launch 2nd Phase of 'Elevate Initiative' to Train 5,000 Women in AI
The International Center for Artificial Intelligence Research and Ethics (ICAIRE), headquartered in Riyadh, has announced the launch of the second cohort of its Elevate Initiative , in collaboration with Microsoft and under the sponsorship of the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA). This new phase aims to train 5,000 women worldwide in artificial intelligence, following the success of the first cohort, which equipped 1,000 women with foundational AI skills. The program forms part of ICAIRE's broader mission to build AI capacity among 25,000 women across the globe. The announcement was made by ICAIRE Acting Managing Director Dr. Abdulrahman Habib during a dialogue session at the third annual UNESCO Global Forum on the Ethics of AI, held this year in Bangkok, Thailand. Dr. Habib also emphasized ICAIRE's leadership in ethical AI research, its role in shaping policy recommendations, and its commitment to fostering global dialogue around responsible AI development. He highlighted inclusivity as a critical factor in driving innovation and expanding the intellectual landscape in AI. Moreover, increasing female representation in the AI sector, he said, is essential—and the Elevate Initiative plays a key role in making that vision a reality. The program offers a six-week, 26-hour curriculum that combines interactive courses, hands-on workshops, and mentorship from certified experts. Additionally, participants will receive a certificate of attendance and a scholarship to take the Microsoft Azure AI Fundamentals (AI-900) certification exam. Interested participants can register at: Related Topics : Paris AI Action Summit: SDAIA Highlights Saudi Arabia as Comprehensive Governance Model SDAIA Winter School Boosts AI Sector with International Researchers NEOM Ignites AI Revolution with $5 Billion Oxagon Data Center Saudi Arabia Hosts Catwalk 2025 in Al-Jouf, Hail Short link : Post Views: 182
Leaders
19 hours ago
- Business
- Leaders
SDAIA Supports Ethical AI in Thailand Session
Saudi Arabia, represented by the Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA), took part in a high-level ministerial session focused on enhancing international cooperation in the field of artificial intelligence. The session was held during the 3rd Global Forum on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence (GFEAI), organized by UNESCO in collaboration with the Kingdom of Thailand and in coordination with the Saudi National Commission for Education, Culture, and Science. Abdullah Al-Khudairi, Chief Executive of the Strategy Management Office at SDAIA, represented the Kingdom alongside delegates from over 20 UNESCO member states and a panel of international AI experts. The session aimed to foster global dialogue on building ethical governance frameworks for AI, encouraging the exchange of national policies and best practices that support responsible and inclusive AI development. Key topics included the advancement of AI governance, ethical challenges arising from rapid technological progress, and the role of multilateral cooperation in sharing expertise and knowledge in this critical domain. Related Topics : Paris AI Action Summit: SDAIA Highlights Saudi Arabia as Comprehensive Governance Model SDAIA Winter School Boosts AI Sector with International Researchers NEOM Ignites AI Revolution with $5 Billion Oxagon Data Center Saudi Arabia Hosts Catwalk 2025 in Al-Jouf, Hail Short link : Post Views: 17 Related Stories
Leaders
2 days ago
- Business
- Leaders
Entrepreneurs Explore AI-Driven Innovation at CODE Meeting
The Center of Digital Entrepreneurship (CODE), under the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, held its regular meeting with the participation of Minister Abdullah Alswaha. Joining him were Eng. Haytham AlOhali, Vice Minister and Acting Governor of the Communications, Space and Technology Commission, alongside a distinguished group of entrepreneurs, investors, and mentors specializing in artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies. The meeting focused on advancing collaboration within the digital entrepreneurship ecosystem, forging technical partnerships, and accelerating innovation through AI. Participants discussed strategies to enhance the adoption of AI technologies and spotlighted key initiatives and programs designed to support the growth of tech startups. As a premier hub for digital entrepreneurship, CODE provides a vibrant, resource-rich environment combining co-working spaces, business incubators, and accelerators. It plays a vital role in empowering startups at every stage of their journey, helping them grow, innovate, and succeed. Related Topics: OECD Delegation Commends Saudi Arabia's School Evaluation Advancements SDAIA President Reviews Smart Makkah Center Operations to Enhance Pilgrim Services SFDA, SDAIA Sign MoU to Boost Data, AI Collaboration Saudi Interior Min.: Tourism Companies Deceive Pilgrims, Encourage Hajj Violations Intensive Preparations for Smooth, Safe Hajj Season: Mecca Deputy Govern Short link : Post Views: 7
Time Business News
2 days ago
- Business
- Time Business News
Navigating Saudi Arabia's Investment Landscape: Tips for Long-Term Success
Saudi Arabia offers a wealth of investment opportunities. Its Vision 2030 plan pushes for growth beyond oil. The economy is opening up. Investors can find success with the right approach. This guide shares clear, practical advice for thriving in this market. It highlights key sectors, rules, and steps for long-term gains. Saudi Arabia stands out as a top destination. It has the Middle East's biggest economy. Vision 2030 drives change, focusing on new industries. The government welcomes foreign investors. Here's why it's appealing: Economic Shift : Vision 2030 boosts tech, tourism, and healthcare. Non-oil sectors grew 4.8% in 2022. : Vision 2030 boosts tech, tourism, and healthcare. Non-oil sectors grew 4.8% in 2022. Young Market : Most Saudis are under 30. They fuel demand for digital services and products. : Most Saudis are under 30. They fuel demand for digital services and products. Global Hub : The country links three continents. It's perfect for trade and logistics. : The country links three continents. It's perfect for trade and logistics. Government Backing: The Public Investment Fund (PIF) funds projects like NEOM with billions. The market promises strong returns. Understanding it is key to success. Certain industries shine brightly. They align with Vision 2030 goals. Here are the best areas to explore: Tech is a major focus. The government prioritizes artificial intelligence. AI spending will hit $1.9 billion by 2027. The Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA) leads the charge. It works with global companies on cutting-edge tools. Opportunity : Back AI startups or collaborate with SDAIA. : Back AI startups or collaborate with SDAIA. Example: NEOM uses AI for smart city planning. Tourism is growing fast. Projects like the Red Sea Project draw crowds. The goal is 380,000 tourism jobs by 2030. Opportunity : Invest in hotels or local events. : Invest in hotels or local events. Example: AlUla's cultural festivals attract global visitors. Healthcare is expanding. The government plans to modernize hospitals with $65 billion. Digital health services are on the rise. Opportunity : Fund medical tech or clinic projects. : Fund medical tech or clinic projects. Example: Telemedicine helps rural communities. Saudi Arabia aims to be a logistics leader. It plans to boost air freight to 4.5 million tons. Projects like Oxagon in NEOM focus on trade. Opportunity : Support port or transport projects. : Support port or transport projects. Example: Dammam's sea port drives regional trade. Regulations can seem tricky. The Ministry of Investment (MISA) oversees foreign investors. Knowing the process helps. Here's what to expect: Licenses : MISA requires registration and financial records. Approval takes about a week. : MISA requires registration and financial records. Approval takes about a week. Business Setup : Register with the Ministry of Commerce (MOC). It takes around three weeks. : Register with the Ministry of Commerce (MOC). It takes around three weeks. Special Zones: Areas like the Logistics Bonded Zone offer tax breaks. Partner with locals. An investment company KSA can ease the process. Investing has risks. Being aware helps you plan. Here are the main hurdles: Complex Rules : Licensing can be slow. MISA helps, but delays happen. : Licensing can be slow. MISA helps, but delays happen. Regional Tensions : Political issues may raise concerns. Experts say risks are often exaggerated. : Political issues may raise concerns. Experts say risks are often exaggerated. Market Liquidity : Some sectors lack easy cash flow. Venture capital is still growing. : Some sectors lack easy cash flow. Venture capital is still growing. Cultural Differences: Business customs vary. Local partners bridge the gap. The potential outweighs these challenges. Smart planning reduces risks. Success takes effort. These steps will guide you: Research Thoroughly: Study market trends and Vision 2030 goals. Find Local Allies: An investment company Saudi Arabia can navigate rules. Target Growth Sectors: Focus on tech, tourism, or logistics. Use MISA Tools: Check Invest Saudi for sector details. Join Events: Attend LEAP to meet startups and investors. Stay Updated: Track legal changes with local experts. Boost Online Reach: Use keywords like 'Riyadh investment' for visibility. These steps create a solid plan. They pave the way for growth. Here are answers to frequent questions: Is investing safe? Yes, MISA simplifies processes. Political risks can be managed. Yes, MISA simplifies processes. Political risks can be managed. What's Vision 2030? It's a plan to grow non-oil industries like tech and tourism. It's a plan to grow non-oil industries like tech and tourism. How do I start a business? Register with MOC and MISA. It takes about three weeks. Register with MOC and MISA. It takes about three weeks. Which sectors are hot? Tech, tourism, and logistics are growing fast. These answers help readers. They also improve search rankings. Digital visibility is crucial. Saudi Arabia has near-total internet access. Try these tips: Local SEO : Use phrases like 'investment in Jeddah.' Most users browse on phones. : Use phrases like 'investment in Jeddah.' Most users browse on phones. Voice Search : Optimize for questions like 'where to invest in Saudi Arabia.' : Optimize for questions like 'where to invest in Saudi Arabia.' Social Media : Saudis spend hours on YouTube and Instagram. Share your brand there. : Saudis spend hours on YouTube and Instagram. Share your brand there. Local Focus: Write about regional news or events to attract readers. These strategies boost your reach. They match Saudi Arabia's digital culture. Saudi Arabia is a global player. Its $1.1 trillion economy leads the region. Vision 2030 draws companies like Amazon. Projects like NEOM set it apart. The young population drives innovation. Its location boosts trade. With $402 billion in reserves, the economy is stable. PIF funds massive projects. These factors make it a top choice. Saudi Arabia's investment landscape is full of promise. Vision 2030 opens doors in tech, tourism, and more. Rules can be complex, but local partners help. Digital strategies increase your reach. Challenges exist, but the rewards are worth it. Start today. Research the market. Connect with local firms. Attend events like LEAP. Focus on growing sectors. With careful steps, your investments will succeed. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Leaders
5 days ago
- Business
- Leaders
SDAIA Joins OECD's Landmark AI Recommendation
The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has announced that Saudi Arabia, represented by the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), has officially joined its Recommendation on Artificial Intelligence—the first international standard in the field. This milestone aims to promote innovation while building trust in AI technologies, including generative and general AI, through responsible governance. OECD, SDAIA Saudi Arabia is one of only 10 non-OECD member countries to adopt the recommendation, further strengthening its global AI governance efforts under SDAIA's leadership. The Kingdom has already collaborated with the OECD to launch the Arabic-language MENA Observatory on Responsible AI, unveiled during the third Global AI Summit in Riyadh. The Kingdom continues to gain international recognition, having ranked third globally—behind only the United States and the United Kingdom—in the OECD AI Policy Observatory. Additionally, Saudi Arabia was among the first nations to adopt UNESCO's 2021 Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence, successfully completing its readiness assessment published by UNESCO in December 2024. Comprehensive AI Governance Framework These accomplishments reflect SDAIA's comprehensive approach to AI development and regulation through a cohesive framework of legislation, ethical standards, and international partnerships. As part of its commitment to Saudi Vision 2030, SDAIA supports cutting-edge AI research and innovation while reinforcing ethical and responsible AI deployment. National AI Regulations, Industry Support SDAIA has released several regulatory guidelines to oversee AI applications, including the Generative AI Guidelines for the Public , Generative AI Guidelines for Government Entities , the AI Adoption Framework , Deepfakes Guidelines , and the Personal Data Protection Law . To further stimulate the local AI ecosystem, SDAIA has accredited over 45 AI-specialized companies within the Kingdom, enhancing trust and fostering market growth. Global Collaboration Internationally, SDAIA plays a key role in the UN High-Level Advisory Body on Artificial Intelligence and recently hosted the world's largest consultation session in Riyadh for the report 'Governing AI for Humanity.' These initiatives led to the launch of the International Center for AI Research and Ethics (ICAIRE) in Riyadh, established under UNESCO's umbrella. ICAIRE aims to advance global collaboration in AI ethics research and reinforce Saudi Arabia's leadership in shaping the future of responsible AI governance. Related Topics: OECD Delegation Commends Saudi Arabia's School Evaluation Advancements SDAIA President Reviews Smart Makkah Center Operations to Enhance Pilgrim Services SFDA, SDAIA Sign MoU to Boost Data, AI Collaboration Saudi Interior Min.: Tourism Companies Deceive Pilgrims, Encourage Hajj Violations Intensive Preparations for Smooth, Safe Hajj Season: Mecca Deputy Govern Short link : Post Views: 1
