Latest news with #Saudi Arabia
Arab News
13 hours ago
- Business
- Arab News
Saudi Arabia, UAE rank among top 20 nations for AI talent density
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia and the UAE have emerged as global hubs for artificial intelligence expertise, ranking among the world's top 20 countries by talent density, a new survey showed. According to the latest Global AI Competitiveness Index, issued as a collaboration between the International Finance Forum and Deep Knowledge Group, the Kingdom holds 0.7 percent of the global AI talent pool. In comparison, the UAE holds 0.4 percent, placing it ahead of countries like Russia and Italy. This supports the nation's National Strategy for Data and AI, which aims to place Saudi Arabia among the world's top 15 in AI, the top 10 in the Open Data Index, and the top 20 for data and AI-related publications. It also aligns with projections from PwC that AI will contribute $235.2 billion, around 12.4 percent, to the Kingdom's gross domestic product by 2030. 'Saudi Arabia and the UAE's strategic focus on AI, their significant investments in education, infrastructure, and innovation, and their ability to attract top talent and investments are setting the stage for a new era of growth in the region,' Dmitry Kaminskiy, general partner at Deep Knowledge Group, said in a press release. 'Both nations are making substantial strides toward becoming global AI leaders, with the UAE positioning itself as a major player in AI governance and technology, while Saudi Arabia is building a robust ecosystem for AI talent and applications,' Kaminskiy added. The report further indicated that in a major milestone, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology has joined the ranks of the top 150 universities worldwide for AI talent production, making it the highest-ranking institution in the Middle East as a whole. It also showed that the Kingdom has committed $20 billion to partnerships with leading institutions, including Stanford University, to establish KAUST as home to one of the world's top AI research labs. Complementing this, national initiatives such as the 10,000 Coders program are equipping young Saudis with advanced AI skills to build local talent and drive innovation. As part of Saudi Vision 2030, AI is recognized as a key pillar of the Kingdom's economic transformation. The strategy aims to position the nation among the world's top 10 countries in AI research and implementation by 2030, while drawing in $20 billion in investments and generating 200,000 high-tech jobs. The Kingdom created the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority to lead the country's AI strategy. Key initiatives enjoy fast-track approvals, with decisions usually finalized within 30 days. Sovereign wealth is also driving AI expansion, with the Kingdom's Public Investment Fund launching a $1.5 billion fund dedicated to AI investments. The nation is also channeling substantial resources into initiatives like Neom, where over 30 percent of the $500 billion budget is allocated to AI infrastructure, redefining the future of smart cities.
Al Arabiya
16 hours ago
- Politics
- Al Arabiya
Saudi Arabia's Princess Reema says two-state solution only way to end ‘bloodshed' in Gaza
Saudi Arabia 's Ambassador to the United States Princess Reema bint Bandar said that a two-state solution that recognizes both Palestine and Israel is the 'only framework that can end the bloodshed, rebuild Gaza, and create a sustainable future.' Her statement came in parallel with a high-level international conference at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, co-chaired by Saudi Arabia and France, which sought to chart a path toward Palestinian statehood. For the latest updates on the Israel-Palestine conflict, visit our dedicated page. She stressed that 'the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has long-advocated for a two-state solution as the only viable path to lasting peace, one that ensures dignity and self-determination for Palestinians while establishing a foundation of security and stability for Israel and the region.' she emphasized that 'This is not merely a diplomatic position; it is a moral, strategic, and practical necessity grounded in justice and the pursuit of a shared future.' Princess Reema added that Saudi Arabia's commitment to peace is embedded in its national vision: 'Our pursuit of peace and security for the region is both part of our history and central to goals for modernization and growth under Vision 2030.' Normalization in exchange for Palestinian statehood Referencing the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative, she said, 'The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has championed a peaceful resolution for decades… based on the conviction that peace in the region is inseparable from justice for Palestinians.' A two-state solution would offer Israel a chance for normalization with Arab states in exchange for the establishment of a Palestinian state, the ambassador said. 'This vision… offers Israel full normalization with the Arab world in exchange for Palestinian statehood. The two-state solution is essential because it addresses the root causes of the conflict: the denial of Palestinian self-determination and the insecurity that fuels extremism on both sides,' Princess Reema said. The dire situation in Gaza Highlighting the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, the ambassador warned that 'the humanitarian toll is staggering: 1.9 million Palestinians are displaced, and famine looms as aid trickles in.' 'A two-state solution is the only framework that can end the bloodshed, rebuild Gaza, and create a sustainable future. Without it, we risk perpetuating a cycle of violence that breeds despair and empowers extremists.' She concluded, 'The suffering in Gaza, the despair in the West Bank, and the insecurity in Israel demand a new reality. A two-state solution is not a dream; it is the only path to justice, security, and stability. Let us act with courage and urgency to build a future where Palestinians and Israelis live in peace, dignity, and mutual respect. The world must stand on the right side of history – now.' High-level UN conference The High-Level International Conference on the Peaceful Settlement of the Palestinian Question and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution was held on Monday with the goal of creating a concrete framework to support the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian state and enhance prospects for lasting peace. Participating members included Spain, Jordan, Indonesia, Italy, Norway, Egypt, the United Kingdom, Turkey, Mexico, Brazil, Senegal, the League of Arab States, and the European Union, with a working group dedicated to Peace Day efforts. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called the gathering 'a decisive turning point… that catalyzes irreversible progress towards ending the occupation and realizing our shared aspiration for a viable two-state solution.' However, the United States and Israel boycotted the summit, labeling it 'a gift to Hamas' and argued that it overlooked key concerns such as hostage release and anti-terror measures. A senior US official told Reuters the event was 'unproductive and ill-timed.' Despite the boycott, the conference marked a renewed diplomatic push led by Saudi Arabia to mobilize global support for a just and lasting resolution to the Palestinian cause.
Asharq Al-Awsat
16 hours ago
- Business
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Saudi Arabia Issues New Industrial Licenses Worth $253 Million
The Saudi Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources issued 83 new industrial licenses in June, with total investments exceeding SAR 950 million (approximately $253.3 million). The new ventures are expected to generate more than 1,188 job opportunities across the Kingdom. According to a report released on Monday by the National Center for Industrial and Mining Information, which is affiliated with the ministry, 58 new factories began production during the same month. The factories represent investments of around SAR 1.9 billion ($506.6 million) and are expected to create 2,007 new jobs. The figures highlight the continued expansion of Saudi Arabia's industrial base and the accelerating pace at which licensed factories are entering operational phases. The Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources regularly publishes key industrial indicators through the National Center for Industrial and Mining Information. These monthly reports offer insights into the Kingdom's industrial activity, including data on new investments, license issuances, and the number of factories commencing production.
Zawya
17 hours ago
- Business
- Zawya
Saudi issues 83 new industrial project permits in June
The Saudi Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources issued 83 new industrial licenses in June, involving investments of more than 950 million Saudi riyals ($253 million). The new licenses are expected to create over 1,188 jobs across various regions of the Kingdom, signaling continued momentum in the drive to expand its industrial base. According to the monthly report released by the National Centre for Industrial and Mining Information, 58 new factories also commenced operations in June. These factories include a combined investment of SAR1.9 billion ($506.6 million) and are forecast to generate 2,007 new jobs. (Writing by Nadim Kawach; Editing by Anoop Menon) (
Zawya
19 hours ago
- Business
- Zawya
Kuwait's Heisco wins pipeline deal in Neutral Zone
A Kuwaiti company has won a contract for the replacement of a subsea crude pipeline in the oil-rich Neutral Zone shared by Gulf OPEC members Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. The contract has a value of around 19.8 million Kuwaiti dinars ($65 million) and involves work for 'subsea pipeline replacement,' the heavy engineering industries and shipbuilding company 'Heisco' said in a bourse statement on Monday. The deal was awarded by Al-Kafji Joint Operations, which manages oil and gas production in onshore and offshore areas in the oil-rich Zone. 'Our company has received a letter of award from the Joint Operations for the project subsea pipeline replacement,' Heisco said without providing project details. (Writing by Nadim Kawach; Editing by Anoop Menon) (
