Global tech giants attending the third Global AI Summit in Riyadh have lauded Saudi Arabia’s rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, recognizing the Kingdom’s emerging role as a leader in the field. The summit, which serves as a pivotal platform for fostering local and international partnerships in the realm of AI, has been hailed as a crucial event shaping the future of the technology.
Accelerating AI Development
During discussions with Asharq Al-Awsat, representatives from these leading tech companies expressed their admiration for Saudi Arabia’s progress in AI and its potential to address various challenges through the strategic deployment of cutting-edge technologies. They underscored the importance of leveraging the power of AI to drive innovation and solve complex problems, emphasizing the critical role of cloud computing in enabling dynamic solutions.
Abdulrahman bin Mohammed Al-Thehaiban, the managing director of Google Cloud for the Middle East, Türkiye, and Africa region (META), highlighted the symbiotic relationship between AI and cloud computing, emphasizing the transformative capabilities of these technologies. Al-Thehaiban emphasized Google Cloud’s commitment to fostering local and global partnerships, showcasing its AI solutions tailored to meet the diverse needs of businesses and governments, including initiatives focused on addressing climate change.
Moreover, Al-Thehaiban underscored the pivotal role of AI in reshaping industries and society at large, noting the increasing reliance on AI-driven technologies by individuals, businesses, and governments. He emphasized the significance of robust cybersecurity measures in safeguarding AI applications, highlighting the evolving landscape of data collection and its critical role in driving AI innovations.
Localizing AI Technologies
Ahmed Al-Reshoodi, the Chief Operating Officer of Saudi Cloud Computing Co., echoed the sentiments of his counterparts, emphasizing the indispensable role of advanced cloud services, robust data management, and cybersecurity in supporting AI initiatives. Al-Reshoodi highlighted his company’s focus on localizing the latest technologies within Saudi data centers, operated by local talent, aligning with the objectives outlined in Vision 2030.
Furthermore, Al-Reshoodi emphasized the diverse applications of AI in sectors such as smart cities, financial technology, and healthcare, underscoring his company’s commitment to meeting the growing demand for cloud services in Saudi Arabia. He noted the collaborative efforts with various organizations across the Kingdom, spanning government entities, private enterprises, financial institutions, and small businesses, to drive innovation and digital transformation.
The strategic partnerships forged by Saudi Cloud Computing Co. with key stakeholders in the region underscore the company’s dedication to advancing AI capabilities and supporting the Kingdom’s ambitious goals of economic diversification and technological advancement. By harnessing the power of AI and cloud computing, Saudi Arabia is poised to accelerate its digital transformation journey and emerge as a global hub for innovation and technology-driven growth.
Empowering Women in AI
In line with the Kingdom’s commitment to promoting gender equality and empowering women in the workforce, Abdulrahman bin Mohammed Al-Thehaiban highlighted Google Cloud’s collaboration with the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) to provide training programs for women in AI. These initiatives not only aim to bridge the gender gap in the tech industry but also to cultivate a diverse and inclusive ecosystem that fosters creativity and innovation.
As AI continues to permeate various facets of society, from enhancing business operations to revolutionizing healthcare delivery, the imperative for robust data management, cybersecurity, and ethical AI practices becomes increasingly paramount. The convergence of AI and cloud computing presents unparalleled opportunities for organizations to harness the transformative potential of these technologies and drive sustainable growth in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
In conclusion, Saudi Arabia’s accelerated development in AI, coupled with its robust infrastructure and strategic partnerships with global tech companies, positions the Kingdom as a frontrunner in the realm of artificial intelligence. The investments in AI education, training, and research underscore the Kingdom’s commitment to fostering a culture of innovation and technological excellence, paving the way for a future driven by AI-powered solutions that address complex challenges and drive economic prosperity.