Saudi Arabia’s AI efforts gained impetus with the announcement of an aggressive plan to position the country as a global leader in data and artificial intelligence by 2030.
Training for 20,000 experts and specialists is part of the objective. Additionally, 300 active startups in the AI space are the goal. Moreover, USD 20 billion investment in data and artificial intelligence is also in the pipeline.
In this article, Global Business Outlook has highlighted a few of the more well-known Saudi AI projects that you should be aware of.
NEOM
NEOM is a massive USD 500 billion worldwide development project announced in 2017. Its goal is to run entirely on wind and solar electricity.
The futuristic city offers a novel model usable for almost 150 years, with innovation, technology, and sustainability forming the operational core of NEOM.
By leveraging AI and related technologies to promote economic growth and improve quality of life, the NEOM development plan represents the idea of smart cities. With major investments and world-class talent already attracted to NEOM, the project is well-positioned to influence how the world views urban life in the future as a singular laboratory.
National AI and Data Strategy
The year 2019 saw the creation of the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA). Its mission is to actively advance the nation’s data and AI agenda and establish the Kingdom as a global leader in a data-driven economy.
Moreover, the SDAIA has three organisations collaborating to meet the obligations of an economy and government supported by AI and data.
These include the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence, National Information Centre, and National Data Management Office.
The Authority unveiled the National Strategy for Data and AI in 2020 to foster an atmosphere enabling the optimal application of data and AI.
The National AI Capability Development Programme, collaboration between the SDAIA and Huawei, aims to position Saudi Arabia as a leader in AI globally.
The programme aims to access the USD 4–5 billion data and AI economy within Saudi Arabia. Additionally, it might produce over USD 10 billion in savings and revenue for the government by using data insights in decision-making.
SDAIA is utilising Huawei’s broad portfolio of 500 AI projects across multiple industries to actualise this.
The programme will assist the Kingdom’s governments, businesses, and research institutions. In a similar vein, it will help them identify partners in AI technology, expand their talent pool, and use AI applications to develop new growth plans.
In the end, this partnership should provide the intended results by actively supporting the Kingdom’s economic expansion and diversification via a range of Saudi AI projects.
World AI Conference
Every year, Saudi Arabia organises the Global AI Summit to highlight and talk about developments in AI technology. Specifically, it provides a forum for cooperation and knowledge sharing regarding the most recent advancements and trends in artificial intelligence.
The summit, a component of Saudi AI ambitions, demonstrates the nation’s resolve to take the lead in the adoption of AI worldwide. Reputable professionals will give keynote addresses at the event, along with panel discussions, workshops, and displays.
Of course, the summit’s main topic is technology development. It also highlights the societal and ethical ramifications of AI. It offers a place for talking about cybersecurity, data protection, responsible AI deployment, and how AI affects employment and economic growth.
Marine Life In The Red Sea
The King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) is utilising artificial intelligence (AI) to protect Red Sea fish species and evaluate their sustainability.
KAUST analyses vast amounts of data on fish populations, fishing methods, and environmental factors using machine learning technologies. Furthermore, utilising predictive models on historical data enhances the prediction of future stock levels.
By employing traditional data collection methods, it can take up to ten years to notice stock level reductions. Here’s where AI comes into play, enabling KAUST to move quickly and make well-informed judgements.
AI is viewed as a useful instrument by Saudi Arabia’s “Vision 2030”, which places a strong emphasis on sustainable food production to fight malnutrition. As a result, KAUST is creating an AI-powered application that classifies fish according to their market worth and the pace of population increase.
Through Saudi AI initiatives, KAUST’s use of AI strengthens Saudi Arabia’s leadership in the field and promotes economic growth and diversification.
AI-Driven Versus Desertification
The effects of climate change and desertification present Saudi Arabia with serious concerns. To solve this, the National Centre for Vegetation Development and Combating Desertification, the KAUST, and the Ministry of Environment collaborated to establish an AI-powered programme.
The “Green Saudi” campaign and afforestation projects are supported by the programme, which also evaluates vegetative cover. The algorithm determines locations in danger of desertification by employing artificial intelligence to analyse data and satellite photos. Moreover, it uses remote sensing technology to continuously monitor plant health, vegetation, and rainfall.
Reducing desertification can be achieved through planting trees, better water management, and sustainable agricultural methods. These Saudi AI projects show their commitment to sustainability and environmental protection.
The goals of these Saudi AI projects are to promote economic growth, encourage innovation, and hasten the use of AI. As a result, the nation is starting to make a big difference in the AI world.