Saudi Aramco to Develop Iraqi Gas Field

Ministers and officials from both Saudi Arabia and Iraq gather at the “Saudi-Iraqi Economic Forum” held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Ministers and officials from both Saudi Arabia and Iraq gather at the “Saudi-Iraqi Economic Forum” held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Saudi Aramco to Develop Iraqi Gas Field

Ministers and officials from both Saudi Arabia and Iraq gather at the “Saudi-Iraqi Economic Forum” held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Ministers and officials from both Saudi Arabia and Iraq gather at the “Saudi-Iraqi Economic Forum” held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Saudi oil giant Aramco will develop a gas field in Iraq that could produce more than 400 million cubic feet of gas per day, Iraqi Oil Minister Hayan Abdel-Ghani said on Thursday.

Presently, this field yields 60 million cubic feet of gas, but it is projected to substantially increase its production to over 400 million cubic feet. This surge in output aims to provide Iraq’s national grid with an ample supply of gas required for electricity generation.

Abdel-Ghani revealed that two rounds of licenses have been granted for investment and development purposes in numerous exploration fields situated in both the eastern and western regions of Iraq.

These areas boast significant reserves of natural gas.

Moreover, the minister expressed his keen desire for the involvement of Saudi companies in the advancement of these fields, with the ultimate goal of generating the required gas for electricity production and fulfilling the local demand for this valuable resource.

A recent meeting encompassed several agreements pertaining to energy-related matters, with a prominent focus on the agreement with Saudi Arabia to supply Iraq with up to 1000 megawatts of electrical energy.

Additionally, Saudi companies will undertake the construction of solar power plants in Iraq’s Najaf province. This solar power plant is set to become the largest of its kind in Iraq.

Abdel-Ghani also clarified that an agreement has been reached with Saudi Arabia to establish industrial cities along the shared borders of both countries.

This initiative aims to foster the development of industry and trade for both nations.

Furthermore, discussions were held regarding the Nebras Project, which is one of the largest petrochemical projects in Iraq and the region.

 



SCAI CEO to Asharq Al-Awsat: AI Boosts Saudi Arabia’s Economic Future

AI is expected to contribute to 12 percent of Saudi Arabia GDP by 2030. (SPA)
AI is expected to contribute to 12 percent of Saudi Arabia GDP by 2030. (SPA)
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SCAI CEO to Asharq Al-Awsat: AI Boosts Saudi Arabia’s Economic Future

AI is expected to contribute to 12 percent of Saudi Arabia GDP by 2030. (SPA)
AI is expected to contribute to 12 percent of Saudi Arabia GDP by 2030. (SPA)

The Saudi Company for Artificial Intelligence (SCAI), wholly owned by the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), is leading efforts to build a world class technological system, paving the way for achieving economic grown driven by artificial intelligence (AI).

Indications show that the sector’s contributions to the Saudi GDP will grow, SCAI CEO George Nazi told Asharq Al-Awsat.

SCAI was established in 2021 as PIF’s arm in the AI and emerging technologies sector. It aims to support PIF’s strategy and national priorities in innovating within the technology sector and positioning Saudi Arabia as a globally competitive hub for advanced technologies.

Nazi stressed that the Saudi economy is witnessing strategic preparations to stay abreast the AI revolution. The preparations are being backed by several parties, led by SCAI, whose investments help in developing technological talents and support AI initiatives in small and medium enterprises.

AI is expected to contribute to 12 percent of Saudi Arabia GDP by 2030 and the AI sector is set to grow at an annual rate of 29 percent, revealed a report by the Saudi Authority for Data and Artificial Intelligence.

Saudi Arabia has achieved global positions in international AI indices. It ranked 14th globally out of 83 countries and the first in the Arab world in the Global AI Index.

Saudi Company for Artificial Intelligence (SCAI) CEO George Nazi. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

In terms of developing digital infrastructure, Nazi said SCAI is helping in finding solid foundations for the growth and prosperity of AI, which would shed light of Saudi Arabia’s readiness for this technological transformation.

Moreover, SCAI supports the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 in dedicating AI capabilities in diversifying and boosting the economy in vital sectors, such as healthcare, energy and education. It is also working on consolidating the AI culture in society.

SCAI is playing a pivotal role in bolstering strategic partnerships with major global technology companies to create an environment that supports innovation in the Kingdom and therefore bolsters its global position as a leading force in the field, added Nazi.

Nazi also highlighted SCAI’s collaboration with the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) project that aims to set solutions for smart cities through advanced projects in transportation management.

The partnership is achieving transformative results and developing the smart traffic system that uses AI to smooth and ease traffic, he explained.