Third Saudi International Maritime Forum Opens in Eastern Region

The forum underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to advancing global maritime security and innovation through collaboration and technology-driven solutions. (SPA)
The forum underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to advancing global maritime security and innovation through collaboration and technology-driven solutions. (SPA)
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Third Saudi International Maritime Forum Opens in Eastern Region

The forum underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to advancing global maritime security and innovation through collaboration and technology-driven solutions. (SPA)
The forum underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to advancing global maritime security and innovation through collaboration and technology-driven solutions. (SPA)

The Third Saudi International Maritime Forum opened in the Eastern Region on Tuesday.

The event is organized by the Royal Saudi Naval Forces under the theme “Maritime Security in the Age of Artificial Intelligence – Trends and Threats”.

The forum, held under the patronage of Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, was attended by Chief of the General Staff General Fayyadh Al-Ruwaili, alongside senior naval leaders, experts, government officials, and representatives of global maritime companies and regulatory bodies.

Chief of Naval Staff Lieutenant General Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Ghuraibi expressed gratitude for the Minister of Defense’s support, noting that the forum aligns with the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence shaping global maritime security.

He highlighted the forum’s objectives, including fostering international collaboration on maritime security, exchanging knowledge among naval leaders, promoting the adoption of advanced systems in the maritime sector, raising awareness about environmental conservation, and leveraging emerging technologies to address security challenges.

The forum also features an exhibition, inaugurated by Al-Ruwaili, showcasing strategic services and innovations from sectors and companies specializing in maritime security.

Spanning three days, the forum brings together 42 speakers across five dialogue sessions and 21 workshops. Key topics include maritime strategies in the age of artificial intelligence, policies and regulations for integrating AI into maritime operations, the impacts of advanced maritime systems on security and cybersecurity, training and development of maritime professionals in the AI era, and the future of military industries in AI-driven technologies.

Additionally, 29 government agencies and 23 local and international companies are participating in the exhibition, displaying the latest equipment and technologies in maritime security.

The forum underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to advancing global maritime security and innovation through collaboration and technology-driven solutions.



Ma’aden CEO to Asharq Al-Awsat: 820,000 Meters of Exploration Wells Drilled in Saudi Arabia

Ma’aden CEO Robert Wilt. (Future Investment Initiative)
Ma’aden CEO Robert Wilt. (Future Investment Initiative)
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Ma’aden CEO to Asharq Al-Awsat: 820,000 Meters of Exploration Wells Drilled in Saudi Arabia

Ma’aden CEO Robert Wilt. (Future Investment Initiative)
Ma’aden CEO Robert Wilt. (Future Investment Initiative)

The Saudi Arabian Mining Company (Ma’aden) has undertaken the largest exploration program in a single region worldwide as part of the Kingdom’s efforts to achieve the goals of Vision 2030, diversify its economic base, and position mining as the third pillar of the national industry.

The company has drilled over 820,000 meters of exploration wells in the past two years, surpassing similar efforts in other countries, Ma’aden CEO Robert Wilt told Asharq Al-Awsat.

Wilt revealed that this program has already yielded a potential gold discovery spanning 100 kilometers south of the Mansourah and Massarah mines, located 460 kilometers east of Jeddah.

The CEO emphasized Ma’aden’s role in leading the development of the mining sector as the third pillar of Saudi Arabia’s economy, harnessing mineral resources estimated at $2.5 trillion.

He highlighted the company’s ambitions to unlock the Kingdom’s potential in strategic minerals, such as gold and copper, which are vital for manufacturing industries and the global energy transition.

To sustain the company’s strategies, Wilt stressed the importance of supporting and developing the next generation of Saudi talent. Ma’aden is committed to creating an attractive industry for young professionals and investing in skills and technology to enable its workforce to build a new era for mining in the Kingdom.

Ma’aden currently operates more than 17 mines and exploration sites across Saudi Arabia, transforming mineral wealth into added value for the national economy. The company exports its products to over 30 countries worldwide.

Additionally, Ma’aden has invested in the necessary infrastructure for mining and processing operations. This includes constructing modern mines, advanced processing plants, and world-class export ports.

The company leverages cutting-edge technology to boost productivity, improve product quality, and reduce costs. It also utilizes advanced systems for analyzing geological data to identify promising mineral sites, integrating this technology throughout its operations from exploration to marketing.