Saudi Arabia Outlines Strategy to Become Global Leader in AI by 2030

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. (SPA)
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Outlines Strategy to Become Global Leader in AI by 2030

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. (SPA)
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. (SPA)

Saudi Arabia unveiled on Wednesday its new National Strategy for Data and Artificial Intelligence (NSDAI) which will make the Kingdom a global leader in AI by 2030.

The National Strategy, which will be led by the Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA), was officially launched at the inaugural Global AI Summit in Riyadh. The two-day summit was launched under the auspices of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense.

The “AI for the Good of Humanity” is organized by the SDAIA and G20 Saudi Secretariat as part of the International Conferences Program, honoring the G20 Saudi presidency year 2020.

SDAIA President Dr. Abdullah bin Sharaf Alghamdi thanked Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed, commending their keenness on supporting this pivotal sector.

Alghamdi said the National Strategy encompass six main areas that have been identified as essential to develop Saudi Arabia's national capacity in AI:

- Ambition: Saudi Arabia's plans are focused on turning the country into a global leader in data and AI.

- Skills: The NSDAI seeks to transform the current and future Saudi workforce, through education, and upskilling and reskilling that will enable Saudis to utilize the power of data and AI, in public and private sectors.

- Policy and Regulations: Saudi Arabia will create a world-class regulatory framework that will encourage and foster data-driven businesses.

- Investment: The NSDAI will aim to attract and incentivize local and foreign investors and companies to encourage investment in qualified opportunities within Saudi Arabia.

- Research and Innovation: Under the National Strategy, Saudi Arabia will build and enable core research and innovation institutions in data and AI, to enable the Kingdom to lead in the development and commercialization of new technologies.

- Ecosystem: The National Strategy will aim to stimulate data and AI adoption through the creation of a collaborative and forward-thinking ecosystem.

The Global AI Summit is the world's premier platform for dialogue that brings together over 200 stakeholders from public sector, academia and private sector, including technology companies, investors, entrepreneurs and startups to shape the future of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

The Global AI Summit will be a unique global opportunity to explore what the new global era means to AI, how AI's transformational potential can be best used to create a better future for all, and what this means for policy and decision makers interested in leveraging the potential, for the good of humanity.

Proceedings of the summit will be streamed through its platforms on Twitter, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.



Hajj Ministry: Umrah Performances Exceed 11.9 Million in Jumada Al Akhira

The data also revealed that over 1.7 million Umrah performers arrived from outside the Kingdom during this month - SPA
The data also revealed that over 1.7 million Umrah performers arrived from outside the Kingdom during this month - SPA
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Hajj Ministry: Umrah Performances Exceed 11.9 Million in Jumada Al Akhira

The data also revealed that over 1.7 million Umrah performers arrived from outside the Kingdom during this month - SPA
The data also revealed that over 1.7 million Umrah performers arrived from outside the Kingdom during this month - SPA

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, in partnership with the General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques, reported more than 11.9 million Umrah performances during the month of Jumada Al Akhira by pilgrims from inside and outside the Kingdom, according to official statistics.

This remarkable figure reflects the growing momentum of performing Umrah and highlights the exceptional efficiency of the services and facilities dedicated to serving the worshipers.

The data also revealed that over 1.7 million Umrah performers arrived from outside the Kingdom during this month. This influx underscores the positive impact of advanced digital platforms and integrated logistical services, which have streamlined arrival procedures and allowed Umrah performers to perform their rituals with ease, comfort, and peace of mind, SPA reported.

The continued surge in the performance of Umrah rituals embodies the Kingdom’s unwavering commitment to cultivating the Hajj, Umrah, and visitation ecosystem, in line with the goals of the Saudi Vision 2030.

Through continuous innovation and care, the Kingdom is making access to the two holy mosques easier while delivering a comprehensive spiritual journey that prioritizes the comfort and safety of Umrah performers at every stage—from planning their visit to departing the Kingdom.


KSrelief Implements Volunteer General Surgery Medical Project in Gaza Strip

This project is an extension of the volunteer medical initiatives provided by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia through its humanitarian arm, KSrelief - SPA
This project is an extension of the volunteer medical initiatives provided by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia through its humanitarian arm, KSrelief - SPA
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KSrelief Implements Volunteer General Surgery Medical Project in Gaza Strip

This project is an extension of the volunteer medical initiatives provided by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia through its humanitarian arm, KSrelief - SPA
This project is an extension of the volunteer medical initiatives provided by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia through its humanitarian arm, KSrelief - SPA

The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) is implementing a volunteer general surgery medical project at Al-Ahli Arab Hospital in the Gaza Strip, running from December 5 to 31.

Since the start of the campaign, the KSrelief volunteer medical team has performed 150 surgical operations, all of which were successful. In addition, 300 people benefited from medical examinations and outpatient clinic services, SPA reported.

This project is an extension of the volunteer medical initiatives provided by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia through its humanitarian arm, KSrelief, to assist countries and communities in need, as well as those affected worldwide.


Over 68 Million Visitors to Two Holy Mosques during Jumada Al Akhira

The authority uses advanced sensor technology to monitor the number of worshippers and pilgrims among visitors at the main entrances - SPA
The authority uses advanced sensor technology to monitor the number of worshippers and pilgrims among visitors at the main entrances - SPA
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Over 68 Million Visitors to Two Holy Mosques during Jumada Al Akhira

The authority uses advanced sensor technology to monitor the number of worshippers and pilgrims among visitors at the main entrances - SPA
The authority uses advanced sensor technology to monitor the number of worshippers and pilgrims among visitors at the main entrances - SPA

The General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque announced that the total number of worshippers and visitors to the Two Holy Mosques during Jumada Al Akhira 1447 AH reached 68,741,853.

The authority said that the number of worshippers at the Grand Mosque totaled 30,016,073, including 94,776 worshippers in Hijr Ismail (Al-Hateem), while the number of Umrah performers reached 11,863,477, SPA reported.

It noted that the number of worshippers at the Prophet’s Mosque during the same month reached 23,116,271, including 1,319,653 worshippers in Al-Rawdah Al-Sharifa. Meanwhile, 2,331,603 visitors greeted the Prophet and his two companions.

The authority uses advanced sensor technology to monitor the number of worshippers and pilgrims among visitors at the main entrances of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque.

This step aims to enhance operational efficiency by monitoring flows and crowds, empowering relevant authorities to manage crowds in partnership with associated entities better.