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Riyadh: A Global Destination for AI Events

During the announcement of Artathon winners at the AI Global Summit (SPA)
During the announcement of Artathon winners at the AI Global Summit (SPA)
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Riyadh: A Global Destination for AI Events

During the announcement of Artathon winners at the AI Global Summit (SPA)
During the announcement of Artathon winners at the AI Global Summit (SPA)

The first global artificial intelligence (AI) summit, held under the patronage of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, concluded Thursday, with the aim of creating a global destination for AI activities in Riyadh.

The summit called for an international framework to support international cooperation in the field of data technology and artificial intelligence.

The two-day summit held under the slogan: "AI for the Good of Humanity,” was organized by the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA).

It included 30 sessions, with nearly 60 speakers, including ministers, leaders of global entities, academics, investors, and entrepreneurs from 20 countries.

President of SDAIA, Abdullah al-Ghamdi, delivered a speech on behalf of Prince Mohammed, in which he described 2020 as an exceptional year to test the potential of AI at a time when a new global status is being formed, redefining lifestyles, business, and learning.

The summit aimed to adopt Riyadh as a global destination for AI activities, where the summit will be held annually to discuss the reality, future, and issues of AI and shed light on the latest research and technologies in this field.

The summit discussed the role of AI in life and the future, and means of transition to the new era characterized by rapid change.


The AI Summit is held within the framework of the Kingdom’s endeavor to achieve its aspirations for global leadership through data and AI-based economy.

It also asserts the importance of international cooperation in order to use AI for the good of humanity, highlighting SDAIA's role in the strategic leadership of the alternative economy, in cooperation with many relevant authorities to achieve Vision 2030.

On the first day of the summit, Saudi Arabia launched the National Strategy for Data and Artificial Intelligence (NSDAI) with a vision to make the best of data and AI a tangible reality.

The strategy aims to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of data and AI at the national and global levels.

Saudi Arabia signed three memorandums of understanding (MoU) with IBM, Alibaba, and Huawei at a summit in the kingdom.

The Kingdom also signed an MoU with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) to develop a global framework that supports international cooperation in the AI field.

Saudi Arabia, represented by SDAIA, worked with the World Bank on a joint initiative, as part of the Kingdom's endeavor to enhance, develop, and accelerate AI technologies and digital economy in developing countries.

In addition, it hosted an advisory session in cooperation with the UN, to establish a body on global cooperation to address issues around integration, coordination, and building capabilities.

At the end of the summit, winners of the NEOM and Artathon challenges were announced and received prizes worth over $266,000. The awards were delivered by Minister of Education, Hamad bin Mohammed Al al-Sheikh, and NEOM CEO Nadhmi al-Nasr.

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Mawani Signs 3 MoUs with Global Shipping Lines to Support Saudi Exports

Mawani Signs 3 MoUs with Global Shipping Lines to Support Saudi Exports
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Mawani Signs 3 MoUs with Global Shipping Lines to Support Saudi Exports

Mawani Signs 3 MoUs with Global Shipping Lines to Support Saudi Exports

The Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) signed on Tuesday three memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with major international shipping lines: MSC, Maersk, and CMA CGM.

The agreements were signed on the sidelines of the Made in Saudi Expo 2025 and in partnership with the Saudi Export Development Authority (Saudi Exports).

The memoranda aim to support national exports and Saudi exporters by boosting access to global markets through an integrated logistics services ecosystem that connects the Kingdom’s ports with international destinations via leading global shipping lines.

The initiative provides exporters with broader opportunities for expansion and growth, while reinforcing international confidence in the quality of Saudi products by ensuring fast, efficient, and reliable delivery.

The MoUs establish a strategic framework for cooperation among the signatories to deliver innovative and integrated logistics solutions, facilitate the export of Saudi products, and boost the availability of empty containers at the Kingdom’s ports to ensure sufficient inventory levels that meet exporters’ needs.

They aim to expand joint initiatives that contribute to increasing Saudi exports in line with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030. This includes organizing workshops, conferences, and exhibitions to raise awareness, bolster exporters’ capabilities, measure satisfaction with logistics services, and promote national exports globally.

The MoUs seek to improve Saudi exporters’ access to new markets by providing advanced and efficient logistics solutions through Jeddah Islamic Port, King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam, and Jubail Commercial Port, alongside efforts to further automate port operations.

Business

Saudi Arabia, Syria Discuss Industrial Investment Partnerships

Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Alkhorayef during Tuesday's meeting. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Alkhorayef during Tuesday's meeting. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia, Syria Discuss Industrial Investment Partnerships

Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Alkhorayef during Tuesday's meeting. (SPA)
Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Alkhorayef during Tuesday's meeting. (SPA)

Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Alkhorayef held talks in Riyadh on Tuesday with Syrian Minister of Economy and Industry Nedal Al-Shaar on ways to strengthen economic relations and develop industrial investment partnerships between their countries.

Alkhorayef praised Syria’s participation as Guest of Honor in the third edition of the Made in Saudi Expo, noting that this reflects the depth of fraternal relations and the shared economic ties between the two countries.

The officials discussed aspects of industrial cooperation and the opportunities for Syria to benefit from the Kingdom’s expertise and successful experience in developing its industrial sector.

They addressed prominent export opportunities that can support trade growth, strengthen industrial and economic integration between Saudi Arabia and Syria, and advance their developmental goals and shared interests.

Separately, Alkhorayef revealed that the Kingdom’s non-oil exports reached SAR307 billion in the first half of this year, marking the highest semiannual growth on record. 

He made the announcement during his participation in a dialogue session with Al-Shaar on the sidelines of the Made in Saudi Expo 2025. 

Alkhorayef explained that Saudi Vision 2030, through its initiatives, has driven record performance and sustained growth in non-oil exports over the past few years by unlocking national industrial capabilities, boosting the quality of Saudi products, and expanding their access to global markets. 

He highlighted opportunities for cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Syria in developing industrial cities, enabling Damascus to benefit from the Kingdom’s successful experience in export development and local content support, thereby contributing to its economic growth. 

Alkhorayef underlined the level of efficiency, skill, and craftsmanship demonstrated by Syrian investors in the Kingdom’s industrial sector, hoping that the industrial sector would become a key pillar of Syria’s economic advancement. 

He also addressed trade development between the two countries, noting that Saudi non-oil exports to Syria totaled SAR1.2 billion in the first nine months of 2025. 

Business

Saudi Inflation Slows to Nine-Month Low in November

 People enjoy sitting outdoors as the summer heat eases in Riyadh (AFP). 
 People enjoy sitting outdoors as the summer heat eases in Riyadh (AFP). 
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Saudi Inflation Slows to Nine-Month Low in November

 People enjoy sitting outdoors as the summer heat eases in Riyadh (AFP). 
 People enjoy sitting outdoors as the summer heat eases in Riyadh (AFP). 

Saudi Arabia’s annual inflation rate slowed to 1.9 percent in November 2025, its lowest level in nine months, down from 2.2 percent in October, driven by easing housing costs and lower prices for food and beverages.

On a monthly basis, inflation remained broadly stable, edging up 0.1 percent compared with October.

According to data released on Monday by the Saudi General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT), the housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels category rose 4.3 percent year on year in November, down from 4.5 percent in October. Within that category, actual housing rents increased 5.4 percent, slowing from 5.7 percent a month earlier.

Prices in the food and beverages category rose 1.3 percent, reflecting a 1.6 percent increase in the prices of fresh, chilled and frozen meat. The transport category climbed 1.5 percent, driven by a 6.4 percent rise in passenger transport services.

The personal care, social protection and miscellaneous goods and services category recorded the largest annual increase, up 6.6 percent, supported by a 19.9 percent surge in prices of other personal products, influenced by a 21.6 percent rise in jewelry and watch prices.

Prices for insurance and financial services increased 5.1 percent, led by an 8.4 percent rise in insurance costs. The recreation, sports and culture category rose 1.3 percent, reflecting a 2.1 percent increase in holiday package prices.

In contrast, prices for furniture, household equipment and routine household maintenance declined 0.3 percent. The restaurants and accommodation services category also fell 0.5 percent, as accommodation service prices decreased 2.3 percent.

GASTAT noted that the Consumer Price Index (CPI) measures changes in prices paid by consumers for a fixed basket of 582 items, while the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) tracks price movements of goods at the pre-retail stage for a fixed basket of 343 items.