Saudi Arabia to Host First of its Kind Motor Show for Electric, Hybrid Cars

This photo taken on July 21, 2017 shows Mahindra's electric car "e2o Plus" plugged in for charging at a showroom in New Delhi. (AFP)
This photo taken on July 21, 2017 shows Mahindra's electric car "e2o Plus" plugged in for charging at a showroom in New Delhi. (AFP)
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Saudi Arabia to Host First of its Kind Motor Show for Electric, Hybrid Cars

This photo taken on July 21, 2017 shows Mahindra's electric car "e2o Plus" plugged in for charging at a showroom in New Delhi. (AFP)
This photo taken on July 21, 2017 shows Mahindra's electric car "e2o Plus" plugged in for charging at a showroom in New Delhi. (AFP)

Saudi Arabia will host the first of its kind e-Motor Show in the Middle East for electric and hybrid cars between February 25 and 28, with the participation of major car manufacturers and agents.

The e-Motor Show-Middle East will highlight recent developments in the electric and hybrid vehicles sector and clean technologies in the region, which are expected to become a natural part of the environmental transportation system, given the advanced technical capabilities and the promising opportunities.

Saudi Vision 2030 encourages such industries that help build a competitive economy along with sustainable development and infrastructure that promotes the realization of the Kingdom’s strategic short and long terms objectives.

The show also aims to enhance public awareness about electric and hybrid vehicles, which reflects the future of transportation in the Kingdom.

In addition, investing in such types of vehicles is an important trend, both in terms of manufacturing, various applications, import and export.

Chairman of the Cars Agent National Committee at the Council of Saudi Chambers Faisal Abu Shusha said it was a “matter of pride” that such an important event is being organized inside the Kingdom.

He described it as a stepping-stone towards a prosperous future for modern transportation.

Abu Shusha stated it is important to prepare relevant policies and regulations pertaining to the electric vehicles (EVs) industry in both a clear and proactive manner.

He also called for activating the role of the private sector to provide new job opportunities and enhance the utilization of this technology.

Investing in the field of manufacturing electric vehicles in the Kingdom is something worth studying, especially as it falls in line with Vision 2030 and the national industry development program, he remarked.



Microsoft Plans to Invest $80 billion on AI-enabled Data Centers in 2025

FILE PHOTO: A Microsoft logo is pictured on a store in the Manhattan borough of New York City, New York, US, January 25, 2021. REUTERS/Carlo Allegri/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: A Microsoft logo is pictured on a store in the Manhattan borough of New York City, New York, US, January 25, 2021. REUTERS/Carlo Allegri/File Photo
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Microsoft Plans to Invest $80 billion on AI-enabled Data Centers in 2025

FILE PHOTO: A Microsoft logo is pictured on a store in the Manhattan borough of New York City, New York, US, January 25, 2021. REUTERS/Carlo Allegri/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: A Microsoft logo is pictured on a store in the Manhattan borough of New York City, New York, US, January 25, 2021. REUTERS/Carlo Allegri/File Photo

Microsoft is planning to invest about $80 billion in fiscal 2025 on developing data centers to train artificial intelligence (AI) models and deploy AI and cloud-based applications, the company said in a blog post on Friday.
Investment in AI has surged since OpenAI launched ChatGPT in 2022, as companies across sectors seek to integrate artificial intelligence into their products and services.
AI requires enormous computing power, pushing demand for specialized data centers that enable tech companies to link thousands of chips together in clusters.
Microsoft has been investing billions to enhance its AI infrastructure and broaden its data-center network.
Analysts expect Microsoft's fiscal 2025 capital expenditure including capital leases to be $84.24 billion, according to Visible Alpha.
The company's capital expenditure in the first quarter of fiscal 2025 rose 5.3% to $20 billion, Reuters reported.
As OpenAI's primary backer, the tech giant is considered a leading contender among Big Tech companies in the AI race due to its exclusive partnership with the AI chatbot maker.
More than half of Microsoft's $80 billion investment will be in the United States, Vice Chair and President Brad Smith said in the blog post.
"Today, the United States leads the global AI race thanks to the investment of private capital and innovations by American companies of all sizes, from dynamic start-ups to well-established enterprises," Smith said.