SDAIA Calls on Local, Foreign Contractors to Participate in AI Oases

Closing ceremony of Future Projects Forum 2021 (FPF) (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Closing ceremony of Future Projects Forum 2021 (FPF) (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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SDAIA Calls on Local, Foreign Contractors to Participate in AI Oases

Closing ceremony of Future Projects Forum 2021 (FPF) (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Closing ceremony of Future Projects Forum 2021 (FPF) (Asharq Al-Awsat)

The Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) called on local and foreign contracting companies to join in the establishment of an interactive system that creates and launches artificial intelligence (AI) oases in the Kingdom.

Speaking at the virtual Future Projects Forum 2021 (FPF), Mohammed al-Salami of SDAIA said that the oases will be a national reference in the digital and technical development of AI applications.

He announced that the project will be the first of its kind regionally and will help achieve Vision 2030 while providing a diverse, qualitative and unique environment that targets all segments of society with educational and entertainment experiences.

He unveiled the “King Salman Oasis” project in the north of Riyadh, stating it will be followed by other oases.

The Forum kicked off Monday with over 37 public and private entities that presented around 1,000 projects in various fields including electricity, real estate, industrial intelligence, and water.

During the forum, Roshn CEO David Grover said that the company is designing 3,000 homes with their accompanying infrastructure, including 12 neighborhoods that will house 35,000 people in major Saudi regions.

The company is looking for qualified supervisors to complete the design and construction stage and finalize its Jeddah project to be launched next year. It is planning to launch a water canal, service areas, hotels, and about 60,000 homes.

The CEO also indicated that the company wants to provide housing for hundreds of thousands of Saudi families and enable a 70 percent increase in homeownership by 2030.

Roshn aims to become one of the largest real estate development facilities through its support to the economic development plans.

The Saudi Electricity Company presented a number of projects that focus on improving efficiency, reliability, and flexibility and maintain new assets and businesses.

The company revealed its power transmission portfolio of over $19 billion investments to achieve high efficiency in network operations and access to a highly reliable electrical system.

The company disclosed its portfolio of energy distribution projects with about $14.4 billion investments, including service delivery, enhancing the reliability of distribution networks, and improve performance to provide a service that fulfills the aspirations of subscribers and stakeholders.



South Korea’s Food Exports Rose to $6.2 Billion in 6 Months

A worker at a supermarket in South Korea puts bags of instant noodles on the shelves (Yonhap news agency)
A worker at a supermarket in South Korea puts bags of instant noodles on the shelves (Yonhap news agency)
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South Korea’s Food Exports Rose to $6.2 Billion in 6 Months

A worker at a supermarket in South Korea puts bags of instant noodles on the shelves (Yonhap news agency)
A worker at a supermarket in South Korea puts bags of instant noodles on the shelves (Yonhap news agency)

South Korea's exports of food and related goods rose 5.2% on-year in the first half of 2024, government data showed, led by the popularity of instant noodles and processed rice products.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs said that outbound shipments of the food segment known as “K-Food Plus” reached $6.21 billion, compared with $5.9 billion posted a year earlier, the country’s Yonhap new agency reported on Saturday.
K-Food Plus encompasses a diverse range of food products and related items, from fresh and processed goods to agricultural equipment and solutions.
By product, exports of instant noodles jumped 32.3% to hit $590.2 million, with those of processed rice products gaining 41.4 percent to $136.9 million, the data showed.
The ministry attributed the growth in instant noodle exports to the popularity of social media content featuring spicy product challenges, as well as the release of customized products by exporters.
South Korean rice products also gained popularity, as frozen gimbap, or seaweed rice rolls, attracted significant attention in the US market as a gluten-free and healthy eating option, the ministry said.
By destination, exports to the US surged 17%, reaching $736 million, driven by increased demand due to revitalized consumer spending, a stabilizing labor market and eased inflation.
Exports to China also edged up 3.1% to $702 million, as exporters utilized online platforms and influencers to promote South Korean foodstuffs.
Shipments to Japan, on the other hand, declined by 7% during the period to $671.3 million, due to the reduced spending power of Japanese consumers, the ministry added.