SCAI Launches AI Operations to Compete with Global Technologies

SCAI’s operations will focus on delivering end-to-end cutting-edge AI solutions to prioritized sectors for the Kingdom such as energy and healthcare. (Reuters)
SCAI’s operations will focus on delivering end-to-end cutting-edge AI solutions to prioritized sectors for the Kingdom such as energy and healthcare. (Reuters)
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SCAI Launches AI Operations to Compete with Global Technologies

SCAI’s operations will focus on delivering end-to-end cutting-edge AI solutions to prioritized sectors for the Kingdom such as energy and healthcare. (Reuters)
SCAI’s operations will focus on delivering end-to-end cutting-edge AI solutions to prioritized sectors for the Kingdom such as energy and healthcare. (Reuters)

The Saudi Company for Artificial Intelligence (SCAI), a company wholly owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), launched operations to grow and develop artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies industries in the Kingdom.

The company’s operations will focus on delivering end-to-end cutting-edge AI solutions across various disciplines.

These will apply to a wide range of use cases for both businesses and consumers in prioritized sectors for the Kingdom such as energy and healthcare.

SCAI also aims to be the trusted AI provider for smart city practical solutions.

“As PIF’s arm in the AI and emerging technologies sector, the company will develop local capability, cutting edge technology, and strategic partnerships to support creating Saudi-owned solutions in the AI ecosystem,” said SCAI Chairman Dr. Abdullah bin Sharaf al-Ghamdi.

This comes in line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 objectives of diversifying and growing the economy and improving the quality of life for Saudi citizens, he added.

“SCAI will be a key enabler to promote the national AI objectives and accelerate technology adoption across various sectors in the Kingdom,” said Ayman Al-Rashid, CEO of SCAI.

“The world is embracing the era of data and information, and AI is rapidly changing the way we live.”

It is critical for Saudi Arabia to invest in the foundations of the sector to unlock long-term sustainable value for all stakeholders in the Kingdom and beyond, he stressed.

SCAI’s mandate comes in line with PIF’s strategy, which focuses on 13 priority sectors, including the technology sector.

Through its mandate, PIF is establishing national champions and enabling the development of new sectors in line with Vision 2030.



Indonesia Expects to Conclude Free Trade Talks with EU by End of June

People attend a morning prayer on the street during Eid al-Adha celebrations in Jakarta, Indonesia, 06 June 2025. (EPA)
People attend a morning prayer on the street during Eid al-Adha celebrations in Jakarta, Indonesia, 06 June 2025. (EPA)
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Indonesia Expects to Conclude Free Trade Talks with EU by End of June

People attend a morning prayer on the street during Eid al-Adha celebrations in Jakarta, Indonesia, 06 June 2025. (EPA)
People attend a morning prayer on the street during Eid al-Adha celebrations in Jakarta, Indonesia, 06 June 2025. (EPA)

Indonesia said on Saturday that free trade negotiations with the European Union, which have been going on for nine years, are expected to finish by the end of June.

Airlangga Hartarto, the chief economic minister for Southeast Asia's biggest economy, met with EU Commissioner for Trade Maros Sefcovic in Brussels on Friday.

"Indonesia and the European Union have agreed to conclude outstanding issues and we are ready to announce a conclusion of substantial negotiations by the end of June 2025," Airlangga Hartarto said in a statement.

He did not disclose details about what agreements may have been reached.

Denis Chaibi, EU Ambassador to Indonesia, said: "Negotiations are ongoing and substance will determine timing. We will communicate in details when we have an outcome."

The EU is Indonesia's fifth biggest trade partner, with total trade between the two reaching $30.1 billion last year. Indonesia had a $4.5 billion trade surplus, Airlangga said.

Indonesia and the EU have previously disagreed on EU trade rules for products with potential links to deforestation that could affect Indonesian palm oil, as well as Jakarta's ban on exports of raw minerals.

Indonesian officials have been motivated to accelerate talks on free trade agreements, keen to diversify the country's export destinations as they deal with US tariff challenges.

Seeking to end US trade deficits worldwide, US President Donald Trump announced sweeping "reciprocal" tariffs that have since been paused until July.

Indonesia is facing a 32% tariff rate.