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.



Gold Firms in Thin Trade as Investors Weigh Fed Outlook

Gold bars from the vault of a bank are seen in this illustration picture taken in Zurich November 20, 2014. REUTERS/Arnd Wiegmann/File Photo
Gold bars from the vault of a bank are seen in this illustration picture taken in Zurich November 20, 2014. REUTERS/Arnd Wiegmann/File Photo
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Gold Firms in Thin Trade as Investors Weigh Fed Outlook

Gold bars from the vault of a bank are seen in this illustration picture taken in Zurich November 20, 2014. REUTERS/Arnd Wiegmann/File Photo
Gold bars from the vault of a bank are seen in this illustration picture taken in Zurich November 20, 2014. REUTERS/Arnd Wiegmann/File Photo

Gold prices firmed on Monday, although trading was thin due to the holiday season and as investors looked for cues on the US Federal Reserve's monetary policy trajectory for next year after it signaled gradual easing in its latest meeting.
Spot gold added 0.3% at $2,628.63 per ounce, as of 0941 GMT, trading in a narrow $16 range. US gold futures eased 0.1% to $2,643.10.
"(It's a) Quiet day with lower liquidity and limited data releases during the holiday season," said UBS analyst Giovanni Staunovo.
"We retain a constructive outlook for gold in 2025, targeting a move to $2,800/oz by mid-2025."
The Fed cut rates by 25 basis points on Dec. 18, although the central bank's predictions of fewer rate cuts in 2025 resulted in a decline in gold prices to their lowest level since Nov. 18 last week.
US consumer spending increased in November, supporting the Fed's hawkish stance, a sentiment that was also shared by San Francisco Fed President Mary Daly.
Higher interest rates dull non-yielding bullion's appeal.
"Presently, we are in a lull for Christmas week with the gold price trending sideways. Federal Reserve policy is clear with expectations of rising interest rates in the second half of the year," said Michael Langford, chief investment officer at Scorpion Minerals.
"The next big impact is the incoming presidency of (Donald) Trump and the initial presidential decrees that he might declare. This has the potential to add to market volatility and be bullish for gold prices."
Gold, often considered a safe-haven asset, typically performs well during economic uncertainties.
Spot silver rose 0.8% to $29.75 per ounce and platinum climbed 1.3% to $938.43. Palladium steadied at $920.53.