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Intl. Companies Intend to Invest in AI, Robotics in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia to adopt AI technology and robotics by providing an attractive local investment environment. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Saudi Arabia to adopt AI technology and robotics by providing an attractive local investment environment. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Intl. Companies Intend to Invest in AI, Robotics in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia to adopt AI technology and robotics by providing an attractive local investment environment. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Saudi Arabia to adopt AI technology and robotics by providing an attractive local investment environment. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Major international companies intend to invest in artificial intelligence and robotics in Saudi Arabia, senior investors told Asharq Al-Awsat.

AI Investor Abdullah bin Zaid Al-Meleihi said that Saudi Arabia aims at establishing 400 startup companies in artificial intelligence.

He added that the Kingdom was seeking to provide a more attractive environment for foreign investments, pointing to a gathering of Saudi and foreign companies led by the Saudi Excellence Holding Company, which intends to introduce advanced technologies in the field of artificial intelligence and unveil new technologies.

He added that investments in AI are expected to surpass $150 million over the next two years.

For his part, Sem Koksal, CEO and partner of Legacy Technologies, told Asharq Al-Awsat that the quality and nature of Saudi public and private initiatives enhanced the AI technology industry.

He also stressed that the AI sector would increase the attractiveness of foreign investments in the Kingdom.

Dr. Muhammad Al-Shuhail, Advisor to the chairman of Prince Sultan College of Business and a specialist in AI and technology, emphasized a Saudi endeavor to develop the technology sector, in line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.

While he highlighted Saudi Arabia’s digital transformation process, Al-Shuhail pointed to the construction of smart cities, including NEOM.

The second edition of the Global AI Summit concluded on Friday in Riyadh.

Organized by the Saudi Authority for Data and Artificial Intelligence (SDAIA), the summit highlighted the means to maximize the use of the sector’s technologies, along with developments, challenges and solutions in the smart city sectors, human capacity development, health care, transportation, energy, culture and heritage, environment, and economic mobility.

The summit was attended by a large number of experts, specialists and officials in government agencies and global technology companies.

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Saudi Arabia: Cosmetic Surgery Attracts Private Sector Investment

The seventh annual Aesthetic Medical and Plastic Surgery Forum and Exhibition was held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (PHOTO CREDIT/Turki al-Oqaili)
The seventh annual Aesthetic Medical and Plastic Surgery Forum and Exhibition was held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (PHOTO CREDIT/Turki al-Oqaili)
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Saudi Arabia: Cosmetic Surgery Attracts Private Sector Investment

The seventh annual Aesthetic Medical and Plastic Surgery Forum and Exhibition was held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (PHOTO CREDIT/Turki al-Oqaili)
The seventh annual Aesthetic Medical and Plastic Surgery Forum and Exhibition was held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (PHOTO CREDIT/Turki al-Oqaili)

In a world obsessed with perfection, cosmetic surgery has become more than just a choice—it’s now an investment in self-esteem and confidence.

What was once a luxury for celebrities is now a booming global industry, attracting significant private sector interest and generating billions of dollars each year.

In 2022-2023, Saudi Arabia ranked second in the Arab world with 306 cosmetic specialists and 29th globally.

The Kingdom’s cosmetic medicine sector has exceeded 20 billion riyals ($5.3 billion), growing at nearly 9% annually.

As Saudi Arabia undergoes social changes, improves quality of life, and increases public awareness, the demand for cosmetic medical services is rising rapidly, boosting the sector’s strength and appeal.

This change in how people view beauty has made the beauty industry a key player in the global economy.

Cosmetic surgery, including both reconstructive and aesthetic procedures, is becoming increasingly popular worldwide.

Last Tuesday, Riyadh held the seventh annual Aesthetic Medical and Plastic Surgery Forum and Exhibition.

The three-day event showcased the private healthcare sector’s growing role in improving and advancing cosmetic services, supporting the goals of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.

On the sidelines of the exhibition’s opening, Pakistan's Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Ahmed Farooq, told Asharq Al-Awsat that Pakistan is a major producer of cosmetics and medical equipment, exporting to numerous countries worldwide.

He highlighted that Saudi Arabia has integrated foreign investment into its Vision 2030 strategy by offering incentives for foreign investors to manufacture their products locally.

“As a result, there is potential for Pakistani investment to enter the Kingdom in this sector,” he added.

Professor Fawaz Al-Qahtani, an investor and consultant in cosmetic and dental implants, told Asharq Al-Awsat that the sector is rapidly growing, especially in Saudi Arabia.

The Kingdom has many highly trained local professionals, drawing clients from neighboring and international locations. Saudi Arabia is seen as a leader in cosmetic, dermatological, and dental surgery in the Middle East.

Al-Qahtani noted that Saudi Arabia is making strides with e-government services that simplify licensing and other procedures for investors. This has made investing in the sector increasingly attractive due to the substantial support available.