Saudi Ministerial Delegation Meets with Major US Tech Companies

Saudi Arabia promotes entrepreneurship and digital economy in the communications and information sector (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Saudi Arabia promotes entrepreneurship and digital economy in the communications and information sector (Asharq Al-Awsat)
TT

Saudi Ministerial Delegation Meets with Major US Tech Companies

Saudi Arabia promotes entrepreneurship and digital economy in the communications and information sector (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Saudi Arabia promotes entrepreneurship and digital economy in the communications and information sector (Asharq Al-Awsat)

The Saudi Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) is holding meetings with major US technology companies and innovation and space centers.

Minister Abdullah al-Swaha and the accompanying delegation will launch Thursday a series of meetings with the US companies to boost the Kingdom's leading role as a regional center in the Middle East and North Africa.

The meetings aim to consolidate Saudi Arabia's leading position as a technology and innovation hub and attract investments to the Kingdom by establishing strategic partnerships that promote and develop the digital economy, innovation, and space economy, in line with Vision 2030.

Saudi Arabia has ranked second globally among the G20 countries in the Digital Competitiveness Report for 2021 issued by the European Center for Digital Competitiveness.

The Kingdom seeks to boost communication and relations with developed countries in the field, including the US.

Saudi Arabia said it is adopting a package of initiatives and investments at the LEAP conference, which it hosted last February.

It is determined to continue building its digital economy and transform it into an innovation-based economy, expanding the impact to serve humanity and preserve the planet.

The Kingdom continues to establish partnerships with many entities and sectors to accelerate innovation in the communications and information technology sector, enhance technical research and digital education, and sponsor digital innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystems to achieve the goals of Vision 2030.

Recently, the Ministry launched the National Center for Emerging Network Technologies, following a strategic partnership between King Saud University and the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology.

Powered by Huawei, this new center aims to develop 5G applications and identify frameworks for developing local talent, to enhance the country's position as the most innovative country in the region.

The two parties aim to develop 5G applications, identify frameworks for developing local talent, enhance the Kingdom's position as the leading and most innovative country in the region, and work towards serving common interests and goals.

The center will help raise awareness of 5G technologies and its expanding set of applications, support local talent in this field, and strengthen 5G cybersecurity.

It will provide a platform to develop digital trust, enhance digital infrastructure, adopt emerging technologies, advance smart cities, foster digital capabilities and skills, and digital innovation.



Saudi Ministry of Environment Issues First License for Aeroponics Agriculture in the Middle East

Saudi Ministry of Environment Issues First License for Aeroponics Agriculture in the Middle East
TT

Saudi Ministry of Environment Issues First License for Aeroponics Agriculture in the Middle East

Saudi Ministry of Environment Issues First License for Aeroponics Agriculture in the Middle East

The Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture issued the first operational license for a commercial agricultural project utilizing aeroponics in the Middle East, reported the Saudi Press Agency on Saturday.

The project aims to contribute significantly to the local market's agricultural needs through sustainable production.

The Ministry's Undersecretary for Agriculture, Eng Ahmad Al-Ayada, made the announcement during a ceremony attended by representatives of a coalition local and international companies: Tamimi Markets Group from Saudi Arabia, Mitsui Group from Japan, and Zero Group from Italy.

Through the Green Dunes Company, the coalition will come up with modern agricultural solutions powered by cutting-edge technologies and AI. These efforts align with the Kingdom's National Agriculture Strategy and the broader goals of Vision 2030, which aim to build a sustainable agricultural future.

According to the ministry, the project's first phase has been completed. It entailed the establishment of an aeroponics farm to produce various vegetable varieties. The method is noted for its efficiency, as it reduces water consumption by 95% compared to traditional farming techniques and enables year-round productivity.

The project integrates AI and automation at all production stages, employing advanced monitoring systems and performance indicators to optimize output.