عربي English Türkçe اردو فارسى
Logo
Latest News
Technology

Saudi Arabia: KACST Signs 13 Partnership Agreements to Build Semiconductor System

KACST signed 13 local and international strategic partnerships to build the semiconductor system. SPA
KACST signed 13 local and international strategic partnerships to build the semiconductor system. SPA
TT
TT

Saudi Arabia: KACST Signs 13 Partnership Agreements to Build Semiconductor System

KACST signed 13 local and international strategic partnerships to build the semiconductor system. SPA
KACST signed 13 local and international strategic partnerships to build the semiconductor system. SPA

King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) signed 13 local and international strategic partnerships to build the semiconductor system, establish centers of excellence to accelerate technical development in emerging technologies and future communications, and qualify national cadres, as part of the work of LEAP tech conference.

KACST's partnerships in the field of localization of the semiconductor industry included, Alat Company, one of the Public Investment Fund (PIF) companies, in which it built and supported the semiconductor system in the Kingdom, while its partnership with the Global Semiconductor Group (GSG) focused on designing electronic chips, building national talents and attracting global competencies and international companies in the field of electronic chip design to the Kingdom market.

In the field of future communications and open networks, KACST through its strategic partnership with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, the Research, Development and Innovation Authority (RDIA), the Saudi Telecom Company (STC), and Saudi Aramco, established a national technical and industrial alliance in the fields of 5G and 6G communications technologies and Open RAN, to create an ecosystem to stimulate innovation and entrepreneurship in future communication technologies, ensuring the Kingdom’s global role as a major developer of 6G technologies.

KACST, in partnership with Aramco, the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, the RDIA, and the National Industrial Development and Logistics Program, launched the Saudi Accelerated Innovation Center to enhance quantum technologies and develop 5G and 6G communications networks.
KACST launched a strategic partnership with Animoca Brands to enhance the application of Web 3 system in the Kingdom, facilitate the arrangement of companies and institutions to enter the Web 3 system, and identify joint research and development projects in blockchain applications, games, artificial intelligence, and metaverse development.
To promote public health, KACST has concluded a strategic partnership with Ascend Solutions Ltd. to develop innovation in the field of digital health and disability research, promote virtual health care, and contribute to building innovative health technologies using AI and Internet of Things technologies.
To localize emerging technologies and build future cities, KACST signed a strategic partnership with Cisco Saudi Arabia Limited Company to establish the Virtual Digital Innovation Center (VDIC).
KACST also signed a strategic partnership with Elm Company, to enhance cooperation in the field of future cities' technologies and emerging technologies, in addition to its partnership with Tulip Technologies Company to enhance cooperation in research and development, and training in the field of robotics, AI, and automation.
To achieve the objectives of the Made in Saudi Program, KACST signed a strategic partnership with CiDi Auto (Hong Kong) Limited, to cooperate in research and development activities related to heavy trucks, future transportation technologies, and smart cities, and to explore the feasibility of supplying the Saudi market with these trucks, and work on research, design and manufacturing of vehicles in the Kingdom to join the international market.
Additionally, the partnership is designed to facilitate the testing and implementation of new technologies in KACST laboratories, establishing laboratories in common fields, and hosting technical companies that focus on research, development and innovation activities.
To boost innovation, KACST has established a partnership with the Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited to develop the infrastructure of science and technology parks in the Kingdom, facilitate the entry of companies from the Kingdom and Hong Kong into potential markets, help them succeed and adapt, and create opportunities for cooperation in digital service platforms and programs to enhance operating efficiency and provide services in science and technology fields.
Regarding developing the skills of national cadres; the Academy 32 at KACST signed a strategic partnership with Cisco Saudi Arabia Limited and Nortal, to transfer knowledge and qualify human cadres in the field of professional certificates in information technology.

Most Viewed

 
 
Technology

UK Cinemas Restricting Meta AI and Other Smart Glasses over Piracy Concerns

FILED - 27 May 2025, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Schwerin: The Facebook, Messenger, Instagram and WhatsApp apps are shown on a smartphone display that reflects the logo of the AI application Meta AI. Photo: Jens Büttner/dpa
FILED - 27 May 2025, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Schwerin: The Facebook, Messenger, Instagram and WhatsApp apps are shown on a smartphone display that reflects the logo of the AI application Meta AI. Photo: Jens Büttner/dpa
TT
TT

UK Cinemas Restricting Meta AI and Other Smart Glasses over Piracy Concerns

FILED - 27 May 2025, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Schwerin: The Facebook, Messenger, Instagram and WhatsApp apps are shown on a smartphone display that reflects the logo of the AI application Meta AI. Photo: Jens Büttner/dpa
FILED - 27 May 2025, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Schwerin: The Facebook, Messenger, Instagram and WhatsApp apps are shown on a smartphone display that reflects the logo of the AI application Meta AI. Photo: Jens Büttner/dpa

Cinema operators in Britain are introducing policies to prohibit or restrict camera-enabled smart glasses, including Meta's AI-powered eyewear, the UK Cinema Association said on Thursday, citing privacy and film piracy concerns.

The move follows growing scrutiny of smart glasses over their recording capabilities, with courts in England and Wales this month prohibiting Meta smart glasses because of restrictions on taking images and videos in courts, Reuters reported.

Policies vary by venue, with operators introducing prohibitions and/or restrictions rather than a single industry-wide rule.

The UK Cinema Association said operators recognise smart glasses can provide benefits to those with specific access requirements. The association said it would continue working with members to ensure their approach "remains relevant and proportionate."

Elsewhere, a German advocacy group earlier in August said it had filed a criminal complaint against Meta and others involved in selling the Meta devices, citing privacy laws.

Technology

UNESCO to Lead Global Efforts in Riyadh to Shape Responsible AI Policies in September

A general view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
A general view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
TT
TT

UNESCO to Lead Global Efforts in Riyadh to Shape Responsible AI Policies in September

A general view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (SPA)
A general view of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (SPA)

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) will spearhead intensive efforts in Riyadh in September to advance the implementation of its recommendations on artificial intelligence (AI) ethics, strengthen AI governance, and promote its responsible use, the Saudi Press Agency said on Wednesday.

The efforts come at a critical turning point for the global technology sector. AI ethics is no longer merely a regulatory option but has become a fundamental pillar and an urgent international imperative to harness advanced technologies for the benefit of humanity and safeguard human achievements worldwide.

Countries around the world recognize the potential of AI to deliver significant benefits to humanity. However, concerns remain over ensuring accountability in the use of these technologies and addressing related challenges, including biases that could lead to discrimination and inequality among communities worldwide.

These concerns are outlined in UNESCO’s Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence, adopted by UNESCO member states in 2021, which also underscores the need to ensure the safe use of AI technologies and safeguard human dignity and rights.

UNESCO has selected Saudi Arabia to host the fourth edition of the UNESCO Global Forum on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence (GFEAI 2026) from September 14 to 17. Saudi Arabia will be the first Arab country to host the international event, which will bring together technology and AI ministers from UNESCO member states, policymakers, leaders of major global companies, and representatives of international organizations.

The forum will be held in partnership with the Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA) and the International Center for AI Research and Ethics (ICAIRE), under the auspices of UNESCO and in coordination with the Saudi National Commission for Education, Culture and Science.

Over four days, GFEAI 2026 will address key themes including AI ethics and governance, capacity building, responsible innovation, and international policies. It will also showcase the latest global initiatives and experiences in the field through high-level sessions and specialized workshops bringing together leading experts and policymakers from around the world.

Technology

Sources: Samsung Hikes Chipmaking Prices by Up to 15% on Demand Spike

The logo of Samsung is seen at the Samsung Electronics Seocho building in Seoul on July 30, 2026. (Photo by Jung Yeon-je / AFP)
The logo of Samsung is seen at the Samsung Electronics Seocho building in Seoul on July 30, 2026. (Photo by Jung Yeon-je / AFP)
TT
TT

Sources: Samsung Hikes Chipmaking Prices by Up to 15% on Demand Spike

The logo of Samsung is seen at the Samsung Electronics Seocho building in Seoul on July 30, 2026. (Photo by Jung Yeon-je / AFP)
The logo of Samsung is seen at the Samsung Electronics Seocho building in Seoul on July 30, 2026. (Photo by Jung Yeon-je / AFP)

Samsung Electronics has raised prices for some advanced contract chipmaking services by up to 15% for new orders, two people familiar with the matter said, as demand for AI chips tightens capacity in a business long dominated by TSMC.

Demand from Chinese customers has been particularly strong, but Samsung has been unable to meet all orders because it must serve US customers and reserve part of its capacity to support its own chip production, said the sources, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they are discussing sensitive commercial matters.

Chinese customers are among those accepting the steepest price increase, one of the sources said, underscoring how US curbs on exports of advanced chipmaking equipment to China have increased local firms' reliance on overseas foundries.

The price hikes mark a turnaround for Samsung's foundry business, which has been a loss maker since 2022, according to industry ⁠estimates.

The division ⁠has struggled to narrow the gap with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co, even as Samsung reported record profits, driven by soaring prices for memory chips used in AI systems.

Samsung raised prices in July for chips made using its 4-nanometre process, known as SF4, the sources said.

Prices for SF4 customers in China and the US were increased 10% to 15% from the previous month, while customers in Taiwan, home to TSMC, saw increases of 5% to 10%, according to one of the sources.

Prices for wafers produced by its 5-nanometre SF5 process rose by 10% to 15%, while those for its older 8-nanometre technology ⁠rose by nearly 10%, according to the source. Samsung declined to comment to Reuters as the company does not provide details on operational matters.

Samsung produced 7% of global foundry revenue in the first quarter of 2026, compared with more than 70% for TSMC, according to research firm Counterpoint.

However, demand for AI chips has booked up much of TSMC's leading-edge capacity.

Samsung expects advanced processes to account for more than half of foundry revenue this year, while AI and high-performance-computing applications would make up more than 30%, up from 15% to 20% in late 2025.

With TSMC's production taken up, Samsung has more leverage to raise prices.

"As TSMC faces tight capacity and raises prices, customers are shifting to rivals such as Samsung and Intel, prompting Samsung to raise its prices as well," said Lee Min-hee, a Seoul-based analyst at BNK Investment & Securities.

"If Samsung raises prices from here, its foundry business could potentially become profitable as early as next ⁠year, earlier than previously expected," ⁠Lee said.

Samsung's SF4 production line at its Pyeongtaek, South Korea, plant has been running at full capacity since late last year, said a person familiar with the company's operations.

The line produces logic chips for customers including Qualcomm as well as base dies used in Samsung's own multi-layer high-bandwidth memory (HBM) chips, the person said.

Samsung said in July it expects the foundry unit to return to profit in the near future, helped by higher factory utilization, better production yields and firmer pricing.

It also said then rising sales to major US and Chinese customers, along with demand for HBM base dies, should help lift foundry revenue by more than double-digit percentage points in the second half from a year earlier.

Improvements in production yields have also helped Samsung win customers. Tesla and Apple unveiled chip manufacturing deals with Samsung last year. Samsung also announced an AI chip production deal with Broadcom in July, while Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang said in March that Samsung would manufacture its new AI inference processor.

Google is also in talks with Samsung to manufacture chips using SF4, said one of the two sources familiar with the price increases.

Google did not respond to a request for comment.