Dubai-based construction technology company Opteam has secured a pre-Seed funding round, led by Plus VC, with contributions from Dar Ventures, SIAC Ventures, and Oraseya Capital. The investment will enhance Opteam's AI capabilities, expand its workforce, and strengthen its presence in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Founded in 2020, Opteam offers AI-driven construction management software designed to help teams overcome industry...
Experts at the 22nd International Learning and Technology Conference emphasized the importance of collaboration between humans and machines for fostering sustainability and innovation in education. Hosted by Effat University in Jeddah, the conference, themed Human-Machine Dynamics: Fueling a Sustainable Future, explored how technology can address global issues such as climate change and resource scarcity. The event showcased the transformative power...
SEALSQ Expands in Saudi Arabia with WISeKey Partnership SEALSQ Corp, a leader in semiconductor and post-quantum technologies, is boosting its presence in Saudi Arabia through WISeKey Arabia, a joint venture with WISeKey and the Juffali Group. This move supports Saudi Arabia’s digital and cybersecurity goals under Vision 2030. Since 2019, WISeKey Arabia has been committed to building a secure digital...
SAP has launched its Business Technology Platform (SAP BTP) on Google Cloud in Saudi Arabia, targeting regulated customers. This collaboration supports the Kingdom's digital transformation goals aligned with Saudi Vision 2030. SAP BTP is designed to enhance application development, data analytics, and AI integration in a secure cloud environment. This initiative focuses on data sovereignty, ensuring compliance with local regulations...
SEALSQ Corp, listed on NASDAQ as LAES, is broadening its reach in Saudi Arabia by partnering with WISeKey International Holding. This collaboration, through their joint venture WISeKey Arabia with the Juffali Group, aims to bolster Saudi Arabia's digital transformation and cybersecurity efforts, aligning with the nation's Vision 2030. The focus is on deploying quantum-resistant cryptographic technologies such as Public Key...
LG Electronics has unveiled its first brand shop in Saudi Arabia, marking a significant retail expansion in the region. The new store, located in Khobar, is designed to provide customers with direct access to LG's latest innovations and products. Sunny Kim, Managing Director of LG Saudi Arabia, emphasized the company's commitment to the market, stating, This store demonstrates LG's dedication...
Saudi University Advances Research in Defense, AI, and Nuclear Technologies In a significant move, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM) has inked 15 agreements with various government bodies and corporations to bolster research in defense, artificial intelligence, and nuclear energy. The signing ceremony in Dhahran was graced by Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, the energy minister and...
Lenovo Group is set to open a significant PC and server assembly plant in Saudi Arabia, marking a strategic expansion beyond China into the Middle East, a region of swift technological advancement. Supported by a $2 billion investment from Alat, part of Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, the facility aims to commence operations by 2026. It is expected to employ...
Forty-six deep-tech startups recently graduated from the Venture Program at the King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) in Riyadh. This initiative supports startups in sectors like energy, healthcare, and emerging technologies. Graduates include Glass Earth KSA, which offers geospatial technology for environmental monitoring; PainTech Solutions, focusing on pain management innovations; and EA Systems, which provides advanced engineering solutions....
Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) has engaged Swiss design firm Nose Design Experience to develop its new inter-city trainsets. This collaboration follows SAR's February 2024 agreement with Stadler, valued at SFr600m, to provide and maintain 10 trainsets for the East line connecting Riyadh and Dammam, with an option for 10 additional units. Nose Design will handle both the interior and exterior...
Technological Skills on the Rise in Saudi Workforce Technological advancements, economic shifts, and geopolitical factors are reshaping the global job market. The World Economic Forum anticipates the creation of 170 million jobs by 2030, despite a projected displacement of 92 million roles, resulting in a net increase of 78 million jobs. Job growth is expected primarily in frontline positions such...
Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as a global leader in quantum technology, aligning with its Vision 2030 goals of technological innovation and economic diversification. The Quantum Economy Landscape in Saudi Arabia report sets the foundation for a national quantum agenda, emphasizing the Kingdom's commitment to technological advancement. The Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR) Saudi Arabia is spearheading efforts...
Saudi Arabia's deep tech startup scene is booming, with nearly half focusing on artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things. A recent report highlights that over 43 high-growth startups in the region have collectively raised more than $987 million in funding. This growth aligns with the country's National Strategy for Data and AI, aiming to propel Saudi Arabia into the...
Saudi Arabia's digital transformation reached new heights in 2024, establishing its leadership in global technology and innovation. Driven by Vision 2030, the Kingdom has implemented extensive digital initiatives across government, private sectors, and international partnerships. Key Achievements A major milestone was creating a centralized data lake, integrating 27 large systems with over 322 systems in the National Data Bank, enhancing...
Saudi Arabia has made significant strides in its digital transformation, emerging as a leader in technology and innovation. Under Vision 2030, the Kingdom has launched initiatives across government, private sectors, and international partnerships, focusing on AI, digital economy, and smart city projects. Key Achievements In 2024, Saudi Arabia integrated 27 major systems with 322 others into a centralized data lake,...
Databricks, a leader in data and AI solutions, has expanded into Saudi Arabia, marking a significant step in its global growth. The company has opened a new office and established strategic partnerships to support local businesses in integrating data, analytics, and AI through its Data Intelligence Platform. Prominent Saudi organizations like Abdul Latif Jameel and Panda Retail are already leveraging...
Gaoming Technology Co. Ltd., a Chinese firm, showcased its cutting-edge solar-powered greenhouses in Riyadh at a UN conference addressing land degradation. The Hangzhou-based company is keen to enter the Saudi market, attracted by the favorable environmental conditions and supportive government policies. Saudi Arabia's abundant sunlight and demand for ecosystem improvement present a promising opportunity for Gaoming. The company plans to...
Saudi Arabia's technology sector has rapidly evolved since the launch of Vision 2030, aiming to boost the tech sector's GDP contribution from 1% to 5% by 2030. This initiative has drawn international tech companies, including Apple, with incentives and a burgeoning digital economy. Apple plans to expand its presence in Saudi Arabia by launching its first online retail store in...
Ellucian Teams Up with Naseej to Boost Cloud Adoption in Saudi Higher Education Ellucian, a leader in higher education technology, has formed a strategic alliance with Naseej for Technology to enhance cloud adoption in Saudi Arabia's educational sector. This collaboration aims to leverage Naseej's expertise in digital transformation to broaden Ellucian's impact, offering advanced cloud solutions to improve institutional efficiency...
Microsoft has achieved a significant milestone by completing the construction of three Azure availability zones in Saudi Arabia. This development is crucial in meeting the demand for Microsoft's secure cloud services among government entities and key industries within the Kingdom. The datacenter region, located in Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province, is expected to be operational by 2026. It will feature independent...
Saudi Arabia is prioritizing technology investments as a key part of its economic strategy. The kingdom aims to enhance its information and communications technology sector by 50%. In the global telecom landscape, a Beijing-based operator stands out as the fourth-largest by subscriber count, boasting approximately 423.43 million users.
The Saudi Arabian 5G technology market is expanding rapidly, driven by the Vision 2030 initiative which prioritizes digital infrastructure and smart city development. Key factors include increased demand for high-speed internet and mobile broadband. The government and telecom companies are investing significantly in 5G infrastructure, enhancing connectivity and supporting technologies like IoT. Network infrastructure is advancing with new 5G base...
Saudi Arabia has launched a new international water research center through a collaboration between the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture and King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST). This initiative, supported by Minister Eng. Abdulrahman Al-Fadley, aims to address key water challenges globally. The center was unveiled during a dialogue on "Sustainable water management in arid and semi-arid...
Saudi Arabia has been heavily investing in the global tech sector, but now it seeks to attract foreign tech companies to invest within its borders. The kingdom aims to leverage this to develop AI data centers, startups, and more, according to recent reports. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, often referred to as MBS, has shifted focus from international investments to...
Saudi Arabia has significantly invested in global tech, and now seeks foreign tech companies to invest within its borders, focusing on AI development, according to recent reports. Under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the kingdom has directed its resources towards the tech sector, with ambitions to establish itself as a major AI hub. This shift is highlighted by plans for...
Saudi Arabia is embarking on an ambitious project called "Project Transcendence," aiming to transform the nation into a leading hub for artificial intelligence (AI) with potential investments up to $100 billion. This initiative seeks to enhance the country's technological infrastructure by focusing on data centers, AI startups, and key infrastructure developments. This project is part of a larger strategy to...
Mastercard has launched its Mastercard Gateway in Saudi Arabia, supported by The Saudi Central Bank. This infrastructure aims to enhance local e-commerce transaction processing. The Mastercard Gateway serves as a central hub for payment and digital acceptance solutions, aiding both local and global markets. Merchants can access over 30 payment options and advanced risk management tools, including fraud prevention, while...
Mastercard is enhancing Saudi Arabia's digital payments infrastructure to bolster secure ecommerce transactions. Mastercard has unveiled a cutting-edge technology infrastructure in Saudi Arabia to process ecommerce transactions locally. This initiative aims to provide a seamless and secure payment experience, supporting the Kingdom’s digital commerce growth. Under the auspices of the Saudi Central Bank, Mastercard's new Gateway expands its regional presence,...
Sir Edward Byrne, newly appointed to lead King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Saudi Arabia, has indicated a shift in priorities towards American technology, emphasizing the importance of US chip access over ties with China. Byrne, an Australian neuroscientist and former president of King’s College London, was appointed as KAUST's president recently. The university relies heavily on...
The Saudi Arabian RegTech industry is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by advancements in technology and regulatory demands. This report offers a detailed analysis, highlighting market opportunities and challenges with over 50 KPIs at the national level. As businesses strive to improve compliance, the demand for RegTech solutions is on the rise. Despite regulatory complexities, the sector is poised for...