Technology

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,...

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...

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 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...

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...

The Saudi Arabian manufacturing sector is on a promising path, leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to drive technological advancements. With a strategic aim to diversify beyond oil, the nation is heavily investing in AI to boost innovation, streamline operations, and enhance productivity. Government initiatives like Saudi Vision 2030, alongside strong infrastructure, support the integration of AI in manufacturing. A growing tech...

Aramco and SLB have partnered to develop and commercialize digital solutions aimed at reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the industrial sector. These solutions will be integrated into SLB’s digital sustainability platform, enhancing their collaboration from 2022. The platform helps industrial companies move toward net zero by facilitating the measurement, reporting, and verification (MRV) of emissions. This data aids in...

RIYADH — The General Authority for Survey and Geospatial Information (GEOSA) and the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming and Drones have signed a memorandum of cooperation to integrate geospatial technology with drone systems. The agreement aims to enhance coordination in using geospatial technology for drones, develop a unified drone platform, and support the growth of the geospatial sector in Saudi...

The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, along with the National Information Technology Development Program (NTDP), has launched the "Tamkeen" initiative. This program aims to bolster Saudi technical talent within micro, small, and medium enterprises. The initiative is part of the broader Vision 2030 plan to stimulate the digital economy. It focuses on encouraging technology companies to hire Saudi professionals...

HALO Space, a Spanish startup focused on taking tourists to the edge of space via a high-altitude balloon, is setting up its final assembly and testing facilities in Saudi Arabia. This move is part of Saudi Arabia's ongoing efforts to attract global startups and establish itself as a prominent aerospace hub. HALO Space's CEO, Carlos Mira, praised the favorable business...

Aramco Digital, a subsidiary of Saudi Arabia's state-owned Aramco, has partnered with Groq, an AI inference company, to establish a major inferencing data center in Saudi Arabia. This collaboration was announced at the Global AI Summit in Riyadh. The partnership builds on a previously signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during the LEAP event. Groq highlighted that this initiative is pivotal...

Saudi Arabia's electric vehicle (EV) sector needs charging stations every 100 km on highways to support its growth, according to Mohamed Al-Mubarak, general manager of Charging Arabia. At the EV Auto Show in Riyadh, Al-Mubarak stressed that a robust charging infrastructure is crucial to alleviate range anxiety and promote e-mobility. The Kingdom aims to convert 30% of Riyadh's vehicles to...

Aramco Digital, a branch of Aramco focusing on digital and technology advancements, has partnered with Accenture to drive generative AI (gen AI) innovation and enhance digital skills in Saudi Arabia. This collaboration aims to facilitate widespread adoption and innovation with gen AI, addressing the Kingdom’s digital talent needs and supporting Vision 2030. Aramco Digital will utilize Accenture LearnVantage’s AI-driven platform,...

The Saudi Arabia Battery Market is experiencing notable growth due to increased demand for energy storage solutions, driven by investments in renewable energy projects. Batteries play a critical role in storing energy from solar and wind sources, ensuring a stable energy supply. Technological advancements in lithium-ion and solid-state batteries are enhancing performance and reducing costs, making them more accessible. The...

Riyadh's Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, alongside the National Technology Development Program, has introduced the Tamkeen Initiative. This program is designed to empower Saudi technical professionals in micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). The initiative aims to equip these professionals with essential skills and resources, contributing to the growth of the digital economy in line with the Kingdom's Vision...

Saudi Arabia has achieved significant recognition in the UN digital services index, ranking first in the region and fourth globally. The Kingdom climbed 25 spots in the UN E-Government Development Index (EGDI) 2024, establishing itself as a global leader. Within the G20 countries, Saudi Arabia secured the second position and ranked seventh in the e-participation index. Riyadh, the capital city,...

The Saudi Arabian IoT in healthcare market is experiencing significant growth driven by key factors. Government initiatives and investments in digital health technologies, as part of Vision 2030, are enhancing healthcare infrastructure and promoting IoT adoption. Additionally, the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases and an aging population are boosting the demand for connected health devices for remote monitoring and personalized...

UNOX Arabia, a leader in intelligent cooking technology, hosted a panel in Riyadh focused on the F&B sector's role in Saudi Arabia's tech industry, emphasizing investment, innovation, and growth. The discussion aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, highlighting the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in culinary advancements. Event Highlights The panel highlighted the F&B sector's contribution to Vision 2030 through...

The Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA) has updated the Regulation on Personal Data Transfer Outside the Kingdom, introducing new guidelines under the Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL). These revisions, effective 1 September 2024, include significant changes to the previous regulations. Key Updates: The new Data Transfer Regulations maintain similar concepts regarding adequate jurisdictions and purposes for transfer but reduce...

Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman emphasized the critical role of nuclear security and safety, asserting that each state is responsible for maintaining its system according to national and international standards. The Kingdom is advancing its nuclear energy initiatives, recognizing its importance for social and economic development. Prince Abdulaziz, speaking at the 68th Session of the International Atomic Energy...

Saudi Arabia is making significant strides in becoming a major hub for artificial intelligence (AI). Recent high-profile events and partnerships highlight the kingdom's commitment to this goal. In the past few months, Saudi Arabia has hosted numerous AI-related events and leaders, showcasing its ambition to attract AI companies and investments. A notable event was the Global AI Summit, which featured...