Technology

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...

The Saudi Company for Artificial Intelligence (SCAI) has entered into a collaboration with Elm, focusing on boosting the AI capabilities within government institutions in Saudi Arabia. This partnership, announced during the Global Artificial Intelligence Summit in Riyadh, aims to improve the efficiency of government services through AI technology. SCAI, established in 2021 and owned by the Public Investment Fund, seeks...

Qualcomm, Aramco, and Saudi Arabia's Research, Development and Innovation Authority (RDIA) are collaborating to launch the Design in Saudi Arabia (DISA) program. DISA aims to nurture Saudi startups utilizing AI, IoT, and wireless technologies for industrial applications. The program will support early-stage tech startups by offering guidance from product design to commercialization. It provides technical assistance, business coaching, and intellectual...

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,...