Saudi Arabia accelerates tech innovation by attracting global firms: Minister
Saudi Arabia is fast-tracking tech innovation by attracting global firms and building an advanced ecosystem in artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, and quantum technologies, said Minister of Communications and Information Technology Abdullah Alswaha.
Speaking at LEAP 25, Alswaha stressed the need to anticipate market shifts and analyze trends precisely to stay ahead and lead the smart era.
Backed by ambitious investments in emerging technologies, the Kingdom is cementing its position as a global digital hub.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Saudi Gazette
5 days ago
- Saudi Gazette
Saudi, Syrian ministers explore digital economy cooperation in virtual meeting
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — Saudi Minister of Communications and Information Technology Abdullah Al-Swaha held a virtual meeting with his Syrian counterpart, Abdul Salam Heikal, to discuss future cooperation in the digital economy sector. The discussion focused on opportunities to enhance digital infrastructure in Syria to support sustainable development and align with broader aspirations for economic growth and national recovery. Al-Swaha reaffirmed Saudi Arabia's commitment to supporting Syria's future by fostering digital transformation and innovation. Both ministers emphasized the importance of regional integration and knowledge exchange, particularly in advancing innovation, empowering young talent and entrepreneurs, and building capabilities that enable both nations to compete on the global stage.
Arab News
26-05-2025
- Arab News
Saudi communications minister inspects telecom services for Hajj pilgrims
RIYADH: The Saudi minister of communications and information technology has been reviewing preparations for the provision of telecommunications services to pilgrims during the upcoming Hajj season. Abdullah Al-Swaha was accompanied by Haytham Al-Ohali, acting governor of the Communications, Space and Technology Commission, on a tour of holy sites, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday. Al-Ohali said the commission was committed to providing reliable communication and technology services in cooperation with public and private entities. He said that there were more than 10,500 Wi-Fi access points across Makkah, Madinah and the holy sites, where 5G and 4G coverage had reached 99 percent. Mobile internet speeds reached 264Mbps in Makkah and 336Mbps in Madinah, the report said. The officials also visited King Abdulaziz International Airport, Halat Ammar Border Crossing, Yanbu Port and Jadidat Arar Border Crossing, as well as facilities operated by national telecom and tech companies Stc, Mobily, Zain and Tawal to review network performance and assess their operational and emergency plans. Al-Swaha praised their efforts to provide reliable services and highlighted their role in maintaining strong digital connectivity at the holy sites, the report said. The minister also met some of the more than 200 technology volunteers who will be working during Hajj to provide technical support. The volunteers are supported by the Awon Tech Charitable Society, which provides training in digital skills and support services in collaboration with public entities and the communications ministry. Al-Swaha commended Awon Tech's efforts to apply technology in support of Hajj operations, noting its contribution to service improvement and infrastructure support. Such initiatives would enhance the pilgrim experience and reflected the Kingdom's commitment to providing reliable and efficient services, he said.
Saudi Gazette
25-05-2025
- Saudi Gazette
CIT Minister Alswaha reviews stc Group's digital and technical readiness for Hajj season
Minister of Communications and Information Technology Abdullah Alswaha conducted a field visit on Sunday to stc Group's operations center in Makkah to assess the Group's comprehensive digital, technical, and logistical readiness to serve pilgrims during the 1446 AH Hajj season. The minister was accompanied by Vice Minister and Acting Governor of the Communications, Space and Technology Commission Eng. Haytham Al-Ohali, stc Group CEO Eng. Olayan Mohammed Al-Wetaid, and senior officials. During the visit, stc Group presented its strategic technical plan to ensure optimal service delivery across Makkah, Madinah, and the Holy Sites. The plan includes detailed analysis of network performance at more than 350 key locations, with infrastructure upgrades in areas expected to experience peak capacity. In anticipation of a projected 30% increase in data usage during Hajj, the Group has upgraded over 30 5G sites and developed more than 80 advanced 4G sites. VoLTE (Voice over LTE) technology has also been activated to enhance voice and video communication and enable faster data transmission. To improve coverage, stc has established 21 new sites within the holy sites and deployed 78 mobile communication units to serve high-density areas and zones where permanent infrastructure is difficult to implement. In total, the network will be supported by 421 fixed sites and 77 mobile towers, along with 998 Wi-Fi access points strategically installed to ensure continuous and seamless internet connectivity for pilgrims. The Group has also set up 11 logistics units and 99 maintenance centers across the holy areas, staffed by specialized technical teams operating 24/7 to maintain uninterrupted service throughout the Hajj period. As part of its commitment to digital empowerment and innovation, stc unveiled a pioneering AI-driven initiative to assist pilgrims through multilingual 3D guidance. Featuring one of the largest interactive smart tables in the world, the system enables pilgrims to access comprehensive information about Hajj rituals in an intuitive and user-friendly format.
