
IAU Unveils 1st AI Accessibility Guide for Students with Disabilities
Imam Abdulrahman bin Faisal University (IAU) has launched the nation's first comprehensive guide to artificial intelligence tools designed specifically to support students with disabilities. This pioneering effort reinforces the university's dedication to inclusive education and aligns with national mandates for digital empowerment and the protection of disability rights.
University President Fahad Al-Harbi emphasized that the initiative is rooted in the Law of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which ensures equal access to education and reflects Saudi Arabia's alignment with global standards and national strategies for digital inclusion.
The guide features a variety of intelligent applications customized to address diverse disabilities. These tools are designed to promote independent learning, enhance digital engagement, offer academic assistance, and support students in taking greater control of their educational experience.
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Saudi Aramco establishes a new center for people with disabilities in Al-Ahsa
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Leaders
30-05-2025
- Leaders
Saudi Arabia: The Next Silicon Valley of the Middle East
Saudi Arabia is rapidly positioning itself as the Middle East's Silicon Valley, with a $40 billion AI investment push, aiming to transform the country into a competitive innovation hub. Consequently, it is attracting a large-scale influx of global talent as the Saudi government is partnering directly with global leaders in new-age tech to form the bedrock for local innovation. Institutional alignment, sovereign capital, and regulatory clarity make the country an execution-first environment for AI and Web3 startups. The Kingdom is making strategic moves to build its own AI infrastructure through sovereign initiatives like HUMAIN which ensure data sovereignty, strategic control, and scalable impact. Moreover, they align with national values and priorities, serving as a template for emerging economies. Experts believe this approach will help countries model their digital futures instead of outsourcing them. Johanna Cabildo, CEO of D-GN, noted, 'Saudi Arabia is building infrastructure, not just regulation.' When a government funds and deploys AI across ministries, oil giants, and smart cities, it creates demand signals, attracting private innovators, fostering a vibrant tech ecosystem. Cabildo cited Saudi Aramco's engagement with US-based droppGroup as a smart measure to power local innovation. Vision 2030: A Magnet for Global AI Builders Saudi Arabia's big AI push aligns with its 'Vision 2030,' turning the country into a magnet for global AI builders. Experts say Saudi Arabia is one of the few markets with both political will and economic scale to support the next wave of AI and Web3. The Saudi market is seeing a healthy combination of technological convergence and active support from local regulators. Jaspreet Bindra, Co-founder of AI&Beyond, praised the kingdom's future-facing approach. Cabildo emphasized that clear regulations and fast onboarding frameworks will attract founders and become a launchpad for global ventures. These ventures will focus on data sovereignty, digital identity, and decentralized intelligence. The Saudi Capital Market Authority has already issued over 80 tokenization licenses, signaling a push to innovate locally. Blockchain adds the transparency and ownership that AI needs, further enhancing the tech ecosystem. From Consumers to Producers of Innovation Saudi Arabia, along with countries like the UAE, is stepping out from being a consumer of innovation to becoming a global producer. This shift could turn the kingdom into the new center of gravity for AI, where capital, talent, and emerging technologies collide. Cabildo described Saudi Arabia's $40 billion AI push as more than an investment; it's a declaration of intent to build a unique ecosystem. Collaborations such as Saudi Aramco's mega AI and blockchain deal with droppGroup are expected to significantly impact traditional sectors. In the energy sector, AI can revolutionize operations with predictive maintenance, saving billions by preventing outages. Moreover, in logistics, AI-driven systems will streamline supply chains, cutting delays at ports like Jeddah. In education, AI will personalize learning, equipping students for a digital economy. The real transformation will be in the workforce, with Vision 2030's Human Capability Development Programme shifting workers from routine tasks to knowledge-driven roles. Deals like the Aramco-droppGroup collaboration fuel this shift, creating demand for data scientists, AI engineers, and innovation managers. These roles are critical to a diversified economy. With such moves, Saudi Arabia aims to generate thousands of tech jobs by 2030, reducing oil dependency. Short link : Post Views: 13


Asharq Al-Awsat
22-05-2025
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Aramco Becomes 1st in the World to Operate Advanced Renewable Energy Storage System for Gas Operations
Saudi Aramco has achieved a world-first milestone by successfully operating a megawatt-scale renewable energy storage system to support gas production operations. This marks the first global use of an iron-vanadium flow battery as a solar energy backup for gas well operations. The 1-megawatt-hour flow battery system in Wa'ad Al Shamal in northwest Saudi Arabia is based on patented technology developed by Aramco and implemented in collaboration with Rongke Power (RKP), a global leader in flow battery technology. The battery can support up to five gas wells throughout its 25-year lifespan and offers a robust alternative to conventional solar energy solutions. It efficiently meets variable energy demands and is designed to withstand the Kingdom's hot climate, delivering optimal performance even in extreme weather, setting it apart from other vanadium flow batteries currently on the market. 'This pioneering flow battery system, developed by Aramco's researchers, represents a significant breakthrough for the oil and gas sector,' said Aramco's Senior Vice President of Technical Services, Ali Al-Meshari. 'While Aramco already powers many remote gas wells with solar panels and lead-acid batteries, this advanced flow battery solution offers greater flexibility in renewable energy storage, making it a preferred choice for many industrial applications. It demonstrates how Aramco continues to develop and deploy advanced technologies to enhance energy efficiency and reduce emissions across its operations,' he added. Flow batteries store energy in liquid electrolytes kept separate from the battery cells. When pumped through the cells, the chemical energy in the electrolyte is converted into electricity. This system allows for energy independence and enables frequent charging and discharging with minimal loss of capacity. Flow batteries also pose a lower fire risk compared to other types of batteries, and their modular design ensures easier, lower-cost maintenance. The new flow battery aligns with Aramco's broader strategy to invest in renewable energy and energy efficiency as part of its ambition to achieve net-zero Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions from wholly owned and operated assets by 2050. The system uses improved liquid electrolyte solutions and requires less vanadium than comparable systems. It also operates efficiently across a wide temperature range—from -8°C to 60°C—without needing thermal management systems. This positions the battery as a highly effective solution for powering isolated and unmanned oil and gas sites, capable of adapting to fluctuating energy needs without incurring additional costs.


Argaam
22-05-2025
- Argaam
Aramco launches world's first renewable storage for gas operations
Saudi Arabian Oil Co. (Saudi Aramco) achieved a global milestone by successfully operating a megawatt-scale renewable energy storage system for gas production. It's the first time an iron-vanadium redox flow battery has been used as a solar energy backup for gas well operations. The company said the technology could offer a flexible, cost-effective energy solution across industrial applications. It also helps integrate renewables and supports emissions reduction goals. The 1 MWh flow battery is installed in Waad Al Shamal, northwest Saudi Arabia. It's based on Aramco's patented technology and was developed in collaboration with China-based Rongke Power (RKP), a global leader in flow batteries. The battery supports up to five gas wells over a 25-year lifespan. It provides a strong alternative to current solar systems, with high efficiency and cost savings. It's also designed for Saudi Arabia's extreme climate, ensuring stable performance under harsh weather. Unlike traditional batteries, flow batteries store energy in liquid electrolytes outside the cell. When pumped into the cell, the electrolyte converts chemical energy into electricity. This design allows frequent charging and discharging with minimal capacity loss. The system improves fire safety and features a modular structure, making it easier and cheaper to maintain. It also consumes less vanadium and uses the electrolyte more efficiently than other systems. It operates within a wide temperature range, from -8°C to 60°C, without requiring thermal management. This makes it ideal for isolated, unmanned oil and gas sites, offering scalable, cost-effective energy storage. Aramco said the project supports its investment focus on renewables and energy efficiency. It's part of the company's goal to reach net-zero Scope 1 and 2 emissions for fully owned and operated assets by 2050. Ali Al-Meshari, Senior Vice President (SVP) of Technology, said the battery marks a major shift for the energy sector. He noted that Aramco currently powers remote wells with solar panels and lead-acid batteries, but the new system offers a more adaptable and resilient storage solution.