Latest news with #AbdullahAl-Ghamdi
Arab News
26-03-2025
- Arab News
Saudi AI chief reviews crowd management tech in Makkah
RIYADH: Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority President Abdullah Al-Ghamdi has visited the Grand Mosque Operations Center in Makkah, the Saudi Press Agency reported. He met the director of Public Security and chairman of the Hajj Security Committee, Lt. Gen. Mohammed Al-Bassami, along with several security officials and Saudi programmers from the authority working at the center. Al-Ghamdi reviewed the operations of the Baseer platform, developed by the authority in collaboration with the Ministry of Interior, represented by Public Security. The platform uses computer vision and AI to monitor and analyze the movement of visitors to the Grand Mosque, ensuring smooth crowd management and assisting in locating missing persons. He also reviewed the Sawaher platform, designed to enhance the safety of the Grand Mosque, contributing to a secure and smart environment that facilitates worshippers and Umrah performers in performing their rituals seamlessly. Al-Ghamdi also visited the Highway Security Center in Al-Shumaisi, where he was briefed on the Banan device, which enhances identity verification using biometric features. He observed the center's operations, the command room and the advanced technology used in the Saudi Lucid vehicle, which is equipped with AI tools.
Arab News
10-02-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Kingdom leads AI governance on global stage
Riyadh: President of the Saudi Data and AI Authority Abdullah Al-Ghamdi said that Saudi Arabia has presented a pioneering model for strengthening comprehensive artificial intelligence governance at both regional and global levels. He noted that this comes amid a growing global need for such governance, as AI continues to shape economies, societies, and global power structures, transcending international borders and impacting industries, governments, labor markets, and security. His remarks came during his speech at a session held on Monday as part of the AI Action Summit, hosted in Paris from Feb. 10–11. The session was attended by French President Emmanuel Macron and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, along with several world leaders, policymakers, and leading AI experts. Al-Ghamdi emphasized that comprehensive AI governance ensures all stakeholders — including governments, businesses, civil society, and underrepresented communities — have a role in shaping the future of AI. He noted that by fostering collaboration and transparency, comprehensive governance can mitigate risks, build trust, and establish a framework that ensures AI serves all of humanity rather than benefiting only a specific group. Al-Ghamdi added that without diverse perspectives in policymaking, AI risks exacerbating inequalities, reinforcing biases, and favoring only certain groups. He highlighted that Saudi Arabia has published 65 AI-related policies on the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development's AI Policy Observatory, ranking third after the US and the UK. Moreover, Al-Ghamdi said the Kingdom launched the AI Policy and Incident Observatory for the Middle East in Arabic, reflecting its commitment to regional transparency and data-driven policymaking. He also highlighted Saudi Arabia's local, regional, and international efforts in data and AI, noting that in 2020, before the latest AI breakthroughs, the Kingdom hosted the first Global AI Summit in Riyadh. In 2024, the Kingdom organized the third and largest edition of the summit, bringing together experts, policymakers, and industry leaders from over 100 countries to shape the future of AI for the benefit of humanity, he said. Driven by its commitment to ensuring AI advancements align with Islamic values and ethical principles, Saudi Arabia hosted the largest consultative session of the UN Advisory Body on AI in Riyadh, with representatives from over 53 Islamic countries, Al-Ghamdi said. These efforts, he added, culminated in the launch of the Riyadh Charter for AI Ethics in the Islamic World last September, reflecting AI's impact on the lives of 2 billion Muslims worldwide. Al-Ghamdi said that Saudi Arabia's role in AI governance extends beyond initiatives to the establishment of the International Center for AI Research and Ethics in Riyadh. As a Category 2 center under UNESCO, it will play a pivotal role in shaping AI policies, enhancing capacity building, and supporting the development of ethical and responsible AI, he noted. The center has organized several events in collaboration with the Arab League and the Gulf Cooperation Council, bringing together over 100 experts from 28 countries and institutions with the aim of strengthening regional AI governance and establishing clear ethical regulations. Al-Ghamdi concluded by emphasizing that, as the heart of the Arab and Islamic worlds, Saudi Arabia is ready to contribute to shaping the future of the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence, which will hold its 2025 ministerial council meeting in Slovakia. He called for unified international efforts to build an innovative, trustworthy, and inclusive AI ecosystem.
Asharq Al-Awsat
29-01-2025
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Amerigo Vespucci Brings Italy's Rich Maritime Culture to Jeddah's Shores
The historic Italian ship Amerigo Vespucci has drawn thousands of visitors of all ages and nationalities during its stop at the Jeddah Yacht Club and Marina, from January 27 to 30, as part of its global tour aimed at showcasing Italy's cultural heritage and promoting maritime sustainability. Several visitors shared their admiration for this maritime masterpiece with the Saudi Press Agency. Abdullah Al-Ghamdi described his visit as a unique cultural experience, while Noha Al-Harbi viewed it as a valuable opportunity to introduce her children to new cultures, rich with educational and entertaining experiences. Crew member Antonio DeSimone remarked, "Jeddah blends modernity and heritage, and visitors' enthusiasm for the ship's history made us feel at home." Similarly, Italian visitor Maria Rossi emphasized the ship's significance in Italy's maritime heritage, praising the warm hospitality extended to the crew in Jeddah. Gilda Ortega from the Philippines noted that her visit allowed her to explore Italy's maritime heritage, and Mohammad Ashraf from India emphasized that the ship represents a global maritime legacy and a bridge for cultural exchange between nations. Built in 1930, Amerigo Vespucci is one of Italy's oldest and most renowned sailing ships. Now serving as a training vessel for the Italian Navy, it carries a rich history of global voyages, introducing people to Italian maritime culture and fostering international cultural exchange.
