Latest news with #AbdullahAl-Swaha
Saudi Gazette
15-07-2025
- Business
- Saudi Gazette
Saudi tech and innovation delegation explores AI and space partnerships in UK
Saudi Gazette report LONDON — A high-level Saudi delegation led by Minister of Communications and Information Technology Abdullah Al-Swaha visited several leading British technology and research institutions as part of a series of official engagements in the United Kingdom aimed at boosting cooperation in deep tech and space connectivity. The delegation began its tour at Wayve, a company specializing in autonomous driving powered by artificial intelligence, where they reviewed the company's next-generation AV2.0 smart mobility solutions. They also visited Automata Technologies, known for automating laboratory workflows with robotics, and explored its LINQ platform, which leverages AI to accelerate diagnostics and biological research, paving the way for future collaboration in digital healthcare and life sciences. In support of Saudi Arabia's tech entrepreneurship ecosystem, the delegation met with leadership from Catapult, a UK innovation hub, to discuss partnerships for scaling startups, deep tech adoption, and empowering Saudi innovators. The visit also included a strategic meeting with OneWeb, the satellite broadband provider operating in low Earth orbit (LEO). Talks focused on high-speed connectivity solutions for critical sectors and potential collaborations to strengthen innovation and space technology infrastructure supporting transport, energy, industry, and education.
Saudi Gazette
13-07-2025
- Business
- Saudi Gazette
Saudi minister meets innovators, researchers in London to advance tech-driven economy
Saudi Gazette report LONDON — Saudi Minister of Communications and Information Technology Eng. Abdullah Al-Swaha met with a group of Saudi innovators and postgraduate researchers in the British capital as part of his visit to the United Kingdom. The meeting, attended by Vice Minister Eng. Haitham Al-Ohali and Dr. Sultan bin Saeed, Acting Supervisor General of the Research, Development and Innovation Authority, brought together key figures from Saudi Arabia's innovation ecosystem. Discussions centered around supporting national talent and aligning their research efforts with the Kingdom's strategic R&D and innovation officials also emphasized the importance of leveraging Saudi research capabilities to develop impactful session underscored the crucial role of Saudi professionals abroad in contributing to the local innovation ecosystem and representing the Kingdom at global scientific and academic platforms.
Leaders
12-07-2025
- Science
- Leaders
Saudi Minister Calls for Global Action to Bridge AI Divide
Saudi Arabia's Minister of Communications and IT, Abdullah Al-Swaha, has urged decisive international collaboration to tackle the AI divide. Speaking at the 160th anniversary of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in Geneva, he highlighted the concentration of computing power in few regions and the limited AI infrastructure in many countries. Al-Swaha pointed out the lessons from past technological eras, since the analog era took over a century to connect 800 million people, while the digital era linked 5.5 billion individuals in just 50 years, leaving 2.6 billion unconnected. In the AI era, gaps in computing infrastructure, data availability, and algorithms could hinder progress. Saudi Arabia's Commitment Saudi Arabia is committed to leading international efforts to close these technological divides as the minister highlighted Saudi Arabia's efforts, including the digital empowerment of women, who now have a participation rate of about 35%, with the Kingdom ranks top globally in digital competitiveness for two consecutive years. Moreover, Al-Swaha praised researchers at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), who rank among the top one percent globally in scientific citations in an achievement that signals a promising future for AI development in the Kingdom. He also highlighted advancements in data protection regulations and the creation of language models that ensure inclusive access to technology. He cited the HUMAIN project, launched by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, to provide a full spectrum of AI capabilities, positioning the Kingdom as a global AI pioneer. Al-Swaha stressed the importance of the next decade and called for multination partnerships under the ITU to build a fair, safe, and inclusive AI ecosystem. Al-Swaha emphasized that bridging the AI divide is critical and requires urgent global cooperation, calling for partnerships under the ITU to build a fair, safe, and inclusive AI ecosystem that supports sustainable development and enhances human well-being. Short link : Post Views: 10
Saudi Gazette
28-05-2025
- Business
- 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.
CairoScene
20-05-2025
- Business
- CairoScene
Saudi Tops MENA Digital Economy Ranking With SAR 495 Billion Valuation
The announcement at Riyadh's Digital Saudi Exhibition spotlighted local talent and tech leadership. Saudi Arabia has emerged as the largest digital economy in the Middle East and North Africa, with a total valuation exceeding SAR 495 billion (approximately USD 132 billion), according to Minister of Communications and Information Technology Abdullah Al-Swaha. The figure reflects cumulative contributions from digital infrastructure, e-commerce, cloud services, and emerging tech applications. Globally, the Kingdom now ranks fourth in digital systems preparedness, a reflection of sustained investments in infrastructure and a broader push under Vision 2030 to diversify the economy beyond oil and foster a culture of innovation. The announcement was made during the opening of the Digital Saudi Exhibition in Riyadh, where Al-Swaha highlighted the role of homegrown talent and local innovation in driving national progress. While the exhibition showcased Saudi Arabia's technological advancements, no new sector-specific investment details or future funding commitments were disclosed.
