Latest news with #EdJames
The Courier
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Courier
Carnoustie crime writer Ed James hails AI ‘theft' decision
Angus crime writer Ed James has hailed safeguards for artists from tech company theft as a victory for 'ethical AI development'. The former Carnoustie High pupil has joined other writers and musicians in the battle against their work being illicitly mined for artificial intelligence purposes. Stars including Paul McCartney and Elton John have urged the Prime Minister to take steps to protect the work of the country's creative talents. Ed, whose real name is James Thompson, recently launched the seventh book in his popular DCI Rob Marshall series. It coincided with the discovery his entire body of work was in a dataset used to train a tech giant's AI model. Fife author Marion Todd has also aired fears over the impact it could have on her career. This week, an amendment to the Data Bill, tabled to protect creatives from having work used to train AI models without recompense, was passed by the House of Lords. The Bill will now return to the Commons, with the amendment by former Bridget Jones film series producer, Baroness Beeban Kidron, inserted. Former IT consultant Mr James is hopeful the amendment to the Data (Use and Access) Bill will be supported by MPs in the Commons. 'I fully support the amendment because I believe creators should have the right to control how their work is used,' he said. 'Especially when it's being used to train technologies which may later compete with them, without consent or compensation,' said James, who has sold more than 2.5 million copies of his books. 'Whilst I welcome AI technology as a valuable research tool, that benefit shouldn't come at the cost of losing ownership over the content that I and others have created.' However, Mr James says the key consideration is fairness. 'Protecting copyright isn't about resisting innovation, but about ensuring AI is developed ethically.' He says that should mean proper credit and compensation for the human imagination which has been used to train it. Mr James believes authors who agree to have their work used should obtain a licence fee from tech companies plus a royalty when their works are meaningfully used to answer user prompts.
Zawya
15-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Saudi to build 180,000 hotel rooms, serviced apartments for FIFA World Cup
Saudi Arabia is planning to build more than 180,000 hotel rooms and serviced apartments by 2034 as part of its ambitious infrastructure drive to host the FIFA World Cup, it was revealed on Wednesday. On the concluding day of MEED's Saudi Giga Projects Summit 2025, the day's agenda focused on the projects transforming the kingdom's urban landscape, with stadiums, transport networks, and hospitality infrastructure all undergoing rapid expansion. Ed James, Head of Content & Research at MEED, opened the day's agenda with a keynote presentation on the kingdom's stadium infrastructure programme, which is scaling rapidly to support the FIFA World Cup 2034, AFC Asian Cup 2027, Riyadh Expo 2030, and the 2029 Asian Winter Games. James captured the significance of these projects: 'Saudi Arabia's giga projects are not just about breaking ground, they are about redefining how cities, infrastructure, and communities are built for the long term. This is a transformative moment, setting new global benchmarks for sustainability, digitalization, and resilience.' A panel on 'Delivering Priority Event-Driven Projects' explored innovations in modular construction, immersive LED integration, and climate-adaptive designs shaping stadium venues like the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium. Fatemeh Hosseini of Populous revealed that research into climate performance has led to design features capable of reducing surface temperatures by up to 8°C, significantly cutting energy consumption from air conditioning. Terry Fetters, Vice President at Parsons and Project Director of the Riyadh Metro, delivered an in-depth look at one of Saudi Arabia's most ambitious urban mobility undertakings. Since its launch, the Riyadh Metro has transported 18 million passengers in just its first 75 days of operation, with 10 million rides on the Blue Line alone. 'It has become the spine of Riyadh,' said Fetters, noting the system's impact on urban accessibility, congestion reduction, and sustainability. Fetters recognised the project's success in navigating logistical challenges, including managing a workforce that peaked at 63,000 people. Built in just over a decade, the Riyadh Metro is now a global benchmark for mega transport projects. The Saudi Water Partnership Company (SWPC) also presented on its expanding portfolio, highlighting 10.5 million tonnes of carbon emissions saved annually and over $12 billion in private investment attracted since launch. In a significant milestone for the Kingdom's digital transformation, Germany's €14 billion Nemetschek Group officially entered the Saudi Arabian market at the Summit. The expansion was formalised through four MoU signings with Saudi partners NESMA, Building Smart, Wakecap, and Concerted Solutions, bringing Nemetschek's global AEC/O software portfolio closer to one of the world's most ambitious construction markets. This move strengthens Saudi Arabia's push for integrated digital solutions in architecture, engineering, and construction. As MEED's Saudi Giga Project Summit concludes for 2025, the momentum was unmistakable. Saudi Arabia's giga projects are not just breaking ground, they're breaking records. - TradeArabia News Service Copyright 2024 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Mid East Info
14-05-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
Saudi Arabia to Build Over 180,000 Hotel and Serviced Apartments by 2034 to Host FIFA World Cup - Middle East Business News and Information
MEED's Saudi Giga Project Summit showcases key developments in infrastructure, digitalization, and investment milestones Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – May 2025: Saudi Arabia is planning to build more than 180,000 hotel and serviced apartments by 2034 as part of its ambitious infrastructure drive to host the FIFA World Cup. On the concluding day of MEED's Saudi Giga Projects Summit 2025, the day's agenda focus on the projects transforming the Kingdom's urban landscape, with stadiums, transport networks, and hospitality infrastructure all undergoing rapid expansion. Ed James, MEED, opened the day's agenda with a keynote presentation on the Kingdom's stadium infrastructure programme, which is scaling rapidly to support the FIFA World Cup 2034, AFC Asian Cup 2027, Riyadh Expo 2030, and the 2029 Asian Winter Games. Ed James, Head of Content & Research at MEED, captured the significance of these projects: 'Saudi Arabia's giga projects are not just about breaking ground, they are about redefining how cities, infrastructure, and communities are built for the long term. This is a transformative moment, setting new global benchmarks for sustainability, digitalization, and resilience.' A panel on 'Delivering Priority Event-Driven Projects' explored innovations in modular construction, immersive LED integration, and climate-adaptive designs shaping stadium venues like the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium. Fatemeh Hosseini of Populous revealed that research into climate performance has led to design features capable of reducing surface temperatures by up to 8°C, significantly cutting energy consumption from air conditioning. Terry Fetters, Vice President at Parsons and Project Director of the Riyadh Metro, delivered an in-depth look at one of Saudi Arabia's most ambitious urban mobility undertakings. Since its launch, the Riyadh Metro has transported 18 million passengers in just its first 75 days of operation, with 10 million rides on the Blue Line alone. 'It has become the spine of Riyadh,' said Fetters, noting the system's impact on urban accessibility, congestion reduction, and sustainability. Fetters recognised the project's success in navigating logistical challenges, including managing a workforce that peaked at 63,000 people. Built in just over a decade, the Riyadh Metro is now a global benchmark for mega transport projects. The Saudi Water Partnership Company (SWPC) also presented on its expanding portfolio, highlighting 10.5 million tonnes of carbon emissions saved annually and over $12 billion in private investment attracted since launch. In a significant milestone for the Kingdom's digital transformation, Germany's €14 billion Nemetschek Group officially entered the Saudi Arabian market at the Summit. The expansion was formalized through four MoU signings with Saudi partners NESMA, Building Smart, Wakecap, and Concerted Solutions, bringing Nemetschek's global AEC/O software portfolio closer to one of the world's most ambitious construction markets. This move strengthens Saudi Arabia's push for integrated digital solutions in architecture, engineering, and construction. As MEED's Saudi Giga Project Summit concludes for 2025, the momentum was unmistakable. Saudi Arabia's giga projects are not just breaking ground, they're breaking records. About MEED: MEED is the Middle East's leading business intelligence and events platform. Since 1957, it has delivered essential news, analysis, and data on the region's biggest projects, economies, and business trends. MEED Events convene decision-makers, project leaders, and innovators to shape the future of the region through curated summits, awards, and insight-led
Trade Arabia
14-05-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
KSA to build 180,000 hotel rooms, serviced apartments for FIFA World Cup
Saudi Arabia is planning to build more than 180,000 hotel rooms and serviced apartments by 2034 as part of its ambitious infrastructure drive to host the FIFA World Cup, it was revealed on Wednesday. On the concluding day of MEED's Saudi Giga Projects Summit 2025, the day's agenda focused on the projects transforming the kingdom's urban landscape, with stadiums, transport networks, and hospitality infrastructure all undergoing rapid expansion. Ed James, Head of Content & Research at MEED, opened the day's agenda with a keynote presentation on the kingdom's stadium infrastructure programme, which is scaling rapidly to support the FIFA World Cup 2034, AFC Asian Cup 2027, Riyadh Expo 2030, and the 2029 Asian Winter Games. James captured the significance of these projects: 'Saudi Arabia's giga projects are not just about breaking ground, they are about redefining how cities, infrastructure, and communities are built for the long term. This is a transformative moment, setting new global benchmarks for sustainability, digitalization, and resilience.' A panel on 'Delivering Priority Event-Driven Projects' explored innovations in modular construction, immersive LED integration, and climate-adaptive designs shaping stadium venues like the Prince Mohammed bin Salman Stadium. Fatemeh Hosseini of Populous revealed that research into climate performance has led to design features capable of reducing surface temperatures by up to 8°C, significantly cutting energy consumption from air conditioning. Terry Fetters, Vice President at Parsons and Project Director of the Riyadh Metro, delivered an in-depth look at one of Saudi Arabia's most ambitious urban mobility undertakings. Since its launch, the Riyadh Metro has transported 18 million passengers in just its first 75 days of operation, with 10 million rides on the Blue Line alone. 'It has become the spine of Riyadh,' said Fetters, noting the system's impact on urban accessibility, congestion reduction, and sustainability. Fetters recognised the project's success in navigating logistical challenges, including managing a workforce that peaked at 63,000 people. Built in just over a decade, the Riyadh Metro is now a global benchmark for mega transport projects. The Saudi Water Partnership Company (SWPC) also presented on its expanding portfolio, highlighting 10.5 million tonnes of carbon emissions saved annually and over $12 billion in private investment attracted since launch. In a significant milestone for the Kingdom's digital transformation, Germany's €14 billion Nemetschek Group officially entered the Saudi Arabian market at the Summit. The expansion was formalised through four MoU signings with Saudi partners NESMA, Building Smart, Wakecap, and Concerted Solutions, bringing Nemetschek's global AEC/O software portfolio closer to one of the world's most ambitious construction markets. This move strengthens Saudi Arabia's push for integrated digital solutions in architecture, engineering, and construction.
Daily Tribune
11-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Tribune
NBB Bags MEED Awards
TDT | Manama Bahrain's National Bank of Bahrain (NBB) has secured two top accolades at the MEED MENA Banking Excellence Awards 2025, reinforcing its leadership position in the Kingdom's financial services sector. NBB was named Best Retail Bank – Bahrain and received the award for Best Payment Ecosystem Integration for Corporates for its innovative banking platforms DigiCorp and DigiConnect. Usman Ahmed, Group Chief Executive Officer at NBB, described the double honour as a testament to the bank's commitment to delivering exceptional customer service and pioneering digital experiences across Bahrain's banking industry. Retail banking excellence NBB's recognition as Best Retail Bank – Bahrain highlighted its continuous drive to enhance customer experience through digital innovation. The bank introduced a new youth-oriented product and upgraded its mobile services, allowing users to open accounts instantly, apply for credit cards and access personal finance solutions via the app. In a significant step towards sustainability, NBB also opened Bahrain's first carbon-free banking branch in Madinat Khalifa. The building achieved the US Green Building Council's prestigious LEED Platinum certification, underscoring NBB's dedication to responsible banking and environmental stewardship. The bank's Yalla Family Account has empowered parents to set up accounts for their children and monitor spending, helping younger customers learn savings and budgeting skills in a secure environment. Corporate banking leadership In the corporate sector, NBB was recognised for the success of its digital banking platforms DigiCorp and DigiConnect. These solutions offer streamlined treasury management, real-time rate calculations, and seamless mobile app connectivity, reducing manual processes and improving operational efficiency for large corporations and SMEs. Since launch, the platforms have driven growth in corporate client acquisition and transaction volumes, strengthening NBB's role in supporting Bahrain's business community. Ed James, Head of Content and Analysis at MEED, commended NBB's performance, noting that the bank's innovative approach and customer-first mindset have set a strong example for regional peers. With its dual victory at the MEED MENA Banking Excellence Awards, NBB has underlined its strategic focus on customer-centricity, operational excellence and its ongoing contribution to the Kingdom's financial sector.
