Latest news with #RaymondKhoury
Gulf Insider
14-05-2025
- Business
- Gulf Insider
Saudi Arabia's New 'AI Zone' Set To Create Tech Jobs, New Investments
Saudi Arabia has launched an AI focused zone in what could be one of the biggest job creating initiatives within the Kingdom's tech sector. The newly created Saudi AI company, Humain, is partnering Amazon Web Services to invest a whopping $5 billion and more on the 'AI Zone'. In tandem with Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), the Amazon entity will train 100,000 citizens in cloud computing and GenAI. This will focus on two new AWS GenAI certifications – AWS AI Practitioner and AWS Machine Learning Engineer Associate Certifications. The training will be from Amazon Academy, which launched in 2023 and is the 'largest talent development program of its kind in the Middle East'. The announcement comes as US President is in Saudi Arabia as part of a wider visit to the Gulf. As for the AI Zone, this is in line with Saudi Arabia's target of becoming an 'AI-powered economy'. As part of the deal with Amazon Web Services, Saudi businesses and government organizations can 'access high-performing models from leading AI companies to develop GenAI applications with security, privacy, and responsible AI'. The Amazon Q coding assistant will also enable organizations to build GenAI-powered assistants to 'answer questions, provide summaries, generate content, and complete tasks based on enterprise data'. According to a tech consultant, 'To date, Saudi Arabia has created significant job opportunities in many sectors – but tech seems to have lagged. The AI Zone should change that along with the tech startup scene.' According to tech industry sources, the AI Zone fits right into everything that Saudi Arabia has launched or is planning around technology. Gunning to be a full AI economy is part of the bigger gameplan. This also sets up a generational opportunity for Saudi nationals and talent from outside to explore jobs in tech. 'The Saudi tech sector is accelerating job creation through focused government investments and initiatives that enhance digital R&D and innovation,' said Dr. Raymond Khoury, Partner and Head – Technology & Innovation Management Practice, Middle East at Arthur D. Little. Amazon Web Services and Humain will also be working to 'advance' an AI-powered startup sector, by 'providing access to the broadest and deepest set of cloud technology tools and programs'. (According to Magnitt data, Saudi startups took in $750 million as venture capital funding in 2024. This is the 'highest share of capital deployed across the Middle East and North Africa last year'). 'This collaboration to build an AI Zone in Saudi Arabia will enable innovations across all industries using AWS's advanced AI offerings,' said Matt Garman, CEO of Amazon Web Services. 'Together, we will empower customers with cost-effective and secure cloud technologies, fuel innovation and economic growth across the nation.' What Humain plans to do? As the entity overseeing the Saudi AI project, Humain plans to develop AI solutions using AWS technologies for its end customers. It will work with AWS on the development of a unified AI agent marketplace, which will go into 'simplifying the discovery, deployment, and management of AI software for the Saudi Arabia government'. The collaboration also will 'spur the growth' of Large Language Models (LLMs), including Arabic Large Language Models (ALLaM).
Arab News
03-05-2025
- Business
- Arab News
How Saudi Arabia is reshaping the global talent landscape
RIYADH: In the field of attracting global talent, Saudi Arabia stands out as a hub of innovation and opportunity, recruiting skilled professionals from all over the world to drive growth in key sectors including technology, finance, and manufacturing. With a strong focus on talent development and labor market improvements, initiatives such as the Premium Residency program represent an important step in transforming the Kingdom's workforce. More than 2,600 healthcare workers became beneficiaries of this scheme, dubbed the Saudi Green Card, in October – a clear sign that the Kingdom is proactively working to secure international talent within the country's borders How Saudi Green Card is reshaping landscape for global talent attraction in Saudi Arabia Launched in 2021, the Premium Residency program offers long-term residency to skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and investors to create a more competitive environment for top professionals. It offers expats access to benefits available to Saudi nationals, including the ability to own property, start businesses, and make use of public services. Raymond Khoury, partner and public sector practice lead, at Arthur D. Little, Middle East, believes the program will positively impact key sectors by attracting the talent needed to service the growing population — set to rise from 34.4 million today to 55 million by 2030. 'Such incentives allow skilled professionals to have a more stable personal life environment with their families and the facility to make long-term investments in their careers – a better work-life balance in general,' Khoury told Arab News. The Arthur D. Little partner went on to note that attracting skilled professionals in sectors like healthcare, technology, tourism, and renewable energy will help diversify Saudi Arabia's economy, reduce oil dependency, and boost gross domestic product through innovation and strategic partnerships in non-oil industries. 'The program also facilitates international professionals in academia and research, allowing for stronger collaborations between universities and private institutions in Saudi Arabia and their international counterparts,' he said. Khoury added that while the initiative does face challenges, such as the time it takes for international talent to adapt to local cultural and legal norms, these can be mitigated by providing clear integration pathways and support for newcomers. The international talent infusion not only accelerates progress within key sectors but also drives cultural and intellectual exchange, fostering long-term growth and innovation. Raymond Khoury, Partner and public sector practice lead at Arthur D. Little, Middle East While Saudi Arabia has this program, its Gulf Cooperation Council neighbors, such as UAE and Qatar, have their own talent attraction schemes in place, meaning there is competition for skilled professionals, Khoury explained. Abhishek Sharma, partner at Oliver Wyman's Government and Public Institutions practice for India, Middle East and Africa, said the Kingdom's Premium Residency program is transforming the expatriate model by attracting highly skilled professionals. 'Given the Kingdom's large-scale economic ambitions and the significant opportunities emerging across various sectors, these factors collectively position Saudi Arabia as an increasingly attractive destination for global talent,' Sharma told Arab News. The Saudi Green Card is improving talent mobility especially in technology, by allowing professionals to work and live without a sponsor, he added. This supports Vision 2030's goal of making Saudi Arabia an innovation hub, and boosts technological growth in sectors like artificial intelligence and digital transformation, according to Mamdouh Al-Doubayan, managing director of Middle East and North Africa at Globant. 'However, while attracting global talent is crucial, sustainable growth depends on balancing international expertise with local knowledge development. The real opportunity lies not just in recruitment but in fostering a dynamic, homegrown workforce capable of driving long-term digital adoption,' Al-Doubayan told Arab News. International talent influx The influx of international talent is vital for advancing key sectors in Saudi Arabia, such as technology, healthcare, tourism, and renewable energy — all of which support Vision 2030's goal of reducing oil dependence and fostering a sustainable, knowledge-based economy. Khoury believes innovation and technology advancement across core and adjacent sectors is critical in creating innovation hubs and driving the digital transformation of industries. 'This also covers supporting technology research, development and innovation startups and an encompassing ecosystem that fosters knowledge transfer and international collaboration,' he said. Healthcare was raised as an area where attracting skilled medical professionals — doctors, nurses, and researchers — can effectively and efficiently improve patient outcomes, introduce advanced medical practices, and lead groundbreaking research. By incentivizing industries that rely on highly skilled professionals, Saudi Arabia can accelerate sectoral growth and enhance its overall economic contribution. Abhishek Sharma, Partner at Oliver Wyman's Government and Public Institutions practice 'Establishing the Kingdom as an attractive medical tourist destination is part and parcel of some mega-projects — for example the Red Sea project — today under Vision 2030,' Khoury said. The Arthur D. Little partner also highlighted that improving the education sector in Saudi Arabia is essential for building a knowledge-based economy, particularly in STEM fields. Attracting international talent in tourism, hospitality management, event planning and arts development is key for Saudi Arabia, particularly for destinations such as Qiddiya and the Red Sea project, where the target is to attract and service between 60 million and 70 million visitors per year by 2030. 'Such a large target requires domain knowledge of global trends and international best practices, which international talent can bring in a timely manner,' Khoury said. He also flagged the need for international expertise in green technologies as being crucial for Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, especially in renewable energy. Global partnerships and innovative solutions will aid in achieving net-zero emissions, optimizing energy efficiency, and creating sustainable business models. 'The international talent infusion therefore not only accelerates progress within key sectors but also drives cultural and intellectual exchange, fostering long-term growth and innovation for the Kingdom,' Khoury said. Knowledge economy From Oliver Wyman's side, Sharma explained that human capital is a key driver of economic growth, with skilled professionals fostering expansion, which in turn attracts more talent. Saudi Arabia is set to experience this positive cycle over the next seven to 10 years. 'As the Kingdom advances toward its Vision 2030 goals, transitioning to a knowledge-based economy, improving the overall quality, skill level, and productivity of the workforce will be critical. By incentivizing industries that rely on highly skilled professionals — such as professional services, technology, and advanced manufacturing — Saudi Arabia can accelerate sectoral growth and enhance its overall economic contribution,' he said. While attracting global talent is crucial, sustainable growth depends on balancing international expertise with local knowledge development. Mamdouh Al-Doubayan, Managing director of Middle East and North Africa at Globant According to Al-Doubayan from Globant, international talent is crucial to the Kingdom's shift toward a knowledge-based economy, bringing specialized skills and innovative approaches, particularly in technology. Collaborating with local professionals drives progress, supports Vision 2030's goals of economic diversification, and enhances competitiveness in a digital, AI-driven world. 'By integrating global expertise with local capabilities, Saudi Arabia is not only strengthening its workforce but also creating an environment where homegrown talent can thrive. The impact goes beyond immediate job creation — it builds a long-term, self-sustaining innovation ecosystem that reduces reliance on traditional industries and positions the Kingdom as a leader in digital transformation,' he said. Future strategies As Saudi Arabia aims to become a global hub for business, technology, and culture through Vision 2030, the ongoing influx of international talent will play a crucial role in driving economic growth and fostering innovation. Arthur D. Little's Khoury believes that enhancing immigration policies, including expanding programs like the Saudi Green Card, could see tailored benefits being offered to professionals in sectors such as renewable energy, AI, and biotech, as well as healthcare and fintech, providing long-term opportunities. He explained that availing and advancing innovation hubs and ecosystems in support of attracting and retaining tech entrepreneurs, researchers, and innovators, is vital, as is offering them not only business opportunities but also a platform to collaborate with global experts in their fields. 'This is a key focus of the Saudi Research Development and Innovation Authority in its aim to bolster RDI capabilities and create a compelling environment for leading scientists, engineers, and researchers,' Khoury said. He added that the government is boosting investments in incubators, accelerators, and venture capital to support local and international startups, aiming to create a diverse innovation ecosystem and foster new tech-driven industries. Additionally, the partner explained how the Kingdom's investment in education and upskilling initiatives to build a knowledge-based economy, focusing on attracting international students and researchers while pairing global talent with local professionals, will enhance expertise. 'Having a skilled and diverse workforce will better enable Saudi Arabia to effectively compete on the international stage and attract more high-value investments that will spur further economic development and prosperity,' Khoury said. Oliver Wyman's Sharma highlighted attracting top talent is key to the Kingdom's goal of becoming a global leader in AI. He said that a parallel strategy of aggressively upskilling the local workforce will be 'equally critical' in sustaining long-term economic and innovation-driven growth. Al-Doubayan from Globant explained with growing demand for skilled professionals in technology, entertainment, and sustainability, organizations must offer not just jobs but upskilling, career development, and innovation-driven environments to position the Kingdom as a long-term career destination. He said: 'The increasing integration of AI across industries is intensifying competition for top talent. Organizations now face a paradigm shift: moving from simply retaining talent to empowering professionals to grow, innovate, and remain engaged within the Kingdom's evolving workforce. The key challenge is no longer just recruitment — it is creating an environment where individuals choose to stay despite global demand for elite professionals.'
Emirates 24/7
11-02-2025
- Business
- Emirates 24/7
AI key driver of future strategies in Gulf countries: Raymond Khoury
Dr. Raymond Khoury, member of the Middle East Partner Group and the Global Technology & Innovation Management (TIM) practice at Arthur D Little, said that modern technology and artificial intelligence (AI) are key factors in shaping the future strategies of Gulf countries. Speaking to the Emirates News Agency (WAM) on the first day of the World Governments Summit (WGS) in Dubai, Khoury explained that these fields are no longer just a priority for the private sector, but have also become central to government agendas. Governments in the region are increasingly focusing on technological advancements to drive sustainable development and address growing challenges. He added that countries such as the UAE and Saudi Arabia are making significant investments in advanced technologies to ensure they remain adaptable to rapid global changes. These investments aim to maximise the benefits of technology in improving quality of life and enhancing public services. Khoury stressed the importance of digital transformation in increasing government efficiency and making services more accessible to citizens. He noted that emerging technologies offer innovative solutions for improving government performance across various sectors, including healthcare, education, and transport. He added that the growing adoption of AI in public service management reflects the vision of these nations to become more advanced and innovative in delivering efficient and high-quality public services. Regarding the private sector's involvement, Dr. Khoury emphasised that collaboration between governments and the private sector is essential for achieving strategic goals. The private sector plays a crucial role in providing cutting-edge technological solutions that help strengthen government capabilities, he added. He pointed out that the UAE is a global leader in future foresight, citing several strategic initiatives designed to develop sustainable policies that align with global changes. Among these initiatives are future foresight workshops and strategic publications such as the "UAE Centennial 2071", which serves as a blueprint for the country's long-term vision. Khoury noted that the UAE places particular emphasis on youth, especially those aged 15 to 20, recognising them as key drivers of future change. The country, he added, actively works to empower young people and equip them with the necessary tools to bring their ideas to life, enabling them to transform and modernise the public sector. He further stressed that future foresight in the Gulf is not a short-term effort but a long-term investment. This approach relies on continuous strategic thinking and regular reviews of government policies. He noted that the UAE's workshops ensure an ongoing evolution of government strategies to align with global changes. These foresight initiatives help governments adapt to future trends and the needs of upcoming generations, ensuring the continued success of national policies. Khoury highlighted the importance of collaboration between governments and the private sector in implementing future visions. He asserted that the integration of AI and modern technology within government infrastructure is a crucial step toward developing sustainable infrastructure and driving long-term economic growth that meets the needs of the digital age. Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.
