Latest news with #smarttechnologies
Arab News
3 days ago
- Business
- Arab News
Saudi Arabia taps AI and immersive tech to drive tourism growth
Saudi Arabia is ramping up the adoption of smart technologies such as artificial intelligence, augmented reality, and virtual reality across its tourism sector, aiming to redefine the visitor experience and support its broader economic diversification agenda. Experts say the integration of these technologies across flagship projects like Neom and the Red Sea Project is positioning the Kingdom as a global tourism hub at a time when the industry is recovering from the pandemic and projected to reach $11.7 trillion in economic contribution by 2025. As part of Vision 2030, the Kingdom is positioning tourism as a key non-oil growth engine. Its National Tourism Strategy targets 150 million annual visitors by 2030 and aims to raise the sector's contribution to gross domestic product from 3 percent to 10 percent. Speaking to Arab News, Nicholas Nahas, partner and tourism & hospitality global competence center lead at Arthur D. Little, said Saudi Arabia is intelligently integrating smart technologies into its tourist destinations, helping the Kingdom emerge as one of the most sought-after tourism hubs. 'In Saudi Arabia, smart tourism, while not always explicitly referenced or promoted as such across its portfolio of tourism developments, is subtly being integrated as a strategic enabler of the country's broader economic shift to diversifying its economy,' said Nahas. He added: 'It includes artificial intelligence for personalized trip planning, biometric systems to streamline travel and immigration, IoT-enabled controls in accommodations, and AR/VR to create immersive storytelling at cultural and entertainment sites.' Nahas further said that smart technologies are being planned as enablers to manage growth, enhance quality, and differentiate the visitor experience. Smart tourism refers to the use of advanced digital technologies across the tourism value chain to enhance visitor experiences, improve operations, and support sustainable destination management. The concept also aligns with the idea of a Smart Destination — a location that leverages technology and innovation to create more immersive and sustainable experiences. Julio De Salvo, Globant's chief solution officer for the Middle East and North Africa and the Asia Pacific region, echoed similar views. He said Saudi Arabia is well-positioned to become a global tourism hub, and this journey could be further accelerated by adopting smart technologies across the sector. Salvo added that some of the key drivers of smart tourism in the Kingdom include massive investments in smart infrastructure — such as AI-enhanced airports and digital visa platforms — a young, tech-savvy population, and a strong commitment to sustainability through regenerative models that prioritize environmental and cultural preservation. The Globant executive also commented on the global post-pandemic recovery of the tourism sector and said the industry is accelerating toward a projected $11.7 trillion in economic contribution by the end of 2025. 'Saudi Arabia isn't riding the wave of global tourism recovery; it's creating its own momentum, using smart tourism as a catalyst for economic diversification, innovation leadership, and long-term global relevance,' said Salvo. Creating personalized experience Salvo told Arab News that the tourism industry is witnessing a rapid shift, where digital tourism is slowly giving way to cognitive tourism — with advanced technologies used to deliver personalized services to travelers. 'In Saudi Arabia, it's no longer just about online bookings or mobile apps — it's about intelligent systems that understand, anticipate, and adapt to travelers' behavior in real-time,' said Salvo. A recent study by global consumer insights provider Toluna echoed this trend, noting that Saudi travelers are increasingly relying on smart technologies, with 87 percent using generative artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT and Gemini to plan and manage their vacations. As part of Vision 2030, the Kingdom is positioning tourism as a key non-oil growth engine. Its National Tourism Strategy targets 150 million annual visitors by 2030 and aims to raise the sector's contribution to gross domestic product from 3 percent to 10 percent. The report further found that 46 percent of Saudi travelers use AI assistants to discover activities, while 31 percent rely on these tools to optimize their itineraries. Nahas said destinations powered by smart technologies are delivering more personalized, seamless, and immersive experiences — supporting higher satisfaction levels and encouraging repeat visitation. The Arthur D. Little official added that these technologies will also enable more sustainable operations, from energy use in hotels to mobility and waste systems in major destinations. 'Importantly, the Kingdom's flagship tourism projects — such as Neom, the Red Sea Project, Diriyah, Qiddiya, and New Murabba — are integrating smart systems as a core component of how tourism experiences are crafted, delivered, and continuously improved,' said Nahas. Neom aims to elevate the visitor experience through AI-led personalization and immersive digital engagement. The Red Sea Project similarly integrates smart infrastructure to enable seamless and sustainable guest experiences. The destination is deploying IoT sensors to monitor environmental indicators, utilities, and operational systems across its resorts and natural assets. Diriyah, while rooted in heritage, is incorporating digital heritage documentation and exploring interactive technologies to enhance cultural storytelling — aligning with broader trends in cultural tourism that use immersive tools to enrich historical engagement and visitor education. Nahas added: 'These systems could be equally used to monitor visitor needs, respond to requests, and elevate the visitor experience.' 'Plans also include autonomous electric vehicles, smart utility management, and a centralized digital platform that will allow guests to access accommodation, transportation, and experience bookings.' Salvo also emphasized the transformative role of data and AI. 'By integrating real-time data — from IoT sensors to traveler preferences and even biometric signals — we can deliver experiences that are not just personalized, but truly responsive,' said the Globant official. He added: 'This is how data becomes experience — and how destinations become intelligent, dynamic environments that adapt in real time. It's a win-win: travelers feel seen, and operators gain the insight and agility to manage resources, reduce friction, and elevate every journey.' Nahas said AI is also becoming increasingly prominent in trip planning and customer service, with chatbots offering timely support and tools generating personalized itineraries. According to the Arthur D. Little executive, service robots using AI could be deployed in budget accommodations to handle routine tasks such as cleaning and food delivery, boosting both efficiency and consistency. 'On the infrastructure side, IoT, cloud, and AI systems are being integrated into facilities to monitor and control environmental conditions in real time. This supports sustainability goals by optimizing resource use and maintaining comfort standards, particularly in large-scale developments,' said Nahas. Potential challenges Amid these promising developments, experts also highlighted challenges facing Saudi Arabia in implementing advanced technologies in its tourism sector — including localization gaps. 'Many of the most advanced solutions in areas such as AI, AR/VR, and IoT are currently developed outside the Kingdom. As Saudi Arabia integrates these tools into its tourism offering, collaboration with international partners will be important, alongside efforts to build local capabilities over time,' said Nahas. Highlighting the importance of regulation, the Arthur D. Little executive added that clear guidelines around data governance, cybersecurity, and system standards will be essential to support consistent implementation and long-term alignment with national priorities. Salvo shared similar concerns, emphasizing the need for talent development to support the growing smart tourism ecosystem. He said this requires upskilling programs and international partnerships to close expertise gaps. 'Major tech infrastructure, including nationwide 5G networks, smart airports, and cloud systems, is still rolling out, with delays in full deployment potentially hindering real-time applications like personalized AI tours and immersive experiences in mega-projects like The Red Sea and Neom,' added the Globant official. Despite these challenges, experts told Arab News that smart tourism can grow into a well-integrated part of Saudi Arabia's tourism strategy — provided there is the right coordination and policy framework. 'The pieces are steadily coming into place — with emerging tech adoption readiness jumping to nearly 75 percent in 2025 — and paint a bright future where smart tourism not only overcomes these obstacles but propels Saudi Arabia to lead in innovative, regenerative travel,' concluded Salvo.
Bloomberg
6 days ago
- Business
- Bloomberg
BNEF Pioneers: Making Light Industry More Sustainable
Cutting industrial emissions has long been one of the most intractable hurdles in the energy transition. That may finally be changing, as a new generation of smart technologies not only paves the way for abating industrial emissions but promises to do so at scale. Four companies emerged victorious in this year's BloombergNEF Pioneers challenge dedicated to decarbonizing heavy and light industry: AtmosZero, Circ, Rondo and Everdye. On today's show, Tom Rowlands-Rees is joined by guest host Benjamin Kafri, co-chair of BNEF Pioneers, to interview the leaders of these companies.
Zawya
25-06-2025
- Automotive
- Zawya
Sharjah Taxi explores leading global practices in Public Transport
Sharjah: Sharjah Taxi participated in the UITP Global Public Transport Summit, hosted in Hamburg, Germany, under the theme 'Public Transport as a Driver of Urban Prosperity.' This participation aimed to stay up to date with the latest global trends in the public transport sector and to explore smart technologies and solutions that contribute to enhancing the quality of services provided to the community. The delegation, which included. Khalid Al Kindi, General Manager of Sharjah Taxi, Mustafa Shalaby, Director of the Operations Department, and Ifad Kabbani, Head of the Fleet Section, reviewed the latest global practices and innovations in the public transport sector. They explored pioneering experiences in sustainable transport systems, as well as digital solutions implemented in major smart cities around the world that are leading the way in the field of transportation. The delegation also learned about best practices in digital transformation, environmental sustainability, and carbon emission reduction. Khalid Al-Kindi affirmed that Sharjah Taxi's participation in this global summit represents an important step in the company's ongoing efforts to adopt the most innovative solutions that would enhance the transportation system in the Emirate. This aligns with Sharjah's vision of improving quality of life and achieving the highest standards of comfort and safety for the community. Al-Kindi added: 'Through our participation, we aim to learn from leading global experiences and connect with experts and decision-makers in the public transport sector, with the goal of developing future plans to provide advanced, sustainable, and environmentally friendly transport services.' On the sidelines of the summit, Mr. Khalid Al-Kindi met with. H.E. Dr. Rumaih bin Mohammed Al-Rumaih, Acting President of the General Transport Authority in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and President of the UITP MENA Division. The meeting included a review of successful experiences in both countries, discussion of potential areas for collaboration, and exploration of ways to exchange expertise to develop the transport sector and achieve regional integration in this vital field. It is worth noting that the UITP Global Public Transport Summit serves as a global platform that brings together industry leaders, policymakers, and specialists from around the world to exchange expertise and showcase the latest innovations aimed at supporting cities in achieving sustainable development and improving mobility for all. The 2025 edition of the summit attracted over 10,000 participants, including transport operators, government entities, policymakers, and industry suppliers from across the globe. The event featured more than 400 exhibitors and around 340 speakers, including experts and specialists, who gathered to discuss key issues and future trends, share experiences, and highlight best practices that contribute to strengthening public transport systems and promoting sustainable urban development worldwide. It is also noteworthy that Sharjah Taxi is a subsidiary of Sharjah Asset Management, the investment arm of the Government of Sharjah.
Times of Oman
02-06-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
Fault Current Limiter System installation project completed
Muscat: Oman Electricity Transmission Company has completed all construction and operational works for the project to install a Fault Current Limiter System on the 132 kV network in Muscat Governorate, at a total cost exceeding OMR4 million. The fault current limiters are being installed to reduce fault current to a safe level without disconnecting the network, thereby protecting transformers, circuit breakers, cables, and other infrastructure from excessive thermal and mechanical stress. They also help avoid costly equipment upgrades when current levels exceed design limits due to system expansion or the integration of new networks, ensuring the stability, safety, and reliability of the electricity grid while maintaining continuous power supply to the rest of the network. This project is part of the company's ongoing efforts to enhance the sustainability and resilience of the national electricity transmission network, aligning with its strategic goals to improve efficiency, reduce system failures, and ensure rapid response through the use of the latest smart technologies and global best practices in the field. Eng. Masoud Salam Al Riyami, Head of Operations at Oman Electricity Transmission Company, explained that the project represents a significant strategic step in enhancing operational efficiency and power supply quality. It reflects the company's commitment to investing in smart infrastructure that ensures better grid performance and supports national energy development objectives. He noted that the company's five-year strategic plans for assessing the grid's condition and implementing future and current projects aim to build a smart transmission network that complies with the highest international standards, capable of keeping pace with growing demand and the energy sector's transformation. He emphasized the Company's commitment to continuous development, cost-effective investments, and the deployment of high-standard systems to maintain the reliability and sustainability of the electricity transmission network, stating that the Fault Current Limiter System is a key step toward fulfilling this commitment. It is worth mentioning that Oman Electricity Transmission Company, part of Nama Group, is responsible for transmitting and controlling electricity across Oman's transmission network. Electricity is transmitted from production stations to load centers distributed across all governorates. The transmission network operates at 132 kV and above, covering all governorates. The company also manages the interconnection lines between Oman and the GCC Grid at 220 kV.
Zawya
29-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Matarat Holding and Thales to boost digital transformation in Saudi Arabia's airport sector
Matarat and Thales will explore applications of smart technologies to modernize airport operations and management, driving digital transformation across Matarat's network. The partnership will also enable the implementation of advanced digital platforms and next-generation infrastructures in Matarat Airports. Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia – Matarat Holding has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Thales, a global leader in advanced technologies. This strategic partnership, signed at Passenger Terminal Expo in Madrid, Spain, seeks to drive innovation, operational efficiency, and improved passenger experience through digital solutions and collaborative technological advancements. Matarat Holding leads manage the operations of 27 airports in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia through its subsidiaries (Riyadh Airports, Jeddah Airports, Dammam Airports, and Cluster 2), and the MoU establishes a comprehensive framework for cooperation across multiple strategic areas of aviation development. Through this partnership, Thales will implement its expertise in smart technologies to modernize airport operations and management, driving digital transformation across Matarat's subsidiaries. The collaboration will focus on sharing innovation and best practices to enhance service quality, streamline operational processes, and adopt future-ready solutions that set new industry standards. A key priority of the agreement is enhancing the traveler experience by leveraging Thales's advanced capabilities in AI, biometrics, automation, and data-driven systems to create seamless andsecure passenger journeys. The partnership will also enable the implementation of advanced digital platforms and next-generation infrastructure in Matarat Airports. Bernard Roux, CEO of Thales in Saudi Arabia and Central Asia, emphasized the partnership's significance: "This collaboration with Matarat Holding represents a transformative step in reshaping the future of Saudi aviation. By combining Thales's expertise in digital transformation with Matarat's operational excellence, we are not just implementing technologies - we are co-creating a smart and safe aviation ecosystem. Our joint solutions in AI, cybersecurity and connected systems will set new benchmarks for operational efficiency, enhanced passenger experience, and national security, directly contributing to the Kingdom's Vision 2030 ambitions to become a global aviation leader."
