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Arab News
2 days ago
- Business
- Arab News
How AI could make Saudi Arabia's construction sites safer and more efficient
RIYADH: Across the global construction sector, long considered one of the most resistant to digitization, a quiet revolution is unfolding. Artificial intelligence is no longer a mere buzzword confined to laboratories and boardrooms. It is increasingly present in the urban fabric, embedded into scaffolding, concrete and command centers. One company at the heart of this shift is viAct, a Hong Kong-based AI firm co-founded by Gary Ng and Hugo Cheuk. Their aim is to make construction safer, smarter and significantly more productive using a scenario-based AI engine built for complex, high-risk environments. 'Despite being one of the most labor-intensive and hazardous industries, construction remains vastly under-digitized,' Ng told Arab News. 'We saw this as an opportunity to bring AI-driven automation and insights to frontline operations. Unlike conventional surveillance tools that simply record footage, viAct's platform acts like a digital foreman. It interprets real-time visual data to detect unsafe practices, productivity gaps and anomalies, all without human supervision. At the core of the platform are intelligent video analytics powered by edge computing. By processing visuals from jobsite cameras and sensors, viAct can flag whether a worker has entered a restricted zone, whether proper personal protective equipment is being worn, or if a crane is operating unsafely. 'This is not just about object detection,' said Ng. 'Our AI understands context. It recognizes behaviors — like a worker being too close to the edge without a harness or a truck reversing unsafely — and acts in real time.' That ability to contextualize data is crucial in megaprojects, where risks multiply with size. The firm's technology has already been deployed across East Asia and parts of Europe. Now, the company is eyeing Saudi Arabia and the wider Gulf region, where giga-projects are transforming skylines at record speed. Ng confirmed viAct is in active discussions to enter the Saudi market. 'Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 is deeply aligned with our mission,' he said. 'There's a growing demand for AI in infrastructure — not just for safety, but also for efficiency, environmental compliance, and transparency. From NEOM and The Line to Qiddiya and Diriyah Gate, Saudi Arabia is leading one of the most ambitious construction booms in the world. These projects involve thousands of workers, advanced logistics and constant oversight. However, traditional safety audits and manual inspections are no longer sufficient. 'With projects of this scale, real-time monitoring is not a luxury — it's a necessity,' said Ng. While viAct hasn't yet launched in the Kingdom, its platform is fully prepared for Arabic localization and regional compliance standards, including Saudi labor laws and Gulf Cooperation Council safety codes. What sets viAct apart is how seamlessly it integrates with existing infrastructure. Rather than requiring expensive proprietary equipment, the platform works with standard CCTV cameras and can be deployed in both urban and remote sites. 'Our system is plug-and-play,' said Ng. 'You don't need to overhaul your entire setup to use AI. That makes it ideal for companies in transition or for phased construction timelines.' Its use of edge AI, meaning data is processed on site rather than in a distant cloud, allows viAct to deliver insights even in areas with weak internet connectivity. This feature is particularly useful in Saudi Arabia's more isolated development zones or early-phase sites with minimal setup. Its software is also highly customizable. For instance, a client building a hospital might prioritize fall detection and material delays, while a contractor working on an airport runway may need to monitor large machinery and perimeter access. As automation reshapes industries, many worry that people are being replaced by machines. But Ng insists that viAct's goal is not to eliminate workers — it is to protect them. 'We're not building robots to take over,' he said. 'We're building tools that enhance human judgment and ensure safety. When a worker is alerted to a risk before an accident occurs, that's AI doing its best job.' In fact, many of viAct's clients report that once site workers understand the system is not spying on them, but rather observing unsafe situations, adoption becomes smoother. Managers gain better oversight and laborers gain peace of mind. 'We see this as a collaboration between human intelligence and artificial intelligence,' Ng said. 'Each has strengths. Together, they're far more effective.' Deploying AI in construction also brings ethical questions to the forefront, particularly in projects run by government entities or involving public infrastructure. Ng is upfront about these concerns. 'All our solutions are GDPR-compliant and privacy-first,' he said, referring to the EU's General Data Protection Regulation, a comprehensive set of rules designed to protect the personal data of individuals. 'We don't use facial recognition and we don't track individuals. The focus is purely on safety, compliance and productivity.' Workers are anonymized in the system, with all data encrypted and stored securely. Dashboards used by contractors and project leads include logs, alerts and safety scores, allowing for clear documentation and accountability without compromising personal privacy. This is especially important in the Gulf, where projects often involve multinational labor forces and cross-border stakeholders Looking ahead, viAct plans to double down on its expansion in the Middle East, continue advancing its AI models and advocate for ethical AI deployment in high-risk sectors. The company is also exploring ways to integrate predictive analytics, allowing clients to foresee and prevent incidents before they occur. This could eventually shift AI's role from reactive to proactive, forecasting safety breaches, delivery delays or environmental compliance issues in advance. Ng believes this kind of intelligent foresight will soon become standard across the construction industry. 'It's not about replacing humans,' he said. 'It's about building a smarter site, one where decisions are faster, risks are fewer, and lives are safer.' In the age of giga-projects, that is a future Saudi Arabia is already building.
Arab News
3 days ago
- Science
- Arab News
Saudi Arabia to introduce AI education at all grade levels starting this year
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia will integrate artificial intelligence education throughout the country's public school system beginning in the coming academic year. The introduction of this nationwide AI curriculum will support the Kingdom's Human Capability Development Program, part of the Vision 2030 plan for national development and diversification, which is designed to create a comprehensive education system that strengthens core values and boosts the nation's global competitiveness and AI leadership. Students will learn how to develop innovative technology solutions, beginning in elementary school and continuing through secondary education, university studies, technical training and lifelong-learning programs, the Saudi Press Agency reported. The curriculum unveiled by the National Curriculum Center, with the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, and the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority, features age-appropriate AI modules in the form of interactive and hands-on teaching. They are designed to connect between grade levels to ensure progressive development of skills and comprehensive student-evaluation systems. It follows the announcement by the SDAIA in April, during the Human Capability Initiative conference in Riyadh, of an 'Introduction to Artificial Intelligence' course for third-year high school students in the general track, in collaboration with the Curriculum Center and the Education Ministry. This introductory course will serve as the initial phase of the curriculum development and establish the groundwork for the incorporation of AI concepts throughout academic programs, the Saudi Press Agency added.
Arab News
3 days ago
- Politics
- Arab News
Saudi Arabia and Hungary lay foundations for enhanced defense collaboration
RIYADH: Hungarian Defense Minister Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky's landmark visit to Saudi Arabia marks the first official defense dialogue between the two nations, signaling a pivotal moment in bilateral relations. In an exclusive interview with Arab News, the minister emphasized Saudi Arabia's growing influence as a regional stabilizer and commended its proactive approach to diplomacy. His discussions with Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman centered on strengthening military ties, launching joint training initiatives, and exploring areas of technological cooperation. Both sides expressed a shared commitment to advancing defense collaboration and formalizing their partnership through a strategic memorandum of understanding. Visit Objective This is a historic visit because it is the first time that our two countries' defense ministers meet. I came here upon the invitation of His Royal Highness. And this invitation came at a very important, and I also dare say, historic time. We are now in a situation where the world has substantially changed even compared to just a few years ago. And this place needs, I mean, the whole world needs, stable regions and strong governments with visions who hold events in their hands and are able to project that stability to the places and regions where it has been lost. And we look at Saudi Arabia, your king and your Kingdom as such a stabilizing factor. And then we all know, of course, that the peace talks in the Ukrainian-Russian war is taking place here. And these are very important to us. Saudi Arabia has shown significant leadership and a very wise, forward-looking neutrality and, the opening and, and constant using of communication channels to all concerned parties, which the Hungarian government and the Hungarian people have been long calling for in this war or in any other armed conflict in the world that instead of fighting wars … and in this particular case, Ukraine and Russia, should immediately stop fighting and start peace talks because there is no military solution of that war, but it can only be a diplomatic solution. Desired Outcome The defense-related relationship so far between our two countries has been limited. And we have now set the tone, made the personal acquaintance. And we started to build something together. We are now discussing a memorandum of understanding between our two teams, which will set the scene for future cooperation. We have offered training positions in our Hungarian defense, related training, quite sophisticated, where lots of foreign students attend. And, then we can go to exercise. And also a very important aspect of our, potential cooperation is the defense industry, including innovation. Now, defense-related innovation is something where your country, Saudi Arabia is a leading power again. And I have the honor to meet the leaders of SAMI (Saudi Arabian Military Industries). And we've been introduced to the work that they are performing there, which is remarkable. And the defense innovation in the 21st century where we can look at all the wars that are happening around us, with new technology, unmanned and very sophisticated, sensors and striking capabilities, need a lot of studying and a lot of cooperation with advanced countries like Saudi Arabia. Saudi-Hungarian Defense Cooperations At this current moment, it is limited. And that's exactly (why) we have agreed that there will be a delegation coming to Hungary soon. An expert team is expected to come and see us in Hungary and we will show them everything that is relevant. And from then on we'll export them and expand the relationship. Saudi Arabia Regional Stabilizer Saudi Arabia is a leading power in the region, but also in the world. The stability that Saudi Arabia is performing with its firm and constant leadership with the vision until 2030, which has been, not only discussed and made public, but also is being implemented. And with that, strengths in diplomacy, with which both countries of the region, including Iran, which is a major concern for the Western world, but also farther away, with countries like Turkiye, the United States, Russia, and others, Saudi Arabia is a trusted partner for all of these, all of these countries whose voice is important in bringing parties to the table, which is necessary, because, for instance, the Ukrainian-Russian border, which concerns us very much because it is in our neighborhood and because it causes all the economic and soon political troubles in the European Union and in countries of Europe. To achieve peace is extremely important. And in this case, Saudi Arabia is providing a platform and not only a platform, but active leadership in those meetings between the Americans, the Russians, and the Ukrainians, which hopefully will lead to peace. Visit to Saudi Arabia It is my second time in this wonderful country — it was almost a decade ago when I was first here, as part of a delegation. And the difference is striking, the country has developed, an already very developed country developed hugely the vision that has been dreamed and, presented to, Vision 2030 is being very visibly worked on. The city has changed enormously architecturally. Also, feelingly, a lot more people. And this country, with its huge history, with huge economic power, with a huge international weight, is very visibly joining the league of the largest and most important countries in the world.
Arab News
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Arab News
Saudi-made Lucid built without compromise, says Middle East president
RIYADH: Faisal Sultan, the president of Lucid Motors in the Middle East, has been a key figure driving the region's electric vehicle transformation. With a background in automotive engineering and business leadership, Faisal is at the forefront of Lucid's expansion, including the company's first international manufacturing facility in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Lucid started off as a battery company, Atieva, based in Silicon Valley in California and then moved into motor manufacturing. 'But we are really a technological company — a technology company, as I call it. So, you know, we are very much all about, you know, bringing new technology into luxury vehicles and giving an option where we're not compromising anything,' Sultan said. He added that Lucid's current slogan is 'compromise nothing.' The way the company started off is from their founders' vision where the EV manufacturer wanted to make sure that the customer gained a product with amazing range —their car has the fastest battery charging time of any vehicle so customers do not face an inconvenience when charging the vehicle. The Lucid Air charges more than 300 km in just 10 minutes, which is nearly 40 percent faster than their competitors. 'So, if you have a DC fast charger — a 350-kilowatt or a 400-kilowatt charger — a Lucid Air will definitely give you 300 km plus within 10 or 11 minutes of charging time. Our closest competitors will probably be around 15 to 20 minutes,' Sultan said. He said this reduces the average electric vehicle charging time by about 40 percent. 'And it is that initial charge, the speed of the initial charge, that matters most because, as Saudi Arabia is going to get more infrastructure installed, we want the customer to park the car quickly, charge enough kilometers on it, and then move on. Because they don't want to be plugged in for 40 minutes or 30 minutes,' he said. 'As a part of our agreement with Human Resources Development Fund, we are looking at an investment of $50 million in human capital for over 1,000 Saudi employees.' Sultan said the goal is to have the longest-range vehicle — Lucid Air can deliver 838 km on a single charge. He added that everything the company has learned from Lucid Air is perfected in the Lucid Gravity, the company's new all-electric SUV designed for adventure and family travel as well as their upcoming midsize sedan that will be revealed soon. 'Lucid Gravity is a seven-seater SUV — a full-size luxury SUV. It is going to be state of the art, with ride-height adjustment, four-wheel drive. The space will be unmatched. Interior space — all the seats actually fold down and become a flatbed in the back. So, you know, combine that with all the other conveniences that I've already mentioned for the Lucid Air, it becomes an amazing product. 'It's already won a few awards in North America,' he added. 'Within a few months of the launch, we expect it to continue to dazzle our other consumers here in the GCC also.' There are a lot of things happening in the world right now, he said, that make sense for Lucid to have its first international manufacturing plant in Saudi Arabia. Located in King Abdullah Economic City, the facility is the Kingdom's first car manufacturing plant with a capacity to manufacture 150,000 cars to meet demands. 'You know, the free trade agreements that Saudi has. But quite honestly, when we decided, you know, two years ago to put this plant here, it also made a lot of sense at that time because of the geographical location of Saudi Arabia — it's kind of the center of the world, if you think about it. And if you have a manufacturing plant, you have the Red Sea,' he said. He added that the Red Sea has about 15 percent of global trade passing through it. 'So, it really makes sense to have a plant right on the port on the Red Sea, which can then produce and distribute the product all over the world,' he said. Sultan added that the second reason stems from Saudi Vision 2030 and the transformation that the country is going through. 'That transformation aligns perfectly with the vision of Lucid, which is sustainability, which is the progress of human capital. All of those are pillars of Vision 2030. So, what we wanted to do is really benefit from that because if the values of the country are aligning with your brand and with your company, then it's much easier to bring a project here and get it done,' Sultan said. Saudi Vision 2030 has set a target of 30 percent of vehicles in Riyadh to be electric by 2030. The Kingdom is also investing in EV infrastructure with plans to install 5,000 EV charging points by 2030. Sultan said Lucid is very proud to be the first automotive brand to have the 'Saudi Made' brand badge on their cars. 'We are already assembling these cars — as you know, the Lucid Air — and now the Lucid Gravity has also started to be assembled in the Kingdom.' He believes that fact establishes an emotional connection and certifies how Lucid is really embedded in the auto ecosystem of Saudi Arabia and has catalyzed the formation of an auto industry. 'That's a badge that will always remain very dear to our workforce and our consumers at the same time. A lot of our customers come in, and they're so proud to be buying a Saudi-made product. It is amazing to see that nationalistic pride in play,' he said. Sultan has always been enamored by cars since playing with toy cars and taking them apart to see how they were made. That curiosity led him to become an automotive engineer. 'I got my mechanical engineering degree, and then from there, I always wanted to be in automotive, I've got about 28 years now in automotive companies. And I think I love what I do because, you know, automotive really motivates me.'
Arab News
3 days ago
- Business
- Arab News
Closing Bell: Saudi main index steady at 11,277; Nomu edges up
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia's Tadawul All Share Index was steady on Thursday, as it marginally declined by 0.01 percent, or 0.82 points, to close at 11,276.91. The total trading turnover of the benchmark index was SR4.96 billion ($1.32 billion), with 128 of the listed stocks advancing and 120 declining. The Kingdom's parallel market Nomu gained 31.28 points to close at 27,479.50. The MSCI Tadawul Index marginally shed 0.02 points to 1,445.23. The best-performing stock on the main market was SHL Finance Co. The firm's share price increased by 9.95 percent to SR19.33. The share price of Fawaz Abdulaziz Alhokair Co., also known as Cenomi Retail, rose by 5.8 percent to SR31.38. Sustained Infrastructure Holding Co. also saw its stock price rise by 4.24 percent to SR35.44. Conversely, the share price of Umm Al Qura for Development and Construction Co. declined by 6.14 percent to SR25.06. On the announcements front, Anmat Technology for Trading Co. said that it received a contract valued at SR50 million from Etihad Etisalat, also known as Mobily, to supply and install power generator systems and a fuel monitoring system. In a press statement, Anmat said that the contract is effective from June 26 and will last until May 17, 2028. The company added that the impact of the deal will be reflected in the firm's financials from the second half of this year and will continue until the end of the contract duration. The share price of Anmat, which is listed in Nomu, increased by 10.19 percent to SR12.33. International Human Resources Co. said that it signed a framework agreement with the Arab National Bank to provide human resources services. According to a Tadawul statement, the contract is valid for 12 months and will be renewed for a similar period unless either party notifies the other at least 30 days prior to the expiry date. International Human Resources Co.'s share price rose by 2.83 percent to SR6.17.
