Saudi Arabia’s Data and AI Authority (SDAIA) and Microsoft have joined forces to drive innovation in the generative AI sector. This partnership was formalized during the third Global AI Summit (GAIN), held at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center in Riyadh. The event gathered global experts and scientists to discuss advancements in artificial intelligence.
Establishing a Center of Excellence
Dr. Yaser bin Mohammed Alonaizan, CEO of the National Center for AI (NCAI) at SDAIA, and Turki Badhris, President of Microsoft Arabia, signed the MoU. This agreement aims to create a comprehensive framework for cooperation, including a Center of Excellence focused on Generative AI and Arabic Large Language Models (LLMs).
As part of the partnership, SDAIA’s Arabic model, ALLaM, will be available on Microsoft Azure. Built and trained on Azure’s scalable infrastructure, ALLaM will enable government institutions and businesses to develop Arabic AI applications. This accessibility will help organizations overcome challenges, optimize operations, and enhance customer engagement.
National Capacity Building Initiatives
The collaboration will also launch the Microsoft AI Academy alongside the SDAIA Academy. This initiative focuses on building national capacities in AI through various programs. The Microsoft Azure Professional Certification Program will equip local talent with globally recognized certifications. Furthermore, the Athka University Competition will encourage Saudi youth to engage in international AI competitions.
These initiatives align with SDAIA’s commitment to driving the development of the data and AI landscape in Saudi Arabia. The new partnership revitalizes efforts to reinforce the Kingdom’s position as a global leader in AI innovation.
Expanding Collaborations with Other Tech Giants
SDAIA recently signed a separate agreement with IBM to explore an AI center of excellence. This center will advance innovative applications tailored to government needs. Through this collaboration, SDAIA aims to enhance national capabilities and promote the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.
Additionally, SDAIA announced plans to partner with NVIDIA to enable developers to easily build AI applications using the ALLaM Arabic language model. This collaboration will leverage NVIDIA’s technology to enhance the model’s effectiveness.
Enhancing Quality of Life through AI
During the summit, SDAIA also signed an agreement with ST Engineering. This partnership will explore smart traffic management solutions to improve road safety in Saudi cities. Both parties aim to develop AI technologies that enhance the overall quality of life.
SDAIA CEO Dr. Yaser bin Mohammed Alonaizan emphasized that AI is a tool designed to serve humanity. He noted that AI should complement human efforts, making jobs more accessible and efficient. Collaboration among organizations is essential to maximize the benefits of AI technologies.
Supporting Education and Skills Development
In a move to bolster national capabilities, SDAIA partnered with Pearson, a leading education company. Together, they will create assessment mechanisms to measure proficiency in AI and digital skills accurately. This collaboration aims to provide valuable insights to employers, educational institutions, and policymakers, facilitating better decision-making regarding skill development and career paths.
This comprehensive partnership between SDAIA and Microsoft, along with other collaborations, signifies a major step forward in advancing Saudi Arabia’s AI capabilities. Through these initiatives, the Kingdom continues to position itself as a global leader in innovative technology.
