Year-end Review: Saudi Arabia Accelerates Digital Transformation through Prestigious Partnerships in 2024

1. Saudi Arabia has partnered with prestigious entities around the world to elevate its science and technology sector and boost the Kingdom’s digital transformation.

In 2024, the Kingdom accelerated the pace of the digital transformation through various deals and agreements with worldwide organizations and companies.

Leaders MENA offers you a glimpse into the most significant deals in 2024.

Space Sustainability

In November, the Saudi Communications, Space and Technology Commission teamed up with Brazil’s National Telecommunications Agency to boost space sustainability.

According to Arab News, both entities launched an initiative for a research study in space sustainability.

Crucially, the initiative represents a culmination of a previous agreement between both sides.

Through cutting-edge technologies, the scheme will foster the sustainable use of orbital resources and spread modern technologies in space data analysis.

Launched on the platform of the 2024 International Forum on Non-Terrestrial Networks, the initiative is part of the commission’s efforts to expand international space partnerships.

During the forum, Mohammed bin Saud Al-Tamimi, the commission’s Governor, invited the international community to play an effective role and support research on space sustainability to offer a better future for the coming generation.

Digital Transformation

Saudi-based Alinma Bank has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Dell Technologies to accelerate the bank’s digital transformation, reported Dell.

Signed on the sidelines of the 2024 Fintech Summit in Riyadh, the MoU aims to offer innovative solutions through the utilization of Dell’s cutting-edge and multicloud technologies.

These technologies include Dell’s IT infrastructure and workload migration solutions, the Dell AI Factory models and frameworks, cybersecurity enhancements, and multicloud solutions delivered through Dell APEX.

The agreement was signed by Mohammed Talaat, VP, KSA & Egypt at Dell Technologies and Yaser Alofi, Chief Information Officer (CIO) at Alinma bank.

Talaat stated that the deal aims basically to support Alinma Bank in its digital transformation journey by providing innovative solutions addressing the bank’s needs and meeting the expectations of its customers.

“The Saudi banking sector is at a pivotal stage of growth highlighting technological advancements and an increased focus on innovation. We are happy to contribute to this evolution and support Alinma Bank in its digital transformation journey,” Talaat added.

Decarbonization

In September, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) signed a strategic partnership with Abdul Latif Jameel Motors and Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) to support the Kingdom’s decarbonization efforts.

According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the partnership aims to develop fuel cell technologies and drive hydrogen innovation to boost the decarbonization process in the transportation sector and beyond.

It stands as a testament to KAUST’s commitment to designing fuel cells compatible with the region’s unique environmental conditions. The deal also accelerates Saudi Vision 2030 to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2060.

KAUST has recently embarked on serious attempts to promote sustainable solutions and fulfill a greener future for Saudi Arabia and beyond.

As a fundamental part of this partnership, KAUST has acquired Proton Electrolyte Membrane (PEM) fuel cell modules from TMC.

Consequently, the university established a state-of-the-art laboratory under its Clean Energy Research Platform (CERP) dedicated to advancing this cutting-edge technology.

“We are excited to collaborate with TMC and Abdul Latif Jameel Motors to drive the adoption of hydrogen fuel cell technology in Saudi Arabia, aligning with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 and net-zero goals for 2060. Through our Clean Energy Research Platform (CERP), we are focused on advancing research that will optimize hydrogen fuel cells for the region’s specific conditions, ensuring their efficiency and reliability,” said Professor Mani Sarathy, KAUST’s Physical Science and Engineering Department.

Data Center

Saudi Aramco Digital Company has partnered with Groq, a leader in AI inference and creator of the Language Processing Unit (LPU), to establish the largest inferencing data center worldwide in Saudi Arabia, reported the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).