Year-end Review: Saudi Arabia’s Rise as Science Powerhouse in 2024
Saudi Arabia is currently leading an outstanding revolution in science and technology under the transformation agenda of the Saudi Vision 2030.
Saudi Vision 2030
The vision has boldly decided to shift the country towards a knowledge-based economy, reducing its dependence on oil and growing science and technology sectors.
The Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has illustrated the Kingdom’s scientific goals by stating that the effective utilization of new technologies, such as artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things, can mitigate many challenges and bring significant benefits to the world.
In 2024, Saudi Arabia organized several high-value forums positioning the Kingdom as the Arab region’s most prolific nation in research and science.
GAIN Summit
Saudi Arabia held the 3rd Global AI (GAIN) Summit in Riyadh from September 10 to 12 with over 300 speakers, including experts, specialists, and decision-makers from 100 countries worldwide.
The 3rd edition boasted 120 dialogue sessions and workshops to discuss whether the relationship between the human mind and AI is complementary or competitive, and the impact of this interaction on human decision-making.
The summit shed light on the advanced technologies as a real power that can contribute to achieving the common good of humanity.
In the same context, the participants discussed how to analyze the impact of artificial intelligence on the growth of business activities and productivity and motivate employees within an attractive work environment that meets the aspirations of business leaders.
Therefore, it provided the attendees with a valuable platform to discuss the best practices of utilizing artificial intelligence technologies to make strategic decisions and support responsible leadership.
The summit also tackled the ability of the artificial intelligence systems to understand human language and foster the learning experience.
Crucially, the summit witnessed the signing of various partnerships and agreements between the Kingdom and international entities including, companies, organizations, and institutions.
Generative Artificial Intelligence Forum in Health
The Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) collaborated with King Saud University (KSU) in September to organize the Generative Artificial Intelligence Forum in Health.
Held on October 1 at Sheikh Hamad Al-Jasser Theater at KSU, the event represented a valuable opportunity to discuss the latest developments and applications in generative AI and its pivotal role in developing the health sector.
Through a number of dialogue sessions and presentations with health sector leaders, the occasion shed light into the possible ways to turn AI capabilities into real applications to serve all human beings.
The forum highlighted the participation of various entities such as the Ministry of Health, SDAIA, the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties, the King Saud University Medical City (KSUMC), and Dr. Sulaiman Al-Habib Medical Group.
The event was part of SDAIA’s serious endeavors to raise awareness, encourage innovation, and foster cooperation between researchers, academics and the private sector.
Moreover, it represented a significant platform to discuss challenges and explore opportunities to develop joint research projects between universities, industry and other government sectors.
National Semiconductor Hub
In October, Saudi Arabia’s Research, Development, and Innovation Authority hosted the National Semiconductor Hub Investment Forum at the Garage in Riyadh.
According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the forum represented a remarkable milestone toward establishing a promising national ecosystem.
This new system will promote the semiconductor industry and build strategic agreements and partnerships with local and international entities.
Therefore, the event served as a valuable platform to develop the Kingdom’s digital economy and capture new investment opportunities.
The forum has emphasized Saudi Arabia’s pivotal role to elevate the semiconductor industry across the Kingdom.
Moreover, the event showcased the achievements of the National Semiconductor Hub, including qualifying national cadres and providing funding and incentives.
In hosting this forum, the authority underscored its commitment to supporting research and innovation and localizing the emerging technologies in line with Saudi Vision 2030.
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