Al-Sawahah: Saudi Arabia is a global partner in the artificial intelligence economy
Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Abdullah Al-Swaha, affirmed that the Kingdom has successfully established itself as a trusted global partner and a pivotal player in building the artificial intelligence ecosystem. This statement was made during his active participation in the World Economic Forum in Davos. Al-Swaha explained that the Kingdom is entering the “age of intelligence” based on solid strategic pillars, including abundant energy resources, strong investment capabilities, advanced digital infrastructure, and a highly qualified workforce.
Saudi Vision 2030 and the Future of Technology
Minister Al-Swaha's statements directly reflect the objectives of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, spearheaded by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, which aims to diversify the national economy and reduce dependence on oil by bolstering the digital economy and innovation sectors. For years, the Kingdom has been working to build the strongest digital infrastructure in the region, making it a fertile ground for attracting major global technology companies and investors in the fields of data and artificial intelligence.
From the energy gap to the computing gap
In a panel discussion titled "Artificial Intelligence for Global Prosperity," held at the Saudi House pavilion, Al-Suwaigh presented a profound historical perspective, noting that the 20th century was shaped around the axis of "energy," while the 21st century is being shaped around the capabilities of "computing" and artificial intelligence. He emphasized that the global challenge today is no longer limited to the energy gap, but has transformed into a "computing gap," highlighting the importance of Saudi Arabia's role in bridging this gap thanks to its enormous potential in providing the energy needed to operate massive data centers and advanced processors.
The Kingdom as a global technology hub
Engineer Al-Swaha pointed out that Saudi Arabia, as the world's largest energy supplier, bears a significant responsibility in expanding access to artificial intelligence technologies in a fair and inclusive manner. The Kingdom is investing heavily in addressing the challenges of chip architecture and memory, the essential components for operating generative AI systems. This approach not only serves the local economy but also contributes to building a scalable and sustainable global AI ecosystem.
Practical applications to serve humanity
The minister concluded by highlighting the Kingdom's pioneering initiatives in vital sectors such as digital health, clean energy, and advanced chemistry. These experiences demonstrate how artificial intelligence can be harnessed to serve humanity and protect the planet, further solidifying Saudi Arabia's position as a leading nation contributing to a future of global prosperity built on innovation and trust.
