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  • Saudi Arabia targets 12% GDP contribution from AI by 2030

    Saudi Arabia aims to have artificial intelligence (AI) contribute 12% of its GDP by 2030, with the sector projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 29%. According to the Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA) State of AI report, the Public Investment Fund (PIF) will spearhead the development of a robust AI ecosystem in the kingdom.

  • Saudi Arabia to stage first-ever Billboard Arabia Music Awards

    Saudi Arabia’s Billboard Arabia is set to stage the first-ever Billboard Arabia Music Awards (BBAMAs) in Riyadh to celebrate the Arab musical talent from across the region. The awards is set to take place on December 11, 2024, at King Fahad Cultural Center in Riyadh, and will form part of the first-ever Riyadh Music Week, an initiative bringing together the global music community for a series of music festivals and events.

  • KAPSARC Leverages GIS for Off-Grid EV Charging in Saudi Arabia

    So, while EVs certainly lower greenhouse gas emissions, EVs will continue to emit CO2 until the grid is completely green. Thus, charging EVs off-grid with a charging mechanism based on 100% renewable energy creates EVs that produce no tailpipe emissions and none from the charging power.

  • The Economic Impact of Generative AI Use: The Future of Work in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

    This study estimates that using generative AI to transform the way work is currently done in the Saudi private sector economy, excluding government agencies, can potentially unlock USD133.6 billion of productive capacity, equivalent to the size of its manufacturing industry. This estimate does not specify a timeframe for achieving this uplift but illustrates the potential gains for the economy should full adoption be achieved.

  • Microsoft and partners to generate $24 billion in Saudi Arabia over next four years, says IDC study

    Microsoft, along with its partners and cloud-utilizing customers, is projected to generate approximately $24 billion in additional revenue above the 2022 figures over the next four years, according to a recent study from IDC. The same research indicates that by 2026, Microsoft’s partner ecosystem will earn roughly $8 for every $1 of revenue generated by Microsoft’s cloud services. This presents significant opportunities for partners in the Kingdom to enhance their revenues, increase local content contributions, and expand their customer bases.

  • Saudi Arabia Largest Emerging-Market Dollar Debt Issuer; Issuance Likely to Slow

    Saudi Arabia’s debt issuance will likely slow in the second half of 2024, Fitch Ratings says. Large dividend payments by Saudi Arabian Oil Company are used to temper sovereign financing needs. Substantial volumes in 1H24 made Saudi Arabia the largest US dollar debt issuer in emerging-markets (excluding China), and the largest sukuk issuer globally.

  • Saudi Arabia’s NEOM Green Hydrogen Plant launches mass recruitment drive

    NEOM Green Hydrogen Company (NGHC) has initiated a major recruitment campaign for its world-leading green hydrogen plant in Saudi Arabia’s futuristic city NEOM, as the project moves closer to its operational phase. The $8.4 billion facility, set to be the world’s largest green hydrogen production plant, is progressing on schedule for full operations by the end of 2026. The project aims to produce up to 600 tonnes of carbon-free hydrogen daily, potentially eliminating five million tonnes of CO2 emissions annually

  • Trump edges out Williams for Saudi Arabia title

    World number one Judd Trump won a dramatic final frame on the black to beat Mark Williams and lift the inaugural Saudi Arabia Masters title. The 35-year-old Englishman cleared up with a break of 72 to clinch the final 10-9 after Williams missed a red when 62 ahead. Trump, who was checking flights home at 4-0 down to Wu Yize in his first match of the tournament, claimed £500,000 for winning the first ranking event to be held in Saudi.

  • Construction licenses drive investment surge in Saudi Arabia; Egypt secures 30% of total share in Q2

    Construction permits led Saudi Arabia’s investment licenses in the second quarter of 2024, with 737 issued, representing 27 percent of the total, according to official data. Figures from the Kingdom’s Ministry of Investment quarterly report also revealed that this number represents a 32.1 percent increase compared to the same period last year. Saudi Arabia is aiming to increase foreign direct investment inflows by SR388 billion annually by the end of the decade, contributing 5.7 percent to GDP,  as part of its Vision 2030 economic diversification strategy.

  • Saudi Arabia exceeds Vision 2030 target of attracting 100 mln tourists: IMF report

    The Kingdom’s tourism revenues reached $36 billion in 2023, with net tourism income increasing by 38 percent. The sector’s direct and indirect contribution to GDP reached 11.5 percent in 2023, with expectations to grow to 16 percent by 2034, according to the report published on Wednesday.