How AI is driving innovation in event management and urban development in Saudi Arabia

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Riyadh's Qiddiya megaproject is expected to redefine leisure, entertainment and events through advanced AI applications. (Supplied)

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Updated 02 January 2025

Sulafa Alkhunaizi

January 02, 2025 22:41

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How AI is driving innovation in event management and urban development in Saudi Arabia

AI technologies are central to the Kingdom’s mega-projects, enhancing personalized services, transport, and entertainment
From autonomous transport to real-time event coordination, AI communication tools are enhancing efficiency and user engagement

Updated 02 January 2025

Sulafa Alkhunaizi

January 02, 2025 22:41

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RIYADH: Artificial intelligence is poised to play a transformative role in Saudi Arabia’s urban development, event management and visitor experiences, particularly as the Kingdom prepares to host major global events like the FIFA World Cup 2034.

AI technologies are already central to the Kingdom’s megaprojects, including NEOM and Qiddiya, and are positioning Saudi Arabia as a global leader in innovation and smart city development.

From autonomous transport systems to real-time event coordination platforms, AI-driven communication tools are enhancing efficiency and user engagement in many sectors, particularly sports and entertainment.

“The Saudi Pro League has implemented AI-powered tools like OptaVision to enhance on-field analysis and deepen fan and sponsor engagement,” Amsal Kapetanovic, country manager at Infobip KSA, a communication platform specializing in AI solutions, told Arab News.

“The Saudi Company for Artificial Intelligence has also launched SportNative, an AI-driven sports product suite that optimizes operations and harnesses the full potential of the current sports ecosystem.”

The impact of AI was evident in Riyadh on Dec. 21 when the boxing rematch between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury featured an experimental fourth judge powered by AI, designed to eliminate bias and human error in scoring.

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Beyond enhancing sports, AI is being used to manage large crowds at events, reduce queuing times, and improve navigation, enhancing experiences for visitors.

“AI-powered systems can provide personalized recommendations, real-time translations, and seamless navigation for international visitors,” Kapetanovic said.

In Saudi Arabia's northwest, the NEOM smart city project is incorporating AI to redefine urban living. (Supplied)

“The Saudi Tourism Authority’s virtual travel companion, SARA, demonstrates how AI delivers real-time insights and information about attractions and events.”

NEOM, Saudi Arabia’s $500 billion smart city project on the Kingdom’s northwest coast, is incorporating AI to redefine urban living. The technology is expected to play a pivotal role in personalizing services, optimizing transport, and enhancing hospitality.

“AI will revolutionize communication technologies in projects like NEOM by facilitating intelligent, scalable, and seamless interactions,” Kapetanovic said. “In NEOM’s envisioned smart city ecosystem, AI-powered platforms could enable real-time collaboration, multilingual translation, and predictive analytics.”

DID YOUKNOW?

• AI technologies are central to Saudi Arabia’s megaprojects, enhancing personalized services, transport, and entertainment experiences.

• AI-powered tools, such as SportNative and OptaVision, optimize sports operations, on-field analysis, and fan engagement in the Kingdom.

• AI systems like SARA provide personalized recommendations, real-time translations, and seamless navigation.

AI is also expected to enhance travel and logistics in NEOM, enabling real-time route planning, efficient cargo management, and predictive maintenance of transport networks.

“These tools have the potential to empower residents, visitors and businesses through dynamic, efficient communication and logistical systems,” Kapetanovic said. “By leveraging AI, NEOM aspires to become a global benchmark for interconnected and sustainable living.”

The influence of AI extends beyond infrastructure to retail and entertainment, where conversational AI is reshaping customer interactions. Data from Infobip revealed a 26 percent increase in customer interactions during Black Friday, reflecting the growing adoption of AI in consumer communications.

AI is now being used to manage large crowds at events, reduce queuing times, and improve navigation, enhancing experiences for visitors. (Supplied)

“This surge in digital communication aligns perfectly with the smart city vision of projects like NEOM,” Kapetanovic said.

Qiddiya, meanwhile, another megaproject taking shape near Riyadh, is expected to redefine leisure, entertainment and events through advanced AI applications.

In November, software development company Globant and the Qiddiya Investment Company‎ signed an agreement to develop Qiddiya’s “PLAY LIFE Connected Experience,” an AI-powered platform offering personalized itineraries, event bookings, and community engagement.

AN AI rendering of the Qiddiya project in Riyadh. (Supplied)

“The platform will allow visitors to book events, manage their itineraries, discover new adventures, and engage with the community through a real-time interface,” Kapetanovic said.

AI is also critical to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals, which prioritize sustainable development and quality of life. From predictive maintenance to efficient resource allocation, AI-driven infrastructure advancements are minimizing costs while accelerating progress.

“When it comes to infrastructure, AI could drive predictive maintenance and efficient resource allocation,” Kapetanovic said. “These advancements align with Vision 2030 by fostering innovation, enabling sustainable development, and elevating the quality of life.”

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Natural allure and historical beauty intertwine in Al-Baha heritage villages

Updated 13 February 2025

SPA

February 13, 2025 06:23

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Natural allure and historical beauty intertwine in Al-Baha heritage villages

Two of the most notable heritage villages are Thee Ain and Al-Mousa, a favorite of local and international visitor

Updated 13 February 2025

SPA

February 13, 2025 06:23

AL-BAHA: Al-Baha Region in southerwestern Saudi Arabia is a unique tourist destination that showcases a rich and diverse cultural heritage.

Home to historical monuments that span centuries, the villages showcase traditional architecture constructed with stone and clay.

Two of the most notable heritage villages are Thee Ain and Al-Mousa, a favorite of local and international visitors.

During the Al-Baha Winter Festival, the village of Thee Ain stands tall as the region comes alive with cultural events and festivals that reflect the local heritage. The village visitors' center provides enriching information on the history of both the village and Al-Baha region, offering a journey through time and generations.

It also sheds light on the region's intangible heritage, encompassing traditional foods, crafts, handicrafts, and performing arts. Children are not forgotten, and enriching murals and informative displays provide an engaging learning experience.

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Topics: Al-Baha saudi tourism

Saudi Arabia assumes presidency of global anti-corruption network

Updated 13 February 2025

Arab News

February 13, 2025 05:39

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Saudi Arabia assumes presidency of global anti-corruption network

Spain passed on the network's leadership during a turnover ceremony at UN headquarters in Vienna
Saudi Arabia was unanimously elected to chair the network's for a 3-year term last year

Updated 13 February 2025

Arab News

February 13, 2025 05:39

VIENNA: Saudi Arabia, through its Saudi Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority (Nazaha), has officially assumed the presidency of Global Operational Network of Anti-Corruption Law Enforcement Authorities (GlobE Network).

Spain handed over to the Kingdom the leadership of the network during a ceremony at the United Nations headquarters in Vienna, Austria, the Saudi Press Agency reported Wednesday.

Nasser Aba Al-Khail, Nazaha’s deputy for international collaboration, was installed as chairman of the committee, with Boni de Moraes Soares, Brazil’s national solicitor for international affairs, as vice chair.

Saudi Arabia was unanimously elected to chair the GlobE Network’s Steering Committee for the 2025–2027 term during a high-level meeting last year in Beijing, China.

Its election to lead the international network underscores member states’ recognition of the Kingdom’s commitment to fighting corruption.

Established in 2021, GlobE Network includes more than 229 law enforcement agencies from over 124 countries, as well as numerous international organizations.

Al-Khail emphasized that Saudi Arabia aims to enhance collaboration among member states to combat corruption in alignment with the United Nations Convention against Corruption.

As chair of the network, Saudi Arabia “seeks to create new strategies for asset recovery and initiate a secure communication platform to facilitate quicker and more efficient information exchange among member states,” Al-Khail said in a statement carried by SPA.

“This will enhance international cooperation and empower governments to tackle emerging challenges in combating corruption, refine asset recovery processes, and more effectively trace illicit funds across borders,” he said.

Since its creation, the network has had a positive impact on the efforts of members to combat cross-border corruption.

During a recent meeting of the network, representatives from Azerbaijan, Brazil, Chile, China, the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) and Indonesia shared insights on various cross-border investigations, including joint efforts to uncover embezzlement of EU grant funds, the use of the Network’s Secure Communication Platform (SCP) to advance investigations as well as operations targeting large-scale VAT fraud.

Presenters also highlighted examples of swift action in asset recovery, successful extraditions, and effective collaboration between agencies to track and freeze offshore assets obtained through corruption, according to the network’s official site.

For its part, the Nazaha had made great strides in combatting corruption in the Kingdom since its creation in 2016. During the month of December 2024 alone, the authority have arrested 145 citizens and residents — among them government employees — accused of various crimes such as bribery and abuse of authority.

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Topics: Nazaha GlobE Network Nasser Aba Al-Khail

International padel stars predict bright future for the sport in Saudi Arabia and beyond

Updated 13 February 2025

Sulafa Alkhunaizi

February 13, 2025 03:35

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International padel stars predict bright future for the sport in Saudi Arabia and beyond

They were competing in the Premier Padel Riyadh Season P1 tournament, which reached the round of 16 stage in the men’s and women’s competitions
Among those in action on Wednesday were the Spanish duo of Paula Martin and Ariana Fallada, who sit joint top of the International Padel Federation women’s rankings

Updated 13 February 2025

Sulafa Alkhunaizi

February 13, 2025 03:35

RIYADH: As the round of 16 in the Premier Padel Riyadh Season P1 tournament concluded on Wednesday, the winning players predicted a bright future for a relatively new sport that is growing in popularity around the world.

The competition at the Padel Rush Arena in Boulevard City, which features separate men’s and women’s doubles events, began on Saturday with two days of preliminary qualifiers, followed by the opening rounds of the contest proper on Monday and Tuesday.

Today’s winners progress to the quarterfinals on Thursday, with the semifinals on Friday and the tournament reaching its climax on Saturday. All in all the event will feature 71 matches in the men’s competition and 43 in the women’s.

Among those in action on Wednesday were the Spanish duo of Paula Martin and Ariana Fallada, who are joint top of the International Padel Federation women’s rankings. They enjoyed a comfortable 6-1, 6-0 victory over French player Alix Collombon and Spaniard Araceli Martinez.

Martin told Arab News that playing in Riyadh felt like home and she has noticed increased interest in the sport in the Kingdom.

“I was very surprised because there are so many people here … I can say there is an increase and (it is) growing, and that is the reason we are here,” she said.

Argentinian player Delfina Senesi highlighted the importance of advocating for the participation of women in sports.

“I think it’s fundamental for everyone, (for) every woman to see that they can play, that they can do anything that we want,” she said. “It’s very important for us to be here, to be in Saudi Arabia. We’re really happy to start the year here.”

Senesi and her Spanish playing player, Gemma Pons, who were playing together competitively for the first time, secured a hard-fought 6-4, 5-7, 6-4 victory over Spanish players Andrea Prieto and Alejandra De Villa on Wednesday.

“It was a long match, a really difficult one. The girls are playing really good. Everyone is getting better year by year, so we’re really happy,” said Senesi.

Asked what is the secret to success in the sport, she said: “The secret is working, working hard, every day; work on your mental health, work on your body is the key.”

Pons said that the match was difficult and she and Senesi struggled a little in the middle, but it came together in the end.

“We started the match really well and then they played, really good,” she said. “But this is really nice for us — 6-4 in the third set is great and, well, now we have to rest and prepare for the next match.”

In the men’s competition, Spaniard Javier Garrido and his Argentinian partner Martin Di Nenno defeated Javier Leal and Carlos Gutierrez 6-4, 6-2. Garrido said everyone who plays padel falls in love with the sport.

“I think for the players it’s really, really good because our sport is pretty new and we are trying to expand our sport all over the world,” he added. “Here in Riyadh, a lot of people like the sport and I think it’s super good for us.

“I’m sure that (padel) is going to explode, I don’t know, this year or next year but … when you play padel, when you try padel, you are going to love it.”

Among the spectators on Wednesday was Portuguese football legend Cristiano Ronaldo. The tournament is the first stop on this year’s Premier Padel World Tour and forms part of the Riyadh Season of events. The 2024 campaign tour featured 24 tournaments in 16 countries.

Padel is a racket sport most often played in doubles on a court that is slightly smaller than a tennis court, which has walls and the ball can be played off them.

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Topics: Riyadh Season Premier Padel P1 padel tennis

Saudi foreign minister discusses regional developments with French counterpart in Paris

Updated 13 February 2025

Arab News

February 13, 2025 00:55

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Saudi foreign minister discusses regional developments with French counterpart in Paris

Prince Faisal headed the Saudi delegation at the AI Action Summit in the French capital this week

Updated 13 February 2025

Arab News

February 13, 2025 00:55

RIYADH: The Saudi minister of foreign affairs, Prince Faisal bin Farhan, held talks in Paris on Wednesday with his French counterpart, Jean-Noel Barrot.

They discussed recent developments in the Middle East and efforts to achieve security and peace in the region, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Fahd Al-Ruwaili, the Saudi ambassador to France, and Prince Musab bin Mohammed Al-Farhan, political advisor to the foreign minister, also attended the meeting.

Prince Faisal headed the Kingdom’s delegation at the AI Action Summit in the French capital on Monday and Tuesday. More than a thousand representatives of the private sector and civil society from nearly 100 countries attended the event.