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Arab News
4 hours ago
- Business
- Arab News
Digital transformation to boost Saudi industrial productivity by up to 25%, says Aramco CEO
RIYADH: Integrating digital technologies is set to increase Saudi Arabia's industrial productivity by 15 to 25 percent, according to Aramco President and CEO Amin Nasser. Speaking during the Saudi Industry Forum in Dhahran, Nasser stated that the Kingdom's shift into a new industrial era calls for an increased focus on digital transformation and the need to align it with proactive cybersecurity strategies. This comes as Saudi Arabia works to solidify its position as a regional and global digital powerhouse, backed by major advances in artificial intelligence, data centers, e-government, and human capital development. The Kingdom has emerged as the Middle East and North Africa's largest digital economy, with a market value exceeding SR495 billion ($131.9 billion) in 2024 — equivalent to 15 percent of its gross domestic product, according to figures from the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology. In his remarks, Nasser said: 'Preliminary estimates suggest that effective integration of digital technologies could increase Saudi Arabia's industrial productivity by 15 percent to 25 percent.' He added: 'Thanks to successive technological developments, industries will emerge over the next 10 years dominated by advanced technologies to a degree we have never seen before.' Nasser noted that the world is undergoing profound geopolitical shifts and intensifying competition across technological, industrial, and economic domains — trends that are accelerating the transformation of Saudi Arabia's industrial landscape. He emphasized the need to prepare for this future, particularly as the Kingdom continues to invest in artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, robotics, and automation. These technologies, he explained, are aimed at more than just optimizing factory operations; they are vital for enhancing industrial productivity and ensuring operational reliability. 'At Aramco, we are working to establish a digital infrastructure that becomes an integral part of empowering the industrial sector,' Nasser said, adding: 'This includes the launch of Aramco Digital Company, as well as a 450 MHz private wireless network dedicated to industrial use by the private sector.' He continued: 'Aramco Digital has also introduced an edge artificial intelligence service — AI on the Edge — designed for critical industrial facilities and complex applications, such as crowd management during Hajj.' In the cybersecurity sphere, Aramco established Cyberani in 2021, a company focused on delivering industrial-grade solutions and software protection technologies. 'Aramco is working on projects to develop artificial intelligence platforms, data centers, and smart industrial complexes,' Nasser said. He warned of the risks accompanying digital advancement, stating: 'A technical malfunction or external interference through digital systems or control platforms could impact operations and disrupt the performance of industrial and economic facilities — especially those that do not invest sufficiently in digital protection.' Highlighting the human element in digital security, he stated: 'The most critical aspect of proactive protection systems is the development of human capabilities and deep expertise.' Nasser concluded by stressing the importance of localizing digital supply chains and enhancing technological resilience. 'Building future Saudi industries supported by flexible supply chains, competitive costs, and excellence in artificial intelligence is essential and highly important — but it is not enough unless it is accompanied by proactive investment in digital protection,' he said. The Saudi Industry Forum 2025, held from June 23–25 at the Dhahran International Exhibition Center, is sponsored by Eastern Province Governor Prince Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz. The event aims to elevate the Kingdom's industrial sector in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030, which seeks to diversify income sources and increase the sector's contribution to the gross domestic product.
Zawya
10 hours ago
- Business
- Zawya
New tech office boosts Oman's digital transformation drive
MUSCAT: Elm, a digital solutions leader owned by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), has officially launched its new office in Muscat, underscoring its long-term ambition to participate in Oman's digital transformation and expand its regional footprint. The move marks Elm's first physical presence in Oman, a market it views as strategically aligned with its growth objectives and expertise in e-government platforms, cybersecurity, digital identity, and artificial intelligence-driven services. With a client base that spans government, corporate, and individual sectors in Saudi Arabia, Elm's entry into Oman reflects growing regional collaboration in the technology space. The office was inaugurated during a ceremony under the auspices of Eng Said bin Hamoud al Maawali, Minister of Transport, Communications and Information Technology, and attended by Ibrahim bin Saad Bishan, Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Oman, as well as key officials from both countries. Elm's expansion aligns with Oman Vision 2040, which prioritises the digital economy and government modernisation. The company says it aims to introduce custom solutions to help Omani institutions accelerate digital transformation across sectors such as logistics, public services, and national security. The Muscat office is part of Elm's broader strategy to export its homegrown capabilities developed in Saudi Arabia. In recent years, Elm has gained prominence for building and managing platforms such as Absher (a government service portal), and Tawakklna (a Covid-19 health platform), which have become integral to the Saudi government's digital infrastructure. Elm's expansion aligns with Oman Vision 2040, which prioritises the digital economy and government modernisation. Elm's Executive Vice President of Marketing and Official Spokesperson, Majid bin Saad al Arifi, said the decision to establish a base in Oman reflects the company's confidence in the local ecosystem. 'The opening of Elm's office in the Sultanate of Oman represents a strategic step that reflects our strong belief in the capabilities and digital potential of this market,' said Al Arifi. 'Through our presence, we aim to build high-value partnerships and provide tailored technological solutions that enhance government performance and promote a sustainable digital economy — delivering meaningful impact to citizens, investors, and our institutional partners alike,' he added. Elm's entry comes at a time when Oman is actively seeking private sector collaboration to fast-track its digital agenda, offering streamlined regulatory frameworks and incentives for foreign investment in the ICT sector. Elm's presence is also expected to generate skilled employment opportunities and knowledge transfer, as the company often works closely with local partners and public entities to localise its services. The Muscat office will serve as a regional hub to coordinate projects, engage with stakeholders, and adapt solutions to Oman's unique priorities — reinforcing the economic and technological ties between Muscat and Riyadh. 2022 © All right reserved for Oman Establishment for Press, Publication and Advertising (OEPPA) Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Wall Street Journal
21 hours ago
- Business
- Wall Street Journal
News Corp Extends CEO Robert Thomson's Contract to 2030
News Corp's NWSA 1.03%increase; green up pointing triangle board extended CEO Robert Thomson's contract through June 2030, keeping him at the helm of the media company during a period in which artificial intelligence's rapid development is reshaping the industry. Thomson, 64 years old, has been chief executive of News Corp since 2013. His prior contract, signed in 2023, ran through June 2027.
Gulf Business
2 days ago
- Business
- Gulf Business
Significant reforms: Changes announced in the UAE government
Image credit: Dubai Media Office/Website Following consultations and the approval of UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, announced today several changes to the UAE government. Read- Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid stated: 'Following consultations with my brother, the President, and with his approval, we announce today the following changes to the UAE government: the establishment of a Ministry of Foreign Trade and the appointment of Dr Thani Al Zeyoudi as Minister of Foreign Trade, as well as the renaming of the Ministry of Economy to the Ministry of Economy and Tourism, led by Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri.' He added: 'We also announce that the National Artificial Intelligence System will be adopted as an advisory member of the Council of Ministers, the Ministerial Development Council, and all boards of federal entities and government companies starting in January 2026. It will support decision-making, conduct real-time analyses, offer technical advice, and enhance the efficiency of government policies across all sectors.' Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid concluded: 'The world is undergoing a comprehensive transformation—scientifically, economically, and socially. Our goal is to prepare today for the coming decades. Our aim is to ensure continued prosperity and a dignified life for future generations.'
South China Morning Post
2 days ago
- Business
- South China Morning Post
How much of a future does Elon Musk really have in US politics?
Convinced that his vision for the future of artificial intelligence was superior to that of OpenAI head Sam Altman and former Google chief executive Larry Page, Elon Musk cut ties with Page and parted ways with OpenAI, which he helped found in 2015. That same decisive belief in himself has famously spilled into politics. After spending nearly US$300 million in Donald Trump's 2024 campaign and working unofficially in the White House for months, Musk clashed publicly with the US president over a spending bill, which he called a ' disgusting abomination '. In the heat of the dispute, he floated the idea earlier this month of forming a third party to fix what he sees as a broken electoral system. 'Is it time to create a new political party in America that actually represents the 80% in the middle?,' he asked his 230 million followers on X, the social media platform he owns. Around 80 per cent of respondents voted yes. Musk reacted by sharing a potential name: 'the American Party'. But does the tech titan really have a future in politics? In a 2023 biography by Walter Isaacson, Musk himself admitted that he had a 'habit of biting off more than I can chew'. His younger brother Kimbal, who sits on the boards of Tesla and SpaceX, both Musk companies, described his sibling as a 'drama magnet'. A leader in industries capable of determining a nation's future economic success, Musk in the past year seemed determined to inject drama into politics, both in the US and abroad.
