The AI leader Saudi Company for Artificial Intelligence (SCAI), the lead digital enabler in the region, STC, and the AI Platform and technology provider, DataRobot have signed a strategic partnership agreement to enable the innovation of the AI ecosystem in the kingdom.
The US-based DataRobot plans to establish its regional HQ in Saudi Arabia to create an AI hub and regional research and development (R&D) center. This will support deploying R&D capabilities in Saudi to grow locally developed IP and innovative solutions and deliver them to the rest of the region.
It includes solutions that focus on important areas, such as, green tech and net zero targets, oil and gas, and healthcare, and developing a compelling go-to-market strategy for the distribution of AI-enabled solutions and managed services from Saudi to the local market, the rest of the region and the world.
This strategic partnership will accelerate the stages of AI adaption and transformation to the digital economy in alignment with Vision 2030. In addition, it will build the AI capability of local Saudi talent, including through a DataRobot University and other innovative programs, with the goal of impacting million or more people locally through upskilling and job creation.
The Saudi National Cybersecurity Authority (NCA) has also signed an MoU with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) to safeguard cyberspace, exchange best practices and experiences in this field.
This came as part of the visit of US President Mr. Joe Biden to the kingdom, strengthening both countries’ bilateral relations. In 2021, the Kingdom’s exports to the United States amounted to $14.3 billion. The total US invested in the Kingdom amount to $24 billion, with more than 21,034 American brands available in the Saudi market until 2022.
