JEDDAH: Disruptive technologies are increasingly becoming part of the day-to-day life at personal and professional levels, participants of a panel discussion said Thursday at the Global IT Summit at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST).
Panel session participants suggested that the involvement of technology in daily life is inevitable and necessary for advancement in science and technology.
“Every single area of science is demanding more computing power,” said Steven Scott CTO of Cray at a panel discussing the future of supercomputing and high performing computing (HPC).
Learning how to thrive in a digitally disruptive world and being able to imagine how advanced technology will affect lives is a must. To Charles Araujo, principal analyst at Intellyx and founder of the Institute for Digital Transformation, the constant exploration of the future is one of the most important things individuals can do as a company.
“Everyone in your organization needs to become a futurist and be someone who is in a constant state of exploration,” he said at a session entitled “Thriving in a Digitally Disrupted World.”
Araujo described today’s age as the “chaos age” where individuals need to imagine the future and be prepared for the intervention of technology.
KAUST is home to Shaheen II, the seventh fastest supercomputer in the world, as announced at the International Computing Conference in Frankfurt in July 2015. It was a seed planted by late King Abdullah.
“What we have accomplished after seven years of existence is remarkable,” said Jean-Lou Chameau, president of KAUST, in a keynote at the second day of the Global IT Summit. “There is no university I believe in modern ages that was able to develop so quickly and so well.”
Chameau said that KAUST is fortunate that the late king had a vision to make an impact. Philanthropy was a cornerstone in sustaining the university where students from around the world pursue their masters and doctorate degrees.
This, he said, gives flexibility to students and researchers to pursue their education given the financial support.
“When I meet with potential candidates here I encourage them to take high risks, try to look at issues you don’t know anything about,” he added.
‘Chaos age’ requires futurists to protect business: Panel
‘Chaos age’ requires futurists to protect business: Panel
Saudi Red Sea Authority unveils digital guide to organize coastal tourism
RIYADH — The Saudi Red Sea Authority has launched the Introductory Guide to Coastal Tourism Activities, a new digital reference designed to bring information, regulations and procedures together in one place, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
According to SPA, the platform aims to make it easier for tourists, investors and operators to understand requirements related to coastal tourism, while helping streamline procedures across the Kingdom’s coastal destinations.
According to the authority, the guide offers beneficiaries a single gateway to updated rules, conditions and application processes. Users are directed via smart links to the official platforms of relevant government bodies, reducing processing time and creating what the authority says is a more integrated and reliable digital experience. The guide also includes FAQs and advisory notes on permitted and prohibited practices.
The first phase focuses on yachting activities and provides an outline covering a yacht’s journey from arrival to departure. It details documentation requirements, licensing procedures, port-of-entry coordination through licensed agents, and lists of approved maritime tourism service providers, including yacht charter companies and marinas.
In addition, the guide highlights safety measures, environmental sustainability guidelines and mechanisms for submitting feedback and complaints, with periodic updates to ensure alignment with current regulations.
Officials said the launch reflects extensive coordination between the authority and partner entities, with the goal of supporting the growth of the coastal tourism sector, strengthening investment opportunities and contributing to the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.
The guide is expected to serve as a unified reference that simplifies processes for service providers, answers key questions for tourists and offers clearer, more direct information for investors interested in coastal tourism opportunities across the Kingdom.
