AI helping to predict and solve supply chain issues: Saudi logistic program CEO

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Updated 16 September 2022
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AI helping to predict and solve supply chain issues: Saudi logistic program CEO

RIYADH: Advancements in artificial intelligence will help predict and combat supply chain challenges as the Kingdom strives to become a global logistics hub, according to the CEO of the National Industrial Development and Logistics Program. 

Speaking at the second Global AI Summit in Riyadh on Sept. 15, Suliman Al-Mazroua said AI will also help Saudi Arabia integrate the energy, mining, industry and logistics sectors. He added: “AI aims to make smart factories more productive. It will help smart grids become more reliable and smart ports more efficient.”

He added, “With AI, we can integrate these four sectors, and we can predict the challenges in the supply chain.”

Almazroua said the goal is to improve people’s lives, and technology is a tool to achieve that. He further added that humans should embrace advanced technologies in a sustainable way so as not to negatively affect the environment. 

During the event, Badr Al-Bader, CEO of the Misk Foundation, talked about the vitality of using AI carefully to avoid pitfalls associated with advanced technologies. 

“AI has reached a very advanced stage. We are living in a hyper-reality world promoted by social media, and that is fueled by AI. All the photo filters, the fake videos, the deep fakes, and the alteration of voice are making realities that are not realities,” said Al-Bader.

He added: “Our responsibility is that we should promote the use of AI. However, we should also safeguard our people from the pitfalls that could be embedded in the systems we use.”


Saudi Arabia’s NDF unveils strategic partners for MOMENTUM 2025 conference 

Updated 07 December 2025
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Saudi Arabia’s NDF unveils strategic partners for MOMENTUM 2025 conference 

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s National Development Fund has unveiled the lineup of strategic partners for the Development Finance Conference MOMENTUM 2025, as the Kingdom accelerates efforts to build a more integrated development-finance ecosystem.  

The conference, scheduled for Dec. 9–11 at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center in Riyadh, will bring together policymakers, lenders and global development institutions as the Kingdom seeks to expand financing channels for key sectors. 

Saudi National Bank and Arab National Bank are named Main Partners, while Riyad Bank will serve as Banking Partner, NDF said in a press release.  

Bank AlJazira and Saudi Awwal Bank join as Enabling Partners, and public-sector participants include Invest Saudi, the Made in Saudi Program, and the Saudi Conventions and Exhibitions General Authority. 

Riyadh Municipality also joins the list as the host city partner, while Saudi Post is the logistics partner for the conference. 

“Collectively, these partnerships advance the conference’s vision of fostering collaboration among public and private sectors, contributing to Saudi Vision 2030 objectives,” the release said. 

Organized by NDF, this year’s conference is convened under the theme “Leading Development Transformation.” 

MOMENTUM 2025 reflects the NDF’s central role as a principal enabler of development in the Kingdom and as a strategic driver of the national development finance system through its 12 affiliated development funds and banks.  

“Through this conference, NDF aims to align efforts, amplify impact, enhance coordination and integration, and build meaningful partnerships with leaders across the public and private sectors. Together, these efforts are intended to ensure sustainable growth and empower strategic sectors to deliver on national and global development goals,” the release added.  

The program will feature more than 100 speakers from over 120 local and international entities, further underscoring the conference’s role as a national forum supporting the leadership’s vision of building a dynamic financing ecosystem that empowers key sectors. 

Several princes, ministers, senior officials, CEOs, global leaders, development experts, and economists are scheduled to attend the conference. 

The event will spotlight the contribution of the private sector and small and medium-sized enterprises in elevating the Kingdom’s economic growth, generating jobs, and boosting competitiveness.