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.”


Closing Bell: Saudi main index closes in red at 11,167  

Updated 11 February 2026
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Closing Bell: Saudi main index closes in red at 11,167  

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Tadawul All Share Index dipped on Wednesday, losing 46.43 points, or 0.41 percent, to close at 11,167.54. 

The total trading turnover of the benchmark index was SR4.88 billion ($1.30 billion), as 66 of the listed stocks advanced, while 192 retreated. 

The MSCI Tadawul Index decreased, down 5.52 points, or 0.37 percent, to close at 1,506.55. 

The Kingdom’s parallel market Nomu lost 153.40 points, or 0.65 percent, to close at 23,486.52. This comes as 32 of the listed stocks advanced, while 31 retreated. 

The best-performing stock was Tourism Enterprise Co., with its share price surging 9.95 percent to SR14.36. 

Other top performers included Mobile Telecommunication Co., Saudi Arabia, which saw its share price rise by 5.32 percent to SR11.48, and Al Masar Al Shamil Education Co., which saw a 4.86 percent increase to SR22.89. 

On the downside, Almoosa Health Co. was the day’s weakest performer, with its share price falling 4.81 percent to SR150.40. 

Dallah Healthcare Co. fell 3.81 percent to SR113.50, while Saudi Research and Media Group dropped 3.44 percent to SR100.90. 

On the corporate front, Arabian Plastic Industrial Co. has signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding with K. K. Nag to explore the establishment of a specialized manufacturing facility for expanded polypropylene products. 

According to a Tadawul statement, the agreement sets out initial mutual obligations and rights between the two parties as part of APICO’s broader expansion strategy to increase production capacity and meet rising industrial demand. 

The company’s share price rose 1.21 percent to SR43.52 on the parallel market.