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.”