Saudi Vision 2030 transformation dubbed ‘one of the biggest opportunities in the world right now’

Panel discussion with unicorn speakers Phalgun Kompalli, Mudassir Shaikha, Chip Paucek and moderator Supreet Manchanda. (Supplied)
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Updated 08 February 2023
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Saudi Vision 2030 transformation dubbed ‘one of the biggest opportunities in the world right now’

  • Careem CEO Mudassir Sheikha tells LEAP bringing “the right talent into the market” can solve existing service and other problems
  • Global CEO of Tech Mahindra Chander Prakash Gurnani says “India’s 1.4 billion population will benefit” if Saudi Arabia becomes a tech role model

 RIYADH: While the digitalization of an economy is key to its technological advancement, it is also a way to ease daily life and provide jobs and opportunities for the young population.

As explored in several sessions at this year’s LEAP conference, this holds particularly true for Saudi Arabia as part of its Vision 2030 reform agenda.

According to the Saudi General Authority for Statistics, 36.7 percent of the Kingdom’s population is aged between 15 and 34. Due to an acceleration of the digital economy’s growth in the Kingdom, more than 1 million jobs are expected to be created by 2025, with a focus on technology and innovation.

“The transformation that is happening on the back of Vision 2030 is probably one of the biggest opportunities in the world right now,” said Mudassir Sheikha, CEO of Careem, during a panel themed Deep Dive: Unicorns of the World.

“I have been coming here for 15 years now and over the last five years you can see the change each month on the ground. The pace of change is incredible, and we know that when such change is generated at the macro level, it creates opportunity.”

In the second quarter of 2022, the unemployment rate for Saudi Arabia fell to 9.7 percent, fueled by government reforms directed at the labor market, according to data provided by GASTAT.

It is reflected by the participation rate of Saudis in the labor market, which grew by 1.7 percentage points to reach 51.8 percent. The employment-to-population ratio of Saudis also grew by the same amount, reaching 46.8 percent compared to the previous year, according to the GASTAT report.

Environmental and digital security are among the fastest growing fields in Saudi Arabia, according to data released on LinkedIn in January 2023.

Still, as Sheikha underlined, there are still many issues related to services and relevant providers that need to be solved. “This provides additional opportunities for the Saudi workforce,” he added. “There are many problems that still need to be solved. How do you solve those problems? You need to bring the right talent into the market.”

There is no shortage of human capital and talent in the Saudi market, he added. “With hard work and the right tools great things can happen. From my perspective, there’s probably no better place to be right now than in Saudi today,” he said.

FASTFACTS

• Saudi Arabia ranked 2nd in G20 digital competitiveness in the 2021 Digital Riser Report by the European Center for Digital Competitiveness.

• The Kingdom has attracted more than $9 billion in investment in future technologies.

• OECD estimates that 1.1 billion jobs will be radically transformed by technology.

The phrase “digital economy” reflects how the technological revolution is transforming value chains in exponential, revolutionary ways — endowing new opportunities for markets worldwide to generate social and economic change.

“There is a worldwide need for reskilling and upskilling. The OECD estimates that over the next decade 1.1 billion jobs will be radically transformed by technology,” said Chip Paucek, co-founder and CEO of 2U, Inc., a leading US provider of software for universities.

“What is happening right now with AI is a good example of this and we are excited about what is happening here in the Kingdom.”

A panel on the main stage of LEAP, titled “Roadmap to Building a ‘DigitALL’ Economy in the Kingdom & Solving the Talent Conundrum,” included a conversation with Chander Prakash Gurnani, global CEO of Tech Mahindra, and British journalist Adam Boulton, with the talks examining how Saudi Arabia is building an inclusive economy through rapid advancements and investment in technology.

“India’s 1.4 billion population will benefit from the Kingdom becoming a role model in technology,” said Gurnani. “The Kingdom is one of our major focus countries. It’s a beautiful opportunity for us to participate and be part of the growth. When you work backwards, you need people, processes, technology and more importantly, an ecosystem of both products and technology.”

The Kingdom has attracted more than $9 billion in investment in future technologies, including by US giants Microsoft and Oracle, which are building cloud regions in Saudi Arabia, Saudi Minister of Communication and Information Technology Abdullah Al-Swaha told Reuters during LEAP on Monday.

Al-Swaha added that China’s Huawei will also invest $400 million in cloud infrastructure for its services in the Kingdom, as well as create another cloud region in partnership with Saudi Aramco.

The Kingdom has also encouraged the use of AI to achieve Vision 2030 and Smart Government Strategy objectives. The plan is expected to result in the Kingdom’s AI market growing to $135.2 billion by 2030, which is estimated to contribute 12.4 percent to gross domestic product.

As most panelists stressed during the sessions at LEAP, while investment in tech is paramount to advancement in technology and economic growth, what is key is training the younger, eager Saudi labor force and readying them with education and opportunities for the fourth industrial revolution, with the Kingdom increasingly looking to be a center of the new technological age.
 


Saudi Arabia’s AlUla, UNESCO sign deal for cultural programs, heritage fellowships

The AlUla vision aligns with Vision 2030 in bolstering strategic partnerships in development, including with UNESCO. (SPA)
Updated 26 September 2023
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Saudi Arabia’s AlUla, UNESCO sign deal for cultural programs, heritage fellowships

  • The two-year program will emphasize the role of heritage and creativity in constructing sustainable sites and a development model founded on cultural and social interaction in AlUla

RIYADH: Royal Commission for AlUla and UN Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization officials recently triggered the second phase of a cultural programs agreement signed in Paris in 2021.

The inking of the deal to activate the next stage of the initiative came in coordination with a steering committee represented by bodies including the RCU, UNESCO, the Saudi National Committee for Education, Culture, and Science, and the Saudi permanent delegation to UNESCO.

The AlUla vision aligns with Vision 2030 in bolstering strategic partnerships in development, including with UNESCO. (SPA)

Part two of the accord will focus mainly on projects related to building an integrated cultural scheme and developing a fellowship program in antiquities protection in cooperation with UNESCO and the Al-Mamalek Institute. Both initiatives aim to preserve heritage, promote education, nature, and creative arts.

The RCU UNESCO program will provide technical support while concentrating on capacity building and promoting international relations.

HIGHLIGHT

The fellowship program in antiquities protection will welcome its first fellows to AlUla this year, enabling researchers and heritage professionals to conduct work focused on conservation, management, and the exchange of knowledge.

It also aims to highlight cultural heritage and creativity as drivers of AlUla’s sustainable development plan, aligning with the AlUla vision and Saudi Vision 2030.

The two-year program will emphasize the role of heritage and creativity in constructing sustainable sites and a development model founded on cultural and social interaction in AlUla.

The fellowship program in antiquities protection will welcome its first fellows to AlUla this year, enabling researchers and heritage professionals to conduct work focused on conservation, management, and the exchange of knowledge.

The AlUla vision aligns with Vision 2030 in bolstering strategic partnerships in development, including with UNESCO. It aims to enhance education, culture, and science to stimulate economic opportunities, generate employment, and achieve comprehensive sustainable development.

 


Restaurant-owning Saudi prince cooks up social media sensation

Updated 26 September 2023
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Restaurant-owning Saudi prince cooks up social media sensation

  • Prince Nayef bin Mamdouh bin Abdulaziz dons a chef’s apron to serve and cook for customers

JEDDAH: A Saudi prince has caused a social media sensation with video clips of him serving and cooking for customers at his newly opened restaurant.

Prince Nayef bin Mamdouh bin Abdulaziz donned a chef’s apron and joined the staff to offer traditional Saudi cuisine such as mandi, jareesh, kabsa, mitazeez, margoog, harissa, and arekah at the Makarem Najd restaurant in Jeddah.

In one video clip, the prince can be seen cooking chicken over charcoal, and explaining the restaurant’s food safety accreditation to a customer.

“Young people say to me, ‘Why are you wearing this, and why are you working like this?’ This is my job,” the prince said. “I like to share my work with my team. Work is an honor, it is not a shame, and there is no prophet who did not herd sheep — work on yourself.”

Fans on social media approved. Abdul Rahman Al-Solaim said: “This is a message to some of our young men and women who may refuse to work in such professions. Prince Nayef bin Mamdouh bin Abdulaziz mobilizes enthusiasm and promotes the culture of self-employment.”

Another user, Mohammed Al-Shehri, said: “A beautiful and wonderful scene of Prince Nayef personally supervising and serving the patrons of a restaurant.”

The son of inventor, philanthropist, and former Tabuk Gov. Prince Mamdouh bin Abdulaziz, the prince has followed in his father’s footsteps doing charitable work.

One of his projects involved the creation of a rescue and relief helicopter with firefighting capabilities, an initiative that earned him a grand prize from the International Federation of Inventors’ Associations at the Geneva International Exhibition of Inventions.


Musical nostalgia beats in the heart of Jeddah

Updated 25 September 2023
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Musical nostalgia beats in the heart of Jeddah

  • Paying homage to world and local sounds, ‘Music and Antiques’ is a vibrant space founded by Saudi collector and producer Anwar Idriss

JEDDAH: In the heart of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia’s rich musical heritage is being revealed for contemporary audiences with a space titled “Music and Antiques,” thanks to the passion of Anwar Idriss, a well-traveled enthusiast, collector and producer.

The space represents the deep-rooted love Idriss holds for music, nurtured in Saudi Arabia and the US, where he spent his formative years.

Taking inspiration from signature Georgian designs, infused by his own style he labels “organized chaos,” Idriss has created an inviting and enveloping atmosphere within Music and Antiques. It is characterized by symmetrical layouts, decorative molding, and a generous splash of warm tones.

Music and Antiques is home to 4,000 vinyl records, including an original 1931 classic by Ludwig van Beethoven, and a 100-year-old piano. (AN photos by Nada Hameed)

The striking maroon walls are a testament to this style, coupled with polished wooden floors that seem to echo with stories with every step taken on them. Wooden shelves, showcasing a vast array of musical artifacts, line the walls, adding depth and history to the ambiance.

It is like a luxurious living room, with its wooden nuances and sparkling chandeliers. But the true marvel lies on the second floor, which has been transformed into a museum of musical collectibles.

HIGHLIGHTS

• ‘Music and Antiques’ is located on Al-Zahra district’s Al-Batarji street in Jeddah.

• The second floor is a museum of musical collectibles.

• Most of the showcased items were handpicked by founder Anwar Idriss.

Idriss has an enviable musical background, having collaborated with many prominent Saudi and Arab musicians. This expertise includes the production of TV commercials and music videos.

In a conversation with Arab News, Idriss recalled being a part of the last generation to receive formal music classes at Al-Thagour School in Saudi Arabia: “Ever since then my passion for music never died.”

Music and Antiques is home to 4,000 vinyl records, including an original 1931 classic by Ludwig van Beethoven, and a 100-year-old piano. (AN photos by Nada Hameed)

Idriss says the space is a culmination of a “personal dream,” emphasizing that he seeks to foster an appreciation of music without the distractions of modern technology.

The space serves several purposes, including to educate and protect the artistic heritage of generations past. It also acts as a space for live performances, and encourages children to come for rehearsals or simply explore their own passion for music.

“At its core, Music and Antiques is not just about reminiscing; it is about fostering all talents,” Idriss explained.

Anwar Idriss, Music and Antiques founder

“We motivate people to thrive on their skills and not to over-rely on technology when it comes to music,” he added.

Smoking is prohibited during performances, and as well as recording performers. The focus is on nurturing artistic growth and expression, not on seeking fleeting fame, he says.

The beating heart of Music and Antiques is its vast vinyl collection, encompassing genres ranging from blues and jazz to R&B, rock, hip-hop, and Arab music.

At its core, Music and Antiques is not just about reminiscing; it is about fostering all talents.

Anwar Idriss, Music and Antiques founder

Idriss proudly added: “This place houses over 4,000 vinyl records, including an original 1931 classic by Ludwig van Beethoven and a 100-year-old piano.”

The treasure trove of unique items includes paintings by local artists, hundreds of vintage cassette tapes, videotapes, CDs, TVs, and audio equipment, including stereos and gramophones.

Posters of American and Arab music legends including Ray Charles, Abdel Halim Hafez and Fairuz adorn the walls, adding layers to the rich tapestry of musical history being showcased.

Idriss handpicked most of the showcased items at Music and Antiques, and he  encourages collectors to exchange music-related antiques.

With an eye on helping people to diversify their income, in line with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s vision, Idriss welcomes the selling of items by music aficionados and collectors.

“Everything in the place is for sale, and we support and respect all items,” he said.

The response from the Saudi community has been overwhelming, with visitors flocking from all over the Kingdom to experience the magic of Music and Antiques.

Idriss is even considering franchising the concept to spread its unique spirit far and wide.

Looking ahead, Music and Antiques has ambitious plans to introduce the concept of “Tiny Disc,” which allows musicians to create music on the go. It is a testament to Idriss’ unwavering commitment to artistic creation for generations to come.

Music and Antiques stands as a beacon, reminding us of the enduring power of sound in people’s lives.

 


Who’s Who: Bandar Al-Mashhadi, CEO of the Media Rating Co.

Bandar Al-Mashhadi
Updated 25 September 2023
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Who’s Who: Bandar Al-Mashhadi, CEO of the Media Rating Co.

Bandar Al-Mashhadi is CEO of the Media Rating Co., a privately owned company that provides content consumption data measurement services to the media industry in Saudi Arabia. It is the Kingdom’s only licensed provider for data on viewership and is authorized by the General Authority of Media Regulation.  

The company aims to provide reliable insights into viewership and consumption patterns by ensuring its measurement methodologies align with the ever-changing requirements of media owners, agencies, and advertisers.

Under Al-Mashhadi’s leadership, the company provides precise information regarding media consumption across various platforms, including television and the internet, and aims to venture into emerging domains like gaming and podcasting as part of its expansion strategy.

Al-Mashhadi’s commitment to transparency, accuracy, and reliability forms the bedrock of the company’s operational philosophy, instilling confidence among stakeholders and propelling the company toward long-term, sustainable success in the industry.  

He has over 20 years of experience in engineering, media, and project management, having worked in various positions in the media and telecommunications industries.

Al-Mashhadi was vice president and general manager of the Middle East and North Africa region at WWE, managing director at OSN, and advisor to the minister of media.

He received a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering in aerospace from King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals and later attended Harvard Business School’s Senior Executive Leadership Program in the Middle East.

 


Minister meets Danish envoy to Saudi Arabia

Ali Al-Yousef receives Liselotte Plesner in Riyadh. (Supplied)
Updated 25 September 2023
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Minister meets Danish envoy to Saudi Arabia

  • They reviewed bilateral relations and discussed regional and international developments of common concern

RIYADH: Ambassador Ali Al-Yousef, Saudi deputy minister for consular affairs, on Monday met Liselotte Plesner, the ambassador of Denmark to the Kingdom.

The parties reviewed bilateral relations and discussed regional and international developments of common concern.

Plesner recently met Saudi Minister of Media Salman Al-Dosari, and said in a post on X that they had discussed “development of the Saudi media landscape and opportunities for cooperation between Denmark and Saudi Arabia.”