Saudi Arabia-UK roundtable on AI tackles ethics, regulations
KAUST showcased several of its research projects and highlighted potential areas for AI cooperation with UK institutions
Updated 25 October 2023
Arab News
RIYADH: The first Saudi Arabia-UK roundtable on artificial intelligence held earlier this week at the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority headquarters in Riyadh, saw participants discuss regulations and ethics related to the technology.
The organizers included the British Embassy and the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The participants at the gathering included Yaser Al-Onaizan, deputy CEO and deputy general-supervisor of the National Center for Artificial Intelligence, UK Ambassador to the Kingdom Neil Crompton, as well as senior officials, academics, and private sector representatives from both countries.
Discussions at the event focused on regulatory and ethical issues, including privacy, public trust and transparency, the SPA reported.
KAUST showcased several of its research projects and highlighted potential areas for AI cooperation with UK institutions.
A Saudi Arabia delegation is set to participate in the world’s first global AI safety summit next month in Britain.
The Nov. 1 to 2 summit will focus on the existential threat some lawmakers, and Britain’s Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, say AI poses.
Jeddah Book Fair set to showcase rising Saudi literary scene
This year’s cultural program reflects the Kingdom’s heritage, with over 170 events including lectures, panel discussions and workshops
Updated 58 min 40 sec ago
Arab News
JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission is preparing to host the Jeddah Book Fair from Dec. 11 to 20 at Jeddah Superdome, bringing together more than 1,000 local and international publishing houses and agencies from 24 countries across 400 booths.
Held under the slogan “Jeddah Reads,” the fair is part of the commission’s “Saudi Reads” campaign, which seeks to strengthen the Saudi literary landscape by encouraging reading and creating meaningful engagement between authors and audiences.
Jeddah Book Fair’s cultural program reflects the Kingdom’s heritage. (Supplied/@saudibookfairs)
Dr. Abdullatif Al-Wasil, CEO of the commission, said the Jeddah Book Fair reflects the leadership’s continued commitment to cultural development and the rapid growth of the Kingdom’s literature, publishing and translation sector.
He highlighted the fair’s interactive programs for publishers, authors, translators and the public, which are designed to enhance content quality, support creative development and foster knowledge partnerships.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Jeddah Book Fair seeks to strengthen the Saudi literary landscape by encouraging reading and creating meaningful engagement between authors and audiences.
• It will host prominent writers, thinkers and cultural figures from Saudi Arabia and abroad, offering a 10-day schedule of literary, intellectual and scientific events.
• The fair will continue to support emerging Saudi voices through the Saudi Authors’ Corner for self-published writers.
The event also reinforces Saudi Arabia’s position as a cultural hub attracting major publishers, content creators and investors.
This year’s cultural program reflects the Kingdom’s heritage, with over 170 events including lectures, panel discussions and workshops. A dedicated children’s zone will feature literary and entertainment activities tailored to young visitors, along with competitions to inspire reading and creativity.
The fair will host prominent writers, thinkers and cultural figures from Saudi Arabia and abroad, offering a 10-day schedule of literary, intellectual and scientific events.
Book-signing stations will give readers the chance to meet their favorite authors, while cultural organizations, community groups and universities will present their latest publications and initiatives.
A manga and anime zone will highlight collectibles from the genre, alongside specialized books. A discounted books section will also be available to promote wider access to reading.
The fair will continue to support emerging Saudi voices through the Saudi Authors’ Corner for self-published writers, where hundreds of titles across literary and cultural fields will be showcased, underscoring the fair’s role in nurturing local talent and enriching the Kingdom’s evolving literary scene.
