How generative AI is transforming business management in Saudi Arabia

Generative AI copilot Joule is rapidly becoming the natural language interface across the portfolio as SAP continues to embed AI across its applications. (Supplied)
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Updated 19 August 2024
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How generative AI is transforming business management in Saudi Arabia

  • Generative AI is streamlining business processes, enhancing decision-making, and boosting productivity
  • Ahmed Al-Faifi, head of SAP MENA, highlights the revolutionary impact of the technology on the Kingdom’s digital transformation

DUBAI: As businesses in Saudi Arabia and the wider Gulf region strive for greater efficiency, innovation, and profitability, SAP’s generative artificial intelligence program, Joule, is set to revolutionize the way firms operate.

By integrating cutting-edge AI capabilities directly into business processes, the German software company aims to streamline workflows, enhance decision-making, and boost productivity across industries.

Ahmed Al-Faifi, senior vice president and managing director of SAP Middle East and Africa — North, emphasized the impact of AI on the region during remarks at the recent SAP Sapphire conference in Barcelona, Spain.




Joule, SAP’s natural language generative AI copilot, is designed to simplify tasks and improve outcomes. (SAP photo)

“The groundbreaking use of generative AI and the partnerships announced by SAP at Sapphire are particularly relevant to our region, where both the public and private sectors have embraced the digital transformation necessary to leverage AI technologies,” said Al-Faifi.

Joule, SAP’s natural language generative AI copilot, is at the heart of this transformation. Designed to simplify tasks and improve outcomes, Joule is expected to manage 80 percent of the most common tasks performed by SAP’s 300 million end users by the end of 2024.

This shift has the potential to increase productivity by 20 percent, offering significant benefits to businesses in the Gulf region.

The capabilities of Joule extend across various business functions, from finance and analytics to order management. Joule also provides strategic recommendations, leveraging SAP’s B2B data model to offer real-time insights that enhance cash collection, supply chain decisions, and procurement strategies.

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This level of AI-driven support is particularly valuable in the Gulf, where businesses are navigating rapid growth and digital transformation.

Al-Faifi, a Saudi national leading SAP’s efforts in the region, highlighted the strategic importance of Saudi Arabia as a market.

“Amid this impressive and rapid digital evolution, it is imperative that we use AI in a way that will benefit our region’s businesses and communities,” he said.




Ahmed Al-Faifi, senior vice president and managing director of SAP Middle East and North Africa. (Supplied)

“From the outset, SAP pioneered AI solutions that are relevant, reliable, and responsible, and we remain committed to ensuring that the business AI infused across our portfolio adheres to these fundamental principles, while driving successful outcomes for public and private enterprises.”

SAP’s investment in Saudi Arabia reflects its commitment to this mission. Earlier this year, the company opened an SAP Experience Center in the Kingdom’s Eastern Province city of Alkhobar, designed to drive innovation with customers and partners.

In collaboration with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, SAP has also extended its Academy of Engineering program until 2025, further bolstering the country’s technological capabilities.




Last year, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology in collaboration with SAP Global launched a specialized training program aimed at qualifying national digital talent through both virtual and in-person journeys. (MICT photo)

Innovation is about leveraging knowledge about existing industries, Al-Faifi told Arab News. “For example, in the oil and gas sector, we are working with Saudi Aramco on innovation, specifically regarding maintenance. 

“We are making sure that AI and technology are being used to help optimize the company’s maintenance. Of course, there is a business aspect here. We need to reduce costs or increase the time to revenue because maintenance means downtime.”

Al-Faifi also stressed the need for businesses to adapt quickly to the fast-paced advancements in AI.

“AI is challenging everybody. It is going too fast,” he said. “There are so many scenarios, so many capabilities available, and the regulation is still evolving. The major focus here for SAP AI is to help the customer adapt and consume the technology they have in a much easier way.”

Joule is a key tool in this adaptation process, acting as an adviser to clients and simplifying complex business processes to enhance efficiency and productivity. This comes at a crucial time for Saudi Arabia, where rapid growth and transformation are driving the need for innovative solutions.

“The transformation taking place in Saudi Arabia is very exciting,” said Al-Faifi. “We can leverage the use of AI in business to expedite projects and attract new ones. The SAP innovation center in Saudi is meant to help local projects learn how to go faster to realize their goals.”

As SAP continues to expand its AI capabilities, the Gulf region stands to benefit from more streamlined operations, faster project completion, and ultimately, a more competitive position in the global market.
 

 


Riyadh forum spotlights women’s leadership roles

Updated 07 October 2024
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Riyadh forum spotlights women’s leadership roles

  • Award-winning journalist encourages Saudi women to shape their narrative through media
  • Baria Alamuddin: Saudi Arabia is the heart of the Arab world in every sense of the word

RIYADH: The Creative Women Forum, held in Riyadh on Monday, gathered female leaders from around the world to discuss entrepreneurship, sustainability, innovation, technology, wellness, art, and sports.

Baria Alamuddin, an award-winning journalist and broadcaster in the Middle East and UK, and the editor of the Media Services Syndicate, delivered a keynote speech, urging Saudi women to engage with the media to share their stories.

“Saudi Arabia is the heart of the Arab world in every sense of the word,” Alamuddin said.

She shared stories of meeting, working, and interacting with Saudi women, adding she had “never seen women love their country like the women in Saudi Arabia,” and that she had “met some of the strongest women” in the Kingdom.

In an interview with Arab News, Alamuddin expressed her passion for highlighting Saudi women, explaining that she had been frustrated by not knowing enough about them.

After visiting the Saudi Arabia and meeting women in leadership positions, she was amazed by their drive and dedication to the country's development.

“I knew these women were strong, passionate, and driven, with a genuine desire to impact the development of their country,” Alamuddin said.

“Every time I visit the Kingdom, I am amazed by the progress of Saudi women.”

Alamuddin is one of the many distinguished female leaders speaking at the forum.

The two-day event focuses on business, startups, investment, health, female leadership, sports, sustainability, technology, and other key areas. It includes workshops, panel discussions, and question-and-answer sessions with industry experts.

Other topics at the forum include cultural and social transformation, finance, equality in careers, and women’s health and well-being.

Speakers included Princess Reema bint Bandar, Saudi ambassador to the US; Princess Noura Al-Saud, patron of the Creative Women Forum; Dr. Selwa Al-Hazzaa, CEO and founder of the digital health company SDM; and Dr. Basma Al-Buhairan, managing director at C4IR.


Madinah governor receives German ambassador

Updated 07 October 2024
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Madinah governor receives German ambassador

  • The German Embassy in Riyadh recently hosted the 34th Unity Day celebration at the ambassador’s residence in Riyadh

MADINAH: Madinah’s Gov. Prince Salman bin Sultan received German Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Michael Kindsgrab in Madinah on Monday.

The parties discussed topics of common interest, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The German Embassy in Riyadh recently hosted the 34th Unity Day celebration at the ambassador’s residence in Riyadh. The day marks the reunification of East and West Germany on Oct. 3, 1990.

Kindsgrab told Arab News that Hajj and Umrah were two of the many areas in which Germany and Saudi Arabia were cooperating. “That is just one example of how we can establish more people-to-people contact,” he said.

 


The silent gamer: How Xzit Thamer captivated a global audience through silent acting

Updated 07 October 2024
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The silent gamer: How Xzit Thamer captivated a global audience through silent acting

RIYADH: In the world of content creation, few have managed to carve out a niche as distinctive as Saudi gamer Xzit Thamer. Known for his innovative approach to silent acting, Thamer has attracted a global following by relying solely on physical comedy and expressive gestures rather than verbal communication.

His ability to connect with audiences across various cultures has set him apart in the crowded gaming landscape.

Xzit Thamer’s journey began in 2019 and his videos gained traction shortly afterwards, garnering millions of views during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. As an introvert, he found solace in creating content while many were confined to their homes.

“When corona hit, I was happy,” he said. “I used this energy to create my content. The boom in my popularity coincided with lockdown, and I focused on being different from typical gamer content creators.” His approach resonated with viewers who were looking for light-hearted entertainment during challenging times.

Thamer describes his style as akin to that of Mr. Bean, the beloved character known for his slapstick humor and minimal dialogue. “I have many followers from the US, UK, Spain and Brazil because I don’t talk,” he said.

“I always wanted to be known globally, and I didn’t want to be like other gamers who only stream. I wanted to be different.” His commitment to silent acting has allowed him to reach a diverse audience, transcending language barriers and cultural differences.

Xzit Thamer captivating his audience with silent comedy, blending gaming and physical humor for a global fanbase. (Supplied)

One of Thamer’s primary goals is to increase the percentage of people who play video games. He believes that silent acting can attract those who might not typically engage with gaming content.

Thamer described how he aspires to have an impact across the world with his content. This ambition is evident in his work as he combines visual humor with gaming themes, creating a brand that appeals to both gamers and casual viewers alike.

On social media, Thamer operates under two distinct personas. The first is dedicated to his silent acting, where he uses exaggerated expressions and physical comedy to convey emotions and humor. The second persona focuses on gaming and anime pack openings, where he speaks Arabic and engages with fans in a more traditional format. “Some people don’t know I’m the same person on both channels because my energy is different,” he said, laughing. “Most people didn’t know I was Arab.”

Anime pack opening has become a significant part of Thamer’s content since he ventured into this area in 2022. The activity involves unboxing collectible cards items related to anime. The excitement of revealing rare or valuable cards keeps viewers engaged, turning each video into a thrilling experience. Thamer often opens packs from popular franchises such as Pokemon and Yu-Gi-Oh, beloved by fans of all ages.

The interaction during these pack openings is electric. Thamer’s dynamic presence draws in audiences, whether he is revealing a rare card or sharing his enthusiasm for a new collectible. “Kids get really excited when I open the packs,” he said, emphasizing the joy he brings to his viewers. This live interaction has helped him to build a loyal following, as fans eagerly anticipate his next reveal.  

Thamer’s approach caught the attention of the esports community, leading to an exciting opportunity at the Esports World Cup in Riyadh. There, he was granted his own activity focused on anime pack openings at Boulevard Riyadh City. This event allowed him to engage with fans in person, further solidifying his reputation as a rising star in the content creation space. “It was an exciting event where I interacted with my audience and opened packs in front of them,” he said. The energy and excitement at the event showcased his ability to connect with fans on a personal level.

As a content creator, Xzit Thamer has embraced the challenges and opportunities that come with his dual personas. Balancing silent acting with traditional gaming commentary requires creativity and adaptability. “I had to learn how to engage my audience in different ways,” he said. His versatility enables him to appeal to a broader audience while staying true to his own style.   

Xzit Thamer captivating his audience with silent comedy, blending gaming and physical humor for a global fanbase. (Supplied)

The impact of his work extends beyond mere entertainment; Thamer has become a role model for aspiring content creators in Saudi Arabia and beyond. His experience demonstrates that innovation and authenticity can lead to success in the digital world. By combining silent acting with gaming, he has crafted a distinctive identity that resonates with viewers across the world.   

https://www.instagram.com/xzit_thamer/

Looking ahead, Thamer is focused on expanding his reach and continuing to innovate within his content creation. His ambition to increase the gaming community’s visibility and engagement remains a driving force in his work.   

In an increasingly crowded digital landscape, Xzit Thamer has proven that sometimes, less is more. His silent yet expressive approach to content creation captures the essence of universal humor, allowing him to connect with fans around the world. As he continues to grow his brand and explore new avenues within the gaming community, there is no doubt that Xzit Thamer will leave an indelible mark on the world of content creation.


Riyadh dates exhibition drawing huge crowds

Updated 07 October 2024
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Riyadh dates exhibition drawing huge crowds

RIYADH: A dates exhibition in Riyadh has attracted more than 113,000 visitors since launching in August.

The third seasonal dates exhibition is organized by the National Company for Agricultural Services at Al-Rabwah markets in the Saudi capital. It runs until Oct. 31.

The event showcases a wide variety of high-quality local dates from across Saudi Arabia, receiving dozens of tonnes of the fruit daily.

More than 60 producers and marketers are taking part in the exhibition, displaying top date products and benefiting from commercial opportunities, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.

The exhibition offers technical solutions for date marketing, including online ordering via specialized stores. Visitors can also enjoy artistic and entertainment events hosted in pavilions at the market.

Riyadh leads the Kingdom in date production, with the region producing 436,000 of the country’s annual 1.6 million-tonne yield of the fruit.

Saudi Arabia has a positive trade balance in the date industry, with a self-sufficiency rate of 124 percent.

As the Kingdom strengthens its global leadership in date production, the Riyadh exhibition supports sustainable growth and fosters economic opportunities in agriculture.


Ministry honors graduates of artificial intelligence course

Updated 07 October 2024
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Ministry honors graduates of artificial intelligence course

RIYADH: The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology has honored graduates of a specialized training program designed to cultivate talent in artificial intelligence and machine learning, which was held in collaboration with Google Cloud at its headquarters in the US.

Deputy Minister for Future Jobs and Capabilities Ibrahem Al-Nasser acknowledged the graduates’ dedication and achievements throughout the program. 

The training covered the latest AI technologies and their practical applications in key sectors including healthcare, industry and education. 

This initiative further solidifies the Kingdom’s position as a frontrunner in global digital innovation, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.

In collaboration with Google Cloud, the program aligns with the ministry’s strategy to foster digital innovation by equipping participants with the skills needed to lead future technological endeavors.

It aims to provide local talent with opportunities to contribute actively to machine learning- and AI-driven fields, empowering them to play pivotal roles in the nation’s technological progress.