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.
 

 


Program to combat human trafficking concludes in Riyadh

Updated 6 sec ago
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Program to combat human trafficking concludes in Riyadh

RIYADH: The National Committee to Combat Human Trafficking, chaired by President of the Saudi Human Rights Commission Hala Al-Tuwaijri, recently concluded the second phase of its “Train-the-Trainers” program.

The five-day program was delivered to 20 committee members in the field of combating human trafficking, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Held at the commission’s headquarters in Riyadh, it was organized in collaboration with the UN Office on Drugs and Crime.

It featured the participation of several experts and specialists from relevant government agencies and covered key topics including communication strategies with trainees, the role and responsibilities of the trainer, and speech skills.

It also addressed building trust, time management, and effective leadership.

The program is part of the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to combat human trafficking and strengthen national capacity in the field.

It aligns with the implementation of the second phase of the memorandum of understanding between the commission and the UN for technical cooperation in combating human trafficking.


Experts discuss importance of geographical names at Jeddah forum

An attendee visits an exhibition at the 10th Forum of the Arab Division of Experts in Geographical Names. (AN photo)
Updated 33 min 48 sec ago
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Experts discuss importance of geographical names at Jeddah forum

  • Conference aims to facilitate unification of place names

JEDDAH: An event to strengthen cooperation and facilitate the exchange of ideas about geographical place names in Arab countries began in Jeddah on Sunday.

Experts from 22 Arab nations and international organizations gathered for the start of the 10th Forum of the Arab Division of Experts in Geographical Names, which is scheduled to run for three days.

The event is being held under the theme “Strengthening Relations and Links Between Arab States in the Field of Geographical Names,” and is hosted under the auspices of Prince Khalid bin Salman, the minister of defense and chairman of the board of directors of the General Authority for Survey and Geospatial Information.

The conference, which was opened by Jeddah Gov. Prince Saud bin Abdullah bin Jalawi, aims to facilitate joint Arab action in various fields, including the documentation of geographical names; unifying geographical names in Arabic, avoiding the use of colloquial dialects; and launching new national committees.

Mohammed bin Yahya Al-Sayel, president of the authority, noted that Saudi Arabia placed great importance on the topic of geographical names.

The authority on the opening day signed 10 memorandums of cooperation with a number of entities in the government sector, the academic sector, and the nonprofit sector.

Tim Trainer, a part-time consultant to the UN and former chief geospatial scientist for the US Census Bureau, told Arab News: “The collaboration, from a regional perspective, is very impressive, and it seems there is a positive path to that collaboration.”

Meanwhile, Tariq Aba Al-Khail, the official spokesperson for the Saudi Geological Survey, spoke of the importance of documenting data on mineral sites through the National Geological Information Database.


Saudi Arabia condemns bombing at rail station in Pakistan

Passengers’ belongings are seen scattered on the platform after an explosion at a railway station in Quetta, in Balochistan.
Updated 10 November 2024
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Saudi Arabia condemns bombing at rail station in Pakistan

  • “The Kingdom reiterates its position rejecting all forms of violence and terrorism,” a Foreign Ministry statement said
  • At least 24 people were killed and more than 40 injured in the bomb blast in Quetta, Balochistan province

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia on Sunday condemned a bomb blast at a railway station in the city of Quetta in southwestern Pakistan that killed 24 people on Saturday.

“The Kingdom reiterates its position rejecting all forms of violence and terrorism,” a Foreign Ministry statement said. 

The ministry extended its condolences to the families of the victims and to the government and people of Pakistan. It also wished the injured a speedy recovery.

At least 24 people were killed and more than 40 injured in the bomb blast in Quetta, Balochistan province. The Baloch Liberation Army, a separatist militant group, claimed responsibility for the attack.


Platform inspires children to learn about Saudi cultural heritage

Platform offers interactive content on historic landmarks, renowned cultural figures and vibrant art forms. (MoC)
Updated 10 November 2024
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Platform inspires children to learn about Saudi cultural heritage

  • Initiative aligns with the ministry’s broader children’s program aimed at nurturing national pride by providing gateway for children to explore their cultural heritage

RIYADH: The Ministry of Culture has launched the Child’s Culture digital platform to spark children’s interest in Saudi Arabia’s rich cultural heritage.

The platform offers interactive content on historic landmarks, renowned cultural figures and vibrant art forms, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.

Young explorers can delve into various sections, such as Cultural Monuments, which showcases iconic heritage sites; Cultural Luminaries, which introduces influential Saudi figures; and Cultural Recommendations, which features weekly updates on cultural experiences.

The Puzzle Game section challenges players to assemble fragments of paintings from different regions to reveal a complete masterpiece.

Catering to auditory learners, the platform offers the “Podcast Tawela,” with content tailored to capture the imagination of young audiences.

The platform also offers a variety of training activities to nurture children’s cultural talents. These include Be Creative with Your Handwriting with Arabic Poetry, which provides handwriting lessons for young Arabic learners; Let’s Discover Culture Together, a coloring book that introduces children to cultural concepts through art; and The Little Writer, which guides children in writing and composition.

The initiative aligns with the ministry’s broader children’s program aimed at nurturing national pride by providing an accessible and engaging gateway for children to explore their cultural heritage.

Through innovative and interactive content, the platform fosters knowledge, skills development, and a deep appreciation of Saudi culture and identity.

The platform is accessible at moc.gov.sa/en/Modules/Pages/Child-Culture.


Healthcare workers in Saudi Arabia face legal action for social media violations

Saudi Ministry of Health
Updated 10 November 2024
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Healthcare workers in Saudi Arabia face legal action for social media violations

  • Ministry found video clips violating healthcare regulations and professional ethics, SPA reported Sunday
  • In response, the ministry initiated legal proceedings with the relevant authorities, referring cases for regulatory action

RIYADH: The Saudi Ministry of Health has taken action against several healthcare practitioners who posted inappropriate content on social media.

The ministry found video clips violating healthcare regulations and professional ethics, the Saudi Press Agency reported Sunday.

Violations included posting indecent content, using improper language, breaching workplace policies, mistreating patients and sharing an inappropriate video featuring a hospitalized patient.

The offending practitioners were identified in Riyadh, Jazan and Tabuk, the SPA reported.

In response, the ministry initiated legal proceedings with the relevant authorities, referring cases for regulatory action.

The enforcement supports the ministry’s role in upholding professional standards, healthcare quality and patient rights.

“This action stems from our commitment to ensuring compliance with professional standards in healthcare practice,” the ministry said.

It emphasized that healthcare professionals must comply with regulations to serve public and individual interests while respecting dignity and safety.

The Saudi Commission for Health Specialties’ Code of Medical Ethics prohibits patient filming except for approved purposes, with violations risking license revocation. Practitioners are also barred from self-promotion except in authorized cases.

Under the Cybercrime Law, violators face severe penalties, including up to five years in prison and fines of up to SR3 million ($799,000) for producing content that breaches public values.