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Saudi universities have made a significant impact at the third edition of the Global AI Summit, organized by the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) in Riyadh. This prestigious event highlighted the Kingdom’s advancements in artificial intelligence and its integration into academic research, enhancing the quality of scientific outputs. Leading institutions like King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, and Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University showcased their cutting-edge developments in AI-related academic fields.
King Saud University played a pivotal role, demonstrating its leadership with over 21 innovative AI use cases. These initiatives underscore the university’s position as a leading hub for research and innovation, further solidified by its 90th place in the Shanghai Global Ranking. The showcased projects align with Saudi Arabia’s national priorities in research, development, and innovation, focusing on health, environmental sustainability, energy, industry, and future economies.
Innovative AI Solutions for National Priorities
The AI projects presented by Saudi universities reflect the national aspirations and priorities. In the health sector, AI is utilized to enhance medical solutions at university medical centers and health colleges. This involves AI-driven diagnostics and improved healthcare services, ensuring better patient outcomes. Environmental sustainability is another critical area, where AI is employed to optimize natural resource management and ensure ecosystem sustainability. The energy and industry sectors benefit from AI’s ability to enhance energy efficiency and industrial production, leveraging smart technologies.
Among the standout projects was King Saud University’s “Firefighting Robot,” developed by the Smart Robotics Research Center in the College of Computer and Information Sciences. This robot integrates smart sensors and an innovative navigation system to detect fires and respond promptly to incidents in enclosed spaces. Such advancements demonstrate the university’s commitment to addressing real-world challenges through AI-driven solutions.
AI-Driven Cultural and Educational Innovations
In addition to addressing technical and scientific challenges, Saudi universities are also exploring AI’s potential in cultural and educational fields. King Saud University presented the “Arabic Poet’s Linguistic Fingerprint” project, which captivated attendees. This initiative uses generative AI algorithms to analyze Arabic poetry, extracting linguistic patterns that characterize each poet’s style. By identifying the unique linguistic fingerprint of poets based on their vocabulary and writing style, this project contributes to a deeper understanding of literary texts and enhances literary analysis.
Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University introduced the “Absarna” project, designed to train the eyes of children with astigmatism and amblyopia. This project employs eye-tracking technology and AI to measure the impact of games on children’s eye training, offering a series of engaging games tailored for children. It also ensures web accessibility to support individuals with disabilities. The project has garnered local and international recognition, winning the Delegates’ Award at the Web Conference in Singapore 2024.
Conclusion: Saudi Arabia’s AI Future
The participation of Saudi universities in the Global AI Summit underscores the Kingdom’s commitment to advancing artificial intelligence across various fields. Through innovative projects and collaborations, these institutions are poised to play a crucial role in shaping the future of AI in Saudi Arabia and beyond. By aligning their efforts with national priorities, Saudi universities are not only enhancing academic research but also contributing to the country’s vision of a knowledge-based economy. As AI continues to evolve, these institutions remain at the forefront of innovation, driving progress and setting new standards in AI research and application.
The showcased projects and initiatives reflect a broader trend of leveraging AI for societal benefits, highlighting the transformative potential of this technology in addressing complex challenges and creating a sustainable future.
Source: SPA
