LEAP 2025, a flagship event bringing together global technology and innovation leaders, officially launched in Riyadh on Sunday, February 9.

On the first day of the conference, investments and projects totaling over $14.9bn in the artificial intelligence (AI) sector were announced, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

These major investments solidify Saudi Arabia’s position as a leading global player in shaping the digital future.

The investments aim to foster digital skills development, support the growth of tech startups, and encourage innovation within the kingdom. They further solidify Saudi Arabia’s standing as the largest digital economy in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, creating a thriving environment for global tech companies.

The announcement was made during the keynote address by Abdullah Alswaha, Minister of Communications and Information Technology.

LEAP 2025 positions Saudi Arabia as a tech leader

As LEAP 2025, which runs until Wednesday, kicked off under the theme “Into New Worlds”, Minister Alswaha highlighted that these investments and initiatives were made possible through the support of the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.

“These initiatives are integral to empowering the technology sector and accelerating Saudi Arabia’s transition towards an innovative, AI-driven economy,” said Alswaha. “They are also aligned with the objectives of Vision 2030.”

LEAP 2025 is organised by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming, and Drones (SAFCSP), and Tahaluf Company — a joint venture between SAFCSP and Informa, with support from the Events Investment Fund.

Several high-profile investments were unveiled on the event’s first day, including:

• Groq & Aramco Digital: A $1.5bn investment to expand AI-powered cloud computing, positioning Saudi Arabia as a global leader in AI.
• Alat and Lenovo: A $2bn investment to create an advanced AI and robotics-based manufacturing and technology centre in Saudi Arabia and establish Lenovo’s regional headquarters in Riyadh.
• Google: Plans to launch a global AI hub in Saudi Arabia to meet regional and international demand through an AI infrastructure investment.
• Qualcomm: Introduction of the ALLaM language model on the Qualcomm AI Cloud, alongside the ALLaM AI PC, advancing cloud-based AI solutions.
• Alibaba Cloud: An AI empowerment program in partnership with Tuwaiq Academy and STC to train local talent and support a sustainable digital future.
• Databricks: A commitment of $300m in platform-as-a-service (PaaS) solutions to foster data engineering and AI expertise.
• SambaNova: A $140m pledge to enhance advanced AI infrastructure in Saudi Arabia.
• KKR and Gulf Data Hub: A major investment in Saudi Arabia’s data centre development with a capacity of up to 300 megawatts.
• Salesforce: A $500m commitment to expand its Hyperforce platform in Saudi Arabia.
• Tencent Cloud: A $150m investment to establish its first cloud region in the Middle East, launching integrated AI capabilities from Saudi Arabia.

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The integration of AI in waste management is transforming waste segregation processes through automation and precision. Smart systems, supported by advanced telecommunications infrastructure, are reshaping how waste is collected, sorted, and processed, bringing new efficiency to an industry ready for change.

These technological advancements arrive at a crucial moment as the waste management sector embraces digital solutions to address growing environmental challenges.

The scale of Saudi Arabia’s waste management challenge demands innovative solutions aligned with Vision 2030’s sustainability goals. The country generates more than 110 million tonnes of waste annually, with nearly half concentrated in three major cities – Riyadh (21 per cent), Jeddah (14 per cent), and Dammam (8 per cent). The environmental impact is substantial, with the National Centre for Waste Management (MWAN) estimating environmental degradation costs from solid waste at $1.3bn in 2021.

As landfill sites approach capacity, the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture has responded with a comprehensive strategy unveiled in early 2024. This ambitious plan aims to achieve a 95 per cent recycling rate and process 100 million tonnes of waste annually, supported by more than 65 initiatives and investments exceeding SR55bn. The strategy is expected to contribute SR120bn ($31.99bn) to the gross domestic product, marking a significant shift in how waste management operates within the Kingdom.

The implementation of AI and IoT technologies, enabled by modern telecommunications networks, stands at the forefront of this transformation. Smart bins equipped with sensors now monitor waste levels in real-time, transmitting data to central management systems that analyse fill rates and predict collection needs.

These systems optimise pickup routes, reducing unnecessary collections and lowering fuel consumption and carbon emissions from collection vehicles. In processing facilities, AI-powered sorting machines improve material recovery rates using advanced algorithms to identify different types of waste materials. This technology processes waste faster than traditional methods while maintaining higher accuracy rates and reducing contamination in recycled materials.

The integration extends to collection vehicles, where AI systems monitor and verify waste content, ensuring compliance with acceptance criteria and maintaining processing quality standards throughout the entire waste management chain.

Predictive analytics and data-driven decision-making are reshaping waste management operations at every level. By analysing historical data and current trends, AI systems forecast waste generation patterns, enabling precise resource allocation and infrastructure planning. This capability proves particularly valuable in urban areas, where waste patterns vary significantly based on population density and commercial activity.

The technology monitors waste from collection to processing, providing real-time data on volumes, types, and processing status. These insights enable facility managers to optimise operations, identify improvement areas, and make informed decisions about infrastructure development. The implementation of robotics in material recovery facilities (MRFs) adds another layer of sophistication, with AI-guided robotic sorting systems working continuously to separate materials, reducing processing time, and improving recovery rates, particularly effective for handling mixed waste streams where accurate sorting is crucial for maximising resource recovery.

The digital transformation of waste management through AI introduces unprecedented levels of transparency and efficiency to the sector. Advanced monitoring systems track waste throughout its journey, from source to final processing, creating a digital trail that ensures accountability and enables real-time reporting.

This data-driven approach provides valuable insights for policymakers and operators, facilitating strategic planning and operational improvements. AI systems analyse patterns in waste generation and processing, enabling better infrastructure planning and resource allocation.

The technology optimises recycling processes through continuous analysis of waste composition data, ensuring maximum resource recovery while minimising environmental impact. This systematic approach to waste management represents a fundamental shift in how the sector operates, moving from reactive to proactive management strategies that anticipate and address challenges before they emerge.

The potential of AI in waste management extends beyond operational efficiency – it’s about creating a cleaner, more responsible world for future generations, ushering in an era where every action in managing waste is a step towards sustainability.

• Abdullah Mohammad Khorami is the Chief Business Officer of Etihad Salam Telecom Company.

Saudi Arabia is set to introduce new regulations for investment funds in the country.

The Capital Market Authority (CMA) in Saudi Arabia has initiated a public consultation regarding proposed changes to the regulatory framework for investment funds.

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The proposed regulations aim to enhance the regulatory framework by increasing transparency and disclosure for fund unit holders, ensuring governance standards that protect investor rights, and boosting the appeal of asset management in the country.

Additionally, the consultation outlines provisions for the voluntary withdrawal of public and private fund managers. Current fund managers will now be required to transfer their management responsibilities to a successor within 60 days of receiving approval.

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This regulatory mechanism would ensure:

• The protection of investors’ rights in public, private, and real estate investment funds
• A smooth transition of fund management
• Safeguarding unit holders’ interests
• Bolstering investor confidence in the capital market

Real estate investment funds

Funds listed on the Parallel Market (Nomu) would, upon establishment, be allowed to invest in real estate development projects. These funds will not be bound by the investment policy percentages and asset restrictions stipulated in the Real Estate Investment Funds Regulations.

Advantages for investors

• Expansion of investment opportunities for these funds
• Support for the diversification of assets
• Increased flexibility, enhancing potential returns for investors

Must know: Saudi Arabia eases foreign property investments in Mecca, Medina

If approved, the project would also allow capital market institutions licensed to conduct investment management activities to distribute foreign funds and offer their securities in Saudi Arabia. This would enable clients in the country to invest in foreign funds.

Additionally, the CMA has proposed other regulatory provisions to encourage the growth of investment funds and real estate investment funds in Saudi Arabia.

The UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) have launched the Food Control System Assessment in the UAE.

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It was launched during a five-day inception and training workshop held at MOCCAE headquarters in Dubai. More than 50 professionals from the UAE’s Competent Authorities (CAs) participated in the workshop, marking the beginning of a comprehensive evaluation of the national food control system.

Dr Mohammed Salman Al Hammadi, Assistant Undersecretary for the Food Diversity Sector at MOCCAE, said food safety is a key pillar of the UAE’s National Food Security Strategy and plays a crucial role in protecting public health.

Find out: How Switch Foods is redefining plant-based eating in the UAE

The Food Control Systems Evaluation Project–Food Safety Index has been launched in collaboration with the FAO, with index measurement set to begin in 2025.

Reason why the project has been launched

The project aims to:

• Assess the current status of food safety systems in the UAE
• Identify necessary initiatives and actions for the ministry and local authorities to enhance existing systems in line with international best practices
• Determine the food safety rate at the federal level
• The authorities will also review data and the capabilities of food regulatory bodies in the country as part of the project

Food establishments, imported food shipments, food laboratories, animal feed, and other related aspects of food safety will also be considered.

Advantages: How the assessment will help the UAE

This assessment will provide valuable insights and data needed to strengthen the UAE’s food safety system.

Not only will it assist the country in addressing food safety risks, but it will also help align the UAE with global best practices and promote regional and international trade.

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, has approved the Dubai Child Protection Protocol to improve the lives of children and residents in the UAE.

According to a Dubai Media office report, the initiatives aim not only to enhance social development benchmarks focused on children’s quality of life, but also to improve the well-being of people in the country.

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The initiatives were approved at a meeting of the Executive Council of Dubai, reflecting the UAE’s commitment to caring for its people and building an inclusive, resilient, and future-ready society.

On January 27, the UAE declared 2025 as the Year of Community.

The ‘Dubai Child Protection Protocol’ has been designed to provide a comprehensive approach to child welfare in the country, with a strong focus on family support.

Other child-centric initiatives will include proactive child welfare services, training programs for social workers, and legislative reforms to strengthen governance.

The focus of the protocol

The initiative covers multiple stages of a child’s life, including prenatal care, birth registration, early childhood services, school-age support, youth development, and pre-marital counseling for adults.

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The protocol is based on a well-governed framework for child welfare, aiming to enhance collaboration among specialized teams, such as:

• Dubai Police
• Community Development Authority
• Dubai Public Prosecution
• Dubai Courts
• Supreme Legislation Committee
• Knowledge and Human Development Authority
• Dubai Health Authority
• Dubai Academic Health Institution
• Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services
• Erada Center
• Dubai Foundation for Women and Children
• General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs
• Digital Dubai Authority
• Dubai Sports Council

Community Development Fund Policy

This policy is designed to enhance community services, fund social programs, and foster an inclusive society for all UAE residents.

Managed by the Community Development Authority, the policy focuses on empowering UAE nationals, improving social services, and driving innovation in social support. It aligns with the Dubai Social Agenda 33 and supports various social development initiatives.