Egyptian AI startup Intella raises $3.4m from Saudi investors 

Egyptian AI startup Intella raises $3.4m from Saudi investors 
The capital injection is set to accelerate Intella’s foray into the Saudi market and underpin the development of artificial intelligence models tailored for the Middle East and North Africa audience.  Photo/Supplied
Short Url
Updated 04 October 2023
Follow

Egyptian AI startup Intella raises $3.4m from Saudi investors 

Egyptian AI startup Intella raises $3.4m from Saudi investors 

RIYADH: In a significant development for Saudi Arabia’s technology sector, Egyptian deep tech firm Intella has successfully secured $3.4 million in a pre-series A funding round. This funding round was led by Saudi-based HALA Ventures and Wa’ed Ventures, the venture arm of Aramco. 

The capital injection is set to accelerate Intella’s foray into the Saudi market and underpin the development of artificial intelligence models tailored for the Middle East and North Africa audience.    

To demonstrate its commitment to the market, Intella is strategically relocating its headquarters to Saudi Arabia, positioning itself in the midst of the Kingdom's growing tech and AI landscape. 

“Saudi Arabia is quickly becoming a hub for technological advances. This move fits perfectly with our plans for expansion,” said Nour Taher, CEO and co-founder.   

In its pursuit of technological excellence, Intella’s Voice system achieved a 95.73 percent accuracy rate after extensive testing involving 30,000 hours of Arabic audio. This accuracy rate surpasses industry giants like Google and IBM Watson. 

Omar Mansour, Intella’s co-founder and chief technology officer, highlighted the Arabic-focused voice technology, emphasizing its move into advanced audio analytics.   

Hailing Intella’s pioneering approach, Ali Abussaud of HALA Ventures noted: “We’re excited to back Intella’s vision. They’re making significant strides in connecting global AI progress with the needs of the Arab-speaking community, and it’s exactly the kind of initiative the region needs right now.”   

As Intella aims to lead the way in Arabic voice technology, this funding brings it closer to its goal of aligning the MENA region with global tech advancements. 

The funding round also received contributions from Sanabil500, INSEAD’s alumni angel network, and several other prominent investors.


EV Auto Show 2024: Saudi car rental and B2B sectors to drive EV adoption by 2026, says executive 

EV Auto Show 2024: Saudi car rental and B2B sectors to drive EV adoption by 2026, says executive 
Updated 43 sec ago
Follow

EV Auto Show 2024: Saudi car rental and B2B sectors to drive EV adoption by 2026, says executive 

EV Auto Show 2024: Saudi car rental and B2B sectors to drive EV adoption by 2026, says executive 

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s car rental and business-to-business sectors are expected to drive electric vehicle adoption in the coming two years, according to an industry leader. 

Speaking during a panel discussion at the EV Auto Show in Riyadh, Hashim Al-Fatayerji, regional executive director at Sixt, forecast a rise in EV dealerships across the Kingdom.

“In 2025 and 2026, we will see more adoption of EVs across the rental car and B2B sectors,” he said. 

Saudi Arabia aims to convert 30 percent of Riyadh’s vehicles to electric by 2030, part of a broader strategy to cut emissions in the capital by 50 percent and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060.   

Al-Fatayerji anticipates the opening of additional dealerships – including American and European brands – and increased local production of EVs by the end of 2026.

“This will be a game changer for the industry because it will change the dynamics of purchasing power in the market and where we are buying cars from,” he added. 

Al-Fatayerji also noted that Sixt is working closely with partners and suppliers to ensure operational efficiency and profitability.   

Nicolas Verneuil, managing director at Petromin Stellantis, emphasized the need for further progress in the EV sector.

“More needs to be done, of course, and until we reach the right level of capillarity, people will wonder, ‘Can I get quite the same driving experience with an EV as I do with my combustion engine?’” he said.  

Verneuil also highlighted the efforts of the government, the Public Investment Fund, and private companies in accelerating infrastructure development. 

Lisa Brigmann, president and CEO of AdvantEdge Engineering Group, discussed the role of automotive companies and rental businesses in EV adoption.

“I think that it would be really helpful for big automotive companies and even car rental companies to start helping customers envision how they can accept EVs into their daily lives,” she said.  

Brigmann also pointed out that while material costs for EVs remain high, the benefits of lower CO2 emissions are a significant driver. “When they rent or own a car, they are actually part of the solution to reducing emissions,” she added.  

In a separate panel, James Luxbacher, managing director at Sixt, addressed the pricing challenges of EVs.  

Luxbacher noted that the rapid decline in vehicle pricing makes it challenging for owners who plan to resell their vehicles after a certain period. “We need some more stability, and I think most of us are learning right now. It will get more stable in the future,” he said.  

The Sixt managing director also commented on the reliability of EVs, saying: “But again, it takes the infrastructure too if you want to go on longer trips with the truck. Particularly in last-mile delivery, we’ll see a big uptick in it.” 

The EV Auto Show, held at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center, aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, underscoring its commitment to EVs and sustainable technology.  

The event brings together automotive manufacturers, charging solution providers, policymakers, and consumers to explore the future of mobility. Attendees can engage with a range of EVs, charging solutions, and green technologies through interactive seminars and panel discussions. 


Italian business body of 7,000 firms eyes investments in Saudi Arabia

Italian business body of 7,000 firms eyes investments in Saudi Arabia
Updated 12 min 40 sec ago
Follow

Italian business body of 7,000 firms eyes investments in Saudi Arabia

Italian business body of 7,000 firms eyes investments in Saudi Arabia

RIYADH: An Italian business federation representing 7,000 companies has announced plans to increase Italian investments in Saudi Arabia, focusing on opportunities aligned with Vision 2030.

According to the Saudi Press Agency, the federation includes major Italian firms across key economic sectors. This announcement was made during the Saudi-Italian Business Forum, held at the Saudi Chambers Federation. The event featured the newly appointed Italian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Carlo Baldocchi, along with representatives from over 140 companies and officials from both nations.

Attilio Fontana, president of the Lombardy Regional Government, emphasized that Lombardy, which has a gross domestic product exceeding $444 billion, is a crucial part of the Italian economy and offers significant opportunities for international investors. He noted that the visit aims to enhance the role of Italian expertise in Saudi investments, scientific collaboration, and cultural exchange, while committing to provide incentives for Saudi investors.

Kamel Al-Majid, chairman of the Saudi-Italian Business Council, highlighted the growth in bilateral trade between Saudi Arabia and Italy, which is now approaching SR38 billion ($10.1 billion). Lombardy has made substantial contributions through key exports such as machinery, chemicals, and automotive products.

He also pointed out that cooperation in logistics, infrastructure development, and digital technologies could create significant opportunities for Italian investors, while Italian expertise in construction can support major projects in Saudi Arabia.

Lombardy, a financial and industrial powerhouse, hosts the Italian stock exchange and attracts global investments in sectors like automotive, aerospace, life sciences, biotechnology, artificial intelligence, and advanced technologies.

Saudi Arabia is actively enhancing its efforts to attract foreign investments across various sectors. The recent update to its investment law aligns with international best practices to create a more favorable business environment.

Announced in August, the new legislation replaces the Foreign Investment Law of 2000, aiming to ensure equal treatment for domestic and foreign investors. At the launch of the new law, Saudi Investment Minister Khalid Al-Falih stated that the legislation “reaffirms Saudi Arabia’s commitment to creating a welcoming and secure environment for investors.”

In January, Hassan Al-Huwaizi, president of the Federation of Saudi Chambers of Commerce and Industry, announced that the number of Saudi foreign business councils had reached 70, including those with major global economic players such as China, the US, Japan, and the UK, as well as Italy, France, and the UAE.

The recent reestablishment of the business council with Canada in July is the latest step in a plan led by the federation to strengthen the Kingdom’s international trade relationships as part of the Vision 2030 economic diversification strategy.


Saudi EV industry to advance significantly, top executives predict

Saudi EV industry to advance significantly, top executives predict
Updated 50 min 4 sec ago
Follow

Saudi EV industry to advance significantly, top executives predict

Saudi EV industry to advance significantly, top executives predict

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s electric vehicle industry is poised for substantial advancements in the coming years, according to officials during a panel discussion at the EV Auto Show.

Held in Riyadh on Sept. 18, the panel titled “The Landscape of Electric Charging in Saudi Arabia” featured Ali Ghnaim, CEO of Gasable, who shared encouraging insights about the local community’s embrace of the Kingdom’s transition to EVs.

“We find that the willingness to have an electric vehicle in Saudi Arabia at around 60 percent. Following our audience, and this is a very great percentage,” he noted.

During the same discussion, Mohammed Al-Musawa, head of ASX E-Mobility, emphasized the importance of collaboration among companies and dealerships. He stated: “The goal of this market is the dealership and then we complement the dealership with the charging infrastructure. So, everyone here plays a very vital role in just providing the facility or facilitating the infrastructure to the dealerships itself, to the end users, giving them the assurance that we will be there. We will give you the choices.”

Al-Musawa highlighted the Saudi government’s proactive stance on the future of EVs, saying, “From what I’ve seen, the push for the government, the money that is already on the table. We know that there will be a future for the EVs. So, dealerships here are trying to raise awareness, trying to set up the facilities. (The government is) trying to set up the infrastructure for the charging stations.”

Rohit Ramesh, manager at CITA EV and a panelist, spotlighted two of the Kingdom’s giga-projects, NEOM and The Red Sea, which are crucial to the EV sector. “So, the newer infrastructures, the new constructions that we are expecting from NEOM and Red Sea, all these sites already have these EV charger infrastructures in the development phase itself,” he said.

Saudi Arabia has already supported EV companies through its giga-project initiatives. In 2023, The Red Sea developed the largest off-grid EV charging network in the Kingdom, installing over 150 terminals to power 80 guest transport vehicles.

NEOM’s commitment to zero-carbon goals includes implementing shared autonomous and electric shuttles, which will enhance urban passenger mobility and feature a high-speed underground transit system.

The panel concluded with optimistic forecasts for the EV sector's future in Saudi Arabia. Ramesh remarked: “By 2030, the vision of Saudi Arabia would be seeing several charging stations across (the country), and it will be more seamless to travel within the region, and more electric vehicles will be coming into the market as well.”


Growth of Saudi banking sector accelerated by diversification initiatives: Moody’s

Growth of Saudi banking sector accelerated by diversification initiatives: Moody’s
Updated 18 September 2024
Follow

Growth of Saudi banking sector accelerated by diversification initiatives: Moody’s

Growth of Saudi banking sector accelerated by diversification initiatives: Moody’s

RIYADH:Saudi Arabia’s efforts toward economic diversification are fueling the growth of its banking sector, with industries such as construction and tourism offering appealing lending opportunities, according to a recent analysis.

In its latest report, the US-based credit rating agency Moody’s said that the performance of the banking sector’s loan portfolio has continued to improve, particularly following the rollout of the Kingdom’s national diversification agenda aimed at reducing dependence on hydrocarbon revenue.

Emphasizing the banking sector’s growth, the Saudi Central Bank, also known as SAMA, reported that the aggregate profit before zakat and tax of banks operating in the Kingdom reached an unprecedented SR7.83 billion ($2.1 billion) in July, reflecting a 23 percent annual increase.

“We expect this trend to persist over the coming 12 to 18 months, further boosting the non-hydrocarbon economy where banks largely operate. Saudi borrowers’ repayment capacity is also supported by government policies and reforms,” said Lea Hanna, an analyst at Moody’s.

She added: “Saudi banks are enjoying lower delinquencies in their loan portfolios, while provisions cover nonperforming loans fully.”

According to Moody’s, Saudi Arabia’s real non-hydrocarbon gross domestic product is expected to grow robustly, by approximately 5.5 percent in both 2024 and 2025, driven by government investments in large infrastructure projects that will increase demand for credit during these years.

The agency also highlighted that construction, along with sectors such as tourism and entertainment, will play a vital role in shaping the growth of Saudi banks’ loan books.

“Although the contribution of giga projects, such as Red Sea and Qiddiyah, to total corporate lending will remain significant, diversification into new sectors, such as tourism, entertainment and renewable energy provide attractive lending opportunities,” said Moody’s.

The report further indicated that lending to small and medium enterprises in Saudi Arabia has increased, although it still represents a small fraction of the overall sector loan book.

Moody’s also pointed out potential risks that could impact the asset quality of banks, including a prolonged period of low oil prices and possible changes in government policy.

“They (banks in Saudi Arabia) remain exposed to downside risks should there be a reversal in economic momentum or a relaxation in authorities’ active support in managing system asset risks,” said Hanna.

In July, another report from Moody’s stated that Saudi banks are likely to see their client base expand due to government-backed economic diversification efforts that are promoting innovation and boosting productivity in the Kingdom.

The analysis also noted that Saudi Arabia and Oman were the top two Gulf Cooperation Council countries with the lowest volatility in non-oil sector expansion from 2020 to 2023.


UAE mandates private firms to reserve board seats for women

UAE mandates private firms to reserve board seats for women
Updated 18 September 2024
Follow

UAE mandates private firms to reserve board seats for women

UAE mandates private firms to reserve board seats for women

JEDDAH: The UAE has mandated private joint-stock companies to reserve at least one board seat for women, reinforcing the nation’s commitment to gender equality in leadership.

The Ministry of Economy issued this new directive, which will take effect once the current board terms expire, aligning with the Gulf state’s goal of enhancing global competitiveness. This initiative highlights the leadership’s dedication to empowering women and advancing sustainable development goals.

The ministerial resolution, which regulates the governance and operations of private joint-stock companies, builds on a similar mandate introduced for public joint-stock firms in 2021. This earlier measure has yielded positive results by improving institutional performance and economic outcomes.

The UN Development Program recently announced that the UAE has climbed to 7th place in the 2024 Gender Inequality Index, a significant rise from 49th in 2015 and 11th in 2022. This announcement was made during the 68th session of the Commission on the Status of Women in New York.

In 2015, the Gulf country established its Gender Equality Council, a federal entity tasked with developing and implementing the gender equality agenda. The council aims to close the gender gap across all government sectors, positioning the UAE as a global model for equality.

The UAE also leads the world in women’s parliamentary representation, with women occupying 50 percent of positions in the Federal National Council. Additionally, women are highly represented in the labor market, specialized professions, and emerging fields, according to the UAE government portal.

Minister of Economy Abdullah bin Touq Al-Marri emphasized that, under the guidance of the UAE’s leadership, the country is committed to enhancing women’s contributions across various fields, particularly in economic development.

“The decision will reinforce the UAE’s vision to enhance gender balance, empowering women in the business sector and increasing their presence in leadership and decision-making roles,” he was quoted as saying by the UAE’s official news agency.

The minister added that the initiative will further strengthen the Gulf nation’s global competitiveness and its position as a leader in gender equality.

Al-Marri pointed out that women in the UAE have consistently demonstrated their capabilities over the past decades, making significant contributions to the business, financial, and investment sectors.

“Today, they are indispensable partners in economic growth and vital to the UAE’s global competitiveness. This decision will bring added value to private joint-stock companies, enhancing their institutional performance by drawing on the insights and experiences of successful businesswomen in the country,” he said.

He expressed his deep gratitude to Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, president of the UAE Gender Balance Council, for her efforts to enhance women’s participation in the economy.

Mona Ghanem Al-Marri, vice president of the council, emphasized the strategic collaboration between the Ministry of Economy and the council, noting that the ministry’s decision will significantly advance gender balance.

She added that the decision reflects the productive partnership between the ministry and the council, underscoring the country’s unwavering commitment to empowering women economically and increasing their participation in the workforce.

The Ministry of Economy announced that the implementation of this decision will commence in January 2025 and urged relevant companies to integrate this requirement into their future board restructuring plans.