Saudi Arabia sets Guinness world record with virtual assistants show

The varied National Day celebrations in Diriyah exhibited a rich display of Saudi culture and heritage, as well as an embrace of the modern day. (AN photos by Abdulrhman Bin Shalhoub)
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The varied National Day celebrations in Diriyah exhibited a rich display of Saudi culture and heritage, as well as an embrace of the modern day. (AN photos by Abdulrhman Bin Shalhoub)
Saudi Arabia sets Guinness world record with virtual assistants show
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(AN photos by Abdulrhman Bin Shalhoub)
Saudi Arabia sets Guinness world record with virtual assistants show
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(AN photos by Abdulrhman Bin Shalhoub)
Saudi Arabia sets Guinness world record with virtual assistants show
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(AN photos by Abdulrhman Bin Shalhoub)
Saudi Arabia sets Guinness world record with virtual assistants show
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(AN photos by Abdulrhman Bin Shalhoub)
Saudi Arabia sets Guinness world record with virtual assistants show
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(AN photos by Abdulrhman Bin Shalhoub)
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(AN photos by Abdulrhman Bin Shalhoub)
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Updated 01 October 2024
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Saudi Arabia sets Guinness world record with virtual assistants show

Saudi Arabia sets Guinness world record with virtual assistants show
  • 500 Amazon assistants harmonize Saudi national anthem
  • Saudi heritage at the forefront of National Day celebrations in the historic town

RIYADH: Diriyah made history on Saudi Arabia’s 94th National Day by setting a mark recognized by Guinness World Records for the largest display of virtual assistant devices.

The show, featuring more than 500 Amazon Echo devices and Alexa voice assistants, was part of Diriyah’s celebrations of the Kingdom’s national day.

According to the Diriyah Gate Development Authority news release, the Echo devices were orchestrated to harmonize Saudi Arabia’s national anthem and other patriotic songs at Bujairi Terrace.




Photo/Saudi Press Agency

Officials from Guinness World Records were on hand to witness the extraordinary feat.

“Congratulations on achieving the Guinness World Records’ title for the largest display of virtual assistant devices,” said Kanzy El-Defrawy, senior adjudicator for Guinness World Records.

“Diriyah has consistently been at the forefront of introducing cutting-edge entertainment to the people of Saudi Arabia, and this achievement reflects your relentless drive to fuse artificial intelligence with cultural celebrations.”

The DGDA’s chief executive, Jerry Inzerillo, said: “This historic moment underscores Saudi Arabia’s innovative spirit and Diriyah’s commitment to preserving and promoting our rich heritage and culture.”

HIGHLIGHT

Echo devices were orchestrated to harmonize Saudi Arabia’s national anthem and other patriotic songs at Bujairi Terrace in a Guinness world record-setting feat.

Raf Fatani, Amazon’s regional general manager of Alexa in the Middle East and North Africa, said the attempt to set a world record was “a celebration of our deep reverence for the Kingdom’s rich culture and heritage. Through this collaboration, we weave a tapestry that intertwines artificial intelligence with the timeless threads of Saudi culture.”




(AN photos by Abdulrhman Bin Shalhoub)

The celebrations in Diriyah exhibited a rich display of Saudi culture and heritage, as well as an embrace of the modern-day.

South African visitor Karien told Arab News: “I feel energized. The atmosphere is just really so relaxed, and it is inviting.”




(AN photos by Abdulrhman Bin Shalhoub)

As you walk around, taking in the Najdi architecture in a style that blends the old with the new, your first stop takes you to the front of Salwa Palace for the ardah show, a traditional dance of swords and drums.

Next, the Diriyah Museum displays historical artifacts dating back to the First Saudi State, including a 300-year-old hand-written copy of the Qur'an, a manuscript of “Mokhtasar Sahih Al-Bukhari,” a book written by Sheikh Muhammed bin Abdul-Wahab, and the attire of Imam Mohammed bin Saud.

This historic moment underscores Saudi Arabia’s innovative spirit and Diriyah’s commitment to preserving and promoting our rich heritage and culture.

Jerry Inzerillo, Chief executive, Diriyah Gate Development Authority

The various National Day displays brought together local and international visitors eager to join the celebration.

“I saw the airshow yesterday. It was great to see all the different aircraft flying around, in Saudi colors,” Dan, a UK native, told Arab News.




(AN photos by Abdulrhman Bin Shalhoub)

Isabella, who is Brazilian, told Arab News that a high point of the day for her was learning about the internal anatomy of a horse and “how it is used to the desert, how it survives here” at the Horse Museum.

One of the highlights of the celebrations was the samri dance at the Prince Thunayan Palace. Traditionally performed in the desert when families gathered around at night, samri involves singing poetry and drumming on a daff drum while sitting on one’s knees.




(AN photos by Abdulrhman Bin Shalhoub)

Lara, from Germany, told us that she was fascinated by how people in Saudi Arabia express their national pride on this day.

“What they wear, they decorate their cars and their buildings, and I have seen so many flags everywhere … it is really exciting,” Lara said. “I feel like so many more people out there need to experience Saudi Arabia because it is a whole different place. It is like going in a different universe.”




Photo/Saudi Press Agency

To mark the historical significance of Diriyah, a video was projected on the side of Salwa Palace showing the battles fought at the establishment of the First Saudi State.

Karien noted the progress made by the Kingdom. “There is development in so many areas. I can already see a diversity of people around. And because my husband has a mobility difficulty as well, it is interesting to see that there are more people in wheelchairs here as well.”

From poetry readings to an interactive palm tree growing branches with more online social engagement, all the while serving Saudi coffee everywhere you go, the Saudi National Day events in Diriyah were a salute to 94 vibrant years, and a welcoming of the many more to come.

 


Saudi defense minister meets governor of US State of Indiana

Saudi defense minister meets governor of US State of Indiana
Updated 12 sec ago
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Saudi defense minister meets governor of US State of Indiana

Saudi defense minister meets governor of US State of Indiana
  • The two discussed bilateral ties and other issues of common interest

RIYADH: Saudi Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman met with Governor of the US state of Indiana Eric Holcomb in Riyadh on Monday.

During the meeting, the two discussed bilateral ties and other issues of common interest, the Defense Ministry said in a statement.

Saudi Deputy Minister of Defense Prince Abdulrahman bin Ayyaf and Chief of Staff Gen. Fayyad bin Hamed Al-Ruwaili were among the Saudi officials present.

Commander-in-Chief of the Indiana National Guard Maj. Gen. Roger Lyles and head of the US Military Training Mission in the Kingdom Col. Dirk Smith were among the US officials present.

 


Misk City, Samsung Saudi Arabia to collaborate in smart city technology

Misk City, Samsung Saudi Arabia to collaborate in smart city technology
Updated 18 November 2024
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Misk City, Samsung Saudi Arabia to collaborate in smart city technology

Misk City, Samsung Saudi Arabia to collaborate in smart city technology
  • Partnership forms part of vision to create ‘integrated system that supports innovation and creativity among Saudi youth’

RIYADH: Mohammed bin Salman Nonprofit City, which is also known as Misk City, on Monday signed a memorandum of understanding with the tech giant Samsung Electronics to cooperate in the sectors of smart city technology, sustainability, and youth empowerment.

Misk City’s CEO David Henry signed the memorandum with the President of Samsung Electronics Saudi Arabia Hendrick Lee, on the sidelines of the Misk Global Forum in Riyadh, which finishes on Tuesday.

Henry said that the partnership with Samsung “represents an important step in line with Misk City’s strategic vision of creating an integrated system that supports innovation and creativity among Saudi youth,” the Saudi Press Agency reported.

He stressed the importance of working with Samsung “to create a vibrant and innovative environment that presents a unique model for smart cities.” 

Lee said that Samsung’s “cooperation with Misk City represents our unified commitment to leading innovation and sustainability with the aim of developing transformative solutions that enhance urban life and empower future generations in the field of technology, which benefits our communities.” 

The two parties will also collaborate on developing training programs specifically designed to hone the skills of Saudi’s youth to help enhance smart city experiences. These programs will later be hosted and delivered in Misk City, the SPA added.

Samsung Electronics is also considering setting up a showroom in Misk City to showcase its latest artificial intelligence-powered smart technologies, providing visitors with a firsthand experience of smart homes and understanding of future innovations.


Steve Wozniak urges Saudi youth to dream, innovate, and conquer the future of AI

Steve Wozniak urges Saudi youth to dream, innovate, and conquer the future of AI
Updated 18 November 2024
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Steve Wozniak urges Saudi youth to dream, innovate, and conquer the future of AI

Steve Wozniak urges Saudi youth to dream, innovate, and conquer the future of AI
  • Wozniak shared his insights on artificial intelligence, creativity, and the importance of ethics in technology
  • Steve Wozniak: The greatest things happen when you take risks

RIYADH: Steve Wozniak, the co-founder of Apple and a pioneer of the modern computing era, delivered an inspiring talk titled “Me, Myself, and AI” at the Misk Global Forum in Riyadh.

Speaking to a packed audience of young Saudis and global tech enthusiasts, Wozniak shared his insights on artificial intelligence, creativity, and the importance of ethics in technology, emphasizing the unique potential of Saudi youth to lead the next wave of innovation. 

The session, part of a larger series focused on innovation, opened with Wozniak reflecting on his journey in shaping the personal computing revolution. He encouraged the audience to embrace risks and challenges as integral to success.

“The greatest things happen when you take risks,” he said. “Even if they fail, we always hear that you learn from your failures. But I think step after step after step, the total number of hours that you have put into doing things, even the risks that don’t come through, they lead up to your own abilities.”

This emphasis on resilience and perseverance resonates with Saudi Arabia’s aspiration to become a global leader in technology and entrepreneurship under Vision 2030.

Addressing the rise of AI and its transformative power, Wozniak highlighted the need for ethical considerations in its development. He explained that while AI can serve as a valuable tool, human oversight remains crucial.

“AI should be like a reporter bringing the information and a human being should be the editor (who) looks at it and decides which of it is important,” he said.

Wozniak also warned about the dangers of misinformation and manipulation in the digital age, calling for greater transparency in AI systems.

He advocated for clear guidelines to ensure that AI-generated content is accurate and trustworthy. “When AI generates information, users should be able to click and see where it came from. Attribution and accuracy are critical for building trust,” he explained.

This call for transparency aligns with Saudi Arabia’s efforts to integrate cutting-edge technologies while ensuring they serve the public good.

Wozniak urged the young audience to approach AI not just as a tool for progress but as a responsibility to humanity, emphasizing the need to create systems that reflect ethical values. 

Throughout the session, Wozniak’s advice to Saudi youth centered on embracing creativity and taking ownership of their ideas. He encouraged them to focus on meaningful projects and hands-on learning, which he believes are essential for fostering innovation. “Whether it’s robotics, AI, or another area of technology, young people should focus on building something meaningful,” he said.

Drawing from his experience as a fifth-grade teacher, Wozniak shared how empowering students through project-based learning can unlock their potential. “When students take ownership of a project, they learn skills that go beyond the classroom. They develop critical thinking and creativity, which are key to driving innovation,” he said.

Wozniak also emphasized the importance of creating an environment where students can experiment and explore without fear of failure. 

He ended his session on a personal note, sharing his philosophy on life and success. For him, happiness and positivity take precedence over material accomplishments. “My formula for life is not about accomplishment. It’s about happiness,” he said. “Focus on the positive, that’s the optimistic side. Don’t argue with people … always look for constructive solutions.” 

As the session ended, he urged young innovators to collaborate across disciplines and respect diverse perspectives. He emphasized the importance of teamwork in creating impactful solutions. “Engineering, marketing, and business must work together to create meaningful solutions. No single discipline can succeed alone,” he added.

As Saudi Arabia continues its journey toward becoming a global innovation leader, Wozniak’s message to its youth is clear: take risks, stay ethical, and build with purpose.


Young voices at heart of Misk forum

Young voices at heart of Misk forum
Updated 18 November 2024
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Young voices at heart of Misk forum

Young voices at heart of Misk forum
  • Misk City ‘empowering and investing in youth,’ Misk Foundation CEO says
  • Kadi Al-Khathaam: ‘Reading for me is the light out of any darkness or hesitance’

RIYADH: Misk City is poised to be a transformative hub for young people, blending creativity with opportunity, according to the CEO of the Misk Foundation.

“Misk City is not just a place filled with buildings and roads, it is an exceptional place for an exceptional city,” Badr Al-Bader said on the first day of the Misk Global Forum 2024.

The purpose-built destination was committed to fostering talent and innovation, he said.

The eighth Misk Global Forum is showcasing the foundation’s dedication to engaging young minds.

“With over 150,000 visitors and more than 1,000 speakers from 130 countries, this edition was notable for its youthful demographic,” Al-Bader said.

“This is the largest and smallest in terms of average age. We are proud to see so many young voices contributing to the dialogue.”

This year, Misk City welcomed students from Misk Schools and plans to extend its reach to schools across Riyadh and beyond.

“The city mirrors the youth growing alongside them, day by day. Misk has been empowering and investing in youth, making their support its highest priority,” Al-Bader said.

With the “unwavering support” of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, more than 7 million young men and women had benefited from Misk programs, he said.

Kadi Al-Khathaam, the Saudi winner of the 2024 Arab Reading Challenge, was part of the “Leadership in a Future-Led Generation” panel at the forum.

“Reading is a transformation phase and it’s an enlightenment process where I can expand the horizon of my knowledge,” she said.

“Reading for me is the light out of any darkness or hesitance.”

Al-Khathaam said that the ability to communicate effectively allowed individuals to share their insights and experiences with others.

“I read, I discuss, I give the outcome to the world with the best of what I have.”

The crown prince’s advocacy for the education of all Saudi children was a source of inspiration for her, she said.

Saudi Minister of Communication, Information and Technology Abdullah Al-Swaha shared insights on youth-driven leadership and innovation, in line with the forum’s theme of “By Youth For Youth” and commented on Shawn Achor’s book “The Happiness Advantage.”

“We often link happiness with external factors, but we must realize that happiness and ambition are the main drivers of hard work,” he said.

“Let us take it the other way around: If we work with happiness in our hearts, success will follow.”

Al-Swaha shared the story of Dr. Firas Khalil, the first Saudi surgeon to perform heart surgery using AI and robotics.

“This procedure not only reduces recovery times but also saves lives,” he said.

He also spoke about Rayyanah Barnawi, the Kingdom’s first female astronaut.

“Her love and ambition to serve humanity made her the perfect candidate,” he said.

“Nothing is impossible from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as the greatest country in the world.”

The forum ends on Tuesday.


Indonesian artist fuses art, technology at Jeddah showcase

Indonesian artist fuses art, technology at Jeddah showcase
The exhibition, by Andry Boy Kurniawan, was organized by the Indonesian Consulate. (SUPPLIED)
Updated 18 November 2024
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Indonesian artist fuses art, technology at Jeddah showcase

Indonesian artist fuses art, technology at Jeddah showcase

JEDDAH: Works by an Indonesian artist who blends creativity with technology have been on show at Hayy Jameel in Jeddah.

The exhibition, by Andry Boy Kurniawan, was organized by the Indonesian Consulate and included a talk by the artist in which he explained how he fuses traditional painting techniques with augmented reality.

The exhibition, by Andry Boy Kurniawan, was organized by the Indonesian Consulate. (SUPPLIED)

Based in Yogyakarta, Kurniawan said he drew inspiration from the larger-than-life characters, both real and imagined, that shape modern culture. His style features bulbous-headed figures with small, beady eyes.

Other common elements include gummies and gemstones that reflect the light and add a dynamic, whimsical quality to his art.

The exhibition, by Andry Boy Kurniawan, was organized by the Indonesian Consulate. (SUPPLIED)

The event reflected the advancements in Indonesia’s contemporary art scene and highlighted Saudi Arabia’s emerging role as a hub for creative exchanges.

The consulate said it hoped it would also help foster greater innovation and collaboration between the two countries.