https://arab.news/jxnf6
- 500 Amazon assistants harmonize Saudi national anthem
- Event held to mark Kingdom’s 94th National Day in Riyadh
RIYADH: Diriyah made history on Saudi Arabia’s 94th National Day by setting a Guinness World Record for the largest display of artificial-intelligence assistant devices.
The show, featuring over 500 Amazon Echo devices and Alexa voice assistants, was part of Diriyah’s celebrations of the country’s national day, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Tuesday.
The SPA quoted from a Diriyah Gate Development Authority news release which stated that the Echo devices were orchestrated to harmonize Saudi Arabia’s national anthem and other patriotic songs at Bujairi Terrace.
Officials from the Guinness World Records’ authority 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, the Guinness World Records’ senior adjudicator.
“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.”
Dr. 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.”
The DGDA held several other events including at the historic UNESCO World Heritage Site of At-Turaif, which attracted thousands of visitors.