How a Saudi language processing center is using AI to improve machine interaction with Arabic

How a Saudi language processing center is using AI to improve machine interaction with Arabic
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Updated 13 December 2024
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How a Saudi language processing center is using AI to improve machine interaction with Arabic

How a Saudi language processing center is using AI to improve machine interaction with Arabic
  • The Artificial Intelligence Center for Arabic Language Processing is bridging the gap between technology and one of the world’s most spoken languages
  • The center’s five advanced labs provide resources for researchers developing AI applications for Arabic, says KSGAAL’s linguistic computing head

RIYADH: Experts at the King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language are leveraging artificial intelligence to advance machine interactions with Arabic — one of the most widely spoken languages on the planet, yet one largely neglected by the tech world.

A key initiative is the Artificial Intelligence Center for Arabic Language Processing in Riyadh, which focuses on driving innovations in language technology.

The first of its kind dedicated to Arabic natural language processing, the center utilizes and advances AI techniques to develop cutting-edge scientific tools, research methodologies and computer applications that enhance interactions with the Arabic language across various platforms and technologies.

Natural language processing, or NLP, is a subfield of AI that bridges the gap between human communication, spoken or written, and machine understanding. It enables computers to understand human languages and generate text and speech in a natural way by combining computational linguistics with statistical modeling, machine learning, and deep learning.

Abdullah Al-Fifi, head of the linguistic computing department at KSGAFAL, said the Arabic Intelligence Center aims to empower researchers and developers to harness advanced technologies for processing the Arabic language. It also seeks to create applications, tools, and programs that contribute to preserving and advancing the Arabic language.

The center, launched in late April, comprises five advanced labs that work on developing AI applications tailored to Arabic, he told Arab News.

Among these is the Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, dedicated to developing cutting-edge technologies like language assistants, which are smart tools designed for precise interaction with languages. It also focuses on enhancing the abilities of intelligent systems to analyze and comprehend Arabic texts with high accuracy.

The Data Preparation and Linguistic Resources Building Laboratory collects, classifies and labels linguistic data to serve as a primary resource for improving Arabic language processing in intelligent systems. It employs various techniques to ensure the data’s quality and reliability for research and technical applications.

Another key lab, the Virtual and Augmented Reality Laboratory, advances innovative technologies to enhance the Arabic language learning experience. It develops educational and entertainment software using virtual reality, enabling unconventional applications of Arabic in modern digital environments.

The Audio and Visual Laboratory develops speech recognition and pronunciation technologies. It focuses on recording, processing, storing and classifying audio data using advanced techniques to ensure precise voice interaction with the Arabic language.

A key aspect of the Arabic Intelligence Center is also the Researchers’ Laboratory, which provides a comprehensive research environment with dedicated spaces for computational linguistics researchers. It is designed to support advanced research focused on developing AI technologies specialized in the Arabic language.

Researcher Abdullah Al-Maadi told Arab News that “the Arabic Intelligence Center has had a significant impact on my training journey at KSGAFAL” and added: “It provided me with a supportive environment for growth, in addition to offering real-world data that could be tested. The center also enabled the development of products to be applied to actual robots.”

Raghad Al-Rasheed, who is also a researcher, said the center gave her the opportunity “to capitalize on the expertise of specialists, helping me enhance my knowledge and develop my research skills.”

“The center actively contributed to supporting our research by providing the necessary equipment and data to complete the work,” she told Arab News, adding that it also offered her a dedicated space to meet all her needs while working on her project, Areeb.

DID YOU KNOW?

• The Arabic Intelligence Center is the first to specialize in automated Arabic language processing using AI technologies.

• A key challenge in using AI for Arabic is its linguistic diversity, requiring accurate models to accommodate both classical and colloquial forms.

• Arabic is the fifth most widely spoken language globally and the fourth most used online.

The Arabic Intelligence Center is aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, particularly the National Strategy for Data and Artificial Intelligence, which aims to establish the Kingdom as a global leader in these fields.

It seeks to pioneer the use of AI for the Arabic language and provide integrated services that empower users to enhance its global prominence.

The establishment of this center underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to employing AI and data-driven strategies to strengthen the prominence of the Arabic language in an age of advanced technologies, said KSGAFAL Secretary-General Abdullah Al-Washmi.

He added the center has strengthened Arabic’s global position by using modern technologies that help the language adapt to ongoing developments through its advanced labs.

The Arabic language is spoken by around 422 million people worldwide, including 313 million native speakers, according to the International Center for Language Studies. It is the fifth most widely spoken language globally and the fourth most used online, according to Internet World Stats.

 


Wild ghee production: Tradition of the Northern Borders region

Wild ghee production: Tradition of the Northern Borders region
Updated 15 sec ago
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Wild ghee production: Tradition of the Northern Borders region

Wild ghee production: Tradition of the Northern Borders region
  • Wild ghee production peaks during the winter months due to high local demand
  • Northern women showcase their ghee and other handicrafts at various festivals and national events

ARAR: In the Northern Borders region, women have long excelled in producing wild ghee, a staple deeply rooted in the local culture and closely tied to the region’s abundant livestock, estimated by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture to exceed 7 million cattle and camels.

Wild ghee production peaks during the winter months due to high local demand and is a key ingredient in many popular dishes, including porridge and festive meals.

Wild ghee is stored in leather containers known as “Al-Nahw” or “Al-Dharf.” (SPA)

Umm Nada, a local ghee producer, describes the multi-stage process: starting with milking, the milk is heated, boiled, slightly cooled, and mixed with a starter culture to transform it into “Khathir,” a traditional dairy product of naturally fermented or curdled milk similar to yogurt or kefir. 

The mixture is then churned for over half an hour in a goatskin or sheepskin container called a “Samil.” After several days of mixing, the butter is melted over fire, turning into wild ghee, which is then stored in leather containers known as “Al-Nahw” or “Al-Dharf.”

Northern women showcase their ghee and other handicrafts at various festivals and national events, with the Arar market and the Lavender Hall, which provides training and development for local producers, serving as key venues for these traditional crafts.
 

Northern Border women showcase their ghee and other handicrafts at various festivals and national events. (SPA)

 


Saudi nature reserve unveils winter retreat near historic Laynah village

Saudi nature reserve unveils winter retreat near historic Laynah village
Updated 52 min 25 sec ago
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Saudi nature reserve unveils winter retreat near historic Laynah village

Saudi nature reserve unveils winter retreat near historic Laynah village
  • Laynah Camp, designed for nature lovers and desert enthusiasts, is located adjacent to the Al-Dahna Desert
  • The initiative is part of the Darb Zubaydah Winter festival, which aims to promote sustainable ecotourism

RAFHA: A winter season retreat close the historic Laynah village in the Northern Borders Region is now open to holidaymakers.

Designed for nature lovers and desert enthusiasts, the wilderness retreat called Laynah Camp was unveiled this week by the Imam Turki Bin Abdullah Royal Nature Reserve Development Authority (ITBA) as part of the Darb Zubaydah Winter festival, which aims to promote sustainable ecotourism and preserve the region’s cultural and historical heritage.

Laynah Camp “offers a serene atmosphere where wildlife beauty blends with the desert’s charm, providing visitors with inspiring and adventurous moments,” a Saudi Press Agency (SPA) report enthused.

The camp extends fully equipped accommodation units created for relaxation and tranquility. (SPA photo)

Nestled amid Al-Dahna Desert, the fully equipped tent accommodation units provide breathtaking views of the natural surroundings, the report added.
 
To spice up the camping experience, various activities are offered, including exploratory trips and upscale camping.

Laynah village itself has its own attractions, particularly its ancient water wells, which makes it one of the most important historical sites in the Kingdom.

In a previous SPA report, researcher and heritage and antiquities expert Abdulrahman bin Mohammed Al-Tuwaijri was quoted as saying Laynah village is known to be one of the oldest settlements in the Arabian Peninsula.

“Located on the ancient trade route between Najd and Iraq, it has throughout history provided traveling caravan convoys with respite from harsh desert conditions,” the report said.
 


How honeybees drive biodiversity and strengthen ecosystems in Saudi Arabia and beyond

How honeybees drive biodiversity and strengthen ecosystems in Saudi Arabia and beyond
Updated 11 January 2025
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How honeybees drive biodiversity and strengthen ecosystems in Saudi Arabia and beyond

How honeybees drive biodiversity and strengthen ecosystems in Saudi Arabia and beyond
  • By protecting honeybees, the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Reserve provides a boost for the sustainable honey industry
  • This keystone species, essential for sustaining life on Earth, faces threats from climate change, habitat loss, pesticides, and disease

RIYADH: Beyond the manufacture of honey, honeybees are also guardians of biodiversity and strong ecosystems. As a keystone species, they support plant diversity by pollinating wildflowers and provide a welcome boost to agricultural productivity.

Although small in size, without these precious insects, cascading effects could destabilize entire food chains and habitats for countless organisms.

Recognizing their importance, Saudi Arabia has undertaken active conservation efforts, demonstrating the Kingdom’s commitment to sustainable beekeeping and the protection of these industrious insects.

Together with other pollinators such as birds and bats, bees are vital to global agriculture, contributing to 35 percent of the world’s crop production by pollinating 87 of 115 leading food crops, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization. 

Honeybees help to maintain plant diversity by pollinating a wide range of species, preventing any single plant from dominating. This balance is crucial for ecosystem resilience, enabling them to better withstand environmental challenges such as climate change and invasive species.

Wildflowers, which rely heavily on honeybees for reproduction, play a key role in this balance. These flowers provide food and shelter for birds, insects and small mammals, creating a ripple effect that supports a diverse array of species throughout the ecosystem.

Honeybees help to maintain plant diversity by pollinating a wide range of species, preventing any single plant from dominating. (SPA file)

In Saudi Arabia, the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Reserve hosts 25,737 beehives across 256 sites, fostering honeybee populations in a thriving and protected environment.

“The reserve provides a naturally protected environment rich in flowering plants, which serve as a primary source of nectar and pollen,” Abdulmajeed Al-Dhaban, a spokesperson for the reserve’s development authority, told Arab News.

“This ideal ecosystem enables bees to produce large quantities of high-quality honey, as well as other hive products like beeswax and royal jelly, which hold significant nutritional and economic value.”

Thanks in part to the bees’ services, the reserve plays a vital role in enhancing the Kingdom’s food security.

“In addition to honey production, the reserve’s diverse ecosystem sustains natural pollination cycles,” Al-Dhaban said.

“This contributes to the productivity and quality of nearby cultivated crops and aligns with Saudi Arabia’s national efforts to achieve food security and self-sufficiency.”

Noting that pollination has a critical impact on the global food system, Al-Dhaban said bees are among the most efficient agents for transferring pollen between plants.

“This process not only enhances seed quality and density but also boosts agricultural crop production in terms of both quantity and quality,” he said. “Bee activity contributes directly to the production of honey, a valuable food product with significant health and economic benefits.”

Al-Dhaban also emphasized that honeybees are crucial for supporting food security and ensuring the long-term sustainability of natural resources.

This is particularly important as the reserve’s biodiversity creates an ideal environment for key Saudi crops, including acacia, Sidr trees and caper shrubs.

Almond crops are almost entirely dependent on honeybee pollination. (SPA photo)

These plants benefit directly from bee pollination, which also increases the production of high-quality nectar for honey and other hive products. This natural cycle, Al-Dhaban said, supports local food supplies and strengthens the regional economy. 

“By reducing reliance on imports and promoting local honey production, the reserve positions Saudi Arabia as a leader in sustainable honey sector development,” he said.

However, honeybee populations face serious threats, including climate change, habitat loss, pesticide use and disease.

To tackle this challenge, Mefleh Al-Jabreen, a beekeeper and owner of mobile apiaries at the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Reserve, highlights the importance of selecting bee breeds that balance honey production and reproduction.

At Saudi Arabia's Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Nature Reserve, there are more than 25,730 beehives spread across 256 sites in the reserve, according to the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture. (SPA)

He told Arab News that his bees are transported to pastures rich in wild flowering trees, providing them with abundant nectar and pollen.

“We extract a specific amount of honey during gathering periods, leaving enough for the bees to sustain their hives,” he said.

Al-Jabreen explained that these sustainable practices help to maintain healthy honeybee populations while ensuring high-quality production.

Caption

The reserve’s botanical diversity also supports the production of more than seven varieties of wild honey, many of which have earned international recognition for their quality.

Al-Jabreen also noted that the health of a hive largely depends on the queen bee. “A young, active queen laying eggs abundantly forms the foundation of a stable hive,” he said.

DID YOU KNOW?

• Crops, such as almonds and vanilla, are almost entirely dependent on honeybee pollination.

• Honeybee pollination prevents any single plant species from dominating, maintaining ecosystem balance.

• A young, active queen laying eggs abundantly forms the foundation of a stable hive.

He added that it is also crucial to monitor the number of worker bees and ensure the hive remains free of diseases and parasites, which can threaten colony stability and productivity. 

Environmental challenges, such as extreme temperatures and unpredictable weather, pose significant threats to honeybee health, disrupting key hive processes such as honey production and reproduction.

Monitoring the number of worker bees is necessary to ensure the hive remains free of diseases and parasites. (SPA photo)

Al-Jabreen said that several factors must be considered when addressing these challenges: “These strategies include hive insulation, which helps reduce heat stress in extreme temperatures.”

Meanwhile, tree cover and shaded areas protect hives from direct sunlight during hot weather, while relocating hives to coastal regions in winter helps to keep bees active and productive.

“Windbreakers and hive relocation shield honeybees from strong winds and cold climates,” he added.

Al-Jabreen emphasized that plant diversity is essential for the survival of honeybees. “Bees are a vital part of the interconnected ecosystem, and their well-being depends on an abundance of floral and crop resources,” he said.

The Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture has said the current target is to raise the Kingdom's honey production to 7,500 tonnes annually. (SPA) 

Recent innovations in beekeeping are helping to protect honeybee populations and enhance hive productivity. Al-Jabreen highlighted several key advances, such as special pollen-collecting boxes and bee breeds adapted to local climates.

He also hailed the growing collaboration between beekeepers and farmers. Organic farming practices, which avoid harmful chemicals, create safer environments for bees to thrive.

“We work with farmers to coordinate pesticide spraying schedules and relocate hives to safer areas,” Al-Jabreen said.

With growing threats to honeybee populations, governments, researchers and communities must prioritize their protection. Safeguarding these vital pollinators is key to ensuring a sustainable future for ecosystems, agriculture, and global food security.
 

 


The Bedouin’s best friend: Saudi saluki center works to preserve at-risk breed

The Bedouin’s best friend: Saudi saluki center works to preserve at-risk breed
Updated 10 January 2025
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The Bedouin’s best friend: Saudi saluki center works to preserve at-risk breed

The Bedouin’s best friend: Saudi saluki center works to preserve at-risk breed
  • The Arabian saluki dates back 5,000 years but faces the threat of extinction due to crossbreeding, the loss of traditional desert habitats and lifestyle changes in region
  • International Aseel Arabian Saluki Center aims to raise awareness of breeding standards and offers support for owners, including training and veterinary services

RIYADH: The Arabian saluki, which is believed to have originated in the Middle East, is one of the oldest purebred dogs in the world. It has been a loyal companion to Bedouin peoples dating back at least 5,000 years.

Now, however, it faces the threat of extinction as a result of crossbreeding but the International Aseel Arabian Saluki Center in Saudi Arabia is working hard to ensure it survives.

Unlike some breeds that rely primarily on sense of smell for hunting, salukis are sighthounds, meaning they visually identify prey. Known for their agility, intelligence and an impressive ability to take down prey, salukis long served Arab Bedouin tribes as hunters.

Fahad Al-Farhan, the president of The International Aseel Arabian Saluki Center. (Supplied/IAASC)

Fahad Al-Farhan, the president of the IAASC, explained the significance of the saluki to the region.

Arabian salukis are “deeply rooted in our culture and one of our main symbols of our national identity with falcons, Arabian horses and camels,” Al-Farhan told Arab News.

“The Arabian saluki and the traditional way of hunting is a vital part of Arabian culture and heritage.

FASTFACT

The Arabian saluki dates back 5,000 years but faces the threat of extinction due to crossbreeding, the loss of traditional desert habitats and lifestyle changes in region.

“In the old days, salukis were indispensable hunting companions, securing the existence of many of the Bedouin families.

“They are graceful and fast and they distinguish themselves with their endurance.”

Unlike some breeds that rely primarily on sense of smell for hunting, salukis are sighthounds, meaning they visually identify prey. (Supplied/IAASC)

He noted the loyalty of the breed, quoting a proverb that states: “Only the owner sees the true face of a saluki.”

The animals are very attached to their families and loyal to their masters, said Al-Farhan, who is also president of the World Aseel Arabian Saluki Organization and the Saudi Kennel Club Union.

“Although the Arabian salukis are natural born hunters, they are calm and even-tempered representatives of their species,” he added.

Arabian saluki dates back 5,000 years but faces the threat of extinction due to crossbreeding, the loss of traditional desert habitats and lifestyle changes in region. (Supplied/IAASC)

“They are also very curious and you even get the impression that they have a great sense of humor.”

However, the rapid economic growth of the region in the modern era has endangered the natural desert environments that were the traditional habitats not only of the saluki but other Arabian species including falcons, horses and camels, he warned.

“The deserts and Arab lifestyles that created the circumstances in which the Arabian horse, camels and the saluki flourished now no longer exist,” Al-Farhan said

“As a part of the cultural heritage of Arabian hunting, Bedouins have been breeding Arabian salukis for thousands of years (but) the saluki may be lost to our future generations unless steps are taken to preserve it.”

The Arabian Aseel Saluki Center in Saudi Arabia has a long list of members that includes saluki owners abroad, Al-Farhan added, and it works to raise public awareness of breeding standards.

It offers veterinary services worldwide, including health checks and vaccinations, health certificates, micro-chipping and DNA testing, together with advice about grooming and travel arrangements for owners moving their dogs to another country.

Al-Farhan said that the IAASC is working to register the Arabian saluki on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List, which recognizes and helps to preserve endangered cultural traditions and practices.

“We believe that the inscription of the Arabian saluki hound of Arabia (on the UNESCO lists) will promote the visibility of its heritage locally and worldwide,” he added.

 


Desert truffles: Saudi Arabia’s buried treasure

Desert truffles: Saudi Arabia’s buried treasure
Updated 1 min 55 sec ago
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Desert truffles: Saudi Arabia’s buried treasure

Desert truffles: Saudi Arabia’s buried treasure
  • Truffles offer various benefits beyond their culinary value. Their water is traditionally believed to have medicinal properties for eye ailments, based on a saying attributed to the Prophet Muhammad

QASSIM: A prized wild fungus found under the desert sands is popping up at markets across the Kingdom as Saudi Arabia’s truffle season is in full swing.

The central region of Qassim is a leading center for the cultivation of the desert truffle, known by its scientific name Terfeziaceae, or in Arabic as fage, as reported by the Saudi Press Agency.

The central region of Qassim is a leading center for the cultivation of the desert truffle. (SPA)

Several natural environmental factors contribute to the area’s proliferation of truffles, including fertile soil, untouched land, access to fresh water, climate, and the presence of the sunrose or raqrooq plant, particularly in the northern Qassim areas of Shari and Al-Sa’ira.

Local farmer Abdulkarim Saleh Al-Rasheed harvests truffles found near the sunrose plant thriving in lowlands adjacent to wheat fields irrigated by overflowing pivot sprinklers.

The central region of Qassim is a leading center for the cultivation of the desert truffle. (SPA)

He said that the emergence of truffles had coincided with the cessation of thunderstorms accompanied by lightning, a phenomenon traditionally linked to truffle growth.

Al-Rasheed told SPA that successful cultivation depended on irrigation timing, water salinity, soil fertility and temperature, each playing a crucial role.

For truffles, the optimal temperature is measured ten days after the typically mild “Wasm” season beginning in mid-October.

In northern Qassim, this translates to nighttime temperatures between 15 and 20 degrees Celsius.

Irrigation typically begins around Sept. 25 in areas where the sunrose plant is present, with truffles beginning to appear about 50 days later.

He added that cultivated truffles in northern Qassim typically begin to appear around Nov. 20.

Truffles offer various benefits beyond their culinary value. Their water is traditionally believed to have medicinal properties for eye ailments, based on a saying attributed to the Prophet Muhammad. They also serve as a natural food source for grazing animals.

The Qassim Truffle Festival, currently in its fourth year, is a marker of the region’s truffle production.

The ten-day festival features 18 booths showcasing truffles, a dedicated auction area, 32 booths for local producers, and other exhibits featuring dates, honey, food products, and related activities.