Artificial intelligence is redefining human relationship to work, says Takamol CEO

Special Artificial intelligence is redefining human relationship to work, says Takamol CEO
CEO of Takamol Ahmad Al-Yamani. (Supplied)
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Updated 30 January 2025
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Artificial intelligence is redefining human relationship to work, says Takamol CEO

Artificial intelligence is redefining human relationship to work, says Takamol CEO
  • More than half of employees think that their job is at risk because of AI
  • “Technology should complement our intelligence, not replace it,” says Al-Yamani

RIYADH: Technology has fundamentally redefined the relationship between humans and work over the past two decades, presenting both immense opportunities and unprecedented challenges, Ahmad Al-Yamani, CEO of Takamol, told Arab News.

Al-Yamani said: “Technology should complement our intelligence, not replace it,” emphasizing the urgency of preparing the workforce for this transformation.

He cited research from the Global Labor Market Conference, which found that employees worried that technological advances were disrupting the job market: “More than 50 percent of workers surveyed across 14 countries fear their skills could become partially or fully obsolete within the next five years.”

For Saudi workers, 23 percent expressed concerns that computers and robots might replace their jobs. However, Al-Yamani claimed that this evolution provided a pivotal opportunity to adapt and innovate alongside advanced technologies.

He spoke about how the use of technology was spreading and “taking over various aspects of our lives.”

Al-Yamani called for a comprehensive overhaul of skills and education systems, warning that the current workforce was ill-prepared for the pace of technological change.

“We must reprioritize education to prepare for an economy that will eventually no longer exist,” he said, advocating for proactive policies to prevent economic instability and ensure inclusivity.

The CEO highlighted the pressing need to embrace the discomfort of change brought about by rapid technological advancement, while posing a critical question: “Are we going to allow AI to amplify inequality, or will we utilize it to level the playing field?”

Al-Yamani said that the answer depended on the boldness of actions taken today: “Those who adapt will ultimately thrive.”

On the rise of generative AI, he said that this technology had shifted from being a supportive tool to becoming a creator. “With generative AI, machines are producing works such as movies, books and paintings that feel almost human.”

Despite AI’s capabilities, Al-Yamani stressed the irreplaceable value of genuine human connection.

“We need to invest in relationships and a healthier, more interactive society,” he said, suggesting initiatives such as reducing the work week to four days to strengthen social bonds.

He warned: “Without strong social connections, we risk isolation, subordination to machines and losing what truly makes life meaningful.”

Al-Yamani addressed the uncertainty surrounding the pace of AI’s transformation: “AI might reshape everything in five years, or several decades, we aren’t exactly sure.” Despite this unpredictability, he emphasized a clear path forward; investing in humanity.

Looking ahead, Al-Yamani emphasized the importance of collaboration among global labor stakeholders to address these challenges. Platforms such as the GLMC provided critical spaces where governments, employers and workers could align their priorities.

“Workers want fair opportunities and security, governments seek stability, and businesses strive for innovation and growth. These priorities are interconnected,” he said, calling for unified efforts to craft meaningful solutions.

Al-Yamani said that in a time of rapid technological change, “collaboration remains our most powerful tool to secure a better, more equitable future.”


Kingdom celebrates Saudi Green Initiative

Kingdom celebrates Saudi Green Initiative
Updated 7 sec ago
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Kingdom celebrates Saudi Green Initiative

Kingdom celebrates Saudi Green Initiative
  • Program launched in 2023 to raise environmental awareness, improve well-being
  • Scheme seeks to bind sustainable programs with broader green objectives

RIYADH: Thursday marked the second anniversary of the Saudi Green Initiative, a Kingdom-wide program designed to increase environmental awareness and motivate people to play their part in securing a healthier future for generations to come.

Its goal to bring people together and bolster community engagement is key to raising the quality of life for all citizens and residents and aligns with the sustainable development goals of Saudi Vision 2030.

"The actions we take today will define the environmental legacy we leave behind,” Dr. Khaled Al-Abdulkader, CEO of the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification, told Arab News.

He went on to praise the “bold leadership, pioneering strategies, and … unwavering commitment to sustainability” of Saudi Arabia.

The initiative, launched in 2023, seeks to bind sustainable programs with the nation’s broader green objectives, such as reducing toxic emissions, improving afforestation and land restoration, and preserving land and marine ecosystems.

It is also testimony to the leadership’s green vision and drive to position the Kingdom at the forefront of sustainable development on both a local and global scale.

Saudi Arabia’s leading role in protecting the environment was highlighted in December when it hosted the 16th session of the Conference of the Parties of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification, or COP16.

The global gathering provided a platform for policymakers, business leaders and other experts to share ideas and insights on tackling environmental challenges and developing a collective path for green transformation.

At the local level, the Kingdom’s leaders have initiated a number of campaigns to raise awareness of the need for sustainable practices.

Among them is Ramadan of Goodness, which encourages people to minimize food waste and be more aware of their consumption of vital resources like electricity and water during the holy month.

It encompasses more than 85 environmental protection and green development programs, including the rehabilitation of 18,000 hectares of degraded land and the reintroduction of more than 7,500 endangered species through breeding programs.


4,000 itikaf observers from 120 countries provided with 12 key services at Prophet’s Mosque

4,000 Muslims from 120 countries are observing itikaf in 48 designated locations within the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah. (SPA)
4,000 Muslims from 120 countries are observing itikaf in 48 designated locations within the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah. (SPA)
Updated 27 March 2025
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4,000 itikaf observers from 120 countries provided with 12 key services at Prophet’s Mosque

4,000 Muslims from 120 countries are observing itikaf in 48 designated locations within the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah. (SPA)
  • Itikaf is the act of staying in a mosque during the last 10 days of Ramadan in seclusion
  • Services include daily meals, water supply services, multilingual translation, awareness and guidance screens explaining itikaf requirements, and luggage storage lockers

RIYADH: Twelve services are being provided to 4,000 itikaf observers from 120 nationalities in 48 designated locations within the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah, Saudi Press Agency reported on Thursday.

Itikaf is the act of staying in a mosque during the last 10 days of Ramadan in seclusion. The person devotes themselves to worshipping God during what are considered to be the most virtuous ten nights of the year by Muslims, and when rewards are multiplied.

The services include daily meals, water supply services, multilingual translation, awareness and guidance screens explaining itikaf requirements, luggage storage lockers, medical and first aid clinics, sleeping essentials, laundry services, charging stations for mobile devices, and personal care kits. Each itikaf observer has also received a wristband to facilitate entry and exit from the designated itikaf areas.

The General Authority for the Care of the Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques has urged itikaf observers to adhere to several requirements throughout this period, including dedicating their time to prayer and other acts of worship, avoiding disturbances during tarawih and night prayers, maintaining tranquility within the Prophet’s Mosque, wearing clean and presentable attire, using pleasant fragrances, and refraining from any behavior that may inconvenience fellow observers.

They are also encouraged to help keep the mosque clean, ensure their belongings are stored in designated lockers, remain within their assigned areas according to their registration number, follow health guidelines, and comply with safety instructions when using movement pathways for entry and exit.

It is prohibited to bring unauthorized food, beverages, or luggage into the itikaf areas, hold study sessions, receive visitors, or bring children to the itikaf sites, the authority said. 


Saudi Arabia issues royal orders

Saudi Arabia’s King Salman. (File/AFP)
Saudi Arabia’s King Salman. (File/AFP)
Updated 27 March 2025
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Saudi Arabia issues royal orders

Saudi Arabia’s King Salman. (File/AFP)

RIYADH: Prince Khalid bin Bandar bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz has been appointed as an advisor at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs by royal order, Saudi Press Agency reported on Thursday. 

In another royal decree, Major General Saleh bin Abdulrahman bin Samir Al-Harbi was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant General and appointed as Head of the Military Apparatus.


Saudi Ministry of Health provides 65,000 health services for worshippers during Ramadan

Saudi Ministry of Health provides 65,000 health services for worshippers during Ramadan
Updated 27 March 2025
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Saudi Ministry of Health provides 65,000 health services for worshippers during Ramadan

Saudi Ministry of Health provides 65,000 health services for worshippers during Ramadan
  • Medical assistance during first 25 days of holy month includes 52,000 visits to ERs, 10,000 cases of first aid, 3,000 dialysis sessions and 400 surgeries
  • In addition, the Saudi Red Crescent Authority handles more than 46,000 emergency calls in Makkah and Madinah

RIYADH: Thousands of Umrah pilgrims and other visitors to the Two Holy Mosques in Makkah and Madinah have benefited during Ramadan from medical assistance provided by the Saudi Ministry of Health.

The ministry said on Wednesday that more than 65,000 health services were provided for mosque visitors during the first 25 days of the holy month, which will conclude this weekend. The care forms part of the ministry’s commitment to the safety and well-being of visitors to Makkah and Madinah, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The provided health services included 52,000 visits to emergency departments, 10,000 cases of first aid, 3,000 dialysis sessions, 400 surgeries, and more than 150 cardiac catheterizations.

In addition, the Saudi Red Crescent Authority has handled more 46,000 emergency calls in Makkah and Madinah since the start of Ramadan. Paramedics responded to 31,000 calls in an average of 5 minutes and 48 seconds, and to the remaining 15,000 calls in an average of 5 minutes and 26 seconds.


Saudi Supreme Court urges sighting Shawwal crescent on Saturday evening

Supreme Court is calling on Muslims throughout Saudi Arabia to look out for the crescent moon of Shawwal on Saturday evening.
Supreme Court is calling on Muslims throughout Saudi Arabia to look out for the crescent moon of Shawwal on Saturday evening.
Updated 27 March 2025
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Saudi Supreme Court urges sighting Shawwal crescent on Saturday evening

Supreme Court is calling on Muslims throughout Saudi Arabia to look out for the crescent moon of Shawwal on Saturday evening.
  • Supreme Court called on anyone who sights the crescent moon the naked eye or through binoculars to report to the nearest court and register their testimony

RIYADH: The Supreme Court is calling on Muslims throughout Saudi Arabia to look out for the crescent moon of Shawwal on Saturday evening, Ramadan 29, 1446, which corresponds to March 29, 2025.

In an announcement on Thursday, the Supreme Court called on anyone who sights the crescent moon the naked eye or through binoculars to report to the nearest court and register their testimony.

The announcement read: “The Supreme Court calls on all Muslims throughout the Kingdom to sight the Shawwal crescent moon on Saturday evening. The Supreme Court requests that anyone who sights it with the naked eye or through binoculars report to the nearest court and register their testimony, or contact the nearest center for assistance in reaching the nearest court. The Supreme Court hopes that those who are able to see it will pay attention to this matter and join the committees formed in the all regions for this purpose, seeking reward and recompense for their participation, as it promotes cooperation in righteousness and piety and benefits all Muslims.”

The sighting of the Shawwal crescent moon marks the end of the fasting month of Ramadan that this year began on March 1.