In a significant move to elevate its standing in the world of artificial intelligence, Saudi Arabia has rolled out the “Artificial Intelligence Hour,” a transformative initiative designed to cultivate interest and expertise in AI among high school students. Partnering with the Saudi Ministry of Education, this program, integrated into the National Olympiad for Programming and Artificial Intelligence, will introduce daily AI learning sessions in 1,300 high schools across the country.
This visionary initiative is anticipated to serve as a catalyst for change in the education sector, aiming not only to raise awareness about the vast potential of AI but also to inspire the next generation of programmers. With a target audience of 300,000 middle and high school students, Saudi Arabia envisions a future where local talent seamlessly converges with the evolving landscape of artificial intelligence.
This strategic move comes in the wake of Saudi Arabia’s efforts to diversify its economy, pivoting towards cutting-edge technologies like AI and Web3. The ambitious endeavor is underscored by a PwC report predicting substantial GDP growth—up to $135 billion—attributed to AI by the end of the decade. As the country actively seeks talented AI developers, the initiative is poised to deepen the local talent pool, steering Saudi Arabia towards becoming a formidable force in the global AI arena.
Economic shifts and technological aspirations ignited by AI interest
As Saudi Arabia positions itself on the global stage as an emerging powerhouse in artificial intelligence, the economic implications of this shift are profound. The PwC report forecasts substantial economic gains, predicting a substantial injection of up to $135 billion into Saudi Arabia’s GDP by leveraging AI technologies. This not only signals a departure from traditional economic dependencies but also underscores the nation’s commitment to embracing the fourth industrial revolution.
The journey into AI is currently heavily fueled by government funding, but experts suggest a forthcoming landscape where private enterprises and foreign investments will play pivotal roles. The PwC report emphasizes the necessity of attracting foreign investments to sustain the momentum of technological advancement. But, it notes that challenges in the business environment might hinder this progress.
As a testament to Saudi Arabia’s commitment to AI, the nation has reportedly invested $120 million in acquiring 3,000 of NVIDIA’s latest AI chips. Each chip, valued at $40,000, is a critical component in building a large language model (LLM) independent of Western models. This strategic move positions Saudi Arabia at the forefront of AI development, marking a significant step towards self-sufficiency in advanced AI capabilities.
Human rights concerns cast a shadow
While Saudi Arabia charts its course towards AI prominence, the journey is not without its critics. Human rights concerns loom large, especially as the nation delves into generative AI systems. The collaboration with Chinese research institutes to build a generative AI system tailored to Arabic has raised eyebrows, particularly in the context of potential misuse aligned with cultural values.
The loudest voices of dissent come from human rights defenders, who argue that the regime’s AI functionalities could exacerbate existing violations in the country. Critics in the U.S. are echoing these concerns, urging restrictions on the sale of AI chips to Middle Eastern nations. These reservations highlight the delicate balance Saudi Arabia must navigate as it forays into the promising yet contentious realm of artificial intelligence.
As Saudi Arabia aggressively pursues its goals of becoming a leader in artificial intelligence, the economic landscape of the nation is undergoing a transformative shift. With significant investments and strategic initiatives like the “Artificial Intelligence Hour,” the country is poised to reap substantial benefits in the digital age. But, the journey is not without its challenges, as human rights concerns cast a shadow over the promising advancements in AI technology.
Source: https://www.cryptopolitan.com/ai-interest-to-blossom-in-saudi-schools/