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Saudi Arabia Launches SpaceGuardian, An AI Satellite Imagery Project

Front End, a Saudi investment and development entity, will collaborate with SpaceKnow, a space-tech firm from New York.

Published

9 months ago

February 21, 2024

saudi arabia launches spaceguardian an ai satellite imagery project

As part of its efforts to build a modern, tech-focused economy, Saudi Arabia is delving into AI-powered satellite image analysis. The latest project involves a collaboration between Front End, a Saudi Arabian investment and development entity, and SpaceKnow, a space technology firm headquartered in New York. The collaboration has led to the establishment of SpaceGuardian, a project that will harness SpaceKnow’s exclusive AI-enabled analytical engine for contextualizing satellite imaging.

saudi arabia spaceguardian ai satellite imagery

The agreement was formalized between Majid Alghaslan, Chairman and CEO of Front End, and Jerry Javornicky, CEO and co-founder of SpaceKnow, during the recent International Petroleum Technology Conference (IPTC) 2024, held in Dhahran.

The location of the meeting is significant, as satellite imaging has already proved invaluable for capturing multi-dimensional snapshots of the country’s Ghawar oil field, helping to forecast the future viability of the lucrative natural resources in the area.

Pioneering the field of satellite AI imagery, SpaceGuardian will offer real-time geospatial analysis of the country utilizing machine learning. Javornicky envisions that the project will “revolutionize the AI-driven geospatial market [via SpaceGuardian] commencing with carbon sequestration, security, and infrastructure surveillance”.

AI-driven satellite imagery spans a diverse range of applications, offering insights into the effectiveness of environmental initiatives and guiding economic policies based on space-derived data. Majid describes this partnership as “embracing innovation and progress that will propel Saudi Arabia into a new era of digital transformation”.

Also Read: UAE’s Yahsat Introduces Smartphone-To-Satellite Connectivity

In a departure from its traditional reliance on oil revenues, the Saudi Arabian government has been ramping up efforts to steer the economy towards a digital future. Both Artificial intelligence and space technology seem to be of keen interest to the Kingdom, alongside major urban planning projects and sustainable infrastructure upgrades.

Front End’s Majid Alghaslan underscores that “[SpaceGuardian] contributes to the development of the burgeoning space sector and supports the establishment of a robust space agency in Saudi Arabia. With a comprehensive suite of services catering to all industries and sectors”.

In total, Saudi Arabia’s move into the AI space sector is expected to usher in over $5.3 billion in investments by 2030.

Related Topics:Artificial Intelligence Saudi Arabia Space

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1,000 Drones Light The Dubai Sky For AC Milan Celebration

Cyberdrone’s groundbreaking display marked 125 years of AC Milan football club and the 1st-year anniversary of Casa Milan Dubai.

Published

20 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Nour Nasir

Cyberdrone, a leading UAV display company based in Dubai, put on a breathtaking drone light show on Monday to honor two significant football milestones: AC Milan’s 125th anniversary and the one-year anniversary of Casa Milan Dubai.

The spectacle involved 1,000 drones working in perfect harmony to project AC Milan’s iconic imagery against the city’s night sky. Highlights included the UAVs synchronizing to form the club’s iconic crest, the signature red and black jersey, and a special emblem marking its 125th year. The intricate performance demanded meticulous planning, not just in terms of choreography, but also in dealing with the necessary permits and logistics.

cyberdrone ac milan dubai

“Our goal was to spotlight AC Milan’s legacy through a stunning visual narrative,” explained Mohamed Munjed Abdulla, Director of Sales at Cyberdrone. “We celebrated the club’s history, its Dubai milestone, and the universal love for football. The show also enhanced AC Milan’s regional presence, growing its fanbase through a cutting-edge, memorable experience. Drone shows are unparalleled in leaving lasting impressions, making them perfect for driving partnerships and growth”.

Also Read: Joby Begins Construction Of Dubai’s First Vertiport For Air Taxis

Greta Nardeschi, AC Milan’s Regional Director for MENA, echoed the sentiment, adding: “Collaborating with Cyberdrone for this 1,000-drone performance allowed us to connect with our fans in innovative ways. It gave us a unique opportunity to surprise and inspire audiences while elevating our Club’s visibility and that of our partners. Cyberdrone truly helped us take AC Milan to new heights”.

This groundbreaking drone display sets a new benchmark for the Middle East’s sports sector, which already contributes around $2.4 billion annually to Dubai’s GDP alone. Sporting events also generate $1.76 billion in revenues across the region, while the MENA’s entertainment sector, valued at $41.13 billion, is growing at 9.41% annually, driven by rapid technological advancements.