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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

11 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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“AI Seal” Certification Now Required For Dubai Gov Partnerships

The new mandatory certification is designed to build trust in AI companies and create a reliable network of providers for government and public collaboration.

Published

19 hours ago

January 21, 2025

Nour Nasir

ai seal certification now required for dubai gov partnerships

Dubai Media Office

Dubai has introduced the Dubai AI Seal, a certification designed to establish trust in artificial intelligence (AI) companies and solutions. This initiative, directed by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Deputy Prime Minister, aims to create a reliable network of AI providers which government entities and businesses can collaborate confidently.

Companies must now obtain the AI Seal to qualify for UAE or Dubai government contracts. The Dubai Centre for Artificial Intelligence (DCAI), which developed the certification, sees it as a competitive edge for companies looking to participate in key national projects. Once certified, businesses will be permitted to showcase the seal across their websites and marketing materials, signaling their credibility and dependability.

The evaluation process will consider six main criteria: the company’s services and operations, the number of employees specializing in AI, ongoing and future projects, as well as existing partnerships with public and private sector entities.

dubai ai seal certification

Khalfan Belhoul, CEO of the Dubai Future Foundation, which oversees the DCAI, commented on the initiative’s potential: “This initiative will help create powerful partnerships between the public and private sectors, locally, regionally, and globally. It will help drive new economic opportunities by leveraging AI to serve better the economy, society, and the future we aspire to”.

Also Read: Top Free AI Chatbots Available In The Middle East

The Dubai AI Seal’s goals include providing a clear framework for verifying AI providers, fostering business opportunities for AI companies, and acknowledging the industry’s strategic importance to Dubai’s economy. The initiative emphasizes AI’s role in driving economic growth, creating jobs, and strengthening collaboration between government bodies and technology firms.

All technology companies operating in Dubai and offering AI-related services or products are eligible to apply for the certification at no cost through the official website.