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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.
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.
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”.
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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.
News
The Petshop Launches UAE’s First Pet Care Super App
Dubai retailer folds shopping, bookings and pet records into one mobile hub that features reminders, personalization, and more.
The Petshop has introduced a “Super App” that pulls together shopping, service bookings and pet records into a single platform, pitching it as the first integrated pet care app of its kind in the UAE.
The release turns the company’s stores, services and e-commerce operation into one connected system. Instead of juggling calls, WhatsApp chats and paper notes, customers manage everything from one account.
Each pet gets a dedicated profile. Age, diet, medical notes and behavioral traits sit in one place and update over time. For households with multiple animals, it’s a practical fix: fewer lost details, fewer repeat explanations at the counter.
That data feeds the app’s personalization. Reminders, recommendations and service options adjust to the specific pet rather than defaulting to broad prompts.
Grooming, boarding, relocation, aquatics and wellness services are booked through the same flow. Users can check availability, lock in appointments and see past visits without hopping between tools. All of the key services can be accessed and booked with a few taps.
The company says records and documents are stored with added safeguards, including verified digital paperwork for sensitive information, while usage signals trigger timely prompts without exposing private data.
“Over the past fifteen years, we’ve grown alongside the pet community in the UAE and seen how pet ownership has evolved,” said Amr Hazem Youssef, CEO of The Petshop. “For pet families, care now depends on continuity, accurate information, and services that match real life, not isolated transactions. This app brings those elements into one place with a structure that supports reliable care”.
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He added: “Pets have individual needs that change over time, and those needs shape daily decisions around routines, health, and wellbeing. By keeping information organized and connecting services within one system, we can reduce friction for pet families and deliver greater consistency across the experience.”
Founded in 2011, The Petshop now operates 11 outlets across the United Arab Emirates, including megastores in Dubai Investment Park and Abu Dhabi’s Al Reem Island, plus an online catalogue of more than 12,000 products.
The Petshop Super App is available on both the App Store and Google Play.
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