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Saudi Film Commission To Explore AI In The Movie Industry

The Ministry of Culture’s Film Commission met to discuss how Artificial Intelligence can improve both film production and marketing.

Published

2 years ago

February 27, 2023

Nour Nasir

saudi film commission to explore ai in the movie industry

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Recent advances in artificial intelligence (AI) seem to be making the headlines regularly, as ChatGPT and various art creation tools take the internet by storm.

Now, however, AI looks set to transform the film industry, with up-and-coming filmmaker Ahmed Al-Hamoud and Ahmed Kaky — an AI researcher from John Moores University — collaborating on an innovative AI technology that will transform the cinematic frame, blending creative ideas with technical insight.

Powerful AI software isn’t just able to write scripts and compile camera data. The technology could also be used to predict the success of movie projects, design graphics and even promote new movies.

Also Read: Gen Z Spearheading Payment Innovation In The Middle East

The Saudi Ministry of Culture’s Film Commission has been closely monitoring the developments of this new technology and is now actively exploring how it can be put to work in the movie industry. At a recent meeting, the film commission noted that computer vision, deep learning, and robotics could aid film production, marketing, and distribution and help make the industry more competitive.

However, although the Saudi Film Commission looked favorably at the use of AI, they also observed that the technology could easily be used for counterfeiting and warned of stagnation if the software was used too frequently.

Related Topics:Artificial Intelligence Saudi Arabia

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UAE’s Etihad Rail Launches In 2026 — What You Need To Know

A 1,200 km passenger network will transform public transport, with 11 connected cities, and high-speed trains cutting inter-emirate travel times.

Published

1 day ago

May 19, 2025

Nour Nasir

Etihad Rail

Etihad Rail has confirmed that its long-anticipated passenger train service will officially launch in 2026, ushering in a new era of high-speed, inter-emirate travel. The UAE’s national railway developer shared the announcement on X (formerly Twitter), as work continues on a 1,200 km passenger network set to connect 11 cities across all seven emirates.

The news marks a major leap in public transportation for the country, with passenger trains designed to reach speeds of up to 200 km/h. Travel times will be significantly reduced — Abu Dhabi to Dubai is expected to take just under an hour, while the journey to Fujairah will be cut to around 105 minutes. A separate high-speed line, capable of reaching 350 km/h, is also in the works to link Abu Dhabi and Dubai in just 30 minutes.

The backbone of the network was completed in 2023, when Etihad Rail launched its 900 km freight service linking key industrial and logistics hubs across the UAE, including ports in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Fujairah. Now, the focus has shifted to passenger infrastructure.

The first station will be located in Sakamkam, Fujairah city centre, and a second is confirmed near University City in Sharjah. Dubai’s main station is expected to be adjacent to Jumeirah Golf Estates Metro Station, while Abu Dhabi’s is anticipated along the corridor separating Mussafah Industrial Area and Mohammed Bin Zayed City.

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Once completed, the passenger network will link cities including Al Sila, Al Ruwais, Al Mirfa, Dubai, Sharjah, Al Dhaid, Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah. Integration with Oman is also part of the long-term vision. A new cross-border project — Hafeet Rail — will span 303 km between Sohar and Abu Dhabi’s Al Wathba area. Developed by Etihad Rail in collaboration with Oman Rail and Mubadala, the link is expected to deepen trade and tourism ties between the two countries.

Etihad Rail’s passenger trains will carry up to 400 passengers each and feature Wi-Fi, entertainment systems, charging points, and onboard food and beverage options to ensure a comfortable experience. To further simplify access, passengers will be able to pay with their nol cards, thanks to a partnership between Etihad Rail and Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). The collaboration aims to integrate fare payments and booking systems under one unified platform.