Al Riyadh Newspaper: September 11, 2025

The collection of sources provides a wide-ranging overview of current events and developments across several domains, including economic and political shifts, health and scientific progress, and cultural activities. Several texts discuss taxation policies in Canada and the UK aimed at undeveloped land and empty homes, alongside details about a Saudi initiative for classifying contractors and global oil market dynamics concerning OPEC+ production cuts. Significant attention is given to humanitarian crises and political statements, particularly concerning the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the work of the King Salman Relief Centre. The documents also highlight advancements in healthcare, such as complex surgeries and the use of T-cell therapy in Saudi hospitals, along with scientific research on dust storms and meningitis, and the impact of AI and digital twins in various sectors.

Global Geopolitics: Conflicts, Energy, and Power Dynamics

The sources provide several key dimensions of Global Geopolitics, encompassing conflicts, energy dynamics, major power rivalries, and the rising diplomatic role of Saudi Arabia.

Major Power Dynamics and Conflicts

The Russia-Ukraine Conflict and International Response The ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine remains a central geopolitical issue, impacting global energy markets and international diplomacy.

• Conflict Status: The Russian military continues offensive actions in Ukraine, including the use of warplanes and advanced drones, leading to air raid alerts in various regions.
• Diplomatic Efforts: U.S. President Donald Trump expressed “great disappointment” with Russian President Vladimir Putin after their recent meeting failed to achieve tangible progress toward ending the war in Ukraine. Although Trump had previously sought to facilitate a meeting between Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Moscow escalated attacks on Ukraine soon after.
• Security Guarantees: Russia holds that security guarantees for Ukraine must involve other global powers, and that any guarantor state must consent to the use of force to protect Ukraine against an aggressor.

Energy Geopolitics and Russia’s Dependence The conflict has driven a significant shift in European energy policy aimed at reducing dependence on Russia.

• EU Strategy: The European Union is planning a phased withdrawal from Russian oil and gas imports, aiming for a complete cessation of reliance by the end of 2028. This effort is complicated by the high reliance of some member states, such as Hungary and Slovakia, on Russian energy supplies.
• Gas Imports: Despite internal EU rules, Russian gas continues to flow through certain pipelines (like the Balkans Stream extension of Turk Stream) to countries like Hungary. In 2024, some EU nations, including France, Spain, and Belgium, collectively acquired about 85% of Europe’s total Russian gas imports.
• Global Market Impact: Geopolitical factors contribute to oil price volatility. Russia’s crude exports face ongoing sanctions pressure from the US.

Competition and Diplomacy among Great Powers Global rivalries are evident in Asia and in bilateral relations:

• China and India: China and India are recognized as the two most populous nations globally, engaged in a competition for influence in Asia, which led to a bloody border clash in 2020. However, relations showed signs of improvement after President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Modi met in October (the first time in five years).
• Sino-Russian Alliance: Chinese President Xi Jinping presided over a massive military parade in Beijing to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory against Japan in WWII, warning that the world is currently standing at a critical juncture and stressing the importance of peace. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was present at this event, and cooperation between North Korea and Russia has reportedly increased significantly since their partnership treaty in June 2024.
• US Trade Pressure: To potentially pressure Putin, there are external calls for the US President to consider imposing a 100% tariff on goods from China and India.

Geopolitics of the Middle East

The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict The continuing conflict involves intense military actions by the Israeli occupation forces and diplomatic fallout.

• Massacres and Displacement: The Israeli occupation continues its massacres in Gaza, targeting residential homes and displacement camps, resulting in numerous casualties, mostly children and women.
• Israeli Stance: Israeli Minister of National Security Itamar Ben Gvir threatened further devastation in Gaza unless Hamas releases hostages and surrenders. Furthermore, an Israeli Cabinet plan was reportedly approved to facilitate the migration of Palestinians from Gaza, a move critics warn could constitute ethnic cleansing.
• Protests: Families of Israeli hostages have organized protests demanding an immediate ceasefire and a prisoner exchange deal.
• International Response (Saudi Arabia): Saudi Arabia maintains a firm and public stance against the forced displacement of Palestinians, the siege, and the liquidation of the Palestinian cause, affirming its commitment to the Palestinian people until their rights are restored. The Saudi Council of Ministers condemned repeated statements by the Israeli Prime Minister regarding the displacement of Palestinians, viewing it as a blatant violation of international principles.

Saudi Arabia’s Regional Diplomatic Role Saudi Arabia’s foreign policy prioritizes regional stability and development.

• Stability Initiatives: The Kingdom’s leadership places great emphasis on stability in countries like Yemen, Lebanon, and Sudan, viewing stability as essential for the security of citizens and investors. Saudi Arabia has engaged in efforts to lift international sanctions on Syria to aid in its reconstruction and ensure its territorial unity.
• Global Platforms: Saudi Arabia is actively participating in international discussions, exemplified by the Kingdom’s hosting of a high-level dialogue by the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) and the GCC to enhance regional digital collaboration.

Geopolitics of Energy and Economic Influence

OPEC+ Market Management OPEC+ (including Saudi Arabia and Russia) plays a crucial role in balancing global oil supply.

• Output Strategy: OPEC+ members are accelerating plans to increase oil production, easing voluntary cuts (totaling 1.65 million barrels per day) earlier than the initial target of late 2026. This move allows participating countries to potentially speed up compensation for past overproduction.
• Production Capacity: Among OPEC+ members, only Saudi Arabia and the UAE possess significant capacity to increase output in the global market.
• Market Stability: The alliance aims to maintain oil market stability but faces complications due to fluctuating non-OPEC output and data inconsistencies from various agencies, which complicate investment decisions.

International Economic Relations and Trade The Kingdom is seen as a crucial economic partner in major global trade initiatives.

• EU Trade Corridor: Following a surge in trade with GCC countries (reaching 41% of the EU’s total trade in 2023), the European Union is working to establish an “economic corridor” with the Gulf states.
• Economic Vision (Vision 2030): The Kingdom’s strategic economic vision aims to diversify its economy and enhance its global competitiveness. A major indicator of this shift is the contribution of non-oil activities, which reached an unprecedented 56% of Saudi Arabia’s GDP, significantly reducing reliance on oil as the primary revenue source.

Saudi Economic Vision, Real Estate, and Global Markets

The economic and trade landscape, as reflected in the sources, is characterized by Saudi Arabia’s dramatic economic diversification efforts, significant policy changes in the real estate sector, volatile global energy markets, and fluctuating financial performances across major sectors.

Saudi Economic Transformation and Performance

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia continues to pursue its ambitious Vision 2030 objectives, aiming for a prosperous economy and a shift toward non-oil revenue streams.

Non-Oil Growth and GDP: The Saudi economy has demonstrated strong growth, primarily driven by the non-oil sector.

• The real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) increased by 3.9% in the second quarter (Q2) of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024.
• Non-oil activities surged by 4.6% year-on-year, positioning them as the main contributor to overall GDP growth (accounting for 2.6 percentage points of growth).
• The contribution of non-oil activities reached 56% of Saudi Arabia’s GDP for the first time in history.
• The highest growth rates among economic activities were recorded in electricity, gas, and water (10.3%), followed by financial services, insurance, and business services (7.0%), and wholesale/retail trade, restaurants, and hotels (6.6%).
• The International Monetary Fund (IMF) raised its growth forecasts for the Saudi economy for the current and subsequent years to 3.6% and 3.9%, respectively, acknowledging the increasing role of non-oil sectors.

Investment and Financial Assets: Saudi Arabia has successfully attracted substantial foreign investment, exceeding its goals under the National Investment Strategy.

• Foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows reached 119.2 billion Riyals in 2024, marking a 24% increase compared to 2023.
• The Public Investment Fund (PIF) reported strong performance, with managed assets rising to 3.42 trillion Riyals (approximately $913 billion).
• The Kingdom is actively engaging in sovereign debt markets, attracting orders exceeding $15 billion for a new Sukuk offering in two tranches (five and ten years).
• A key component of economic stability is ensuring liquidity, which Saudi Arabian banks are bolstering through hybrid instruments compatible with Sharia principles, such as issuing Tier 1 Sukuk.

Real Estate Policy and Housing

A significant domestic economic policy discussed extensively is the reform of the real estate sector, primarily through the White Land Fees Program (which now includes vacant properties).

Goals and Impact: The program is considered a crucial tool for solving the housing crisis and ensuring social justice by curbing speculation and monopolization.

• The fees have successfully stimulated the development of over 100 million square meters of previously undeveloped land, resulting in a supply increase exceeding 40% in the real estate market.
• This increase in supply contributed to a decrease in residential unit prices ranging between 10% and 15% in certain regions.
• All revenues generated from these fees are dedicated entirely to financing housing and infrastructure projects.
• The policy aims to raise the rate of homeownership among Saudi citizens to 70%.

Regulatory Details: The updated regulation now applies annual fees ranging from 2.5% to 10% of the land’s market value. The framework operates under five priority tranches. The Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing confirmed that these fees, along with urbanization efforts, will stimulate economic activity.

• The latest amendments (May 2025) expanded the scope to include vacant properties and increased the maximum fee rate to 10%.
• Globally, similar land taxes exist, notably in Vancouver, Canada (up to 3%), Victoria, Australia (1%), and France (up to 25% of the potential rental value on vacant housing), aiming to curb housing crises and incentivize property use.

Energy Markets and OPEC+ Strategy

Global energy markets remain sensitive to geopolitical factors and OPEC+ coordination.

OPEC+ Production Decisions: The organization (OPEC and its allies) decided to begin gradually increasing oil production, reversing voluntary cuts of approximately 1.65 million barrels per day (equivalent to 1.6% of global demand) earlier than the predetermined schedule of late 2026.

• The eight participating OPEC+ nations agreed to increase output starting in October by a total of 137,000 barrels per day.
• Saudi Arabia and the UAE are identified as the only OPEC+ members with significant capacity to increase output in the global market.
• Oil prices are subject to large fluctuations, currently pressured downward by the anticipated OPEC+ supply increase and geopolitical risks.

European Energy Trade: Despite efforts to reduce dependency on Russian energy, the European Union continues to rely heavily on Russian gas imports.

• In the first half of 2025, the EU imported natural gas valued at approximately 4.48 billion Euros from Russia.
• In 2024, EU nations including France, Spain, and Belgium accounted for about 85% of Europe’s total Russian gas imports.
• The EU Commission aims for a complete phase-out of Russian oil and gas reliance by the end of 2028.

Financial Markets and Global Commodities

GCC Stock Market Performance: Listed companies on Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) stock exchanges experienced a collective downturn in net profits.

• Net profits declined sharply by 8.7% in Q2 2025 compared to Q2 2024, falling from $62.1 billion to $56.7 billion.
• The drop was primarily attributed to declining oil prices and reduced petrochemical prices, impacting energy and basic materials companies.
• Saudi companies registered the largest absolute decline in net profit, totaling $6.3 billion (a 16.1% annual drop) in Q2 2025.

Global Commodities (Gold and Precious Metals): Precious metal prices showed volatility, heavily influenced by US monetary policy expectations and global trade tariffs.

• Gold briefly surpassed the $3,500 per ounce level, reaching a record high, driven by market expectations of the US Federal Reserve cutting interest rates and global financial uncertainty.
• The anticipation of US rate cuts is fueled by weaker-than-expected US job data released previously.

Digital Economy and Trade

The sources highlight the accelerated adoption of digital technologies and AI in the regional economy.

• Consumer Behavior: 73% of consumers in Saudi Arabia and the UAE made purchases through social media channels in the past year.
• AI Adoption: 58% of participants in Saudi Arabia reported using generative AI tools like ChatGPT or Google Gemini, a usage rate significantly higher than in the UK or European markets.
• Saudi Arabia is investing heavily in the digital transition, positioning itself as a regional AI hub. Initiatives like the “Kharaj” (Garage) innovation center aim to support startups and accelerate their growth from vision to tangible results.

Global Air Travel: Global demand for air travel saw positive growth, confirming a strong summer season for airlines.

• Worldwide air traffic demand (measured in Revenue Passenger Kilometers or RPKs) increased by 4.0% in July 2025 year-on-year.
• Middle Eastern airlines, specifically, achieved a 5.3% annual increase in demand for air travel.

Global Public Health Crises and System Resilience

The sources discuss several aspects related to Public Health Crises, including disease outbreaks, health system resilience, and health issues amplified by conflict and environmental factors.

Infectious Disease Management

Measles Vaccination Campaign A proactive measure to combat infectious diseases is highlighted by the launch of a national campaign:

• The National Measles Vaccination Campaign was launched by the Mecca Health Cluster.
• The campaign’s timing coincides with the return of students to schools.

Biotechnology and Diagnostics Scientific and technological advancements are contributing to the early detection and management of severe diseases, potentially averting major crises:

• A medical device capable of rapid and accurate diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease has been developed and received market authorization. This device works by measuring the pTau181 protein level in blood plasma using a minimal invasive surgery (MIS) technique. This is an innovative alternative to traditional, complex, and costly procedures like drawing cerebrospinal fluid or performing PET scans.
• Researchers have developed a simple blood test that can accurately detect ovarian cancer in its early stages. This is expected to improve care for affected women.
• A major health focus is on biotechnology, with the Kingdom positioning itself as a leader in this area.

Health Crises Stemming from Environmental and Conflict Factors

Health Impacts of Dust Storms and Meningitis Environmental factors are directly linked to public health crises:

• The World Health Organization (WHO) identified that dust storms in Africa’s desert regions in 1996 led to a major meningitis epidemic, affecting 250,000 people and causing 25,000 deaths.
• The infectious agent (bacteria causing meningitis) is carried on dust particles over long distances.
• Research shows that microscopic dust particles (PM 2.5) are particularly dangerous as they can carry highly harmful types of bacteria and fungi, potentially causing severe lung inflammation (pneumonia) upon inhalation.

Crises Linked to Conflict and Displacement Military conflicts result in severe humanitarian and health disasters:

• In Gaza, Israeli occupation forces continue their “massacres” and targeting of residential homes and displacement camps, resulting in numerous casualties, mostly children and women.
• The continued blockade and forced displacement of Palestinians in Gaza, coupled with the use of siege tactics, are condemned as grave violations of international principles and are contributing to mass suffering.
• Specifically, there are reports of 387 martyrs due to starvation (تجويع), including 138 children.
• In Sudan, an intense conflict continues, highlighted by the shelling of Al-Fashir, which resulted in at least seven deaths and 71 injuries. Separately, a massive landslide in the Darfur region (specifically the village of Tarshan, East Jebel Marra) caused the death of over a thousand people (the entire population of the village, save one survivor). This catastrophe was attributed to heavy rain that fell during the preceding week.

Health System Responses and Challenges

Emergency Preparedness and Response Local health and emergency services are focusing on enhancing their crisis response capabilities:

• The Red Crescent in Mecca concluded an emergency response workshop (ورشة الاستجابة الطارئة) aimed at enhancing preparedness.
• The General Directorate of Civil Defense held a workshop for field commanders involved in the emergency plan during the previous year’s Hajj season to enhance coordination and readiness.

Blood Donation Campaigns National initiatives are emphasized as essential for supporting the health sector:

• A National Blood Donation Campaign was launched, spearheaded by the Crown Prince, who personally participated as an exemplary figure to promote the culture of voluntary donation and strengthen societal bonds.
• These campaigns aim to support humanitarian, social, and health protection efforts, and save lives.

Common Health Disorders The sources also address prevalent health concerns:

• Alzheimer’s and Sundowning Syndrome: A phenomenon known as Sundowning Syndrome is discussed, where elderly patients experience worsening cognitive symptoms (like confusion, agitation, and aggression) during the late afternoon or evening. This is noted to accelerate the deterioration of cognitive abilities in Alzheimer’s patients.
• Diabetes: The increase in Type 1 Diabetes is noted, particularly among youth, with genetic factors (such as in cases of consanguineous marriage) and environmental factors contributing to the rise. The delay in diagnosis following the onset of symptoms can lead to severe complications like diabetic ketoacidosis.
• Mental Health: The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that over one billion people worldwide suffer from mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression, leading to severe human losses.

Health System Capacity and Quality The resilience and quality of the Saudi health system are noted through institutional achievements:

• The Mecca Health Cluster received an ISO 9001:2015 certification for its quality management system, confirming its success in applying international standards and best practices.
• King Salman Medical City was accredited as a training center for the Pediatric Endocrinology program by the Saudi Health Specialties Commission.
• The Dr. Sulaiman Al Habib Medical Group successfully performed a complex, specialized surgery on an elderly man suffering from recurrent blood clots to restore circulation, averting the need for amputation.
• Another facility, the Dr. Sulaiman Al Habib Hospital in Jeddah, successfully performed emergency surgery to save a Chinese patient suffering from a rare congenital internal hernia that caused intestinal obstruction. The same hospital also successfully operated on a 9-year-old girl with a congenital spinal malformation (Lipomyelomeningocele) that caused severe pressure on the spinal cord and affected bladder function.

Saudi Arabia’s White Land Fees and Urban Strategy

The sources provide a detailed discussion of Urban Development and Taxation in Saudi Arabia, specifically focusing on the landmark White Land Fees Program (رسوم الأراضي البيضاء) and its impact on the real estate market, alongside comparisons to similar international taxation measures.

The White Land Fees Program in Saudi Arabia

The imposition and subsequent expansion of the White Land Fees Program are central to the Kingdom’s urban development strategy, aimed at achieving the goals of Vision 2030.

Strategic Goals and Impact

The fundamental purpose of the fees is to address the housing crisis and promote social justice.

• Curbing Speculation and Monopolization: The program is viewed as a crucial tool for preventing the monopolization of land and curbing speculative practices by encouraging landowners to develop or sell unused plots within the urban domain.
• Increasing Housing Supply: The fees are designed to stimulate the development of previously undeveloped land and increase the supply of real estate products. Since the system’s implementation, the fees have successfully prompted the development of over 100 million square meters of previously undeveloped land, resulting in a market supply increase exceeding 40%.
• Price Correction: The increase in land supply has contributed to a decrease in residential unit prices ranging between 10% and 15% in certain regions.
• Achieving Vision 2030: The ultimate goal is to increase the rate of homeownership among Saudi citizens, with a target of reaching 70%. This ensures the availability of “affordable housing” for citizens.

Regulatory Framework and Amendments

The White Land Fees system has undergone significant updates to enhance its effectiveness:

• Expanded Scope (May 2025): The latest amendments expanded the scope of the program to include vacant properties and undeveloped properties. The Minister of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing affirmed that the system now covers vacant properties and is a primary tool for stimulating economic activity and combating speculation.
• Fee Structure: The annual fees range from 2.5% to 10% of the land’s market value.
• The fee is structured across five geographical priority tranches, with rates ranging from 2.5% for the lowest priority to 10% for the highest priority land.
• For vacant properties, fees range from 2.5% to 10% of the land’s value. Additionally, new rules allow for the imposition of fees on vacant buildings at a percentage of the potential rental value, up to 5% of the property value, and potentially up to 10% with Cabinet approval.

Revenue Allocation and Implementation

A key feature of the program is the mandated use of its revenues:

• Funding Housing: All revenues generated from these fees are entirely dedicated to financing housing projects and infrastructure necessary for new residential neighborhoods.
• Implementation Focus: Riyadh is the first major city where the amended system began to be implemented. The system is intended to be a flexible tool, applied locally based on the market reality and urban needs of each city. The expansion of the system is expected to activate construction and engineering contracting offices.

Urban Development and Infrastructure

Beyond the land fees, the sources mention significant urban development projects:

• Mecca Third Ring Road: The total cost of the Third Ring Road project in Mecca, including expropriated properties, is over 656 million Riyals, affecting 744 properties in neighborhoods such as Al Nuzha, Al Hamra, and Al Taneem. This project is expected to revitalize economic sectors and enhance the quality of life for pilgrims and residents.
• Riyadh’s Global Position: Riyadh aims to transform into one of the world’s top ten economic cities and is preparing to host major global events like Expo 2030 and the 2034 World Cup.

International Comparisons in Land Taxation

The application of land fees is not unique to Saudi Arabia; similar models exist globally to manage housing crises and incentivize development.

CountryTax Name/TargetFee RateGoal/ContextVancouver, CanadaEmpty Homes TaxRaised from 1% to 3% of market valueImplemented in 2017 to limit the monopolization of real estate and address a severe housing crisis.Victoria, AustraliaTax on undeveloped land1% annually of market valueImposed in 2017 to address the lack of housing supply and rising house prices in Melbourne and Sydney.FranceTax on vacant propertiesRanging from 12.5% to 25% of potential rental valueStarted in 1998 in areas with high housing demand (like Paris and Lyon) to curb the number of vacant apartments and increase rental supply.United Kingdom (Local)Council Tax surchargeUp to 300% surcharge on vacant propertiesApplied by some local authorities if properties remain vacant for over two years, resulting in a 13% reduction in vacant properties in London between 2018 and 2022.New York, USAAdditional fee on vacant propertiesPart of the existing Property TaxEncourages active use of land.Shanghai, ChinaProperty tax on uninhabited luxury homesCalculated based on delays in developmentAims to reduce speculation; Shanghai saw a 10% reduction in vacant property rates between 2011 and 2015.Berlin, GermanyTax on vacant apartmentsHelped reduce vacant apartments by 8% between 2015 and 2020The system is successful in local contexts but lacks a national policy.Based on these international experiences, key recommendations have been made for Saudi Arabia’s system, including: enforcing strict deadlines for land development, imposing escalating penalties, and ensuring accurate market value assessment using advanced technology like AI.

Saudi Arabia’s AI and Digital Transformation Strategy

The sources indicate that Technology and AI are central to Saudi Arabia’s national strategy (Vision 2030) and are rapidly reshaping various sectors, from consumer behavior and education to healthcare, economic policy, and global competitiveness.

Saudi Arabia’s Vision for AI and Digital Transformation

Saudi Arabia is actively positioning itself as a global hub for AI and digital innovation.

• Strategic Focus: Vision 2030 relies on employing advanced technology to raise efficiency and enhance productivity across different sectors. The goal is to make the Kingdom a regional center for AI and a major contributor to global innovation.
• National Programs: Initiatives such as the “SAMA” program (Saudi Authority for Data and Artificial Intelligence) and the “King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz Initiative for the Saudi AI Million” aim to train and qualify national competencies with advanced AI skills to meet labor market needs.
• Education and Skill Building: In a move to prepare the next generation, the decision was made to integrate AI into general education curricula. This integration is viewed as a strategic key to development, reflecting a nation that understands that its future prosperity lies in the minds and innovative capacity of its people.

Rapid Adoption of AI and Digital Tools

The rate of digital technology adoption in Saudi Arabia and the UAE is notably high, often exceeding that of Western markets.

• Generative AI Usage: 58% of consumers in Saudi Arabia and the UAE reported using generative AI tools, such as ChatGPT or Google Gemini, a significantly higher rate than in the UK or European markets.
• Social Media Commerce: The influence of digital platforms is evident, with 73% of consumers in Saudi Arabia and the UAE making purchases via social media channels in the past year. Social media is also the primary source for news consumption for 56% of consumers in the region.
• Digital Device Reliance: Smartphones remain the essential digital device, used daily by 96% of consumers in the region.

Innovation in AI Products and Infrastructure

The Kingdom is moving beyond consumption to become a producer and exporter of innovative AI solutions.

• “Humain Chat” Application: The launch of Humain Chat, described as the first Saudi national AI application, symbolizes the country’s transition from technology consumption to local production. It uses advanced techniques in natural language processing and deep learning, specifically focusing on the Arabic language and local privacy considerations, allowing it to compete with major global companies.
• Incubators and Hubs: Riyadh has become a central hub for digital innovation, hosting major international tech companies like Amazon, Microsoft, and Google. The “Kharaj” (Garage) innovation center in Diriyah supports startups, accelerating their growth from conceptual vision to tangible market results, fueled by the conviction in the power of Saudi youth and the country’s innovative environment.
• Digital Cooperation: The Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) and the GCC are actively engaged in high-level dialogues to enhance regional digital collaboration.

Challenges and Governance in AI

The proliferation of AI and digital services brings significant challenges, particularly regarding privacy and regulatory compliance.

• Privacy Concerns: The sources highlight that privacy constitutes a primary obstacle for non-regular AI users.
• Licensing and Open Source: Organizations must carefully evaluate the terms of open-source AI models (like Meta’s Llama 3.1 or Mistral’s Apache 2.0 license), noting that the term “open” may carry complex licensing conditions or hidden costs.
• Regulatory Environment (EU AI Act): The European AI Act (AI Act) is set to enter force in August 2025, imposing strict documentation, testing, and transparency obligations on providers. This mandates that organizations adopt a strategy of balance between openness and caution, ensuring compliance and the freedom to switch providers.
• Data Control and Sovereignty: For organizations relying on large language model providers like OpenAI (GPT), crucial questions arise concerning the long-term cost, data ownership, and the ease of exiting the service if terms change.

Technology in Specialized Sectors

1. Healthcare and Biotechnology (Digital Twin) The concept of the “Digital Twin” is emerging as a significant tool in healthcare and urban planning.

• Medical Applications: A Digital Twin is a dynamic virtual model of a physical system (like a human body). In medicine, it allows doctors to model complex procedures, such as aortic valve replacement, virtually before performing them on the patient, potentially reducing risks by up to 30%.
• Alzheimer’s and Diagnostics: Technology is aiding in rapid and accurate diagnosis, such as a device measuring the pTau181 protein for early detection of Alzheimer’s disease. Similarly, a simple blood test has been developed to accurately detect early-stage ovarian cancer.

2. Cybersecurity and Data Protection The strategic importance of data protection and cybersecurity is emphasized:

• Cyber-Bio Security: “Bio-Cyber Security” is highlighted as a critical future battleground, reflecting the need to secure advanced biological and technical systems in the 21st century.
• Government Training: The Ministry of Islamic Affairs is training its personnel on protecting government data.

3. Digital Infrastructure and Institutional Efficiency Technology underpins institutional modernization and resilience:

• Business Continuity: The Batterjee Medical College (BMC) partnered with Veeam to enhance the resilience and operational efficiency of its data, achieving 80% faster data recovery and enabling high-quality hybrid education.
• Municipal Services: The Mecca Health Cluster achieved ISO 9001:2015 certification for its quality management system, demonstrating the successful application of international standards in its operations. Furthermore, the Mecca Red Crescent concluded an emergency response workshop to enhance preparedness.
• Citizen Services: The “Absher” platform now allows residents to renew their residency identity (Iqama) even when outside the Kingdom.