Saudi ICT minister explores AI, robotics partnerships during Shenzhen visit

SHENZHEN — Saudi Minister of Communications and Information Technology Abdullah Al-Swaha held a series of meetings with leading technology companies and institutions in Shenzhen, China, to expand cooperation in artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, robotics, cloud computing and innovation.The meetings were attended by Communications, Space and Technology Commission Governor Haytham Al-Ohali, Digital Government Authority Governor Ahmed Al-suwaiyan and Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming and Drones Chairman Faisal Al-Khamisi.Al-Swaha met Huawei Chairman David Wang to discuss opportunities to expand cooperation in digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence, cloud solutions and talent development, strengthening the partnership in advanced technologies.The minister also met 20 Saudi students who completed a specialized artificial intelligence training program organized by the King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity (Mawhiba) in partnership with Huawei at the company's headquarters in Shenzhen.During the meeting, Al-Swaha discussed the future of artificial intelligence, the role of Saudi talent in supporting Vision 2030 and the importance of investing in future skills and emerging technologies.As part of efforts to strengthen international partnerships in advanced technologies, the minister met executives from UBTECH Robotics, where he reviewed the company's latest robotics innovations and explored opportunities to deploy intelligent robotics and advanced technologies to accelerate innovation and enhance the competitiveness of Saudi Arabia's digital economy.He also met Intellifusion founder, chairman and CEO Dr. Chen Ning to discuss collaboration in artificial intelligence, AI inference chips, computer vision and smart city solutions aimed at improving the efficiency and sustainability of digital services.During the visit, Al-Swaha toured KAUST's Innovation Hub in Shenzhen and met entrepreneurs participating in the ninth cohort of the Tech Founders program. He reviewed their projects and discussed ways to help Saudi startups access Shenzhen's technology, manufacturing and investment ecosystem to support their global expansion and competitiveness.