AICAS-IBM Workshop on National AI Applications

The Artificial Intelligence Center for Advanced Studies (AICAS) in collaboration with IBM held a workshop on ‘National Artificial Intelligence Applications’ that witnessed the participation of more than 50 specialists from various government and private sectors.
Prof. Abdullah bin Sharaf Al-Ghamdi, the General Supervisor AICAS, presided over the workshop opening ceremony and welcomed the attendees and participants to the workshop. Prof. Alghamdi outlined the aspirations and efforts of the Kingdom and its wise leadership and assured his support through AICAS, with all its resources and initiatives in the field of Artificial Intelligence.

Dr. Shawiki Toby, Executive Director – IBM Analytical Solutions for MENA region, delivered the opening lecture titled ‘The Journey of Artificial Intelligence’ and explained the emerging developments in the field of AI and how they can be adopted systematically and practically.

Dr. Hadham bin Abdul Aziz Al-Tuwaijri, Assistant Professor of Research at King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, delivered a lecture on the ‘Use of artificial intelligence to serve national priorities’ and delineated the most significant AI achievements and trends in the Kingdom.

Mr. Sameh Hassan, Executive Director of Government Solutions at IBM, delivered a lecture emphasizing on the success stories of AI implementations serving as catalysts in promoting the economic and social development in developed countries.

Dr. Maher Abdulrahman Al-Husaini, Assistant Professor at King Saud University, talked about the transition of business intelligence to artificial intelligence and the obstacles that can potentially hinder this transformation.

A panel discussion was conducted on the topic ‘Where to start artificial intelligence?” Dr. Ahmed Shabana, Director of the public sector, IBM discussed with other speakers and experts about the potential industries and similar issues that AI can solve efficiently.
The workshop concluded by a talk on ‘Experience of AICAS in AI capacity-building and the path ahead’ by Dr. Abubakr Sharah, a technical researcher at AICAS, the noteworthy points of the talk being; collaboration with universities, industry and other stakeholders to build national capabilities in AI.