The Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA) and Microsoft have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to advance innovation in Saudi Arabia’s generative AI sector.
The MoU, signed by Dr Yaser bin Mohammed Alonaizan, CEO of the National Center for AI (NCAI) at SDAIA, and Turki Badhris, president of Microsoft Arabia, aims to establish a comprehensive framework for collaboration between the two parties in several key areas.
This includes the development of a joint centre of excellence dedicated to accelerating innovation in the field of generative AI, with a special focus on Arabic large language models.Â
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The partnership will see the use of ‘ALLaM’ – SDAIA’s Arabic large language model – generally available on Microsoft Azure.
The model, which was built and trained by SDAIA on Azure’s scalable infrastructure, will enable government institutions and businesses to leverage the advanced capabilities of ALLaM to build their own Arabic AI applications to overcome challenges, optimise operations, enhance customer engagement, and accelerate digital transformation.
In addition, the partnership will see the establishment of the Microsoft AI Academy in collaboration with the SDAIA Academy, an initiative that aims to build national capacities in AI through various joint programmes, including the Microsoft Azure Professional Certification Program.
Innovations and achievements in AI will be highlighted and celebrated at the second annual Robotics & Automation Awards on 06 November 2024 at De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in London. Visit www.roboticsandautomationawards.co.uk to learn more about this unmissable industry event – and to book your table!
