Barcelona, November 6, 2024 – The Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA) pavilion at the Smart City Expo World Congress 2024 in Barcelona, Spain, has become one of the standout attractions of this year’s event, drawing significant attention from visitors and industry participants. The expo, which runs from November 5 to 7, serves as a global platform for showcasing innovations in urban development, digital transformation, and sustainable technology solutions. SDAIA’s participation highlights Saudi Arabia’s ambitions to leverage cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), data analytics, and cloud computing to drive the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals and contribute to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
At its pavilion, SDAIA presented a comprehensive suite of digital services designed to advance the Kingdom’s ongoing smart city initiatives. The showcased projects reflected the significant strides Saudi Arabia has made in utilizing AI and data-driven solutions to enhance governance, improve public services, and support the country's digital transformation efforts. One of the central features of the pavilion was the "Tawakkalna" app, a nationally recognized achievement in digital governance that has revolutionized the delivery of public services. Developed by SDAIA in support of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 objectives, Tawakkalna has become an essential tool for millions of citizens and residents, with over 32 million users and more than 350 integrated services.
Tawakkalna, which initially gained prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic as a health and safety management tool, now serves as a one-stop platform for citizens to access a wide range of government services, from health and transportation to social welfare and education. Through seamless technological integration, the app enables government bodies to deliver services efficiently, saving time and resources while enhancing the overall user experience.
Another highlight at SDAIA’s pavilion was the “Nafath” app, which embodies the Kingdom’s commitment to digital identity solutions. By incorporating advanced AI and data technologies, Nafath facilitates secure and efficient digital transactions across various sectors, contributing to the broader goals of digital transformation in Saudi Arabia. The app simplifies processes for individuals and businesses, enhancing operational efficiency while ensuring privacy and security in online transactions.
Additionally, the pavilion showcased the "DEEM" Government Cloud Service, a robust cloud infrastructure solution tailored specifically to the needs of government entities. DEEM provides a wide array of services, including cloud-based resources, email platforms, and the DEEM Smart Platform, all designed to support the digital transformation of governmental and semi-governmental operations. As the largest government cloud of its kind in the Middle East, DEEM has become an indispensable tool for over 180 government agencies, enabling real-time, data-driven decision-making and improving the quality of public services.
One of the more unique and impactful demonstrations at the SDAIA pavilion was the "Baseer" platform, which offers AI-powered solutions designed to manage the large-scale operations of the Hajj pilgrimage. Developed using national algorithms and powered by local AI talent, Baseer optimizes crowd management, ensuring the safety and smooth operation of one of the world’s largest religious gatherings. This platform highlights Saudi Arabia’s commitment to utilizing AI for national priorities, including enhancing the efficiency of public services and the safety of millions of pilgrims each year.
In addition to these digital services, SDAIA also featured the innovative “EYENAI” project, a groundbreaking AI-driven solution for early detection of diabetic retinopathy. Developed in collaboration with King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital (KKESH), Lean Company, and the Saudi Company for Artificial Intelligence (SCAI), EYENAI is a prime example of Saudi Arabia's growing capabilities in medical AI. The solution has already helped diagnose over 1,050 beneficiaries, contributing to early intervention and better patient outcomes. This initiative underscores the Kingdom’s focus on advancing healthcare technology and improving access to medical services through AI-driven solutions.
SDAIA’s participation in the Smart City Expo World Congress 2024 marks its second consecutive year at the event, reinforcing its role as a leading force in Saudi Arabia’s digital transformation journey. By showcasing these innovative solutions, SDAIA is positioning the Kingdom at the forefront of global efforts to harness data and AI for sustainable development, smarter urban living, and improved governance. This commitment aligns with the strategic objectives of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which seeks to diversify the economy, modernize infrastructure, and promote a more connected, efficient, and prosperous society.
As the expo continues through November 7, SDAIA’s presence serves as a testament to Saudi Arabia’s dedication to creating a future where smart cities, digital innovation, and AI drive progress and create a sustainable, high-tech environment for citizens and businesses alike. The Kingdom's engagement in such international platforms not only showcases its achievements in data and AI but also reinforces its ambition to be a global leader in these fields, contributing to the realization of Vision 2030’s transformative objectives.
