Saudi Media Ministry signs global partnerships to advance AI, infrastructure

The Alibaba partnership aims to develop training programs tailored for media professionals, with a focus on AI and other domains. (SPA/File)
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  • Vice minister signs deals with Alibaba, Alibaba Cloud, Cisco and eWTPA on sidelines of LEAP 2024 exhibition

LONDON: The Saudi Ministry of Media on Monday signed four strategic agreements on the sidelines of the LEAP 2024 exhibition’s opening day in Riyadh.

A signing ceremony presided over by Minister of Media Salman bin Yousef Al-Dosari saw Vice Minister of Media Dr. Abdullah bin Ahmed Al-Maghlouth formalizing the collaborations, which included a cooperation agreement with Alibaba and Alibaba Cloud.

The Alibaba partnership aims to develop training programs tailored for media professionals, with a focus on AI and other domains.

The agreement will also see the Chinese tech giant hosting the ministry’s infrastructure, services and platforms on Alibaba Cloud data centers, including the Disaster Recovery Center and the upcoming version of the Saudipedia encyclopedia, a digital encyclopedia showcasing ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ’s history, culture and modern advancements.

Al-Maghlouth also signed a strategic partnership with Cisco to develop the ministry’s emergency and disaster call center, as well as improve smart building infrastructure.

The collaboration integrates AI techniques to enhance the efficiency of technical operations, with the American digital communication company conducting technical workshops to elevate the skillsets of the ministry’s employees.

The ministry also signed an agreement with Chinese investment platform eWTPA to foster global cooperation in the media industry, providing training for local and international journalists.

The agreement includes translating, broadcasting and publishing Saudi media news in Chinese, along with initiatives for knowledge exchange.