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How an AI-driven platform is bridging linguistic and cultural gaps in content creation

Special How an AI-driven platform is bridging linguistic and cultural gaps in content creation
STUCK? founder and CEO Asmaa Naga envisions her creation to be "the go-to solution for all companies interested in expanding to or operating in the Middle East.” (Supplied)
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Updated 06 November 2024

How an AI-driven platform is bridging linguistic and cultural gaps in content creation

How an AI-driven platform is bridging linguistic and cultural gaps in content creation
  • New platform combines the power of AI and human expertise to offer accurate, culturally nuanced content in different dialects
  • With the growth of AI models specializing in language, STUCK? meets the growing demand for region and industry-specific content

JEDDAH: In the fast-paced world of content creation, artificial intelligence is reshaping industries and how we communicate.

Yet while AI excels in speed and scale, human insight is still critical for capturing cultural context and linguistic nuance — especially in regions like the Middle East, where dialects and cultural subtleties matter.

This is where STUCK?, a groundbreaking platform created by Asmaa Naga, comes into play, combining the raw power of AI-driven large language models with the nuanced understanding of human experts to create accurate, high-quality content in English and Arabic.

“During COVID, I began to see how my experience in language and my awareness of corporate linguistic needs could help me create a solution to bridge a gap,” Naga, who taught at the British Council in Jeddah for 11 years prior to launching the platform, told Arab News.

Established in 2022, STUCK? employs a group of language models, each specializing in different aspects of language processing.

“One model is designed to handle large contexts, another excels in translation, while another has exceptional proficiency in understanding Arabic,” said Naga.

AI’s ability to quickly analyze massive datasets and generate content has already revolutionized whole sectors. However, there is still a catch. While AI is excellent at processing language, it often lacks the emotional intelligence and cultural depth only humans can provide.

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Content creation is evolving, with AI enhancing speed while human oversight ensures relevance and contextual accuracy in specialized sectors.

AI-driven content creation offers scalability and efficiency but still requires human expertise for cultural sensitivity and nuanced language.

Arabic language models require specialized development to handle dialects, cultural contexts and industry-specific terminology.

This is especially crucial in regions where subtle differences in dialect, phrasing or cultural references can dramatically change the meaning or tone of a message.

STUCK? was designed with these challenges in mind. The platform combines multiple AI models, each specialized in different areas such as translation or contextual understanding, to offer a comprehensive solution for creating and localizing content.




Stuck? founder and CEO Asmaa Naga (right) and fellow founder. (Supplied)

But what truly sets STUCK? apart is its ability to handle not just Modern Standard Arabic but also regional dialects, including Levantine, Egyptian and those spoken within Ƶ such as Najdi and Hijazi.

AI-generated content in English or any other widely spoken language has become more advanced over the years, but Arabic — especially its regional dialects — presents unique challenges. It has numerous dialects that vary not only by country but even within regions of a single nation.

For instance, the Arabic spoken in Riyadh differs from that spoken in Jeddah, and that is just within Ƶ. This complexity makes it difficult for standard language models to capture differences accurately.

For industries operating in the Middle East, from healthcare and cultural heritage to oil and gas, accurate communication in the correct dialect can be the difference between success and failure.

But despite the technology’s sophistication, the team behind STUCK? recognize that AI alone cannot fully meet the demands of complex content creation. This is why the platform offers three service tiers — fully human, fully AI, and a blended approach that combines the two.

For routine tasks, AI or the blended model offers quick and efficient solutions. But for high-stakes projects that require a more refined touch — such as marketing campaigns or culturally sensitive communications — the human approach ensures the content resonates with the target audience.

“Users generally do not need guidance to make this choice,” said Naga. “They usually know the importance of the content they want to create or translate and the level of customization needed.”

This flexibility makes STUCK? a highly adaptable tool. In the oil and gas sector, for example, where terminology is highly specialized, the platform’s ability to onboard industry-specific language experts ensures accuracy.

Indeed, it is not just about translating words — it is about making sure the content speaks the industry’s language in both the literal and figurative sense.

AI models are continuously trained and fine-tuned to generate content that responds appropriately to user prompts. But the process does not end with AI generation — human editors review the AI-produced content to ensure it aligns with cultural and linguistic standards.

“We constantly train and fine-tune our AI models to ensure they generate content that is highly responsive to the prompts used,” said Naga.

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With clients like the Riyadh-based consultancy &bouqu, STUCK? has already established itself as a critical tool for businesses looking to scale operations in the Middle East.

By offering a blend of AI speed and human creativity, the platform is poised to become an indispensable asset for companies that need to communicate effectively across the region’s diverse linguistic landscape.

Looking forward, Naga envisions STUCK? becoming “the go-to solution for all companies interested in expanding to or operating in the Middle East.”

In a world where content is king, STUCK? is not just filling a gap — it is arguably redefining how companies create, translate, and localize content in one of the world’s most linguistically and culturally diverse regions.

By merging the precision of AI with the insight of human experts, STUCK? could offer a way forward for industries that are often literally stuck when it comes to communication.


Fortune Global Forum to be held in Riyadh in 2025

Fortune Global Forum to be held in Riyadh in 2025
Updated 48 sec ago

Fortune Global Forum to be held in Riyadh in 2025

Fortune Global Forum to be held in Riyadh in 2025
RIYADH: The Saudi capital will welcome world business elites next year as the Fortune Global Forum makes its first appearance in Riyadh.

The forum, which is organized by Fortune magazine, brings together top business leaders from across the globe on the dynamic frontiers of global enterprise.

Fahd bin Abdulmohsan Al-Rasheed, the chairman of the Saudi Convention and Exhibitions General Authority, said the forum has in the past 30 years brought together “the titans of industry around the world to the forefront of economic development.”

“And that forefront today is the Kingdom of Ƶ,” Al-Rasheed told the forum in New York, where delegates have been taking part in the three-day gathering, which concluded on Tuesday.

He urged delegates to come to the Kingdom’s business epicenter to engage and explore what Ƶ has to offer.

Ƶ launches company to transform Asir into global tourism hub

Ƶ launches company to transform Asir into global tourism hub
Updated 14 November 2024

Ƶ launches company to transform Asir into global tourism hub

Ƶ launches company to transform Asir into global tourism hub

RIYADH: Ƶ’s Asir region has launched a new tourism venture through a partnership with the aim of creating a holding company to transform the area into a global tourist destination.

The collaboration between Aseer Investment Co., a subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund, and Rikaz Real Estate, aligns with the goal of transforming Asir into a world-class tourist destination that combines authentic heritage with sustainable development, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

The holding company seeks to contribute to enhancing a tourism environment that enriches guests’ experiences with unique offerings, connecting visitors to local culture and community traditions, SPA reported.

It is also committed to promoting sustainable tourism by protecting the environment, developing local communities, and collaborating with artisans and local businesses to preserve the authenticity of Asir’s heritage.

In October, the Kingdom’s Abha city secured a new investment partnership to boost tourism by developing culturally rich dining and retail experiences. 

PIF firm Aseer Investment Co. signed the deal with Nimr Real Estate and the National Co. for Tourism, or Syahya, to propel the project, the Saudi Press Agency reported. 

This aligns with the objectives of developing Abha, which will offer a range of benefits, including retail stores that reflect the cultural heritage of the Asir region.

The partnership also seeks to be a model for multiple collaborations with private sector investors and create more regional job opportunities.

Investments in the region are expected to create between 14,000 and 18,000 job prospects and contribute to up to 6 percent of the non-oil gross domestic product within 10 years, as outlined by AIC Chief Executive Osama Al-Othman in February.

Ƶ emerged as a leader in tourism growth among G20 nations, experiencing a 73 percent increase in international visitors in the first seven months of 2024 compared to 2019.

According to the UN World Tourism Barometer report in September, the Kingdom welcomed 17.5 million international tourists during this timeframe, showcasing its growing allure as a global travel destination.

This surge is part of the nation’s Vision 2030 initiative, which aims to diversify the economy and reduce dependence on oil revenues.

“Ƶ cements its global leadership and takes the first spot among G20 countries in international tourist arrivals growth, with a 73 percent increase in the first seven months of 2024 compared to the same period in 2019,” stated the Saudi Tourism Ministry on X.

Under the National Tourism Strategy, the Kingdom aims to attract 150 million visitors by 2030 and increase the sector’s contribution to the nation’s gross domestic product from 6 percent to 10 percent.

These goals reflect the country’s commitment to strengthening its tourism sector and enhancing its global appeal.


IMF, Ƶ announce new annual conference tackling global economic challenges

IMF, Ƶ announce new annual conference tackling global economic challenges
Updated 14 November 2024

IMF, Ƶ announce new annual conference tackling global economic challenges

IMF, Ƶ announce new annual conference tackling global economic challenges

RIYADH: The International Monetary Fund and Ƶ will jointly organize a high-level annual conference in AlUla to discuss global economic challenges, it has been announced.

The AlUla Conference for Emerging Market Economies will bring together a select group of finance ministers, central bank governors, and policymakers, along with leaders from the public and private sectors, representatives from international institutions, and members of academia.

According to a joint statement by Kristalina Georgieva, managing director of IMF and the Minister of Finance Mohammed Al-Jadaan, the first edition of this series will be held from Feb. 16-17, 2025.

“The world is confronting deeper and more frequent shocks, including from conflicts, geoeconomic fragmentation, pandemics, climate change, food insecurity, and the digital divide,” according to the statement.

They continued: “If not addressed adequately, these shocks put at risk emerging market economies’ hard-won improvements in living standards. Such setbacks would affect large segments of the world population and put at risk global growth and macro-financial stability.”

The gathering will offer a platform to exchange views on domestic, regional, and global economic developments and discuss policies and reforms to spur inclusive prosperity and build resilience supported by international cooperation.

Recent economic issues affecting the global landscape include rising inflation rates, driven by supply chain disruptions and increased demand for goods post-pandemic.

Supply chain delays continue to impact the availability of essential products, causing bottlenecks in manufacturing and increasing costs.

Additionally, geopolitical conflicts, such as the war in Gaza, have disrupted energy supplies and food exports, leading to global food insecurity and fuel price volatility.

Concerns over the using the Red Sea shipping lane increased dramatically at the end of 2023, when Houthi militants stepped up attacks on vessels in the wake of the escalation of the Israel-Hamas conflict.

The effects of these challenges pose significant risks to economic stability, especially for emerging markets that are more vulnerable to such global shocks.

The AlUla conference is the latest example of the growing relationship between Ƶ and the IMF, with the organization in April establishing its first office in the Middle East and North Africa region in Riyadh.

The facility was launched during the Joint Regional Conference on Industrial Policy for Diversification, jointly organized by the IMF and the Ministry of Finance, on April 24.

The new office aims to strengthen capacity building, regional surveillance, and outreach to foster stability, growth, and integration, thereby promoting partnerships in the Middle East and beyond, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

The work hub will promote closer collaboration between the IMF and regional institutions, governments, and other stakeholders, according to the SPA report.

The IMF also expressed its gratitude to the Kingdom for its financial contribution aimed at supporting capacity development in member countries, including fragile states.


Closing Bell: Ƶ’s TASI ends in the red, trading volume hits $2.95bn

Closing Bell: Ƶ’s TASI ends in the red, trading volume hits $2.95bn
Updated 14 November 2024

Closing Bell: Ƶ’s TASI ends in the red, trading volume hits $2.95bn

Closing Bell: Ƶ’s TASI ends in the red, trading volume hits $2.95bn

RIYADH: The Tadawul All Share Index concluded the last session of the week at 11,791.18 points, down by 139.27 points or 1.17 percent.

The MSCI Tadawul 30 Index also saw a decline, dropping 19.18 points to close at 1,481.36, reflecting a 1.28 percent loss. In contrast, the parallel market Nomu finished Thursday’s trading at 29,467.71 points, up 262.18 points or 0.90 percent.

TASI reported a trading volume of SR11.10 billion ($2.95 billion), with 51 stocks advancing and 182 declining. The top performer of the day was Saudi Cable Co., which saw its share price surge by 5.10 percent to SR92.70.

Other strong performers included Shatirah House Restaurant Co., which gained 3.75 percent to reach SR21, and Arabian Mills for Food Products Co., which rose by 3.08 percent to SR53.60. Naseej International Trading Co. and Saudi Real Estate Co. also posted notable gains.

The worst performer was Saudi Real Estate Co., which dropped 4.94 percent to close at SR10. Alkhaleej Training and Education Co. and Red Sea International Co. also suffered significant losses, with their share prices falling by 4.90 percent to SR29.10 and 4.84 percent to SR68.80, respectively. Astra Industrial Group and Al-Omran Industrial Trading Co. were also among the day’s largest decliners.

On the parallel market, Nomu, Alqemam for Computer Systems Co. was the top gainer, rising by 9.57 percent to SR103. Other gainers included Dar Almarkabah for Renting Cars Co., which climbed 9.10 percent to SR42.55, and Horizon Educational Co., which rose by 7.58 percent to SR79.50. Mulkia Investment Co. and Knowledge Tower Trading Co. also saw significant increases.

On the losing side of Nomu, WSM for Information Technology Co. recorded the largest drop, with its share price falling by 6.18 percent to SR44. Osool and Bakheet Investment Co. and Natural Gas Distribution Co. also experienced notable declines, with their shares dropping by 5.37 percent to SR37.85 and 5 percent to SR57, respectively.

 


Leaders stress urgent need for climate finance at COP29 ministerial dialogue

Leaders stress urgent need for climate finance at COP29 ministerial dialogue
Updated 14 November 2024

Leaders stress urgent need for climate finance at COP29 ministerial dialogue

Leaders stress urgent need for climate finance at COP29 ministerial dialogue

RIYADH: Global climate finance continues to fall short of expectations, as leaders gathered at the COP29 Ministerial Dialogue on Climate Finance to address ongoing challenges and map out next steps.

The meeting, held in Baku, Azerbaijan, underscored the urgent need for increased and more effective funding mechanisms. COP29 President Mukhtar Babayev emphasized that climate finance plays a central role in the broader negotiations.

“The urgency of the situation is evident,” Babayev remarked, pointing to the severe impacts of climate change observed over the past year. “Recently, we witnessed catastrophic flooding in Spain, and in the Pacific region, island communities are faced with the possibility of being wiped out entirely. We must act now; failure to do so will have grave human and economic costs.”

The president stressed the importance of fulfilling the $100 billion-per-year commitment made in Copenhagen and reiterated in Paris, urging leaders to reflect on lessons learned and consider the quality and allocation of financial resources.

Developing countries once again voiced the need for tangible action, with Fiji’s Deputy Prime Minister Biman Prasad highlighting the importance of aligning climate finance with the goals of the Paris Agreement.

“This is a ‘put your money where your mouth is’ moment,” Prasad said. “The 1.5°C temperature goal and the Paris Agreement itself will not be deliverable from both an economic and scientific perspective if we do not invest right. The New Collective Quantified Goal is critical for aligning our priorities and addressing major inconsistencies,” he added.

The EU reaffirmed its commitment to climate finance, noting that the $100 billion goal was first collectively met in 2022, with contributions reaching $115.9 billion.

“The EU and its member states contributed €28.5 billion, or around $30 billion, in climate finance from public sources,” a representative said. “Almost half of the public funding came in the form of grants, with a significant portion provided on concessional terms. We need to make further efforts to facilitate the mobilization of private funding, as it remains a key source of climate finance,” the representative added.

Simon Stiell, executive secretary of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, emphasized the critical juncture at which the global community now finds itself.

“The huge opportunities we have and the terrible risks we face are real,” Stiell said. “It’s time to take action to bridge gaps, solve problems, and come together to ensure climate finance and climate action benefit everyone.”

Sweden also announced a significant new contribution, with Ministerial representatives unveiling an $8 billion Swedish krona ($723.6 million) pledge to the second replenishment of the Green Climate Fund.

“This makes Sweden the largest per capita donor to the GCF among the larger donors,” the Swedish representative noted.

As discussions progressed, leaders acknowledged the widening gap between current financial commitments and the funds required to meet the 1.5°C target. There were calls for more robust mobilization of both public and private finance.

The COP29 president concluded: “Delivering the climate fairness that developing countries need is one of the main metrics of shared success. We can learn from past efforts to inform the road ahead, but significant determination and leadership from all parties are required to bridge these critical gaps.”