Saudi Arabia launches Arabic Intelligence Center in Riyadh with AI Focus

Saudi Arabia has inaugurated the Arabic Intelligence Center, the first international hub dedicated to the automatic processing of the Arabic language, employing artificial intelligence techniques in Riyadh. This landmark center, established at the King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language, aims to boost the Arabic language’s presence in AI applications and computer systems worldwide.

The Arabic Intelligence Center will offer an array of technical and linguistic services, utilizing AI to advance the Arabic language’s role in digital applications. The center’s activities are designed to support research, innovations, and consultations in the field of AI-based Arabic language processing. It also serves to promote the integration of Arabic into a broader spectrum of AI technologies.

Dr. Abdullah Al-Washmi, the academy’s secretary-general, highlighted the center’s role in enriching Arabic content in data and artificial intelligence. He emphasized that the center’s success hinges on its strategic objective of advancing Arabic language technology while fostering research and applications on a local and global scale. This initiative is also aligned with Saudi Arabia’s National Strategy for Data and Artificial Intelligence, contributing to the broader goals of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.

To achieve these ambitious goals, the Arabic Intelligence Center comprises five specialized laboratories. The Artificial Intelligence Laboratory focuses on developing technical research for Arabic language processing, while the Data Formatting Laboratory specializes in collecting and processing various forms of Arabic data. The Audio and Visual Laboratory manages the recording and classification of audio-visual data, while the Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality Laboratory develops Arabic software in these emerging technologies. Lastly, the Researchers Laboratory provides office space for academics conducting research on Arabic computing.

The center aims to support local and international stakeholders interested in advancing the Arabic language with a range of services, including technical and linguistic consultations, specialized meetings and courses, and paid licenses for researchers. Additionally, the center supports collaborative research projects and contributes to the labeling of data crucial for AI-related studies.

The establishment of the Arabic Intelligence Center is a pivotal step in promoting the Arabic language’s role in AI and digital innovation. By aligning with the National Strategy for Data and Artificial Intelligence and the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, the center aims to position Saudi Arabia as a leader in AI-based Arabic language technologies, providing a platform for research, development, and international collaboration.