Revolutionizing the Future: SDAIA and Microsoft Unite to Launch Groundbreaking AI Center of Excellence
Saudi Data and AI Development Authority and Microsoft Strengthen Partnership to Advance Innovation in Generative AI
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Sept. 13, 2024
The Saudi Data and AI Development Authority (SDAIA) and Microsoft have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen their ongoing collaboration and advance innovation in generative AI in Saudi Arabia. The agreement was formalized at the 3rd Global AI Summit (GAIN 2024) held at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center in Riyadh, bringing together leading international experts and scientists in the technology field.
Establishing a Comprehensive Framework for Collaboration
The MoU, signed by Dr. Yaser bin Mohammed Alonaizan, CEO of the National Center for Artificial Intelligence (NCAI) at SDAIA, and Turki Badhris, President of Microsoft Arabia, aims to establish a comprehensive framework for collaboration between the two parties across several key areas. These areas include the development of a joint center of excellence to accelerate innovation in generative AI with a focus on Arabic large-scale language models.
Accelerating Innovation in Generative AI
This expanded partnership will also see SDAIA’s Arabic LLM, “ALLaM,” generally available on Microsoft Azure. Built and trained by SDAIA on Azure’s robust and scalable infrastructure, this model will enable government agencies and enterprises of all sizes to leverage ALLaM’s advanced capabilities to develop their own Arabic AI applications. These applications can be used to solve problems, optimize operations, enhance customer engagement, and accelerate digital transformation.
Recognized Worldwide as the Best Arabic Model
In addition, SDAIA announced that ALLaM has been recognized worldwide as the best Arabic model, as assessed by Arabic MMLU, the gold standard for large-scale language models.
Building National Capacity in AI
The partnership also includes the establishment of the Microsoft AI Academy in collaboration with the SDAIA Academy. The plan aims to build national capacity in AI through a number of joint programs, including the Microsoft Azure Professional Certification Program. This program provides local talent with globally recognized credentials, and the Athka University competition, which partners with the Imagine Cup competition to encourage Saudi youth to participate in international competitions.
Leading the Development of Saudi Arabia’s Data and AI Landscape
These activities are an integral part of SDAIA’s ongoing efforts to lead the development of Saudi Arabia’s data and AI landscape. They highlight SDAIA’s commitment to developing competitive national capabilities and strengthening Saudi Arabia’s position as a global leader in this field.
Image: Dr. Yaser bin Mohammed Alonaizan, CEO of the National Center for AI (NCAI) at SDAIA, and Turki Badhris, President of Microsoft Arabia. <a href="https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2504058/SDAIAMicrosoftArabia.jpg”>https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2504058/SDAIAMicrosoftArabia.jpg