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The Technological Center of the Middle East – Saudi Arabia

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Saudi Arabia: Technological Centre of The Middle East

2018 was the year in which the crown prince of Saudi Arabia – Mohamed bin Salman, courted Silicon Valley to fast forward the country, pushing tech as a key driving force in the upcoming transformation. Meetings with Jeff Bezos, Sergey Brin, and Satya Nadella were just some of the indicators of where this nation was heading during its technological evolution.

In the past years, the Kingdom had put together various deals to boost its highly-technological ambitions, even ranking third in the world. In line with the Saudi Vision 2030, Governor Eng. Ahmed Mohammed al-Suwaiyan has even mentioned that Saudi Arabia’s spending on technology will be over $24 billion by 2025, representing the highest governmental spending on technology worldwide.

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Start of the Technological Evolution

Establishing a thriving tech ecosystem is a great thing that any state can set upon itself, although one should be mindful of a different set of challenges that still exist ahead. In Saudi Arabia, almost two-thirds are younger than 35 years old, and the demand for trained IT workers has already outstripped the supply. This gap may only grow bigger as more and more organizations realize the need for highly skilled technical talent.

So, as the Kingdom with the largest market for tech in the region, experts have already pinpointed the focus of this technological evolution. Companies like Sigma IT, High Tech LLC, and more will be the backbone of this growth. Enabling the youth to garner the skills to power this new tech-related industry is an urgent priority and must be implemented sooner rather than later.

The Growing Demand for Digital Jobs

Hattan Saaty is the founder of Strategic Gears and a former advisor to the Saudi Ministry of Labor and Social Development. “From big data analysts to AI and digital transformation specialists, digital occupations would be among the most in-demand in Saudi Arabia by 2025,” he said. “This will demand significant efforts to reskill the current workforce”.

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As one of the necessities of Vision 2030, training the workforce in basic data and AI skills is already underway. And according to Saaty, the Kingdom is already getting recognition on the global stage for its AI efforts, ranking first in the Arab world and 26th in Global Artificial Intelligence Index. Improving talent can only see this difference in rankings shrink even more.

As of 2021, the government had already announced a series of programs to improve the skills of 100,000 Saudi youths by 2030, focusing on AI, gaming, cybersecurity, and programming. An example of the digital revolution is the rapid growth of Saudi Arabia’s eSports Betting. For 2022, the revenue of this market reached $7.02 million, and with the growth of technology, it is expected to rise further.

Saaty remarked, “The government is working on initiatives to provide digital skills to youth for future careers in AI and other technologies. Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority’s Future Skills Program is an important initiative to develop an AI-ready workforce. In the Saudi economy, three key sectors make up over 50% of Saudi GDP: oil & gas, financial services, and government services. These sectors and their workforce can benefit from AI and other emerging technologies of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.”

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In his words, machine learning, AI, applications, software, and process automation are all technologies that young people should be trained to operate in the future as invaluable skills in the new workforce marketplace. 

New Roles for Women in the Workforce

With diversity often cited as a stumbling block in the world of tech, the first Apple Developer Academy opening in the Middle East in Riyadh offered female tech enthusiasts the opportunity to become developers and programmers. This academy teaches fundamentals such as design, marketing, coding, entrepreneurship, and project management 

According to the Apple Developer Academy director, Ohood Al-Nayel, the goal of the Kingdom is to become the region’s premier center for female iOS developers. Further support for them to become active and effective entrepreneurs is also planned as a part of the digital transformation of Saudi Arabia. 

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With a long-term goal of building strong foundations, women are encouraged to take up new roles in the workforce.

Conclusion

With the Kingdom at a critical juncture in its transformative journey, enhancing and improving digital literacy will be of unparalleled importance. In line with the plan of the crown prince, the government has supported programs surrounding tech, in large part, successfully. 

In order to become truly prepared for the future, these tech companies will need leadership, funding-focused tech initiatives, and developing strategies that aim for longevity, as well as successfully retraining and upskilling the necessary workforce aimed to pioneer this evolution.

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Passionate news enthusiast with a flair for words. Our Editorial Team author brings you the latest updates, in-depth analysis, and engaging stories. Stay informed with their well-researched articles.

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Chicago Rat Hole Landmark Removed by City Department and Mayor’s Office

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The Chicago Rat Hole Landmark Removed By The City Department and Mayor's Office

On the sidewalks of a Chicago road, there was a space that resembled a rat with a tail; even the crimps and minute deviations in the nails were visible.

Residents started referring to this peculiar landmark as a “rat hole” rather than a pothole. People began throwing coins around it, and the small defect turned into an attraction for both locals and tourists in Chicago.

Visitors often threw coins, took pictures, and created a commotion in the area. Some residents complained to the mayor about the disturbance caused by tourists and onlookers.

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The removal of the rat hole was a collaborative decision between city departments and the mayor’s office. Eventually, the mayor announced that it would be fixed since it was considered a defect.

Paul Sajovec commented,

“It was just a combination of the fact that the sidewalk was uneven and also that people would show up at various times of the day and night and make a lot of noise and create other issues and problems.”

Also Read: What Is The Meaning Behind 241553903, Why Google Shows A Head In A Freezer?

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In January, people even pursued an imprint of the rat in the walkway. The rat hole had gained immense popularity over the past few days, but it was time to say farewell. The rat had touched the hearts of many; it was well-loved, but now it will be fixed and will disappear from the heart of the sidewalk.

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Coon Rapids Shooting: One Casualty Reported, Investigation Continues to Find Suspect 

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Coon Rapids Shooting: One Casualty Reported, Investigation Continues to Find Suspect 

A shooting incident reportedly occurred at a YMCA in Coon Rapids, Minnesota.

The crime news was first reported by a social media page, Twin Cities Crime Watch & Information. According to the page, the suspects arrived in a red sedan occupied by four Somalis.

Twin Cities Crime Watch & Information posted,

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“Coon Rapids – SHOOTING at the YMCA, 8950 Springbrook Dr., occurred inside. Suspects in a red sedan, occupied by four Somalis. Partial plate contains JW*25.”

According to Times Now, a statement was received by the Coon Rapids Police Department where it stated that when police were reported, they responded immediately. 

Officers arrived at the scene around 7:58 p.m. on Friday and found one person suffering from gunshot wounds. The victim was immediately transported to a local hospital.

The police shared on their Facebook page,

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“Friday night the Coon Rapids Police Department was dispatched to the Emma B. Howe YMCA on a report of gunshots. Officers arrived at the scene to find one person struck by gunfire. The victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment of his injuries. Currently, their condition is unknown.”

‘Shooting Was Not Random’

The police announced that they believe the shooting at the YMCA in Coon Rapids was not random.

Detectives from the Coon Rapids Police Department were present at the scene and actively investigating the matter.

The police have urged the public to provide any information about the incident by calling 763-427-1212.

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As of now, no information is available regarding the person responsible for the shooting, and the circumstances surrounding the incident are still unknown.

Update

The police have revealed the identity of the victim. According to CBS News, the victim is a 16-year-old male.

The YMCA will be under lockdown on Saturday and Sunday, with regular scheduling expected to resume on Monday.

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Also Read: Fairfield Mall Shooting Update: Suspects Caught, Huge Vehicles Found in Beavercreek

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Sachin Sahoo: Bipolar Indian-Origin Man Shot Dead By US Police 

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On April 21, Sachin Sahoo, an Indian-origin man, was shot by a San Antonio police officer. According to the Deccan Herald, when the officers attempted to apprehend Sachin, he struck two officers with his vehicle.

Sachin Sahoo was being pursued in connection with an aggravated assault case.

Originally from Uttar Pradesh, India, Sachin Sahoo was declared dead at the scene.

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Sources from PTI claimed that Sachin Sahoo might have been a naturalized U.S. citizen. As per the preliminary investigation, on April 21, just before 6:30 PM, officers were called to a home in Cheviot Heights, San Antonio.

They were responding to a report of an ‘Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon.’

Upon arrival, the officers discovered a 51-year-old woman who had been deliberately hit by Sachin Sahoo’s vehicle.

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After hitting the woman, Sachin Sahoo fled the scene.

The 51-year-old victim was transported to a nearby hospital and was in critical condition.

Consequently, a felony arrest warrant was issued in the name of Sahoo by the San Antonio Police Detectives.

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Later that evening, neighbors informed the police that Sahoo had returned to his original location.

When two officers arrived at the scene and attempted to make contact, Sachin struck both with his vehicle. One of them shot Sahoo, and he was pronounced dead at the scene.

One officer was treated at the scene, while the other was taken to a local hospital.

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Police Chief Bill McManus stated that Sachin’s actions also left his roommate in critical condition. The woman underwent multiple surgeries.

According to Outlook India, when officers approached to arrest Sachin, he “got into his car and managed to squeeze through the police vehicles blocking his driveway.” In the process, he also hit the officers.

Subsequently, another officer stopped Sachin by firing at him.

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About Sachin Sahoo

Leah Goldstein, Sahoo’s ex-wife, revealed that her ex-husband had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and also exhibited symptoms of schizophrenia.

She added, ‘He has suffered for the past ten years with bipolar disorder. He also had symptoms of schizophrenia. He couldn’t understand what was wrong with him.’

In a news report, she said, ‘He would hear voices, hallucinate, and just get stuck in his own mind.’”

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