Dr. Khulood Almani to Drive AI Contributions to Saudi GDP Growth
1 | Apr 14, 2025 | Zawya
Dr. Khulood Almani, the Founder & CEO of HKB Tech, is a pivotal figure in Saudi Arabia's efforts to become a leading hub for technology and innovation. With extensive leadership experience, Dr. Almani has positioned HKB Tech at the heart of the Kingdom's AI transformation strategy. The Saudi government has committed $100 billion towards developing its AI ecosystem, with projections showing AI could add $135 billion to the national GDP by 2030. HKB Tech is instrumental in these efforts through its AI Centre of Excellence and partnerships with major tech companies like Google and NVIDIA. Dr. Almani focuses on localizing technology and developing in-house sustainable products across AI, IoT, BioTech, and ClimateTech. However, the journey towards AI leadership is fraught with challenges related to ethics, regulation, and cultural readiness. Dr. Almani advocates for cohesive AI regulatory frameworks and responsible tech practices in line with sustainability goals. Saudi Arabia's vision is not merely to advance economically through AI but to do so in an ethically sound and culturally resonant manner.
Sectors
- Artificial Intelligence
- Technology and Innovation
- Sustainable Development
Geography
- Saudi Arabia – The article primarily focuses on Saudi Arabia's national AI strategies and ambitions.
Industry
- Artificial Intelligence – The article emphasizes advancements in AI and its potential economic impact on Saudi Arabia.
- Technology and Innovation – HKB Tech is working towards transforming Saudi Arabia into a tech and innovation hub.
- Sustainable Development – Dr. Almani and HKB Tech are committed to aligning AI development with sustainability goals.
Financials
- $100 billion – Amount pledged by the Saudi government to develop an AI ecosystem.
- $135 billion – Projected contribution of AI to the Saudi GDP by 2030.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dr. Khulood Almani | Founder & CEO | Person | Founder & CEO of HKB Tech, leading AI initiatives in Saudi Arabia. |
| HKB Tech | Company driving AI advancements | Company | A key player in Saudi Arabia's AI ecosystem. |
| Bin Dayel Group | Parent Company | Company | Parent company of HKB Tech. |
| Strategic Partner | Company | Partner with HKB Tech to advance AI technologies. | |
| NVIDIA | Strategic Partner | Company | Partner with HKB Tech within the AI Inception Program. |
| AWS | Strategic Partner | Company | Collaborator with HKB Tech on AI projects. |
| King Saud University | Former Employer | University | Dr. Almani was a former professor here. |