Created in partnership with Saudi Space Commission
Chinese state-owned equipment maker Huawei has opened its largest technology experience centre outside of China in the Saudi Arabian capital of Riyadh. In partnership with the Saudi Space Commission Huawei unveiled its Future Space in Saudi Arabia centre on Wednesday. It currently uses 1,500 square meters to showcase advanced technologies such as autonomous driving, 3D printing and brainwave robot control. It will be open to the public and the hosts expect an estimated 200,000 visitors in the next five years.
Yang
Eric Yang, the CEO of Huawei Saudi Arabia, spoke at the launch about the ways the centre would support the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which has an ambitious digital plan to decarbonise. The Space Commission will provide an inspiring technology experience in support of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, according to Yang. The partnership between Huawei and Saudi Space Commission aligns with the Chinese company’s commitment to corporate social responsibility, developing local talent and actively contributing to the Kingdom’s digital transformation journey, according to Huawei Saudi Arabia.
Digital ecosystem
“Initiatives such as Future Space help enrich our digital ecosystem and attract investment from other digital companies,” said Saudi Deputy Minister of Investment Adnan Alsharqi. Chen Weiqing, the Chinese Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, said the partnerships between technology companies of the two countries would add new value to the local tech ecosystem as Saudi Arabia pursues digital transformation as part of its strategic goals. Partnering with Huawei, a global technology leader, could help Saudi Arabia to deliver technology solutions that can have a positive influence on society, said Mohammed Altamimi, CEO of the Saudi Space Commission.
Skills
His Royal Highness Prince Sultan bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Chairman of Saudi Space Commission (SSC) has previously promised that Saudi Arabia is rich in creativity and that the search for creators in Saudi Arabia is an easy task. “The goal is developing programmes to nurture talent and guide their creations for the future of their country,” the Prince said in 2019, when the Space Commission was set up. “The Saudis are naturally talented, and the people of this country, for decades, have continued the journey of building their homeland with determination and vigour. The Kingdom reaps the fruit of its blessed march as a cohesive, productive and developed country at all levels.”
Prince Sultan urged specialist institutions to embrace, nurture and empower talented people.