AI Saved 1.5 Billion Liters Of Water, Cut Carbon Emissions Equivalent To 1 Million Trees: SDAIA President

The Saudi Data & AI Authority (SDAIA) President Abdullah bin Sharaf Alghamdi noted that artificial intelligence (AI) technology has contributed to saving 150 million sheets of paper and conserving 1.5 billion liters of water. While speaking at the Saudi Green Initiative Forum 2024, held on the sidelines of the UNCCD COP16 in Riyadh, SDAIA President shed light on the role of data and AI in accelerating progress and building a greener and more resilient world.

Abdullah bin Sharaf Alghamdi said that the Saudi Green Initiative lies at the heart of transformative efforts, being a comprehensive national strategy comprising over 80 initiatives aimed at reducing carbon emissions, expanding green spaces, and protecting the environment, reported the Saudi Press Agency. Meanwhile, SDAIA is monitoring 4 billion square meters of urban areas in Riyadh through analyzing 540 gigabytes of satellite image data that is updated annually through the Smart C national platform for smart cities as part of the authority’s role as the national reference for data and AI.

SDAIA President also highlighted that AI technology contributed to the development of the renewable energy sector, a significant step supporting the Saudi Vision to achieve its ambitious goal of having 50% of its power generated from renewable sources by 2030.