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Saudi Arabia To Welcome Google Pay In 2025 As Part Of Vision 2030

Google Pay is preparing for its launch in Saudi Arabia in 2025, offering users a secure and convenient way to make payments in stores, apps, and online. This move follows the signing of an agreement between Google and the Saudi Central Bank (SAMA), which will see Google Pay integrated into the national payment system, mada.

The partnership aligns with SAMA’s ongoing initiatives to strengthen the Kingdom’s digital payment ecosystem as part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. This commitment aims to reduce the reliance on cash and promote the adoption of advanced digital payment solutions that adhere to international standards.

AI Hub To Boost Saudi Arabia’s Tech Ecosystem

In addition to Google Pay, the tech giant revealed plans in October 2024 to establish an advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) hub in Saudi Arabia. This move is designed to contribute to the nation’s economic growth and technological advancement, aligning with Vision 2030’s goal to diversify the economy through technology.

The AI hub is expected to generate up to $71 billion for the Saudi economy. This figure highlights the significant potential of advanced AI applications in sectors like healthcare, retail, and finance, not only in Saudi Arabia but across the Middle East, Africa, and beyond. According to Ruth Porat, President and Chief Investment Officer of Google and Alphabet, the hub will fast-track AI integration, particularly in Arabic, to meet the specific needs of the region.

Collaboration With Local Stakeholders To Drive Industry Innovation

The AI hub is the result of collaboration between Google and key stakeholders in Saudi Arabia’s technology and investment sectors. It will focus on developing AI-powered solutions tailored to industries such as oil and gas, finance, healthcare, and logistics, helping to optimize processes and enhance economic resilience.

Yasir Al Rumayyan, Governor of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), emphasized that this partnership demonstrates the PIF’s commitment to building a tech-friendly ecosystem, investing in human capital, and equipping Saudi professionals with advanced tools for sustainable development.

Fostering Local Talent And Entrepreneurship

Central to this initiative is the focus on nurturing homegrown talent. The AI hub will offer training programs, research opportunities, and platforms for local developers, researchers, and startups, potentially benefiting millions of people. This ecosystem will not only drive innovation but also foster entrepreneurship, ensuring that economic benefits are felt throughout the Kingdom.

As global tech leaders shift their focus to localized solutions, Google’s initiative exemplifies a forward-looking approach that taps into regional strengths. With the AI hub’s potential to contribute billions to the economy and boost digital capabilities, Saudi Arabia is well-positioned to become a regional leader in AI innovation.

TikTok Returns To US App Stores 

TikTok is once again available for download in the Apple and Google app stores in the US, following a delay in the enforcement of its ban by former President Donald Trump. The ban’s postponement until April 5 gives the administration additional time to evaluate the situation.

Key Developments

The decision to restore TikTok access came after Google and Apple received reassurances from the Trump administration that they would not face legal consequences for reinstating the Chinese-owned app. According to Bloomberg, US Attorney General Pam Bondi sent a letter outlining these guarantees.

In an executive order signed on January 20, Trump instructed the attorney general not to take enforcement action for 75 days, providing time for his administration to determine how to proceed.

Uncertain Future For TikTok In The US

While TikTok is back on the US app stores, its long-term survival remains uncertain. If no deal is reached by early April to address national security concerns, the app may face another shutdown. ByteDance, the parent company, has insisted that TikTok is not for sale.

Legislation And Pressure On ByteDance

The Protecting Americans from Foreign Enemy-Controlled Apps Act, which passed with bipartisan support in Congress, mandates a nationwide ban on TikTok unless ByteDance sells its US operations. This law was signed by President Joe Biden in April of last year.

In late January, the app was briefly removed from US stores following the ban’s activation, impacting over 170 million American users. However, TikTok was restored soon after, following Trump’s intervention in his first hours as president. During that time, he signed an executive order allowing 75 days for a deal that would safeguard national security. Trump also suggested that the US could take a 50% stake in TikTok, a move he believed would keep the app “in good hands.”

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