Naver, the South Korean internet giant, is set to collaborate with Saudi Arabia’s Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) to develop a large language model (LLM) based on Arabic. (Image courtesy of Naver)
SEOUL, Sept. 13 (Korea Bizwire) – Naver, the South Korean internet giant, is set to collaborate with Saudi Arabia’s Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) to develop a large language model (LLM) based on Arabic, marking a significant step in the company’s Middle Eastern expansion strategy.
On September 10, during the three-day Global AI Summit conference in Riyadh, Naver and SDAIA signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU), the company announced on September 12. This agreement paves the way for extensive cooperation between the two entities in artificial intelligence, cloud computing, data centers, and robotics.
Specifically, Naver, along with its subsidiaries Naver Cloud and Naver Labs, will partner with SDAIA on several key initiatives. These include developing solutions and services for data centers, cloud solutions, constructing an Arabic-based LLM and related services, and researching intelligent robots and their applications.
SDAIA, a direct arm of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, is spearheading the Saudi Vision 2030 initiative. Naver emphasized that this partnership would extend its role as a leading technology partner for Saudi Arabia, building on their existing collaboration in digital twin technology.
The agreement is seen as Naver’s strategic move to accelerate its penetration into the Middle Eastern AI market. A high-profile delegation from Naver, including Global Investment Officer Lee Hae-jin, CEO Choi Soo-yeon, and the heads of Naver Cloud and Naver Labs, attended this year’s Global AI Summit in Saudi Arabia.
In a keynote speech, Kim Yuwon, CEO of Naver Cloud, highlighted the growing importance of AI sovereignty. He pledged that Naver would leverage its unique AI technological capabilities and experience to help Saudi Arabia open a new chapter in the AI era.
During their visit, Naver executives, led by Lee Hae-jin, met with key Saudi government officials, including ministers of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing, Communications and Information Technology, and Commerce, as well as the head of SDAIA.
Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)
