Naver Partners with SDAIA to Develop Arabic Large Language Model and Enhance AI Technologies

Naver Corp., South Korea’s leading online platform, partnered with the Saudi Data & AI Authority (SDAIA) to collaborate on developing an Arabic large language model (LLM). This agreement also includes joint efforts to advance cloud computing and robotics technologies. The MOU was signed on Tuesday during the Gain Summit 2024, a global AI event hosted by Saudi Arabia in Riyadh.

The partnership is a crucial step for Naver, which is teaming up with Saudi Arabia’s AI agency to create an Arabic-language-based LLM. 

Under the preliminary agreement, Naver Cloud Corp. and Naver Labs Corp. will collaborate with the Saudi Data & AI Authority (SDAIA) to develop an Arabic large language model (LLM) and associated services. The partnership also aims to establish and manage data centers, provide cloud services, and create AI robots along with their applications. This collaboration is part of a broader strategy to enhance technological capabilities within the region.

SDAIA is tasked with overseeing AI and big data initiatives in Saudi Arabia, playing a crucial role in the country’s Vision 2030 projects, which Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman leads. The agency’s goal is to transform Saudi Arabia into a technology-driven economy, leveraging advanced AI solutions to facilitate this transition.

Earlier this year, Naver expanded its AI-driven real-time translation service, Papago, to include Arabic translation, highlighting its commitment to supporting the Arabic language and enhancing regional communication. This recent MOU builds upon an earlier collaboration between Naver and the Saudi government, which initiated a five-year project in July to develop digital twin platforms for Riyadh and four other major cities in Saudi Arabia.

In a statement, Naver expressed its support for partnering with SDAIA, stating that the collaboration will extend beyond digital twin technology to include a variety of AI-related initiatives. 

A digital twin is a virtual model of a real-world physical product or system utilized for practical applications such as simulation, integration, testing, and maintenance. Naver is optimistic about the potential of large language models (LLMs) as a new growth area for the company. Last year, it launched an enhanced version of its LLM, HyperCLOVA X, which offers superior Korean language capabilities compared to the popular ChatGPT.

Saudi Arabia leads the AI market in the Middle East, with projections estimating that its AI sector will reach $135.2 billion by 2030, accounting for 12.4% of the nation’s gross domestic product, according to PwC. Last year, Naver solidified its commitment to the region by partnering with the Saudi government to develop a digital twin platform for Riyadh and four additional cities. 

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