The General Authority for Military Industries (GAMI) is taking part in the Third Saudi International Maritime Forum, held under the theme “Maritime Security in the Age of Artificial Intelligence - Trends and Threats” by the Royal Saudi Naval Forces under the patronage of Minister of Defense Prince Khalid bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, according to a GAMI press release.
The Forum, taking place from November 19 to 21 in Dhahran, was inaugurated by Chief of General Staff, Lieutenant-General Fayyad bin Hamed Al-Ruwaili (photo).
The opening ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, heads of delegations, and senior executives from local and international companies working in the maritime sector.
The Forum addresses key developments and issues related to regional and international maritime security, while also highlighting local and global newest technologies, equipment, and maritime systems.
The Forum also features an exhibition showcasing strategic services and innovations from sectors and companies specializing in maritime security.
GAMI’s Deputy Governor for Strategic Planning and Execution Eng. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-Hammad inaugurated GAMI’s pavilion at the exhibition accompanying the Forum, deputizing for GAMI Governor Eng. Ahmad Abdulaziz Al-Ohali.
“The participation of GAMI as a Diamond Sponsor of the Forum reflects its efforts to empower local manufacturing and achieve strategic objectives in the maritime industries sector. GAMI is engaged in programs aimed at localizing weapons, ammunition, and various types of launchers,” the release said.
GAMI is showcasing its achievements in the field of maritime industries in its pavilion at the accompanying exhibition. These include the local manufacturing and maintenance of military ships and boats, the development of specialized capabilities for constructing hulls, and the integration of systems.
GAMI is dedicated to advancing the maritime sector, recognized as a strategic component of the military and security industries of the Kingdom. This is achieved through legislation, policies, systems, and regulations designed to foster independence and sovereignty in this essential domain.
GAMI facilitates local manufacturing and maintenance of military vessels, while also promoting the transfer of manufacturing technologies in related areas.
GAMI is committed to developing supply chains and integrating both primary and secondary systems. It aims to qualify national personnel and create local employment opportunities, as well as to enhance export potential. As such, this sector serves as a crucial foundation for bolstering the national economy and advancing maritime industrial capabilities, ultimately contributing to the localization process.
In his address, Chief of Naval Staff Lieutenant General Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Ghuraibi expressed gratitude for the Minister of Defense’s support, noting that the forum aligns with the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence shaping global maritime security, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.
Lieutenant General Al-Ghuraibi highlighted the Forum’s objectives, including fostering international collaboration on maritime security, exchanging knowledge among naval leaders, promoting the adoption of advanced systems in the maritime sector, raising awareness about environmental conservation, and leveraging emerging technologies to address security challenges.
The Forum brings together 42 speakers across 5 dialogue sessions and 21 workshops. Key topics include maritime strategies in the age of artificial intelligence, policies and regulations for integrating AI into maritime operations, the impacts of advanced maritime systems on security and cybersecurity, training and development of maritime professionals in the AI era, and the future of military industries in AI-driven technologies.
Additionally, 29 government agencies and 23 local and international companies are participating in the exhibition, displaying the latest equipment and technologies in maritime security.
The Forum underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to advancing global maritime security and innovation through collaboration and technology-driven solutions.
