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How AI speech-to-text technology is tuning in to a digital ֱ

Special How AI speech-to-text technology is tuning in to a digital ֱ
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Updated 25 July 2025

How AI speech-to-text technology is tuning in to a digital ֱ

How AI speech-to-text technology is tuning in to a digital ֱ
  • Speech recognition tools are becoming vital for real-time communication in multilingual, mobile-first societies
  • Gulf region’s high smartphone usage and digital transformation make it a key market for speech-enabled tech

DHAHRAN: In a world racing toward automation, Klemen Simonic believes the most natural interface is also the most enduring: the human voice.

As founder and CEO of Soniox — a cutting-edge speech-to-text platform — Simonic is betting that voice-powered technology will drive the next wave of digital innovation.

And in a country like ֱ, where smartphones dominate daily life and a young population is hungry for digital solutions, the potential is hard to ignore.

Soniox, which Simonic launched five years ago, offers speech recognition, transcription and real-time multilingual translation in more than 60 languages.

Unlike many competitors, it delivers ultra-fast, token-level outputs in milliseconds — a critical advantage for live assistants, wearables, bots and smart speakers.

But Simonic’s journey toward building the company began long before the rise of generative AI.

“I started in programming development right after high school, and I was invited to join the Jozef Stefan Institute in Slovenia, one of the best institutes in this part of Europe,” he told Arab News.

“I was working there with Ph.D. students and postdocs on machine learning, natural language processing, dependency parsing, tokenization, tagging and entity extraction.”




Klemen Simonic (2nd right) and his Soniox team. (Supplied)

That early exposure led him to two internships at Stanford University in 2009 and 2011, where he worked alongside top researchers in AI. “I wanted to join Google to work on these cool things,” he said.

After an internship there in 2014, Simonic was courted by both Google and Facebook — ultimately joining the latter in 2015 to help build speech recognition systems now used across Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp.

Today, his company is focused entirely on voice AI, and its promise goes beyond convenience.

With privacy and compliance built in — including SOC 2 Type II certification and HIPAA readiness — Soniox is already being used in hospitals, call centers and emergency rooms where clear, accurate transcription can be a life-saving tool.

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“We have many healthcare customers using our API in emergency rooms where real-time AI interpretation can bridge communication gaps that human translators sometimes cannot, especially with complex medical terminology,” said Simonic.

ֱ represents a particularly compelling market for the company’s ambitions. With more than 90 percent smartphone penetration and a population where 70 percent of people are aged under 35, the Kingdom is fertile ground for voice-enabled technologies.

The widespread adoption of government-developed platforms like Tawakkalna during the COVID-19 pandemic only accelerated the Kingdom’s reliance on mobile-first services.

“Data and artificial intelligence contribute to achieving ֱ’s Vision 2030; this is because, out of 96, 66 of the direct and indirect goals of the vision are related to data and AI,” according to the Saudi Data & AI Authority.

The Kingdom’s communications and IT sector is now worth more than $44 billion — 4.1 percent of gross domestic product — and expanding quickly with strategic investments in cloud computing, automation and smart infrastructure.

Although Soniox does not yet have a team on the ground in the region, the company sees significant interest from Saudi organizations exploring AI-powered transcription and customer service tools.

Simonic said there are pilot programs in countries like Portugal and interest from companies in ֱ looking to improve call center and transcription services.

And while Arabic remains one of the more complex languages for voice AI, Simonic sees both the challenge and the opportunity. Many of ֱ’s rural communities speak dialects rich in cultural nuance — languages that are often excluded from mainstream datasets.

This environment offers fertile ground for Soniox’s technology, which strives to “enable all languages, so everyone in the world can speak and be understood by AI.”

Simonic’s team, primarily based in Slovenia, is committed to expanding language support to make the technology more inclusive, even in markets where none of the developers speak the local tongue.

Soniox is also designed with flexibility in mind. Businesses can integrate its API without storing any audio or transcripts, ensuring tight data control. For individual users, features like encrypted transcripts and a summarizing tool enhance productivity — even for the tech-averse.

“My mom is not very tech-savvy, but she uses our app to build her grocery shopping list,” Simonic said. “That was not the original purpose, but it shows how technology can evolve in ways we didn’t expect.”

In July, Soniox launched a new comparison tool that allows developers and businesses to benchmark different speech AI providers using their own voice samples and real-world data.

It is another step toward transparency and broader adoption — especially in regions like the Gulf, where choosing the right solution can hinge on performance in diverse linguistic contexts.

“The tech morphs, but the human voice remains the most intimate and effective way we communicate,” Simonic said.

As ֱ pushes forward with its digital transformation under Vision 2030, technologies like Soniox may find their voice amplified — not just as a tool for productivity, but also as a bridge between language, innovation and access in a rapidly changing world.


Inside the Jeddah fitness movement that’s racing with Saudi Vision 2030

Inside the Jeddah fitness movement that’s racing with Saudi Vision 2030
Updated 12 sec ago

Inside the Jeddah fitness movement that’s racing with Saudi Vision 2030

Inside the Jeddah fitness movement that’s racing with Saudi Vision 2030
  • M.I.L.E. Run Club emphasizes communal bonding, mental health
  • Group encourages inclusive training, supports those with mobility issues

RIYADH: M.I.L.E. Run Club is a homegrown community where Saudi youth chase personal bests and collective belonging on Jeddah’s corniche.

Founded by 23-year-old Ammaar Malak, M.I.L.E. (Make It Look Easy) is forging a generation that wears perseverance like a medal.

The club was designed to leave no one behind. Its Walking Circle, which has Malak’s mother as a member and is tailored for retirees and rehab patients, exemplifies this ethos.

Malak’s origin story is full of cinematic grit. Weeks before an MMA fight in London he tore a ligament and needed surgery.

“Alone in that sterile hospital room, I truly believed my life was over,” he told Arab News. “Competitive fighting was my identity. Without it, I was lost.”

His recovery began with limping walks, then shuffling jogs through London’s parks. Now, a 184-day run streak pays testimony to his determination.

“Showing up bridges who you are and who you want to be,” Malak said. “Running taught me true freedom: disciplining your mind to conquer anything.”

The club’s ethos is “not about faking perfection. It’s carrying weight with grace. Staying compassionate when life tries to harden you,” he said.

Malak, who was named most promising athlete at the American International School of Jeddah in 2019 and became one of the Middle East’s youngest CrossFit-certified trainers at age 20, felt there was a mental health aspect missing from conventional training.

“We had gyms and tracks but few spaces nurturing mental armor alongside physical strength,” he said.

M.I.L.E. focuses on strengthening mental resilience through community. Its secret weapon emerges when the running stops: communal ice cream tubs passed under streetlights.

Here, marathoners and first-timers share stories: the fear before kilometer one, the cramps at kilometer eight, the euphoria of conquering doubt.

The closeness of the team exemplifies M.I.L.E.’s alchemy. Malak recounted how each of them joined during Ramadan with no running experience but later conquered 21 km – a testament to the club’s support.

The clubs other members are: Mohammed Alhumaidi (21), Adnan Softa (22), Albaraa Al-Bakri (24), Sarah Al-Mansour (25), Faisal Al-Bar (23), Hamza Al-Kaffas (21) and Tariq Jamal (22).

“This community is far greater than any individual,” Malak said.

As well as the support the Walking Circle provides to those with mobility issues, the club’s Steady Striders supports teenagers, like Malak’s 16-year-old sister Tamara, targeting 10K races.

The Athlete Tier trains ultra-runners for 50K+ distances. Mohammed Al-Humaidi, 21, engineers adaptive routes to ensure universal access.

“Within M.I.L.E., no one is background noise,” Malak said.

The solidarity becomes evident after the front-runners finish. Instead of dispersing, they double back, sprinting alongside stragglers, screaming encouragement with cracked voices.

Team members have waited hours under the scorching sun to uphold Malak’s core covenant: No M.I.L.E. member crosses alone.

This promise helped to create 10 first-time half-marathoners, showing how communal solidarity helps beginners to conquer the 21 km.

For Malak, there is an element of national pride in M.I.L.E.

“Bringing Saudi Vision 2030 to life isn’t abstract, it’s our hands-on duty,” he said.

“We sweat today out of love for our nation’s tomorrow.”

This conviction fuels his routine of 4 a.m. runs and midnight exam studies after coaching sessions.

Malak’s newly minted UESCA ultra running coach certification propels M.I.L.E. into uncharted territory. From September, workshops will shepherd beginners to 50K+ ultramarathons.

“We’re engineering resilience,” he said.

The ambition? Global reckoning.

“Abroad, ‘Saudi’ still whispers ‘lazy’ or ‘entitled’ to some. We’ll crush those cliches underfoot,” he told Arab News.

“Bringing Saudi Vision 2030 to life isn’t abstract. And we’ve only begun.”


Darin Island hosts community blood donation campaign

Darin Island hosts community blood donation campaign
Updated 06 August 2025

Darin Island hosts community blood donation campaign

Darin Island hosts community blood donation campaign
  • Organizer tells Arab News ‘every drop of blood could mean a new chance at life’
  • Reem Al-Hamdan: The club shouldn’t only be a place for athletic competition, it should also be a platform for social responsibility and health awareness

DHAHRAN: Residents of Darin Island on Monday gathered at Salem Al-Mutawa Hall to participate in a blood donation campaign organized by Al-Jazirah Sports Club in collaboration with the Qatif Health Network.

The campaign, “Your Blood is Life,” is rooted in compassion and civic responsibility, the organizers said.

Reem Al-Hamdan, director of social responsibility at Al-Jazirah Sports Club and head of the organizing committee, said the campaign was more than a community event, it was a personal mission.

“When we believe that every drop of blood could mean a new chance at life, we realize that donating blood is not just a voluntary act, it’s a powerful humanitarian message,” she told Arab News.

Al-Hamdan was motivated to set up the event after visits to friends and family in hospitals, where she witnessed the struggles of patients suffering from anemia and other conditions that required transfusions.

“These close and emotional moments made me realize that blood donation isn’t just a choice, it’s a necessity that saves lives and restores hope,” she said.

She also considers the campaign a chance for people to shift their perceptions of sports institutions.

“I saw that the club shouldn’t only be a place for athletic competition, it should also be a platform for social responsibility and health awareness,” Al-Hamdan said.

Among the many participants was journalist Fares Aldrbas, who is a regular donor. “Donating blood is a humanitarian act that helps treat patients and the injured who are in need of transfusions,” he said. 

Aldrbas said he first donated blood for a family member. “I was among the first to step up, and it had a big impact on me. I felt like I had saved a life.”

“Trust in God and donate,” he said. “There is great reward in this, and it’s a humanitarian act truly worth doing.”

A significant moment for Al-Hamdan during the campaign came from a donor who shared his reason for participating.

“He told me, ‘I’m donating today because I remember someone dear who passed away, they couldn’t find blood in time,’” she said.

“That moment touched me deeply and reminded me that what we’re doing here could truly be the difference between life and death.”

The campaign prioritized creating a safe and welcoming space, especially for first timers. A medical team was present to deal with questions and concerns.

“We make sure volunteers feel secure from the moment they arrive and we provide emotional and moral support, we want them to feel they’re part of something meaningful,” Al-Hamdan said. 

She also recalled how a cancer patient insisted on donating despite his illness.

“I felt overwhelming gratitude for him,” she said. “It gave real meaning to the campaign’s name ‘Your Blood is Life’ because even those in pain were trying to give life to others.”

Al-Hamdan hopes to make the campaign a permanent fixture in the community.

“I’d love to see it become an annual event … something that not only supports the blood bank, but raises awareness around anemia and the importance of regular blood donation.”

“This kind of solidarity shows that goodness is still alive in people’s hearts,” she said. “Together we can make a real difference.”


Red Sea Global unveils ‘Red Sea Health’ with first facility at new international airport

Red Sea Global unveils ‘Red Sea Health’ with first facility at new international airport
Updated 06 August 2025

Red Sea Global unveils ‘Red Sea Health’ with first facility at new international airport

Red Sea Global unveils ‘Red Sea Health’ with first facility at new international airport
  • RSG to expand its healthcare network over a year with 2 hospitals, 6 pharmacies and its emergency medical services
  • Red Sea Global Group CEO John Pagano: The unveiling of Red Sea Health reflects our deep-rooted belief that exceptional healthcare is a key part of the luxury tourism experience

RIYADH: Red Sea Global unveiled on Wednesday its dedicated healthcare brand, Red Sea Health.

This coincides with the launch of the firm’s airport clinic at the Red Sea International Airport, which officially begins operations this week, Saudi Press Agency reported.

“The unveiling of Red Sea Health reflects our deep-rooted belief that exceptional healthcare is a key part of the luxury tourism experience,” said Red Sea Global Group CEO John Pagano.

Red Sea Health represents RSG’s commitment to establishing a comprehensive healthcare ecosystem across its destinations, according to a press release.

Built on a philosophy of excellence, empathy, and patient-centered care, the new brand embodies the developer’s vision to provide unwavering support, compassionate care, and high-quality, integrated healthcare solutions to all.

The airport clinic offers a full suite of outpatient services — including walk-in consultations, urgent care, vaccinations, and travel-related medical support — for travelers, staff, and residents. It is constructed and equipped with 133 units of advanced medical technology.

“The Airport Clinic marks the beginning of RSG’s vision to build a comprehensive healthcare ecosystem across The Red Sea and AMAALA projects, cementing the firm’s position as a world-leading multi-asset developer,” said the press release.

Over the next 12 months, RSG will expand its healthcare network with the opening of two hospitals, six pharmacies and its emergency medical services provision for rapid emergency response and hospital transfers.

The Red Sea welcomed its first guests in 2023. It now has five hotels open, as well as RSI. Situated within three hours’ flying time of 250 million people and eight hours’ flying time for 85 percent of the world’s population, RSI is the gateway to the destination for guests and residents alike, whether based in the Kingdom or further afield.


Artisans showcase heritage at Al-Atula festival

Artisans showcase heritage at Al-Atula festival
Updated 06 August 2025

Artisans showcase heritage at Al-Atula festival

Artisans showcase heritage at Al-Atula festival

RIYADH: Live demonstrations of traditional crafts by skilled artisans at the eighth Al-Atula Archeological Village Festival have drawn significant interest, according to a Saudi Press Agency report.

Festival supervisor Othman Al-Zahrani said the event features more than 10 sections dedicated to traditional crafts.

These include ancient building techniques, door and window engraving, sword and dagger making, and Sadu weaving, the SPA reported on Wednesday.

The sections offer visitors a unique opportunity to experience traditional professions firsthand with the artisans using simple tools and natural materials rooted in the heritage of the Baha region.

The event aligns with the Year of Handicrafts, an initiative launched to celebrate and support traditional crafts across the Kingdom.

The Baha region is known for its thriving craft industries that reflect the identity and history of its people.

More than 200 artisans from the region practice and preserve 20 distinct types of skills passed down through generations and showcased in local markets and cultural events.


KSrelief expands humanitarian aid in Yemen, Sudan, and Pakistan

KSrelief expands humanitarian aid in Yemen, Sudan, and Pakistan
Updated 06 August 2025

KSrelief expands humanitarian aid in Yemen, Sudan, and Pakistan

KSrelief expands humanitarian aid in Yemen, Sudan, and Pakistan
  • The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) continued its humanitarian efforts across some of the world’s most vulnerable regions this week, launching new development and emergency response initiatives in Yemen, Sudan, and Pakistan.

The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) continued its humanitarian efforts across some of the world’s most vulnerable regions this week, launching new development and emergency response initiatives in Yemen, Sudan, and Pakistan. 
Fighting Cholera in Yemen
KSrelief signed a cooperation agreement on Monday with a civil society partner to implement an urgent cholera response project in Yemen. The program aims to reach more than 1.15 million people, according to SPA. 
The agreement outlines the provision of essential medical tools, antibiotics, and intravenous solutions to reduce the number of cholera cases and prevent the disease’s spread. Medical teams will also be deployed at air and land ports to screen travelers and curb cross-border transmission. 
Food Security Support in Sudan
Meanwhile, in Khartoum State, Sudan, KSrelief annpounced the recent distribution of 700 food baskets to displaced families, benefiting 7,041 individuals, according to SPA. The aid forms part of the third phase of the 2025 Food Security Support Project, aimed at helping those uprooted by conflict and facing acute food shortages.
Sudan remains in the grip of a deepening humanitarian crisis, as conflict, displacement, and inflation severely limit access to food and basic services. 
Emergency Shelter in Yemen’s Hadhramaut
KSrelief also announced the distribution of shelter materials in response to natural disasters in Yemen’s Hadhramaut Governorate. This included the provision of tents and emergency kits to residents of Rumah district affected by floods and strong winds. The assistance reached 120 individuals, according to SPA. 
Empowering Families in Pakistan
KSrelief also signed a joint executive program with a civil society organization in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province to support economic empowerment for the region’s poorest families.
The project is expected to directly benefit 2,500 families approximately 17,500 individuals and indirectly impact 88,000 people, according to SPA. The program will provide beneficiaries with livestock and poultry, along with hands-on training in animal husbandry, in an attempt to help them reduce reliance on external aid.