Riyadh Hosts International Forum Connecting the World From the Skies
The bustling city of Riyadh played host to the prestigious Connecting the World From the Skies forum on Monday. The event brought together a diverse group of ministers, industry leaders, experts, and CEOs from top companies specializing in non-terrestrial networks.
High-profile Attendees and Dignitaries
Under the patronage of Abdullah Al-Swaha, minister of communications and information technology and chairman of the Communications, Space and Technology Commission, the forum saw the participation of renowned researchers in technology and investment, alongside regulatory authorities at both local and global levels.
Keynote Address by CST Governor Mohammed Al-Tamimi
CST Governor Mohammed Al-Tamimi set the tone for the event with his opening speech, emphasizing the forum’s importance as a crucial platform for advancing NTNs in alignment with sustainable development goals. He particularly addressed the challenge of space debris and highlighted Saudi Arabia’s commitment to connecting the unconnected.
Groundbreaking Initiatives and Collaborations
As part of these efforts, the CST collaborated with the International Telecommunication Union to conduct a groundbreaking study aimed at reducing the global digital divide through communication services. Additionally, the Saudi Space Agency announced the launch of the “Centre for Space Futures,” a pioneering initiative within the network of Fourth Industrial Revolution Centers affiliated with the World Economic Forum.
Technological Advancements and Achievements
Al-Tamimi proudly announced Saudi Arabia’s comprehensive regulatory framework for NTNs, including the regulation of direct-to-device communications, spectrum allocation for high-altitude platforms, and global space sustainability frameworks. The forum also witnessed the announcement of the winners of the international Competition on Non-Terrestrial Networks for 6G, highlighting the CST’s commitment to innovation and collaboration.
Driving Technological Innovation
The forum showcased the CST’s recent technical experiments in NTNs, including the pioneering Seamless D2D Connectivity trial, a first in the Middle East and North Africa region. With over 120 countries represented at the event, Riyadh solidified its position as a global leader in technological innovation and collaboration.