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Riyadh unveils Zaha Hadid Architects-designed metro station

King Abdullah Financial District Metro Station, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia – Riyadh has inaugurated a landmark metro station designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, which is a key component of the city’s ambitious autonomous rail network and the longest of its kind globally. The King Abdullah Financial District station is a striking example of futuristic urban design, reflecting the transformation of the capital into a modern hub for business and tourism.

Spanning six floors, the station will connect key metro and monorail lines, facilitating seamless transportation for millions of residents and visitors. Its flowing, organic design draws inspiration from sand dunes and showcases the late Zaha Hadid’s signature style. It also underscores Saudi Arabia’s investment in innovative infrastructure.

This development is part of Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia’s strategic framework to diversify its economy and reduce dependence on oil. The Riyadh Metro is set to position the city as a pioneer in sustainable, technology-driven public transport that provides residents and visitors a greener, more efficient way to navigate the rapidly growing metropolis.

For more insights on the future of cities and urban design, check our Future Spaces topic.

Strategic opportunity

Explore opportunities to adopt green infrastructure and renewable energy technologies that support cities transitioning to eco-friendly designs and operations. This includes integrating energy-efficient systems, sustainable materials and circular economy principles in urban development projects

Nvidia revolutionises gaming with AI-powered teammates and NPCs

Global – At CES 2025, Nvidia unveiled its cutting-edge Avatar Cloud Engine (ACE), introducing a new era of artificial intelligence in gaming with ‘co-playable characters’. These AI teammates are designed to think, act and communicate like human players, and are set to transform how gamers interact with virtual companions.

The technology makes its debut in PUBG: Battlegrounds with PUBG Ally, an AI teammate capable of real-time decision-making. Unlike traditional scripted NPCs (non-player characters), PUBG Ally analyses in-game chaos to offer tactical suggestions, share equipment, drive vehicles and even execute advanced manoeuvres such as flanking enemies.

Powered by small language models, Nvidia’s co-playable characters interpret audio and visual data simultaneously, enabling rapid, context-aware responses to dynamic gameplay situations. This innovation provides a natural, immersive experience for players.

Beyond FPS (first-person shooter) games, WeMade’s MMORPG MIR5 is integrating ACE to create adaptive boss battles. A standout example is Asterion, an AI-driven boss that studies player strategies and team compositions, forcing players to constantly rethink their tactics.

Explore our Gaming topic to find out about the latest technology advancements and innovative products.

Aurora Gaming Collection by Logitech G, Switzerland and US

Strategic opportunity

Explore AI-driven digital assistants capable of engaging with customers in a more human-like, empathetic manner during online interactions. These AI companions could provide personalised support, enhance troubleshooting and foster brand loyalty

Stat: Norway set to become world’s first all-electric car market

Nissan NEV Epic concept, China

Norway – Norway is leading the global electric vehicle (EV) revolution, with 88.9% of new cars sold in 2024 being electric, according to the Norwegian Road Federation. This marks a sharp contrast with countries such as the UK (20%) and the US (8%).

Oslo dealership Harald A Møller has stopped selling fossil fuel cars entirely, the BBC reports. ‘The future is electric,’ says CEO Ulf Tore Hekneby. ‘Long-range, high-charging speed. It’s hard to go back.’

Key to Norway’s success are policies favouring EV adoption: tax exemptions, free parking, discounted tolls and a robust charging network of more than 27,000 public chargers – five times more per capita than the UK. Strong policies, not just a green mindset, are driving this change, according to Christina Bu, secretary general of the Norwegian EV Association.

Despite its wealth from oil exports, Norway has leveraged renewable hydroelectric power to fuel this transition. With a non-binding 2025 zero-emissions target, Norway’s all-electric future is imminent, setting a powerful example for other nations. Find more insights about what's new and next in automotive in our Mobility topic.

Strategic opportunity

Expanding EV charging networks will be paramount as consumers transition to electric. Consider how innovative solutions including solar-powered charging stations or mobile charging units can cater to urban and rural areas alike