News 20.01.2025

Need to Know

Riyadh unveils a surreal metro station designed by Zaha Hadid, AI gives NPCs a soul and personality thanks to Nvidia and why Norway is the world leader of EVs.

Riyadh unveils Zaha Hadid Architects-designed metro station

King Abdullah Financial District Metro Station, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
King Abdullah Financial District Metro Station, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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 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

Previous News Articles
Jameel Motorsport turns Fortnite into environmental wake-up call

News

Jameel Motorsport turns Fortnite into environmental wake-up call

Jameel Motorsport and Serviceplan Arabia have launched The Treeless Map, a Fortnite experience designed to raise environmental awareness by removin...
Gaming : Sustainability : Technology
Foresight Friday: Seyi Oduwole, foresight analyst

News

Foresight Friday: Seyi Oduwole, foresight analyst

Every Friday, we offer an end-of-week wrap-up of the topics, issues, ideas and virals we’re all talking about. This week, foresight analyst Seyi Od...
Japan : Travel : Travel And Hospitality
Stat: Personalisation, pop-culture and social media are reshaping travel

News

Stat: Personalisation, pop-culture and social media are reshaping travel

Personalised recommendations and digital inspiration are reshaping travel, according to Data Axle’s 2025 survey of 1,000 US consumers. As the sprin...
Travel & Hospitality : Stats : Stat
Kia Europe turns road trips into sound journeys for visually impaired people

News

Kia Europe turns road trips into sound journeys for visually impaired people

Automobile manufacturer, Kia Europe and creative agency Innocean Berlin have launched Soundscapes, a creative experiment that transforms the tradit...
Soundscapes : Mobility : Pimp My Ride
Diriyah gets its own Pantone colour as part of cultural revival

News

Diriyah gets its own Pantone colour as part of cultural revival

The historic Saudi city of Diriyah now has a shade to call its own: Diriyah Tan.
Saudi Arabia : Diriyah : Diriyah Biennale
Stat: Consumers sacrifice dining and takeout amid inflation

News

Stat: Consumers sacrifice dining and takeout amid inflation

Amid growing economic uncertainty and inflation concerns, consumers in the US and UK are scaling back on discretionary spending, with 63% cutting b...
Stat : Stats : Spending
O Boticário launches sensual guide for female pleasure

News

O Boticário launches sensual guide for female pleasure

Brazilian cosmetics brand O Boticário has launched Her Touch, a digital book that aims to dismantle taboos around female pleasure by reframing the ...
Beauty : Wellness : Brazil
Trendmood translates online clout into physical retail

News

Trendmood translates online clout into physical retail

Instagram beauty scoop account @trendmood1 is making its first foray into physical retail with a Los Angeles pop-up set to open this summer.
Retail : Beauty : Pop Culture & Media
Stat: UK gym market hits record as Gen Z fuel sign-ups

News

Stat: UK gym market hits record as Gen Z fuel sign-ups

The UK gym market reached a record valuation of £5.7bn ($7.6bn, €6.6bn) in 2024, up 8.8% year on year, according to UKactive’s latest report.
Sports : Health : Wellness
Zendaya wears spacesuits by On to champion movement for all

News

Zendaya wears spacesuits by On to champion movement for all

Zendaya and Swiss sportswear brand On have launched Zone Dreamers, a fictional film trailer turned campaign spotlighting the emotional power of mov...
Fashion : Advertising : On
You have 2 free News articles remaining. Sign up to LS:N Global to get unlimited access to all articles.
BECOME A MEMBER
SIGN IN