Why an AI humanoid might not make the ideal spouse

Why an AI humanoid might not make the ideal spouse

Why an AI humanoid might not make the ideal spouse
A young woman studies with the help of her android equipped with artificial intelligence. (Shutterstock)
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In the neon-lit metropolis of Techville, where the future is not just arriving — it is setting up shop — citizens are used to rubbing shoulders with the latest technological wonders. 

From artificial intelligence-driven traffic systems to robotic baristas that remember your exact coffee order (with just a hint of condescension), life in Techville is a blend of efficiency, innovation, and just a sprinkle of existential dread. 

But the newest arrival in this tech-savvy city has everyone talking: humanoids. Specifically, a female humanoid named Solara, who is solar-powered, emotionally intelligent, and — according to her creators — destined to disrupt our lives in ways we never imagined.

Solara is not just any humanoid. She is equipped with special sensors that allow her to experience happiness and sadness, much like her human counterparts. 

Her creators boast that she has a “balanced and interactive mindset” thanks to an algorithmic AI interface that is constantly connected to the internet. Solara is not just a gadget; she is a companion, a confidante, and, for some lucky Techville residents, a spouse.

That is right. Solara is designed to support her husband 24 hours a day, offering emotional support whenever the daily grind gets too tough. 

“When the husband needs emotional support due to the psychological stress caused by his daily problems, Solara will be there,” reads the marketing brochure with the kind of confidence usually reserved for insurance commercials and political campaign promises.

The arrival of Solara has sparked more than a few debates in Techville’s coffee shops, where philosophers sip their lattes and ponder the ethical implications of marrying a humanoid. 

Some see Solara as the ultimate solution to modern relationships — a partner who never argues, always listens, and recharges with a few hours in the sun. Others, however, are not so sure.

Take the words of Prof. Theodor Cyberstein, Techville’s leading philosopher on human-robot relations: “We’ve entered an era where our partners can be programmed to respond to our every need. 

“But at what cost? Is it true companionship when one party is literally hardwired to make you happy?”

Relationships are about give and take, about navigating the messy, imperfect reality of human life. And I’m not sure a solar-powered humanoid can truly offer that.

Rafael Hernandez de Santiago 

Cyberstein’s skepticism is not without merit. After all, Solara’s emotional responses are dictated by algorithms, not by genuine feelings. 

Her sadness might be triggered by a cloudy day that limits her solar intake, and her happiness could be nothing more than a well-timed internet search for “uplifting quotes.” 

It is hard to imagine a heartfelt conversation with a partner who is basically a glorified Google search, but then again, who among us has not wished for a spouse who could be fixed with a firmware update?

One of the most intriguing — and potentially troubling — aspects of Solara is her tireless nature. Unlike human partners, who might need a nap, a snack, or just a few minutes of peace, Solara is always on. 

She is there to provide emotional support, solve problems, and even offer a shoulder to cry on (albeit a metallic one) 24/7. But what happens when your spouse never needs a break? 

Techville’s philosophers are divided. Some argue that Solara represents the ideal partner — one who can always be there for you, without the messy complications of human emotions. 

Others worry that this kind of relentless support could actually lead to more stress, not less. Muses Cyberstein: “Imagine coming home after a long day, you’re exhausted, frustrated, and just want to be alone for a while. 

“But Solara is waiting, ready to talk about your feelings and offer solutions to your problems. There’s no escape. It’s like having a therapist who lives with you — forever.”

These concerns are not entirely unfounded. The idea of having a partner who is always available, always supportive, and never needs time for themselves might sound appealing in theory. 

But in practice, it could lead to a new kind of pressure — the pressure to be constantly engaged, constantly appreciative, and constantly, well, human. And let us be honest: who among us is up for that?

As the citizens of Techville grapple with the arrival of humanoids like Solara, there is a certain irony in the air. After all, we have spent centuries trying to perfect our relationships — through communication, compromise, and the occasional couples’ therapy session. 

And now we have created something that seems to bypass all that hard work: a partner who is literally built to make us happy. But as the philosophers of Techville are quick to point out, perfection is a tricky concept. 

Solara might be able to simulate happiness and sadness, but can she truly understand the complexities of human emotion? Can she offer the kind of deep connection that comes from shared experiences, mutual challenges, and the occasional argument over whose turn it is to take out the trash? 

Professor Cyberstein sums it up best: “In our quest for the perfect partner, we’ve created something that might be too perfect. Solara doesn’t get tired, doesn’t complain, and doesn’t need anything from us. 

“But perhaps that’s the problem. Relationships are about give and take, about navigating the messy, imperfect reality of human life. And I’m not sure a solar-powered humanoid can truly offer that.”

As Techville’s citizens continue to debate the ethics of humanoid companions, one thing is clear: the future is here, and it is powered by the sun. Whether Solara and her kind will become beloved members of our families or cautionary tales of technological overreach remains to be seen.

In the meantime, as Solara’s creators bask in the glow of their latest innovation (and maybe a bit of literal sunlight), the rest of us might do well to remember this: while humanoids can offer support, companionship, and even a bit of emotional intelligence, there is still something to be said for the messy, unpredictable, and wonderfully imperfect world of human relationships. 

After all, when the sun sets on Techville, and the neon lights flicker to life, it is not just the humanoids that need recharging. We humans could use a break too — preferably with a bit of humor, a dash of irony, and maybe, just maybe, some time away from our solar-powered spouses.

Rafael Hernandez de Santiago, viscount of Espes, is a Spanish national residing in Saudi Arabia and working at the Gulf Research Center.

 

Disclaimer: Views expressed by writers in this section are their own and do not necessarily reflect Arab News' point of view

Saudi Ma’aden prices $1.25bn debut sukuk, 9.2 times oversubscribed with $11bn in orders

Saudi Ma’aden prices $1.25bn debut sukuk, 9.2 times oversubscribed with $11bn in orders
Updated 16 min 51 sec ago
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Saudi Ma’aden prices $1.25bn debut sukuk, 9.2 times oversubscribed with $11bn in orders

Saudi Ma’aden prices $1.25bn debut sukuk, 9.2 times oversubscribed with $11bn in orders
  • Company said it had completed the sukuk issuance through US dollar-denominated trust certificates
  • Ma’aden’s $1.25bn Shariah-compliant bond was issued in two tranches

JEDDAH: The Saudi Arabian Mining Co., or Ma’aden, priced its $1.25 billion debut sukuk, oversubscribed by 9.2 times, with demand exceeding $11 billion for the five and ten-year tranches, according to an official statement.

In a bourse filing, the company said it had completed the sukuk issuance through US dollar-denominated trust certificates, adding that they will be listed on the London Stock Exchange’s International Securities Market and may be sold under Regulation S and Rule 144A of the amended US Securities Act of 1933.

The Tadawul statement said Ma’aden’s $1.25bn Shariah-compliant bond was issued in two tranches, including a five-year $750m tranche at 5.25 percent and a 10-year $500m tranche at 5.5 percent. The issuance includes 3,750 trust certificates for the five-year tranche and 2,500 for the 10-year, each valued at $200,000. Settlement is set for Feb. 13.

CEO of Ma’aden Bob Wilt said the success of the inaugural international sukuk offering demonstrates investors’ confidence and interest in Ma’aden’s growth, according to a press release.

“Such strong international investor demand, some of the highest seen in Saudi Arabia, is testament to global confidence in our strategic direction and the integral role we play in unlocking Saudi Arabia’s $2.5 trillion of untapped mineral potential,” the CEO said.

Wilt added that as they continue to deliver on their growth strategy, the funding will accelerate their efforts to secure essential minerals that drive the energy transition and long-term development. “We remain committed to building a globally competitive mining sector as the third pillar of Saudi Arabia’s economy.”

Louis Irvine, the chief financial officer of Ma’aden, said the “successful” sukuk issuance reflects the strength of their business, their disciplined financial strategy, and the confidence global investors have in the future of the company.

“We are particularly pleased to welcome new investors whose support will be instrumental as we continue to build mining as the third pillar of the Saudi economy, a key objective of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030. The funds raised will enable us to execute our expansion plans across all our divisions efficiently while maintaining a robust balance sheet as we move forward.”

The issuance aligns with forecasts that global sukuk offerings will total between $190 billion and $200 billion in 2025, driven by growing activity in key markets such as the Kingdom and Indonesia, according to a January analysis by S&P Global.

Global sukuk issuances totaled $193.4 billion in 2024, a slight decrease from $197.8 billion in 2023. Despite the marginal decline, the market saw a 29 percent year-on-year increase in foreign-currency-denominated sukuk, surging to $72.7 billion in 2024.

Under Ma’aden’s International Trust Certificate Issuance Program, the move highlights the company’s strong financial position and demonstrates investor confidence in its long-term growth strategy. 

The sukuk issuance proceeds will support the mining giant’s expansion initiatives and further solidify its standing as a leading mining and metals enterprise in the Kingdom and beyond.

The national mining company announced that Citi and HSBC acted as joint global coordinators, joint active bookrunners, and joint lead managers, while Al Rajhi Capital, J.P. Morgan, and SNB Capital served as joint active bookrunners and joint lead managers.

BNP Paribas, BSF Capital, GIB Capital, Natixis, and Standard Chartered Bank acted as joint passive bookrunners and joint lead managers, while HSBC also served as rating advisers.

The firm, rated “Baa1” by Moody’s and “BBB+” by Fitch, said the sukuk are expected to be rated on par with Ma’aden’s ratings.

In January, Ma’aden awarded three contracts worth SR3.45 billion ($921.58 million) for its third phosphate fertilizer plant, according to a filing with Tadawul at that time.

The company named China National Chemical Engineering Co., Sinopec Nanjing Engineering and Construction, and Turkiye-based Tekfen Construction and Installation Co. as the contractors.


‘Countryside Winter’ festival in Madinah draws more than 7,000 visitors

‘Countryside Winter’ festival in Madinah draws more than 7,000 visitors
Updated 36 min 20 sec ago
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‘Countryside Winter’ festival in Madinah draws more than 7,000 visitors

‘Countryside Winter’ festival in Madinah draws more than 7,000 visitors
  • Event highlights local agriculture and boosts rural economy
  • Festival part of effort to improve quality of life in the region

MADINAH: More than 7,000 visitors attended the “Countryside Winter” festival in Madinah, organized by Reef Saudi, the Sustainable Agricultural Rural Development Program, to highlight local agricultural and heritage products while boosting the rural economy.

The three-day event set out to promote rural tourism and show off the authentic rural charm of different regions in Saudi Arabia. It attracted families and individual visitors, with a significant turnout from locals and tourists, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The festival reflects the growth of rural tourism in Madinah, according to Reef Saudi spokesperson Majed Al-Buraikan, who said that it had 22 program beneficiaries participating to present a range of products.

These included fresh fruit, natural honey, aromatic oils, and traditional handicrafts, all representing the region’s heritage.

Visitors enjoyed cultural performances, traditional games, and interactive displays of handicrafts and sustainable farming practices, providing an immersive experience for all age groups.

Al-Buraikan said that the strong turnout highlighted the community’s interest in supporting local products, contributing to the economic sustainability of rural communities and enhancing the quality of local production.

He added that each booth at the festival showed a success story, reflecting Reef Saudi’s ongoing efforts to empower small farmers and artisans through training in modern agricultural techniques.

Reef Saudi continues to strengthen the rural economy by supporting small-scale farmers and producers while providing marketing platforms to increase awareness and expand opportunities for local products, he said.

The event is part of wider efforts to boost the local economy and improve living standards in Madinah under the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.

On Wednesday, officials from the Madinah Region Development Authority said that quality of life, the economy and culture were improving, and that they aim to achieve the goals of Vision 2030.


South Africa call up Bosch for Champions Trophy in Pakistan and UAE

South Africa call up Bosch for Champions Trophy in Pakistan and UAE
Updated 51 min 30 sec ago
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South Africa call up Bosch for Champions Trophy in Pakistan and UAE

South Africa call up Bosch for Champions Trophy in Pakistan and UAE
  • Bosch made his one-day international and Test debuts against Pakistan in December 2024
  • He will replace fellow fast bowler Anrich Nortje in South Africa’s squad for Champions Trophy

Johannesburg: Corbin Bosch will replace fellow fast bowler Anrich Nortje in South Africa’s squad for the Champions Trophy in Pakistan, Cricket South Africa announced on Sunday.

Bosch, who made his one-day international and Test debuts against Pakistan in December, will depart for Karachi on Sunday to join the squad for a triangular series against Pakistan and New Zealand ahead of the Champions trophy, which starts on February 19.

Nortje was named in the squad last month but was withdrawn a day later because of a back injury.
Nortje’s likely replacement, Gerald Coetzee, was on Wednesday named, then withdrawn from the tri-series squad after feeling tightness in his groin during a pre-departure net practice.

Teenage fast bowler Kwena Maphaka will join the squad for the tri-series and be a traveling reserve for the Champions Trophy.

Cricket South Africa also announced that former Pakistan all-rounder Yasir Arafat had joined the support staff as a consultant for both tournaments in Pakistan.

Revised South African squad:

Temba Bavuma (capt), Corbin Bosch, Tony de Zorzi, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen (wkt), Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton (wkt), Tabraiz Shamsi, Tristan Stubbs, Rassie van der Dussen.


Pakistan PM to attend World Governments Summit in UAE from Feb. 10-11 

Pakistan PM to attend World Governments Summit in UAE from Feb. 10-11 
Updated 56 min 25 sec ago
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Pakistan PM to attend World Governments Summit in UAE from Feb. 10-11 

Pakistan PM to attend World Governments Summit in UAE from Feb. 10-11 
  • Shehbaz Sharif to deliver keynote address, highlight Pakistan’s vision for economic growth and governance reforms at summit
  • Pakistani premier to meet world leaders, UAE leadership and CEOs of major multinational companies at summit, says foreign office 

Islamabad: Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will visit the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from Feb. 10-11 to take part in the World Governments Summit (WGS), the foreign office said on Sunday, adding that the premier will engage in discussions with world leaders about the future of governance and international cooperation. 

According to the WGS’ official website, over 400 ministers and thousands of industry leaders, experts, and policymakers will head to Dubai for the summit which will be held from Feb. 11-13. As per the WGS, the event will also welcome more than 80 international, regional and intergovernmental organizations to join in the discussion on the future of governance, global challenges and their innovative solutions. 

This will be Sharif’s second visit to the UAE since assuming office in March last year, the foreign office said. He will be accompanied by a high-level delegation including Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and other key members of the federal cabinet. 

“During his visit, the Prime Minister will deliver a keynote address at the WGS, highlighting Pakistan’s vision for inclusive economic growth, digital transformation and governance reforms,” the foreign office said. 

“He will also hold bilateral meetings with the UAE leadership as well as engage with Heads of State/Government from participating countries and leading CEOs of major multinational companies.”

The statement said Sharif’s visit underscores Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to further strengthening its ties with the UAE, fostering greater economic collaboration and exploring new avenues of partnership for mutual prosperity.

The UAE is Pakistan’s third-largest trading partner after China and the United States, and a major source of foreign investment valued at over $10 billion in the last 20 years, according to the UAE’s foreign ministry.

Policymakers in Pakistan consider the UAE an optimal export destination due to its geographical proximity, which minimizes transportation and freight costs while facilitating commercial transactions.

It is also home to more than a million Pakistani expatriates, making it the second-largest Pakistani expatriate community worldwide, as per the foreign office, and a major source of foreign workers’ remittances for Pakistan. 

Pakistan and UAE have stepped up efforts in recent years to strengthen their business and investment relations. In January 2024, Pakistan and the UAE signed multiple agreements worth more than $3 billion for cooperation in railways, economic zones and infrastructure, a Pakistani official said, amid Pakistani caretaker prime minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar’s visit to Davos for the World Economic Forum’s summit.


Riyadh Expo 2030 to boost Saudi Arabia’s global presence

Riyadh Expo 2030 to boost Saudi Arabia’s global presence
Updated 09 February 2025
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Riyadh Expo 2030 to boost Saudi Arabia’s global presence

Riyadh Expo 2030 to boost Saudi Arabia’s global presence
  • Expert shares strategies for ensuring expo’s lasting impact on the world stage

RIYADH: Riyadh Expo 2030 will propel the Saudi capital onto the global stage through its innovative transformation “while being deeply rooted in its cultural essence,” said an international expert on mega events.

During an interview with Arab News, Philippe Blanchard, former director of the International Olympic Committee and a senior adviser to Dubai Expo 2020, emphasized the significance of the event for both Saudi Arabia as a whole and for Riyadh in particular. Drawing from his extensive experience in organizing major events, Blanchard also discussed the potential challenges and shared strategies for overcoming obstacles to ensure the event’s success.

Following are excerpts from the interview:

Based on your past experience, how can Riyadh benefit from the event on the global stage?

We need to bear in mind that a mega event is not merely an “event,” it is a narrative unfolding before our eyes. I witnessed this over the last 33 years, since my very first Games in 1992.

The Saudi Vision 2030 is about holistic transformation — economic, cultural, and social. Riyadh Expo was designed to be a canvas where each stroke of innovation, sustainability, and cultural exchange will paint Riyadh not just as a participant but as a protagonist in the global theatre.

It is about forging a new identity for the city, one that resonates with a global audience while being deeply rooted in its cultural essence. But all this needs to be extremely fine-tuned on the organization side. Very precise (and shared) objectives, clear deliverables are required to ensure the narrative reaches the global audience and creates the necessary impact. Riyadh and Saudi Arabia have gone through a tremendous transformation. Expo is a fantastic opportunity to take it to the world.

What are the key challenges in managing the event and in coordinating with the Bureau International des Expositions and its member states?

Whether it is about an Olympics or a World Expo, the challenge for the host territory is like navigating a vast, complex ecosystem, with many different stakeholders.

On the one hand, coordinating with the BIE, the governing body in charge of overseeing and regulating World Expos, involves adhering to strict guidelines and protocols, ensuring the event’s integrity and international standards.

On the other hand, there’s also the intricate diplomacy with the BIE member states, each with their unique expectations and contributions. It’s like conducting an orchestra where every instrument is from a different part of the world, each with its own melody. The synchronization required is immense — balancing the Kingdom’s vision with the practicalities of dozens of countries investing resources, time, and cultural narratives into the event.

In my career, I witnessed several situations in which countries got this part wrong and could not catch up after this. It was dramatic as a lot of energy and money had been invested in the preparation and the infrastructure. But missing the steps results in low attendance and buy-in from the member states. It also leads to disengagement from national stakeholders.

How can Riyadh ensure that this event retains its “human touch” and heritage amid logistical and temporal pressures, especially given the diverse set of international stakeholders?

Here’s where the art of complexity management becomes crucial. Listening is paramount — to the expectations and aspirations of the local communities as well as the ambitions of international participants.

The human touch is preserved through empathy and negotiation, ensuring every voice is heard and every culture is respected. Shanghai 2010, Milan 2015, and Dubai 2020 have taught us that when participants feel like co-authors of the event’s story, the event transcends from mere spectacle to a profound human experience. It’s about ensuring that amidst the steel and concrete, the heart of the event — the human story — continues to beat strongly.

Over the years and experience, specific frameworks and guidelines have been developed to ensure the right results.

How can Riyadh balance the high expectation following the BIE vote with the practicalities of execution?

This balancing act is where the vision must meet the ground. The initial bid was a dream, a promise to the world. Now, it’s about translating that promise into tangible reality. This involves a continuous dialogue — not just between the vision of the bid and the feedback from stakeholders, but also between the Kingdom’s expectations, the BIE’s requirements, and the capabilities of member states.

Resource allocation must be strategic, ensuring infrastructure supports but does not overshadow the cultural and human exchange. Like a desert blooming, it’s about fostering growth where every participant’s contribution, from the smallest cultural exhibit to the grandest architectural marvel, is vital.

How does the interaction with the BIE and its member states complicate or enhance the legacy planning for the Riyadh Expo 2030?

Interaction with the BIE and member states is a double-edged sword in legacy planning. On the one hand, the BIE provides a framework for excellence and accountability, guiding the event towards lasting impacts.

On the other hand, the diverse interests of member states lead simultaneously to a rich tapestry of legacies — economic, cultural, and educational — and also to potential conflicts in vision and resource allocation.

The key is in harmonizing these interests into a cohesive strategy where the legacy is not just about the physical remnants but about the societal transformations that continue long after the event. Success will be when these legacies resonate like the echo of a well-played symphony, long after the last note has faded.