Ontario-based artificial intelligence firm AirMatrix has appointed Walid Abukhaled, former CEO of Saudi Arabian Military Industries, to its board of directors as it expands its presence across the Middle East and North Africa. Abukhaled is expected to support AirMatrix’s efforts to deploy secure AI platforms in critical infrastructure globally.
Abukhaled brings decades of senior-level leadership in defense, government and technology localization, with previous stints at Northrop Grumman, GE and BAE Systems. He also served as Saudi Arabia’s deputy minister of industry and currently leads EMIR KSA, a multinational body supporting the Saudi Vision 2030 government program. AirMatrix described his appointment as a significant step in accelerating the adoption of AI systems for autonomous infrastructure across the MENA region.
“What AirMatrix is building and has achieved at the intersection of AI, infrastructure and aerospace is world-class,” Abukhaled said in a statement. “I’m honored to join the board and contribute to a vision that aligns with global priorities for intelligent, secure and autonomous systems.”
AirMatrix develops AI-driven software solutions for airspace management and security. Its core platform, Libra, uses AI to process geospatial data, providing clients with real-time situational awareness. Last month, the company launched Libra in Dallas to enhance low-altitude airspace visibility for drone operators and government agencies. The system’s deployment supports the North Texas corridor, a busy commercial drone region, and will soon expand to Houston.