Saudi Arabia is accelerating its ambition to lead global artificial intelligence governance, combining diplomatic outreach, institutional expansion, and heavy investment in digital infrastructure. At the centre of this push is the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), which is steering the Kingdom’s strategy to shape international AI norms while strengthening domestic capabilities.
- Saudi Arabia joins global AI policymaking table
- UNESCO-backed AI centre strengthens institutional influence
- Saudi model showcased at United Nations platform
- Sovereign AI infrastructure drives national capability
- Rising global rankings and policy contributions
- A strategic blend of diplomacy, policy and infrastructure
Saudi Arabia joins global AI policymaking table
In February 2026, Saudi Arabia took a decisive step by joining the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI), becoming the first Arab country to enter the OECD-backed initiative. The announcement came from SDAIA President Abdullah Alghamdi at the India AI Impact Summit in New Delhi.
The move signals Saudi Arabia’s intent to actively shape global AI standards. Moreover, it strengthens its position in discussions around responsible and ethical AI deployment. According to the Saudi Press Agency, Alghamdi emphasised that the accession reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to building trustworthy AI ecosystems.
UNESCO-backed AI centre strengthens institutional influence
At the institutional level, Saudi Arabia has deepened its global engagement through the International Centre for Artificial Intelligence Research and Ethics. Based in Riyadh, ICAIRE was designated a Category 2 Centre under UNESCO in September 2024.
This recognition followed a cabinet decision in 2023 and was formally announced during the Global AI Summit (GAIN). The centre now acts as a platform for international collaboration on AI ethics, policy, and research. As a result, Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as a bridge between developed and emerging AI ecosystems.
Saudi model showcased at United Nations platform
Saudi Arabia has also taken its governance framework to global forums. In April 2026, SDAIA presented its regulatory model at the United Nations Commission on Science and Technology for Development in Geneva.
Officials highlighted the Kingdom’s approach to balancing innovation with regulation. Furthermore, they noted its growing role in shaping international AI governance frameworks. This reflects a broader diplomatic strategy that aligns technology leadership with geopolitical influence.
Sovereign AI infrastructure drives national capability
Alongside diplomacy, Saudi Arabia is investing heavily in sovereign digital infrastructure. The Hexagon data centre, described as one of the world’s largest government facilities, anchors this effort. In parallel, the Shaheen III supercomputer strengthens high-performance computing capabilities.
Additionally, a National Data Lake now integrates more than 430 government systems. This allows faster data processing, improved decision-making, and scalable AI deployment across sectors. Consequently, the Kingdom is reducing reliance on external technology ecosystems.
Rising global rankings and policy contributions
Saudi Arabia’s influence in AI governance continues to grow. The Kingdom ranks third globally in contributions to the OECD AI Policy Observatory, with more than 60 policies submitted. It also placed 14th in the 2025 Global AI Index by Tortoise Intelligence.
At the same time, government spending on emerging technologies rose by 56% in 2024, according to CXO Insight Middle East. This surge highlights sustained state backing for AI-led transformation.
A strategic blend of diplomacy, policy and infrastructure
Saudi Arabia’s AI strategy reflects a coordinated model that integrates global partnerships, institutional credibility, and domestic capability building. By aligning these elements, SDAIA is positioning the Kingdom not just as a technology adopter, but as a rule-maker in the evolving AI landscape.
