Saudi Arabia has reinforced its global artificial intelligence (AI) ambitions after senior officials from the Kingdom and UNESCO discussed closer cooperation on AI governance and ethical technology development.
The meeting took place during the Global Dialogue on AI Governance, held alongside the AI for Good Global Summit in Geneva.
The President of the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), Abdullah Al-Ghamdi, met with UNESCO Director-General Khaled El-Enany to review ongoing collaboration and identify new opportunities to strengthen international partnerships on responsible AI.
Focus remains on ethical AI and international cooperation
During the discussions, both sides explored ways to advance ethical AI policies and expand global cooperation as AI adoption accelerates across governments and industries.
Al-Ghamdi highlighted Saudi Arabia’s efforts to support the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through responsible AI initiatives. He also outlined progress toward establishing the International Center for Artificial Intelligence Research and Ethics in Riyadh.
The centre, approved by UNESCO as a Category 2 Centre under its auspices, aims to become a global hub for AI research, ethics awareness and international capacity building.
Saudi Arabia showcases responsible AI initiatives
Al-Ghamdi also presented several national initiatives designed to promote responsible AI adoption across the Kingdom.
These include:
- AI Ethics Principles
- AI ethics labels awarded to more than 60 companies
- The National AI Index, which measures AI adoption across government entities
The initiatives aim to encourage responsible, human-centred innovation while supporting wider AI deployment across the public sector.
Al-Ghamdi highlights Saudi Arabia’s AI vision
Speaking during the discussions, Al-Ghamdi highlighted Saudi Arabia’s commitment to responsible AI development and international collaboration.
“The Kingdom is supporting the UN Sustainable Development Goals while translating international AI principles into practical initiatives through programmes led by SDAIA.”
He also reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s efforts to position Riyadh as a global centre for AI research and ethics through the International Center for Artificial Intelligence Research and Ethics.
