Saudi Arabia steps up AI governance and national capacity building

Saudi Arabia is intensifying its efforts in regulating and building its capabilities in artificial intelligence (AI), according to Abdullah Al-Ghamdi, the President of the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA). During his address at the UNESCO Global Forum on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence in Riyadh, Al-Ghamdi detailed the Kingdom's advancements in AI governance and its plans to expand its national talent pool in the field.

The SDAIA has recently launched several initiatives aimed at managing the risks associated with AI use, establishing a responsible AI policy, and creating AI credentials for individuals. These measures are part of a broader strategy to ensure the responsible use of AI technologies. Additionally, the organization has organized educational programs, including the Global Conference for Capacity Building in Data and AI, which featured over 40 academic courses.

Saudi Arabia has also made significant strides in AI education. The national "SMAI" program has already graduated more than 1.2 million individuals, with a new "SMAI 2" program set to further develop specialized skills in various sectors, including energy, health, industry, education, and agriculture. In 2024, Saudi Arabia, UNESCO, and the International Center for AI Research and Ethics (ICAIRE) signed a tripartite agreement, signaling a collaborative approach to AI governance and education.

The UNESCO Global Forum on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence, hosted by the Kingdom for the fourth time, is scheduled to take place from September 14 to 17, 2026. The event will be attended by UNESCO Deputy Director-General Asa Renier and ICAIRE Acting Director-General Majid Al-Shehri, reflecting the international significance of Saudi Arabia's role in advancing AI governance and capacity building.