Saudi Board of Grievances adopts AI governance framework alongside UNESCO forum in Riyadh

The Board of Grievances in Saudi Arabia has approved a framework to govern the use of artificial intelligence systems, in alignment with the UNESCO Global Forum on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence currently taking place in Riyadh. Board President Dr. Ali bin Ahmed Al-Ohaydib, Chairman of the Administrative Judiciary Council, signed off on the governance framework. This move coincided with the four-day UNESCO forum, currently underway in the Saudi capital.

The framework seeks to regulate the use of AI systems within judicial and administrative operations on the Board's digital platforms, ensuring their responsible and secure utilization. It also aims to safeguard data and information, and bolster compliance with national laws and policies governing AI. Dr. Al-Ohaydib emphasized that AI ethics in Saudi Arabia are no longer theoretical concepts but have become integral to national governance practices.

The Board is actively leveraging these ethics to empower its staff in judicial and administrative domains as part of its Year of Artificial Intelligence 2026 strategy and its broader Board of Grievances 2030 objectives for leadership and impact. In March, the Board unveiled a document outlining AI use principles to regulate system development and deployment across its departments, alongside establishing ethical guidelines and standards.

The new governance framework draws on policies and guidelines from specialized authorities, as well as the Board's own internal regulations. It incorporates mechanisms for review and updating by the Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technologies Office at the Center for Digital Judicial Services. This ensures the framework remains current with rapid AI advancements and promotes awareness of responsible use principles.