Saudi Arabia designates 2026 as 'Year of Artificial Intelligence'

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has declared 2026 to be the Year of Artificial Intelligence in a bid to elevate Saudi Arabia's position as a global leader in AI innovation. Speaking during the opening of the third year of the ninth session of the Shoura Council, the Crown Prince emphasized that this designation does not signify rigidity, but rather an adaptable approach to change.

The Crown Prince highlighted the need for economic diversification and the strengthening of Saudi Arabia's ability to navigate crises and transform threats into opportunities. He further stated that recent regional events underscored the importance of long-term planning, which should enable flexibility in response to evolving circumstances.

In his royal address, the Crown Prince reiterated the commitment to utilizing AI applications and solutions to enhance productivity, improve service quality, and cultivate Saudi talent. He affirmed that this initiative aims to bolster the nation's position and advance its development priorities in a sustainable manner.