Riyadh, January 31, 2025 – In a significant step towards advancing the responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) in Saudi Arabia, Alrebdi bin Fahad Alrebdi, Director of the National Data Management Office (NDMO) at the Saudi Data & AI Authority (SDAIA), awarded AI service provider accreditation certificates to 40 entities across the Kingdom. These entities successfully met the rigorous AI ethics maturity requirements, ensuring their AI products and services adhere to high standards of reliability, ethical principles, and responsible use. This accomplishment represents a major milestone in the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to position itself as a leader in the ethical and responsible deployment of AI technologies.
The accreditation ceremony took place at the conclusion of a two-day meeting held by SDAIA in Riyadh, which brought together more than 700 government and private sector officials, experts, and stakeholders. The event focused on the current state of AI regulation and governance within the Kingdom, providing a platform for in-depth discussions about the challenges and opportunities facing the AI landscape. Topics of conversation included enhancing AI maturity in the Kingdom, improving responsible AI usage, and the importance of adopting robust policies that align with global best practices in AI ethics.
One of the key objectives of the meeting was to promote the ethical use of AI and raise the level of AI maturity within the Kingdom. Participants discussed how entities can adopt controls and policies that help ensure smart technologies are utilized responsibly across various sectors. The discussions also included insights into the Kingdom’s AI readiness report, which outlines the national strategy for AI development and governance, as well as the achievements and challenges faced by government and private entities in adopting AI technologies. Representatives from universities and early adopters of AI badges shared their experiences in promoting the responsible use of AI products, offering valuable lessons for others looking to follow suit.
SDAIA’s certification initiative is part of its broader strategic objectives to establish Saudi Arabia as a global leader in AI governance and responsible use. The accreditation program provides entities with a certificate and badge that signifies their commitment to ethical AI practices. Organizations interested in obtaining these accreditations can access the National Data Governance Platform (https://dgp.sdaia.gov.sa/wps/portal/pdp/home) to apply and learn more about the certification process.
SDAIA, as the national reference for all matters related to data and AI in Saudi Arabia, plays a pivotal role in developing policies, standards, and regulations to govern the use of AI and data across sectors. The authority’s efforts to raise awareness and promote the adoption of AI regulations are essential for the Kingdom’s ambitions to be at the forefront of the AI revolution. Through these initiatives, SDAIA is actively working towards achieving the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which envisions the Kingdom as a leading hub for innovation, technology, and digital transformation in the region and beyond.
The meeting and subsequent certification of 40 entities reflect SDAIA’s commitment to fostering a responsible, mature, and globally competitive AI ecosystem. By promoting the ethical use of AI and ensuring that AI technologies are used to benefit society, the Kingdom is laying the groundwork for a secure, intelligent future that aligns with its Vision 2030 objectives and global trends in technology and innovation.
