Riyadh, December 19, 2024 – Dr. Abdullah bin Sharaf Alghamdi, President of the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), announced that Saudi Arabia has achieved a significant milestone by ranking third globally in the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development’s (OECD) AI Policy Observatory, following the United States and the United Kingdom. This recognition underscores Saudi Arabia’s exemplary progress in artificial intelligence (AI) regulation and highlights the Kingdom’s commitment to advancing the ethical and responsible development of AI technologies.
Dr. Alghamdi shared this achievement during a panel discussion at the Internet Governance Forum, held at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center in Riyadh. The discussion, focused on the rapid evolution of technologies and the creation of a safe and sustainable digital space, emphasized how ethics have been central to Saudi Arabia’s approach to AI since the establishment of SDAIA in 2019. This focus on ethics has become a distinguishing factor in the Kingdom’s AI initiatives, gaining international recognition for its commitment to ensuring that AI is developed in alignment with global standards of responsibility and fairness.
The SDAIA president highlighted several key initiatives that have contributed to Saudi Arabia’s leadership in the field of AI ethics. One such initiative is the AI Ethics Early Adopters program, which incentivizes organizations to adhere to ethical standards in their AI products and services. This program aims to build trust in AI systems, promote responsible practices, and foster a mature approach to AI development across various sectors. Dr. Alghamdi also underscored the importance of the International Center for AI Research and Ethics (ICAIRE), established in Riyadh with the support of UNESCO. The center serves as a vital hub for policy advisory, research, and capacity-building in AI ethics. Its selection as UNESCO’s regional and global partner in advancing the AI ethics agenda reflects the Kingdom’s growing influence in shaping the ethical dimensions of AI on the global stage.
In addition to these efforts, Dr. Alghamdi pointed to a recent UNESCO report that commended Saudi Arabia’s readiness for AI adoption, which further affirms the Kingdom’s achievements in the field. The report, which assesses the preparedness of member states to integrate AI in ways that align with ethical values and international norms, highlights Saudi Arabia’s strides in creating an environment conducive to responsible AI development.
Dr. Alghamdi also discussed Saudi Arabia’s ongoing contributions to the global AI agenda, particularly through its involvement in the inaugural Global AI Summit in 2020. During this summit, a consultative session was held to discuss the establishment of a United Nations-affiliated AI advisory body, which was later announced by UN Secretary-General António Guterres in 2023. Saudi Arabia’s significant role in this initiative underscores the Kingdom’s commitment to shaping AI policy on the global stage.
At the third Global AI Summit (GAIN Summit) in 2024, Saudi Arabia launched several major initiatives and international partnerships, including the International Telecommunication Union AI Readiness Framework, a collaboration with the OECD to enhance the AI Policy Observatory, and the Riyadh Charter on Artificial Intelligence for the Islamic World, created in partnership with the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. Additionally, Saudi Arabia worked with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the Arab League to organize regional workshops that raised awareness about ethical evaluation tools for AI.
Dr. Alghamdi emphasized that the path to bridging the gap between governance and innovation in AI requires a foundation of trust, accountability, safety, and collaboration. He noted that transparency and explainability in AI systems are critical for building trust, while accountability and safety are ensured through clear guidelines and proactive risk management. Furthermore, collaboration between governments, private entities, and academia is essential for achieving shared goals and driving meaningful progress in AI. With these principles at the core of its strategy, Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as a global leader in harnessing AI for the benefit of humanity, ensuring that innovation aligns with ethical standards and societal well-being.
This vision aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader goals, outlined in Vision 2030, to establish the Kingdom as a center of technological innovation and global leadership in AI, while ensuring that the benefits of these advancements are widely shared and ethically sound.
