On September 18, 2024, Saudi Arabia is poised for a transformative phase of development, having achieved a prominent global position in artificial intelligence (AI). The Kingdom has established notable success stories in this advanced field, excelling in key global metrics and solidifying its leadership in both local and regional AI sectors. This positions Saudi Arabia as one of the world's foremost economies driven by information, data, and AI, with aspirations to become a global hub for innovative technologies.
As nations increasingly depend on AI to shape their futures, the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) has spearheaded the national AI agenda since its inception in 2019. Acting as the primary authority for AI regulation, development, and management, SDAIA supports the Kingdom's economic goals as outlined in Saudi Vision 2030, which seeks to cultivate a knowledge-based and technology-centric economy.
The Global AI Summit, organized by SDAIA across three editions, has marked a crucial milestone in Saudi Arabia’s developmental trajectory. It provides a global platform that connects the Kingdom with advancements worldwide and enhances its developmental initiatives. These summits have significantly elevated Saudi Arabia's focus on AI, fostering international collaboration and aligning objectives to ensure that AI is used for societal benefit rather than destruction, thereby contributing to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals for 2030.
His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, has personally endorsed these summits, reflecting his commitment to positioning Saudi Arabia as a leader in shaping a positive future for humanity. This vision includes maximizing the benefits of AI while creating an ethical framework for its responsible use.
SDAIA has made substantial strides in data and AI development since the first Global AI Summit in 2020, which was characterized as a pivotal year for AI innovation. The second summit highlighted significant global participation, leading to over 40 agreements for public-private partnerships in AI investment and the announcement of 10 major initiatives. The most recent summit, held from September 10 to 12, attracted over 30,000 attendees and 456 speakers from around the world, culminating in the establishment of the International Center for Research and Ethics in Artificial Intelligence (ICAIRE), which has been recognized by UNESCO.