Riyadh, January 29, 2025 – The Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) has taken a significant step in shaping the future of artificial intelligence (AI) governance and regulation in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. On Monday, SDAIA convened a large-scale gathering at the JW Marriott Hotel in Riyadh, where over 400 officials from both the government and private sectors came together to engage in thought-provoking discussions on the state of AI in the Kingdom. The meeting focused on assessing the current landscape of AI technologies and the necessary regulatory frameworks to guide their development and deployment in Saudi Arabia.
As AI technologies continue to rapidly evolve, they are driving transformative changes across industries worldwide, prompting the need for structured governance to ensure ethical, secure, and efficient integration of AI into business practices. The gathering served as a platform to explore the practical realities of AI, identifying challenges and opportunities for the Kingdom as it navigates this transformative era. It was clear that, with the exponential growth in AI applications, there is a pressing need for clear regulations to manage its impact on various sectors, from healthcare and education to finance and infrastructure.
SDAIA’s assessment is part of its ongoing efforts to establish a robust framework for AI and data governance within the Kingdom. Through this initiative, SDAIA seeks to introduce specific policies, standards, and controls that will guide how AI technologies are developed, deployed, and regulated in Saudi Arabia. As the sole national reference body responsible for the organization, management, and development of data and AI in the Kingdom, SDAIA plays a central role in shaping the regulatory landscape that governs these technologies.
The event also served to raise awareness about the importance of these policies and regulations, which are crucial to fostering an environment where innovation can thrive while ensuring that data and AI are used responsibly and ethically. By bringing together leaders and experts from various sectors, SDAIA aimed to generate collaborative dialogue that will inform future decisions and actions regarding AI regulation and governance.
The discussions highlighted the Kingdom’s commitment to not only advancing technological innovation but also ensuring that the implementation of AI aligns with national priorities, such as enhancing economic growth, improving public services, and maintaining public trust. As part of Saudi Arabia’s broader Vision 2030 initiative, SDAIA is working diligently to ensure that the Kingdom remains at the forefront of AI innovation while also leading the way in establishing comprehensive, forward-thinking regulations that will safeguard the interests of society.
This gathering marks an important milestone in SDAIA's ongoing efforts to provide clear direction and guidance for the AI and data sectors, reinforcing the Kingdom’s position as a global leader in the development and regulation of emerging technologies.
