Saudi Arabia strengthens its global presence in data and artificial intelligence technologies
Engineer Sami bin Abdullah Muqeem, Vice President of the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), affirmed that artificial intelligence is a focus of the leadership’s attention in the Kingdom, noting that the establishment of the Authority came to be the national reference for regulating, developing and applying data and artificial intelligence technologies, in line with the objectives of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.
Artificial intelligence within Vision 2030
During his participation in the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Engineer Muqeem pointed out that the Kingdom is witnessing remarkable development in the field of data and artificial intelligence technologies, reflecting the directions of the Crown Prince, Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Board of Directors of SDAIA, Prince Mohammed bin Salman, aimed at placing the Kingdom among the best global data-based economies and enhancing its position as a global center for artificial intelligence.
International participation and global standing
The engineer added that the Kingdom, represented by SDAIA, plays a pivotal role in global decision-making and fostering international cooperation in the fields of data and artificial intelligence. This is evident in the Kingdom's organization and participation in numerous events and sessions at the United Nations level, aimed at promoting the use of these technologies globally, supporting countries in addressing related challenges, and raising awareness about their applications, in line with the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 and reinforcing its international efforts to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 2030.
Developing national human capabilities
The resident noted that the Kingdom has given considerable attention to developing human capital in the field of data and artificial intelligence through training programs and camps launched by SDAIA to qualify national talent. Among the most prominent of these initiatives is "One Million Saudis in Artificial Intelligence" (SMAI), which aims to train one million citizens, both men and women, contributing to supporting digital transformation and enhancing the Kingdom's position within knowledge economies, thus serving current and future generations.
Focus on the responsible and ethical use of artificial intelligence
The engineer noted that the Kingdom has adopted a comprehensive framework for the responsible and ethical use of artificial intelligence technologies through the establishment of the International Center for Research and Ethics in Artificial Intelligence (ICAIRE), under the auspices of UNESCO and headquartered in Riyadh. This center is one of the international initiatives aimed at setting ethical standards for the use of these technologies, ensuring the protection of human rights and promoting the optimal utilization of artificial intelligence globally. It reflects the Kingdom's commitment to implementing ethical and responsible AI policies and tools in cooperation with partners and international organizations.
National Strategy for Data and Artificial Intelligence
The Kingdom's efforts in data and artificial intelligence are part of a comprehensive strategy aimed at accelerating digital transformation, supporting innovation, and building an integrated knowledge-based economy. Through developing digital infrastructure and human capital, the Kingdom seeks to leverage these technologies to support sustainable development and provide a regional and global model for integrating advanced technology across various sectors.
The international participation of the Saudi Authority for Data and Artificial Intelligence also confirms the Kingdom’s keenness to exchange experiences and knowledge with other countries, and to contribute to the development of global policies and recommendations that ensure the optimal and responsible use of artificial intelligence technologies, thereby enhancing the Kingdom’s position within the international community as an active contributor to global technological development paths.
