Saudi Arabia is advancing its artificial intelligence agenda as the Kingdom hosted the fourth edition of the UNESCO Global Forum on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence (GFEAI 2026) in Riyadh. The three-day forum, held under the theme “Transforming Global Cooperation for Ethical AI Governance,” brought together ministers, policymakers, researchers, academics, technology specialists and representatives of governments and international organizations to discuss the responsible development and use of artificial intelligence. The event was co-hosted by Saudi Arabia and UNESCO and organized by the Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA) in partnership with UNESCO and the International Center for AI Research and Ethics (ICAIRE), with coordination from the National Commission for Education, Culture and Science. More than 1,200 participants and over 100 speakers took part in more than 30 sessions and workshops during the forum.
Speaking at the opening session, SDAIA President Dr. Abdullah Alghamdi said Saudi Arabia’s hosting of the forum comes during a significant year for the Kingdom, which has designated 2026 as the Year of Artificial Intelligence. He said the country views AI as a driver of progress, competitiveness and human development, while emphasizing that AI development requires more than the adoption of new technologies. According to Alghamdi, Saudi Arabia is working to establish an integrated AI ecosystem covering institutions, regulatory frameworks, human capabilities, technical expertise and international partnerships. The Kingdom established SDAIA in 2019 to institutionalize national data and AI activities, while ICAIRE was established in Riyadh in 2022 to support AI research, policy development, capacity building and international cooperation around AI ethics.
The Saudi government has also introduced regulatory and governance measures aimed at addressing the broader implications of AI and data use. Alghamdi highlighted the Personal Data Protection Law adopted in 2021, alongside national data governance policies and controls covering areas such as data classification, sharing, availability, protection and use. Saudi Arabia also launched its AI Ethics Principles in 2022, with the framework focusing on principles including fairness, privacy, security, safety, transparency and accountability in the development and deployment of AI systems. These measures form part of the Kingdom’s broader effort to establish governance structures alongside technological development, while its international engagement through UNESCO and ICAIRE seeks to contribute to discussions surrounding responsible AI adoption and global cooperation.
Alongside governance and regulation, Saudi Arabia is focusing on developing AI-related skills and expanding participation in the technology sector. Alghamdi said the Kingdom has invested in initiatives ranging from basic AI awareness and talent identification to academic and professional training and the development of specialized expertise. Through the national “SMAI” initiative, more than one million people have reportedly received training in AI fundamentals. UNESCO Deputy Director General Åsa Regnér also highlighted the importance of increasing the participation of women in AI, noting that women represent a significant pool of academic talent that is not always fully utilized in AI-related employment and decision-making. The Riyadh forum therefore placed both technological development and responsible governance at the center of discussions about how AI can be developed and applied across societies.
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