Riyadh Emerges as Global Hub for AI Leaders and Innovators
Saudi Arabia is progressing toward global leadership in data and artificial intelligence (AI) through effective regulation and development, with the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), established six years ago, positioning the Kingdom as an international hub for advanced technology decision-making in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030, which seeks to build a knowledge-based economy and support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
SDAIA leads the national data and AI portfolio, focusing on governance, innovation, and building expertise in these sectors. Supported by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince, Prime Minister, and Chairman of SDAIA's Board of Directors, the authority is accelerating national initiatives that enhance the Kingdom's global competitiveness in data and AI.
SDAIA has developed governmental digital data and cloud services, stimulating growth and innovation in these sectors. The Global AI Summits held in 2020, 2022, and 2024 played a central role in strengthening the Kingdom's leadership in AI, attracting thousands of participants, facilitating significant agreements, and showcasing the Kingdom’s organizational capabilities.
The first summit in 2020 featured over 30 sessions and laid the groundwork for international AI discussions. The second edition in 2022 gathered more than 200 speakers and 10,000 participants, establishing the International Center for Artificial Intelligence Research and Ethics in Riyadh. The third summit in 2024 attracted 30,000 attendees and highlighted key initiatives, including the launch of the International AI Olympiad and the Arabic Large Language Model "ALLaM." Major partnerships with the United Nations and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development were also established, further defining the Kingdom's leadership in AI.
Today, the world eagerly anticipates the fourth edition of the Global AI Summit, a premier event on the international agenda for strategic discussions on artificial intelligence. This global gathering comes at a crucial time, as AI technologies and their applications are being actively debated across international communities, including governments, institutions, technology companies, and individuals.
Decision-makers will convene at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center to share insights and explore the future prospects of key sectors and vital areas related to artificial intelligence. They will discuss AI’s impact on building human societies and supporting humanity, which is fundamental to sustainable development.
