Saudi Arabia has achieved top global rankings in technology, data, and artificial intelligence (AI) indicators, the President of the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), Dr. Abdullah bin Sharaf Al-Ghamdi, announced at a UNESCO ministerial session held on the sidelines of the AI Action Summit in Paris on February 12, 2025. Speaking before an international audience, Dr. Al-Ghamdi highlighted the Kingdom’s sixth-place position in the 2024 UN E-Government Development Index (EGDI) and its inclusion among the top 14 countries in the Global AI Index, ranking first in the region.
Context and Background
Dr. Al-Ghamdi’s remarks at UNESCO underscore Saudi Arabia’s rapid progress in building a robust digital ecosystem aligned with Vision 2030. The Kingdom’s strategic partnership with UNESCO on ethical AI, including hosting the International Centre for AI Research and Ethics (ICAIRE) and completing the AI Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM) report as one of the first ten countries, positions it as a global leader in responsible AI governance. SDAIA, established in 2019, has been the driving force behind this transformation, implementing the National Strategy for Data and AI launched in 2020.
Key Details
Dr. Al-Ghamdi noted that UNESCO’s RAM report recognized SDAIA as a leading global model for unifying data and AI under a single entity. The Kingdom’s balanced regulatory approach includes eight ethical AI tools guiding developers and users. Domestically, 46 Saudi AI companies recently received accreditation under the AI Ethics Program in Riyadh. On safety, Saudi Arabia ranked 11th globally and first regionally in the Global AI Safety Index announced at the summit. In capacity building, SDAIA has trained over 700,000 citizens since 2020, aiming to equip 40% of the workforce with AI skills. Women’s participation in technology has reached 35%, reflecting support for the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
International Impact
Dr. Al-Ghamdi emphasized that the Kingdom is intensifying AI efforts in line with UNESCO’s RAM recommendations. ICAIRE is ready to guide other countries conducting RAM assessments. SDAIA recently organized the International AI Olympiad in Riyadh with Slovenia, involving 25 countries. The session was attended by the Prime Minister of Peru and ministers from various nations, highlighting Saudi Arabia’s growing role in global AI governance.
Vision 2030 Alignment
Saudi Arabia’s achievements in technology and AI are integral to Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the economy and build a knowledge-based society. By fostering ethical AI, investing in human capital, and forging international partnerships, the Kingdom is laying the groundwork for sustainable development and positioning itself as a hub for innovation. These efforts not only advance national goals but also contribute to the global AI agenda, ensuring responsible and inclusive progress.
20 Questions
Q1. What did Dr. Abdullah Al-Ghamdi announce at UNESCO?
A1. Dr. Al-Ghamdi announced that Saudi Arabia has achieved top global rankings in technology, data, and AI indicators, including sixth place in the UN E-Government Development Index and top 14 in the Global AI Index.
Q2. What is SDAIA?
A2. SDAIA stands for the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority, established in 2019 to lead the Kingdom’s data and AI strategy, and recognized as a global model for unifying data and AI under one entity.
Q3. What is the AI Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM)?
A3. RAM is a UNESCO framework to assess countries’ AI readiness. Saudi Arabia was among the first ten countries to complete it, with SDAIA highlighted as a leading global example.
Q4. What is ICAIRE?
A4. ICAIRE is the International Centre for AI Research and Ethics, affiliated with UNESCO, hosted by Saudi Arabia to advance global ethical AI research and provide guidance for RAM assessments.
Q5. How did Saudi Arabia rank in the UN E-Government Development Index 2024?
A5. Saudi Arabia ranked sixth globally in the 2024 UN E-Government Development Index, reflecting its advanced digital government services.
Q6. What is the Kingdom’s position in the Global AI Index?
A6. Saudi Arabia is among the top 14 countries in the Global AI Index and ranks first in the Middle East and North Africa region.
Q7. How many AI companies received accreditation in Riyadh?
A7. A total of 46 Saudi AI companies received accreditation certificates under the AI Ethics Program in Riyadh, demonstrating commitment to safe and ethical AI.
Q8. What is Saudi Arabia’s rank in the Global AI Safety Index?
A8. Saudi Arabia ranked 11th globally and first regionally in the Global AI Safety Index, announced during the AI Action Summit.
Q9. How many citizens has SDAIA trained in AI?
A9. SDAIA has trained over 700,000 Saudi men and women in artificial intelligence since 2020, aiming to equip 40% of the workforce with AI skills.
Q10. What is the goal of SDAIA’s training program?
A10. The goal is to prepare 40% of the Saudi workforce with the necessary skills to adapt to an AI-driven world, supporting Vision 2030’s human capital development.
Q11. What is the percentage of Saudi women in technology?
A11. Women’s participation in Saudi Arabia’s technology sector has reached 35%, supported by Vision 2030 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Q12. What is the AI Ethics Program?
A12. The AI Ethics Program is a national initiative that accredits companies adhering to ethical AI practices, backed by eight regulatory tools developed by SDAIA.
Q13. How does Saudi Arabia regulate AI?
A13. The Kingdom uses a balanced approach based on an AI ethics framework with eight regulatory tools that guide AI developers and users, as highlighted in UNESCO’s RAM report.
Q14. What international AI event did SDAIA organize?
A14. SDAIA organized the International AI Olympiad in Riyadh in collaboration with Slovenia, with participation from 25 countries, promoting AI education and competition.
Q15. Which countries attended the UNESCO ministerial session?
A15. The session was attended by the Prime Minister of Peru, ministers of technology and innovation from various countries, and representatives of UNESCO member states.
Q16. What is the National Strategy for Data and AI?
A16. Launched in 2020, the National Strategy for Data and AI aims to position Saudi Arabia as a global leader in AI, driving innovation and economic diversification under Vision 2030.
Q17. How does ICAIRE support other countries?
A17. ICAIRE provides guidance and support to countries planning to conduct their own AI RAM assessments, sharing Saudi Arabia’s expertise in ethical AI.
Q18. What is the significance of the AI Action Summit?
A18. The AI Action Summit in Paris brought together global leaders to discuss AI governance, with Saudi Arabia showcasing its achievements and commitments to ethical AI development.
Q19. How does Vision 2030 relate to AI progress?
A19. Vision 2030 drives Saudi Arabia’s AI investments, aiming to diversify the economy, build human capital, and position the Kingdom as a global technology hub.
Q20. What is SDAIA’s role in global AI ethics?
A20. SDAIA leads Saudi Arabia’s efforts in ethical AI, partnering with UNESCO and hosting ICAIRE to promote responsible AI development worldwide.
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