NCAI Deputy CEO Highlights AI’s Future at DeepFest 2026

Dr. Hotham Altwaijry, Deputy CEO of the National Center for Artificial Intelligence (NCAI), stated that the future of artificial intelligence will be shaped by countries that can maximize the value of their technologies, during the opening session of the fourth and final day of DeepFest 2026 in Riyadh. His remarks, reported by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), underscored the Kingdom’s commitment to harnessing AI for tangible impact that benefits humanity and society.

Context and Background

DeepFest 2026, held in Riyadh, brought together global leaders, experts, and innovators to discuss the latest advancements in artificial intelligence. The event highlighted Saudi Arabia’s growing role in shaping the global AI landscape. Dr. Altwaijry’s participation reflects the Kingdom’s proactive approach to integrating AI across sectors, aligned with the National Strategy for Data and AI (NSDAI) launched in 2020.

The National Center for Artificial Intelligence (NCAI), an initiative under the Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA), is tasked with driving AI research, development, and adoption in line with Vision 2030. SDAIA, established in 2019, has been instrumental in positioning Saudi Arabia as a leader in data-driven innovation.

Key Details

During his address, Dr. Altwaijry emphasized that the current phase of AI development requires a greater focus on optimal utilization to achieve tangible benefits. He noted that the evolving relationship between humans and AI is not solely about algorithms and technical concepts; it necessitates enabling individuals to experience AI’s potential firsthand.

He explained that AI has become integral to modern work environments, contributing to software development and testing, analyzing business requirements, and freeing individuals to focus on creativity, user experience, and exploring new solutions. This perspective highlights Saudi Arabia’s holistic approach to AI, which prioritizes human-centric applications.

Implications and Impact

Dr. Altwaijry’s insights have significant implications for the global AI community. By advocating for a balanced partnership between humans and AI, he positions Saudi Arabia as a thought leader in ethical and effective AI deployment. This approach could influence international standards and best practices, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange.

Regionally, Saudi Arabia’s leadership in AI aligns with its broader economic diversification goals, creating opportunities for job creation, innovation, and sustainable development. The emphasis on practical AI applications supports the Kingdom’s efforts to build a knowledge-based economy and enhance quality of life for its citizens and residents.

Vision 2030 Alignment

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 aims to transform the nation into a global hub for technology and innovation. The NCAI’s work, as highlighted by Dr. Altwaijry, directly supports this vision by promoting AI adoption across industries, nurturing local talent, and fostering international partnerships. As the Kingdom continues to invest in AI and digital infrastructure, it reinforces its commitment to a prosperous and sustainable future, contributing to the well-being of humanity and society.

20 Questions

Q1. What event did Dr. Hotham Altwaijry speak at?

A1. Dr. Hotham Altwaijry spoke at the opening session of the fourth and final day of DeepFest 2026, held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The event brought together global AI experts and leaders.

Q2. What is Dr. Altwaijry’s position?

A2. Dr. Hotham Altwaijry serves as the Deputy CEO of the National Center for Artificial Intelligence (NCAI), an initiative under the Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA).

Q3. What key message did Dr. Altwaijry convey about AI’s future?

A3. He stated that the future of AI will be shaped by countries that maximize the value of their technologies, emphasizing the need for optimal use to achieve tangible impact for humanity and society.

Q4. How did Dr. Altwaijry describe the current phase of AI development?

A4. He described it as a phase requiring greater focus on using AI optimally and harnessing its potential to achieve tangible impact that benefits humanity and society.

Q5. What did Dr. Altwaijry say about the relationship between humans and AI?

A5. He highlighted the evolving relationship, noting that technology’s role is to enhance human capabilities and improve experiences, not replace them.

Q6. According to Dr. Altwaijry, what is necessary for a meaningful human-AI partnership?

A6. He explained that it requires enabling individuals to experience AI’s potential firsthand, beyond just algorithms and technical concepts.

Q7. How has AI become integral to work environments?

A7. AI contributes to software development and testing, analyzing business requirements, and giving individuals more space for creativity and user experience.

Q8. What is SDAIA and what is its role?

A8. SDAIA is the Saudi Data and AI Authority, established in 2019 to drive data-driven innovation and AI adoption in Saudi Arabia.

Q9. What is the NCAI?

A9. The National Center for Artificial Intelligence (NCAI) is an initiative under SDAIA, tasked with advancing AI research, development, and adoption in line with Vision 2030.

Q10. How does Dr. Altwaijry’s message align with Saudi Vision 2030?

A10. It supports Vision 2030’s goal to transform Saudi Arabia into a global technology hub by promoting AI adoption, nurturing talent, and fostering international partnerships.

Q11. What is DeepFest 2026?

A11. DeepFest 2026 is a major AI event held in Riyadh, bringing together global leaders, experts, and innovators to discuss advancements in artificial intelligence.

Q12. Why is DeepFest important for Saudi Arabia?

A12. It showcases Saudi Arabia’s growing role in AI, aligns with the National Strategy for Data and AI, and reinforces the Kingdom’s position as a leader in technology.

Q13. What did Dr. Altwaijry say about AI’s role in business?

A13. He noted that AI helps with software development, testing, and analyzing business requirements, allowing individuals to focus on creativity and new solutions.

Q14. How does Saudi Arabia benefit from AI according to the article?

A14. It supports economic diversification, job creation, innovation, and sustainable development, enhancing quality of life and building a knowledge-based economy.

Q15. What is the National Strategy for Data and AI?

A15. Launched in 2020, it is Saudi Arabia’s strategic framework to position the Kingdom as a global leader in data and AI, aligned with Vision 2030.

Q16. What implications does Dr. Altwaijry’s speech have for the global AI community?

A16. It positions Saudi Arabia as a thought leader in ethical AI deployment, potentially influencing international standards and fostering collaboration.

Q17. How does SDAIA support AI development in Saudi Arabia?

A17. SDAIA drives AI research, development, and adoption, and oversees initiatives like the NCAI to integrate AI across sectors.

Q18. What did Dr. Altwaijry emphasize about AI and human creativity?

A18. He emphasized that AI gives individuals greater space to focus on user experience, creativity, and exploring new ideas and solutions.

Q19. How is Saudi Arabia positioning itself in the global AI landscape?

A19. Through strategic initiatives, international events like DeepFest, and a focus on human-centric AI, Saudi Arabia is emerging as a global leader in AI innovation.

Q20. What is the overarching message of Dr. Altwaijry’s address?

A20. The overarching message is that countries maximizing AI’s value will shape the future, and Saudi Arabia is committed to harnessing AI for the benefit of humanity and society.

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