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SA — Country Profile

Saudi Arabia

32TOTAL
19OFFICIAL SOURCES
15TOPIC AREAS
Law / Act2
National Strategy6
Standard / Framework4
International Agreement2
Working Paper1
News / Press1
Other16
Agentic AiCultureCybersecurityData Privacy & ProtectionDeepfakesDefense & National SecurityDefense & SecurityGenerative AIHealth & Life SciencesLogistics & InfrastructureMediaNational StrategyOnline Safety & Child ProtectionSafe & Responsible AiTrade & Investment
Other✓ Official

Saudi Arabia designates 2026 as year of AI

The Saudi Arabian government has officially designated 2026 as the Year of Artificial Intelligence, a move approved by the national cabinet to bolster the Kingdom's digital and innovation-driven economy. This initiative aligns with Vision 2030 and is spearheaded by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who also chairs the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA). Since its inception in 2019, SDAIA has been instrumental in implementing the National Strategy for Data and Artificial Intelligence, focusing on six key pillars: ambition, competencies, policies, investment, innovation, and ecosystem development. The strategy has led to significant advancements, including the regulation of AI sectors, development of advanced digital infrastructure, and substantial investments in emerging technologies. Notably, Saudi Arabia ranked 14th globally in the 2025 Global AI Index and leads the Arab region in AI model development. The Kingdom has also launched major projects like the Shaheen III supercomputer and the Hexagon Data Center, the world's largest government data center with a capacity of 480 megawatts. Additionally, over 11,000 specialists have been trained, and the SAMAI program has reached more than one million participants, enhancing digital literacy and professional training. Internationally, Saudi Arabia has joined the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI) and hosts the International Center for Artificial Intelligence Research and Ethics (ICAIRE) in Riyadh under UNESCO's auspices, underscoring its commitment to responsible and ethical AI development.

12 March 2026Culture
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National Strategy✓ Official

Saudi Arabia unveils world's largest government data centre in $2.7 billion digital push

Saudi Arabia has launched the Hexagon Data Centre, a $2.7 billion initiative set to become the world's largest government data centre, aligning with the Kingdom's Vision 2030. Located in Riyadh, the Tier IV facility spans over 30 million square feet with a capacity of 480 megawatts, aiming to bolster digital services and transition towards a data-driven economy. Managed by the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), the centre emphasizes technical sovereignty, economic diversification, and environmental sustainability, incorporating advanced energy-efficient technologies and renewable energy sources. The project is expected to generate significant economic impact and annual financial savings, supporting non-oil economic growth and enhancing the quality of life through improved digital government services.

1 January 2026National Strategy
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Working Paper✓ Official

SDAIA releases report on agentic AI and national applications

The Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) has released a report detailing the dimensions, technological developments, and applications of Agentic AI at global and national levels. The report outlines its core capabilities, perception, reasoning, learning, action-taking, communication, and autonomous operation, and its integration in sectors including healthcare, education, and energy. The report examined the historical evolution of AI agents from simple rule-based systems to multi-agent architectures supported by large language models (LLMs), described international policy approaches and regulatory contexts, assessed national readiness within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as part of Vision 2030, and highlighted initiatives such as the development of the ALLaM Arabic large language model and smart city projects in NEOM and the Red Sea. It identified technical, organisational, and ethical challenges, including causal reasoning limitations, transparency, human resource capacity gaps, cybersecurity risks, and cultural impacts, and proposed a governance framework combining data governance, AI ethics, and human oversight. The report also includes a four-phase adoption roadmap, vision and planning, pilot testing, expansion and integration, and continuous innovation, supported by strategic partnerships, infrastructure development, and capacity building to ensure safe, responsible, and value-sustaining deployment of Agentic AI solutions.

3 August 2025Agentic AiData Privacy & ProtectionCybersecurity
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Other✓ Official

Saudi Crown Prince launches new company to develop AI technologies

Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has announced the launch of HUMAIN, a PIF-owned company. HUMAIN will operate and invest across the AI value chain as a unified operating company to provide a comprehensive range of AI services, products and tools, including next-generation data centers, AI infrastructure and cloud capabilities, and advanced AI models and solutions.

12 May 2025Generative AI
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News / Press

Saudi Arabia and India signed $100bn deal, covering AI

It is reported that Saudi Arabia and India have signed a $100 billion deal to deepen bilateral ties (particularly in the energy sector), and includes an $10 billion investment in India's AI and biotech startups. Further details have yet to be officially revealed.

23 April 2025Generative AIHealth & Life Sciences
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Standard / Framework

Arab League calls for AI regulation framework

It is reported that at the Arab Dialogue Circle on Artificial Intelligence in the Arab World, Arab League Secretary General Ahmad Abu Al-Gheit has urged scholars to draft a regulatory framework for AI that aligns with Arab values and interests. The call to action includes (1) addressing the rapid developments in AI, particularly in large language models and generative AI, (2) localizing AI industries and investing in strategic planning and financial resources, and (3) ensuring active participation in the global AI race to achieve safe and culturally aligned AI integration.

2 February 2025Generative AIData Privacy & Protection
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National Strategy

Saudi ICT minister highlights nation's leadership in AI during G20 Summit

Speaking at the 19th G20 Summit (in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil), Saudi Arabia's Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Abdullah Al-Swaha, reiterated Saudi Arabia's commitment to becoming a global leader in AI, including enhancing international cooperation and developing policies that promote technological innovation and global welfare. Among other things, the Minister mentioned Saudi Arabia's launch of an AI Readiness Framework in collaboration with the UN International Telecommunication Union as well as establishment of the International Center for AI Research and Ethics in partnership with UNESCO.

19 November 2024National Strategy
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Standard / Framework✓ Official

Saudi Data & AI Authority releases deepfake guidelines

The Saudi Data & AI Authority has opened a public consultation on the Deepfakes Guidelines which (1) address the implications of deepfake technologies, (2) contains guidance for technology developers, content creators, regulators, and consumers to mitigate risks, with a focus on aspects like privacy, transparency, bias, and accountability, and (3) contains examples, a risk assessment framework, and a sample consent form. The consultation closes on 11 October 2024.

18 September 2024DeepfakesData Privacy & ProtectionOnline Safety & Child Protection
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National Strategy✓ Official

Saudi Arabia to host third Global AI Summit

The Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA) has announced that registration is now open for the third edition of the Global AI Summit, which will take place from September 10 to 12 at the King Abdulaziz International Convention Centre in Riyadh.

22 August 2024National Strategy
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Other✓ Official

Saudi Arabia announces AI ​​Center for Media

At the Saudi Media Forum, the Saudi Minister of Media and the President of the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) announced the AI Center for Media (AICOM) which will have the function of monitoring the impact of data and AI on media and support the media sector in its use of these technologies.

16 May 2024Media
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Standard / Framework✓ Official

Generative AI Guidelines published

The Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) published a set of Guidelines AI addressed to users and developers of generative AI. The Guidelines set out considerations and practical steps, such as building in pre-defined triggers for human oversight, conducting testing against bias, and clearly communicate the use of AI to users and to the public.

11 January 2024Generative AIOnline Safety & Child Protection
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Law / Act

Amendments to Personal Data Protection Law

The Saudi Arabia Council of Ministers has approved a series of changes to the Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL). The updated PDPL takes into account some of the amendments that were proposed in a consultation paper issued by the Saudi Data & Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) in November 2022, although not all of those proposals have been implemented. The amendments introduce several concepts that will align the PDPL more closely to international standards such as the EU General Data Protection Regulation.

25 April 2023Data Privacy & Protection
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National Strategy

SDAIA launches national data, AI curriculum

The Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) has launched the National Cross-Disciplinary Curriculum for University Students in Data and AI to equip all undergraduates across Saudi universities with essential skills and practical fundamentals. Introduced during the International Conference on Data and AI Capacity Building, the initiative was developed in collaboration with King Saud University, the Human Capability Development Program, and Elm to ensure a standardized level of core knowledge across all academic disciplines. This curriculum enables universities to implement mandatory coursework that promotes the responsible use of AI tools for learning and decision-making, specifically empowering non-specialists to apply these technologies within their respective fields rather than limiting expertise to computer science. The program aims to integrate data literacy into the broader workforce and support the kingdom's strategic goals for digital capacity building.

30 January 2026National Strategy
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Law / Act✓ Official

Saudi Arabia Communications, Space, and Technology Commission opens consultation on draft Global AI Hub Law

Saudi Arabia's Communications, Space, and Technology Commission (CST) has opened a public consultation on the draft Global AI Hub Law. The draft law outlines the framework for the establishment and operation of various types of data centers within Saudi Arabia, specifically focusing on international collaborations. It introduces the Global AI Hub Law, which defines different data center models such as Private Hubs for exclusive use by guest countries, Extended Hubs operated by private entities serving guest countries, and Virtual Hubs offering services under the legal jurisdiction of designated foreign states. The law establishes the responsibilities and privileges of involved parties, including competent authorities, guest countries, operators, and service providers, while also addressing data sovereignty, security, and legal jurisdiction for customer content within these hubs. It is intended to intended to attract foreign investment in sovereign data centres and AI services. The consultation closes on 14 May 2025.

14 April 2025Data Privacy & ProtectionCybersecurity
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Other✓ Official

Saudi Arabia joins Saudi Arabia Joins Global Partnership on AI

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has officially joined the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI), an initiative hosted by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development and originating from the G7, represented by the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority. This membership, supported by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, aligns with Vision 2030 goals to localize advanced technologies and enhance the digital economy's contribution to GDP, allowing Saudi Arabia to actively shape international AI standards, promote ethical AI use, and attract high-quality global investments into its regulatory environment alongside over 40 nations.

21 February 2026Trade & Investment
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Other✓ Official

Türkiye and Saudi Arabia deepen strategic cooperation with new deals

Türkiye and Saudi Arabia have announced a significant expansion of their strategic cooperation across various sectors, including economic, energy, defense, and regional security, following President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's official visit to Riyadh. Both nations aim to align their respective development visions—Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 and Türkiye's Century Vision—to enhance non-oil trade, support major infrastructure projects, and foster private sector partnerships. They have committed to strengthening coordination through the Turkish-Saudi Coordination Council, covering areas such as digital economy, AI, space technologies, and more. Additionally, both countries have expressed readiness to enhance defense ties and collaborate against terrorism, extremism, cyber threats, and transnational crime.

3 February 2026Trade & InvestmentDefense & Security
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National Strategy✓ Official

Saudi Communications Minister discusses expanding cooperation on AI policy and technological innovation with White House advisors

The Saudi Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Eng. Abdullah Alswaha, met with David Sacks, Senior Advisor to the White House on AI and Digital Assets, during the World Economic Forum in Davos. Their discussions focused on enhancing Saudi–U.S. cooperation in AI policy and technological innovation, aiming to strengthen the strategic partnership between the two nations in priority technology areas, foster growth in the digital economy, and accelerate the adoption of innovative solutions in the intelligent age. Additionally, Eng. Alswaha met with Michael Kratsios, Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, to explore further collaboration in technology.

21 January 2026National Strategy
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Other

Saudi minister, senior US official discuss expanding AI partnership

It is reported that Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Abdullah Alswaha, met with US Undersecretary of State for Economic Affairs Jacob Helberg in Riyadh to discuss a significant expansion of the strategic partnership between the two nations in the fields of AI and advanced technologies. The meeting focused on fostering joint initiatives with high economic impact, specifically targeting the development of digital capabilities, the empowerment of national talent, and the strengthening of the technology-innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem.

14 January 2026Generative AI
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Other✓ Official

China and Saudi Arabia pledge deeper hi-tech cooperation

China and Saudi Arabia have committed to deepening hi-tech cooperation, focusing on sectors such as new energy and AI, following a state visit by China Foreign Minister Wang Yi to Riyadh. Saudi Arabia supports China in hosting the second China-Arab States Summit and the second China-Gulf Arab Cooperation Council Summit in 2026 and is willing to promote the early completion of negotiations on the China-Gulf Free Trade Agreement. Further details have yet to be revealed.

15 December 2025Generative AI
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Other✓ Official

US approves sale of 70,000 AI chips to UAE and Saudi Arabia

The US Commerce Department has announced the approval of the sale of up to 70,000 advanced AI chips to companies in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Under the deal, US companies will be permitted to sell up to 35,000 of NVIDIA Corporation’s GB300 servers or equivalent products to G42, a state-run AI company based in Abu Dhabi, and Humain, a Saudi government-backed AI venture. The GB300 server contains Nvidia’s Blackwell B300 processor, an advanced chip. The approvals come following discussions between President Trump and leaders of both countries, with agreements including security provisions designed to prevent the chips from benefiting China and tech company Huawei. This approval represents a policy shift from earlier in 2025 when some Trump administration officials had rejected exporting directly to state-backed companies due to security concerns.

19 November 2025CybersecurityDefense & National Security
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Other✓ Official

US and Saudi Arabia sign strategic AI partnership

President Donald J. Trump and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia have finalised landmark agreements to deepen the U.S.-Saudi strategic partnership, including increasing Saudi investment commitments in the US to nearly $1 trillion, and signing agreements on civil nuclear energy cooperation, critical minerals collaboration, and AI, all aimed at enhancing economic ties. Relevantly, the US and Saudi Arabia have signed a Memorandum of Understanding that encompasses the supply of advanced semiconductors, the development of AI applications, building and developing advanced AI infrastructure, building national capabilities, and expanding high-value investments between the two countries.

19 November 2025Logistics & Infrastructure
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Other

Saudi Arabia’s GO Telecom launches AI hub in Islamabad to boost digital cooperation

It is reported that Saudi Arabia's GO Telecom has inaugurated an AI hub in Islamabad, Pakistan, aiming to enhance collaboration in AI and data infrastructure between the two nations. This initiative follows discussions between Pakistan's IT Minister Shaza Khawaja and GO Telecom's CEO Yahya bin Saleh Al-Mansour in Riyadh, focusing on digital infrastructure and human capital development. The AI hub is expected to provide Pakistani startups with new opportunities for training, innovation, and bilateral cooperation, marking GO Telecom's first major tech venture in Pakistan and expanding its international presence beyond the petroleum sector.

18 October 2025Logistics & Infrastructure
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Other

South Korea and Saudi Arabia to expand cooperation in shipbuilding, automotive, AI industries

It is reported that South Korea and Saudi Arabia have agreed to expand their bilateral cooperation to include advanced industries such as shipbuilding, automotive, and AI. During the Korea-Saudi Vision 2030 Committee meeting in Seoul, the two nations developed 11 new cooperation projects and reviewed 46 ongoing initiatives. These new projects encompass joint development of technologies aimed at reducing carbon emissions in shipbuilding, advancements in automobile engine and hybrid car technologies, as well as collaborations in digital transformation, AI innovation, and the entertainment sector, including film, e-sports, and tourism. Notably, Korean internet giant Naver plans to apply various AI technologies to its digital twin platform for major Saudi cities to provide smart city solutions. To ensure the successful implementation of these projects, Korea will establish a regular communication channel with Saudi Arabia, focusing on expanding cooperation in key growth industries such as AI and soft power.

26 September 2025Generative AIData Privacy & Protection
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Other

Somalia and Saudi Arabia agree to cooperate on AI and space technology regulation

It is reported that Somalia and Saudi Arabia have agreed to collaborate on regulating AI and space technology. The agreement was signed in Riyadh by Mustafa Yasin Sheikh, Director General of Somalia’s National Communications Authority, and Haitham Al-Ohaly, Governor of Saudi Arabia’s Communications, Space and Technology Commission, during the Global Symposium for Regulators (GSR-25). This partnership aims to build regulatory cooperation, share expertise, and create frameworks to guide responsible growth in AI and space technology, while also exploring opportunities in infrastructure sharing and broader digital cooperation.

20 September 2025Data Privacy & ProtectionCybersecurity
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Other

Saudi minister holds strategic AI and tech talks with French institutions in Paris

It is reported that Saudi Arabia's Minister of Communications and Information Technology Abdullah Alswaha has held a series of strategic meetings in Paris with leading French research institutions and global technology firms. The two sides discussed potential partnerships in AI, quantum computing, and robotics, including the establishment of joint research labs and researcher exchange programs aimed at talent development. The discussion included Saudi Arabia’s regulatory frameworks and international initiatives to promote responsible use of emerging technologies.

16 July 2025Data Privacy & Protection
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Other✓ Official

Saudi Arabia commits $600 billion investment in US, covering AI

As part of its tour to the Gulf states, the US White House has announced Saudi Arabia’s $600-billion commitment to invest in the US, building economic ties that will endure for generations to come. The first deals under the announcement will aim to strengthen US energy security, defense industry, technology leadership, and access to global infrastructure and critical minerals. Notably, under this deal, (1) Saudi Arabian firm DataVolt will invest $20bn in AI data centers and energy infrastructure in the US; (2) Alphabet’s Google, DataVolt, Oracle, Salesforce, Advanced Micro Devices and Uber will invest $80bn in transformative technologies in both countries; and (3) Nvidia will sell AI chips in Saudi Arabia, with a first tranche of 18,000 of its newest “Blackwell” chips going to Humain, Saudi Arabia’s sovereign-wealth-fund-owned AI startup.

13 May 2025Defense & National Security
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International Agreement✓ Official

BRICS+ sign declaration on AI governance

Foreign Ministers from the BRICS+ countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, and new members as of 1 January 2025, including Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates) have issued a declaration following a meeting in Rio de Janeiro, which includes commitments on AI to prioritise transparency, ethical standards, data protection, and equitable development outcomes, particularly in addressing digital and data inequalities between and within countries. The BRICS+ ministers have emphasised the importance of establishing inclusive and representative international governance for AI within the framework of the United Nations.

29 April 2025Data Privacy & ProtectionCybersecurity
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International Agreement

SDAIA and OECD sign MoU to enhance AI incident monitoring in the Middle East

It has been reported that the Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). This strategic partnership aims to strengthen AI incident monitoring in Middle Eastern countries and improve the tracking of AI developments by implementing the OECD AI Incidents Monitor to track data in the Arabic language.

11 September 2024CybersecurityData Privacy & Protection
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Other

Saudi Arabia-UK roundtable on AI tackles ethics, regulations

The first Saudi Arabia-UK roundtable on AI at the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority headquarters in Riyadh, saw participants discuss regulations and ethics related to the technology.

25 October 2023Generative AIData Privacy & Protection
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Standard / Framework✓ Official

SDAIA Generative AI Guidelines (2024):

This guide aims to comprehensively address the responsible and effective development and use of Generative AI in Saudi Arabia. It applies to all stakeholders designing, developing, deploying, implementing, using or being affected by Generative AI systems within Saudi Arabia.

Generative AI
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Other✓ Official

Saudia Arabia AI Ethics Principles (2022)

Common ground or standards to help the Kingdom avoid or reduce technology limitations. The 7 principles are (1) fairness, (2) privacy & security, (3) humanity, (4) social & environmental benefits, (5) reliability & safety, (6) transparency & explainability, and (7) accountability & responsibility.

Data Privacy & ProtectionSafe & Responsible Ai
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National Strategy

National Strategy for Data and AI (2020)

Saudi Arabia's national strategy to make it a global leader in AI by 2030. It outlines 6 main pillars: (1) Ambition (to be amongst the top 15 countries in the development and application of AI by 2030), (2) Skills (to train and host more than 20,000 data and AI specialists and experts by 2030), (3) Partnerships (with leading AI nations, international organisations, and private sector institutions), (4) Investments (of over USD 20 billion in Data and AI), (5) Regulation (to foster a business-friendly regulatory environment, based on international best practice), (6) Ecosystem (of more than 300 active data and AI start-ups hosted in the Kingdom by 2030, and world class regulatory sandboxes for the development and deployment of AI-powered technology).

Trade & Investment
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