Saudi Arabia Achieves Third Place Globally In OECD AI Policy Observatory For Regulation Efforts

Saudi Arabia has achieved a significant milestone by securing the third position globally in the OECD's AI Policy Observatory, trailing only the United States and the United Kingdom. This recognition highlights the Kingdom's exceptional efforts in regulating artificial intelligence. Dr. Abdullah bin Sharaf Alghamdi, President of the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), shared this achievement during a panel discussion at the Internet Governance Forum in Riyadh.

Dr. Alghamdi attributed this success to Saudi Arabia's commitment to ethical AI practices since SDAIA's inception in 2019. He emphasized that ethics have been central to their initiatives, underscoring their international importance. The AI Ethics Early Adopters initiative plays a crucial role by offering incentives to encourage adherence to ethical standards, thereby fostering trust in AI products and promoting mature practices in AI development.

The International Center for AI Research and Ethics (ICAIRE), established in Riyadh with UNESCO's support, is pivotal in advancing AI ethics. This center focuses on policy advisory and capacity building, reinforcing Saudi Arabia's leadership in this critical area. UNESCO has recognized ICAIRE as its regional and global partner for promoting AI ethics, further validating Saudi Arabia's progress.

A recent UNESCO report praised Saudi Arabia's achievements in AI, highlighting its readiness to adopt advanced technologies while aligning with ethical values and international standards. This report is part of UNESCO's initiative to help member states assess their preparedness for embracing AI responsibly.

Saudi Arabia is actively contributing to shaping the global AI agenda by sharing its expertise worldwide. During the inaugural Global AI Summit in 2020, discussions were held about establishing a UN-affiliated AI advisory body. In 2023, UN Secretary-General António Guterres announced the formation of this body, acknowledging Saudi Arabia's significant contributions.

The third Global AI Summit (GAIN Summit) in 2024 witnessed several major initiatives and international partnerships. These included launching the International Telecommunication Union AI Readiness Framework, partnering with OECD to enhance the AI Policy Observatory, and unveiling the Riyadh Charter on Artificial Intelligence for the Islamic World with ISESCO.

Regional Workshops and Ethical Awareness

Saudi Arabia collaborated with the Gulf Cooperation Council and the Arab League to organize regional workshops aimed at raising awareness about ethical evaluation tools for AI. These efforts highlight Saudi Arabia's dedication to promoting ethical practices across regions.

Dr. Alghamdi stressed that bridging governance and innovation requires trust, accountability, safety, and collaboration. Trust is built through transparency and explainability in AI systems; accountability relies on clear guidelines; safety involves proactive risk management; collaboration among governments, private entities, and academia ensures shared goals.

These priorities position Saudi Arabia as a global leader driving artificial intelligence for humanity's benefit.

With inputs from SPA