Riyadh is preparing to unveil a new artificial intelligence (AI) center, specifically focused on promoting ethical practices in advanced technologies and contributing to policy development in the Gulf region.
Prince Badr Bin Farhan, the Saudi Minister of Culture, officially announced the establishment of the International Center for Artificial Intelligence Research and Ethics during the 42nd session of UNESCO’s General Conference in Paris on November 11.
This initiative, sanctioned by Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in June, is designed to enhance capabilities and legislative frameworks in the field of AI and other advanced technologies.
Initially proposed in March 2022, the International Center for AI Research and Ethics received support from Kuwait and Oman. According to the Saudi Press Agency, the center will operate with legal personality and financial and administrative independence, contributing to the growth of advanced technologies, such as AI, within the Kingdom.
Earlier this year, global consultancy firm PwC projected that AI would contribute $135 billion to the Saudi economy by 2030, positioning the Kingdom as the primary beneficiary of technology in the Middle East.
“In absolute terms, the largest gains are expected to accrue to Saudi Arabia where AI is expected to contribute over $135.2 billion in 2030 to the economy, equivalent to 12.4 percent of the gross domestic product,” noted PwC in its report.
In June, Saudi Arabia established the Global Cybersecurity Forum Institute in Riyadh, focusing on harnessing the potential of cyberspace and supporting global efforts to enhance cybersecurity.
The institute, as per a report by the SPA, will host an annual global security forum, bringing together experts and decision-makers worldwide to discuss ways to protect the most vulnerable in cyberspace while maximizing its benefits.
As Saudi Arabia continues its embrace of advanced technologies, Microsoft Chairman and CEO Satya Nadella emphasized in a recent interview that the country’s push toward artificial intelligence has significantly increased productivity.
“Especially with the age of AI coming, this is a fantastic time for us to bring world-class technology to Saudi Arabia so that it can create world-class technology for the world,” he said.
Nadella highlighted that small businesses in Saudi Arabia could become more productive by leveraging the advantages of AI.