SDAIA VP Highlights Saudi Arabia’s Commitment to Global AI Leadership, Ethical Use at UNGA 80
Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA) Vice President Sami Moquim emphasized the strategic importance that the Saudi leadership places on artificial intelligence, which has driven the establishment of SDAIA as the national authority overseeing the development, regulation, and integration of data and AI technologies across the Kingdom.
In a statement to the Saudi Press Agency following his participation in the 80th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA 80) in New York, Moquim stated: “The Kingdom is witnessing significant advancements in data and AI technologies, driven by the vision of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to position Saudi Arabia as a global leader in AI and a hub for innovation.”
He affirmed that Saudi Arabia, through SDAIA, plays a key role in global decision-making and promoting international cooperation in AI. This is evident in its active organization of and participation in international forums, where the Kingdom contributes to global discussions on leveraging AI, addressing its challenges, and expanding its benefits worldwide.
Domestically, the Kingdom is investing heavily in developing local talent in data and AI through initiatives and training programs led by SDAIA. One such effort is the One Million Saudis in AI (SAMAI) initiative, which aims to equip one million citizens with AI skills—supporting the Kingdom's digital transformation and reinforcing its position as a global model for knowledge-based economies.
Moquim also underscored the Kingdom’s commitment to the ethical and responsible use of AI. As part of this effort, Saudi Arabia has established the International Center for Artificial Intelligence Research and Ethics (ICAIRE) in Riyadh, under the auspices of UNESCO. This global initiative reflects the Kingdom's dedication to developing international standards for AI ethics, ensuring that technological advancement aligns with the preservation of human rights.
Through such initiatives and partnerships, he underscored, Saudi Arabia continues to demonstrate its leadership in shaping the future of AI both locally and globally.
