Saudi Arabia has officially joined the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI), marking a significant milestone as the first Arab nation to become a member. The move, represented by the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), solidifies the Kingdom’s position as a key player in shaping the future of global AI governance and development.
The announcement was made by SDAIA President Dr. Abdullah Alghamdi during his speech at the India AI Impact Summit 2026.
A Strategic Move for Global AI Governance
Dr. Alghamdi emphasized that Saudi Arabia’s accession to the GPAI underscores its leadership in fostering the responsible and reliable use of artificial intelligence. This is further demonstrated by the Kingdom’s ranking as the third-largest global contributor to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) AI Policy Observatory, having submitted over 60 policies to support international governance.
This strategic partnership is set to expand AI risk monitoring to the Middle East, ensuring regional priorities are aligned with international standards. The move also reinforces the principles of the Riyadh Charter on AI, which advocates for ethical technological development for the benefit of all humanity.
Aligning with Vision 2030
Supported by Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, this membership directly aligns with the ambitious goals of Saudi Vision 2030. By participating in this global initiative, the Kingdom aims to accelerate the localization of advanced technologies and significantly boost the digital economy’s contribution to the national GDP.
By joining a coalition of over 40 nations, Saudi Arabia will play an active role in shaping international AI standards, promoting the ethical and responsible application of AI, and attracting high-quality global investments into its well-defined regulatory environment.
About Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI)
The Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI) is a multi-stakeholder initiative originating from the G7 and hosted by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). It aims to bridge the gap between theory and practice on AI by supporting cutting-edge research and applied activities on AI-related priorities, ensuring its responsible development and use.
Source: Zawya
