The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, represented by the Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA), will co-host the fourth edition of the UNESCO Global Forum on the Ethics of AI. The high-profile event is scheduled to take place in Riyadh from September 14 to 17, 2026, solidifying the Kingdom’s position as a key player in shaping global AI governance.
Quick Facts
- Event: 4th UNESCO Global Forum on AI Ethics
- Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Date: September 14-17, 2026
Riyadh Cements Status as Global AI Hub
The selection of Riyadh to host the forum signals significant international recognition of Saudi Arabia’s efforts in the artificial intelligence sector. The event will be a collaboration between SDAIA, UNESCO, and the International Center for AI Research and Ethics (ICAIRE), a Riyadh-based center operating under the umbrella of UNESCO.
This move underscores the Kingdom’s commitment to influencing the global conversation around the responsible development and deployment of AI technologies, aligning with its national strategy and the Sustainable Development Goals. The forum serves as a critical platform for policymakers, industry experts, and ministers to tackle the ethical challenges posed by rapid advancements in AI.
A Convergence of Global AI Summits
The timing of the UNESCO forum is strategic, coinciding with two other major AI-focused initiatives in the Kingdom. The year 2026 has been designated as Saudi Arabia’s “Year of Artificial Intelligence.”
Furthermore, SDAIA will be organizing the fourth edition of the Global AI Summit from September 15 to 17, 2026. This summit will be held under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince, Prime Minister, and Chairman of SDAIA’s Board of Directors. Hosting these two major events concurrently positions Riyadh as a global destination for AI thought leadership and policy-making.
About SDAIA
The Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA) was established in 2019 to serve as the primary national authority for all matters related to data and artificial intelligence in the Kingdom. It is responsible for developing and implementing the national strategy for data and AI, driving innovation, and building a data-driven, AI-powered economy.
Source: Qazinform
