Saudi Arabia Strengthens Global Tech Leadership with High-Level AI Delegation to the US
Riyadh – Saudi Arabia is taking another significant step toward solidifying its position as a global technology and innovation hub. Minister of Communications and Information Technology Abdullah Al-Swaha is leading a high-level delegation from the Kingdom’s digital economy, space, and innovation ecosystem to the United States, aiming to strengthen strategic partnerships in artificial intelligence (AI), advanced computing, and emerging technologies.
The delegation’s mission is to foster collaboration with US government officials and leaders from leading technology and AI companies, focusing on developing advanced digital infrastructure and empowering innovators, developers, and startups within Saudi Arabia’s growing innovation ecosystem.
The initiative highlights the Kingdom’s commitment to Vision 2030, which emphasizes a sustainable, knowledge-based digital economy and global technological leadership.
“Saudi Arabia has rapidly emerged as a global leader in AI and data-driven innovation,” said the Saudi Press Agency, noting the transformation led by the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) since its establishment in 2019.
The authority has developed a comprehensive strategic roadmap to enhance Saudi Arabia’s global competitiveness, leveraging AI and data to drive economic growth, improve public services, and expand human capabilities.
A key pillar of this strategy is the ethical and responsible use of AI, with SDAIA establishing regulatory frameworks aligned with the Personal Data Protection Law, ensuring both privacy and compliance. These efforts reflect a broader national commitment to fostering innovation while maintaining international standards in technology governance.
Professor Muhammad Khurram Khan, a cybersecurity expert at King Saud University, commented:
“Saudi Arabia’s AI journey is a direct reflection of visionary leadership, strategic foresight, and an unwavering national commitment to technological sovereignty. The Kingdom is setting new benchmarks in responsible AI adoption and innovation leadership.”
Saudi Arabia’s AI ecosystem has been further strengthened through initiatives backed by the Public Investment Fund, including the Human platform, which supports large-scale AI projects, and the Saudi AI Qualifications Framework, which standardizes AI skill development nationwide.
A national curriculum integrating AI concepts has already reached over six million students, preparing the next generation of Saudi innovators for the challenges and opportunities of a digital future.
One of the standout programs driving AI talent development is “One Million Saudis in AI,” launched in September 2024 in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development.
Within its first year, the initiative has already empowered 334,000 citizens with essential AI skills, ranging from coding and machine learning to applied AI in industry sectors such as healthcare, finance, and technology.
The delegation’s engagement with the US comes at a pivotal moment, positioning Saudi Arabia as a global AI hub while reinforcing its strategic partnership with the United States in science, technology, and innovation.
The collaborative discussions are expected to expand opportunities for knowledge sharing, research partnerships, and technology transfer, particularly in AI, data analytics, and digital infrastructure.
Minister Al-Swaha emphasized the delegation’s goals:
“This visit highlights the Kingdom’s commitment to building global alliances in technology and AI. By collaborating with leading US experts and organizations, we aim to strengthen Saudi Arabia’s innovation ecosystem, empower our talent, and accelerate the growth of our knowledge-based economy.”
With a visionary strategy, robust national initiatives, and global partnerships, Saudi Arabia is demonstrating that it is not only keeping pace with global AI advancements but also shaping the future of digital innovation.
The delegation’s US engagement marks another milestone in the Kingdom’s journey to becoming a world-class hub for AI, advanced technology, and innovation, reinforcing its commitment to building a prosperous and digitally empowered society.
