The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has officially announced its membership in the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI). This international initiative, operating under the umbrella of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and launched by G7 nations, marks a significant step that highlights the Kingdom's leadership in using AI responsibly and reliably. Dr. Abdullah Al-Ghamdi, President of the Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA), made this announcement during his participation in the AI Impact Summit in India 2026. He emphasized that joining GPAI reflects the Kingdom's commitment to developing regulatory and ethical frameworks that align with international standards and reinforce the Riyadh AI Charter, ensuring humanity benefits from technological advancements. Through its participation in this partnership, which includes over 40 countries, Saudi Arabia aims to expand AI risk monitoring across the Middle East, actively contribute to setting international standards, and attract high-quality global investments within a robust regulatory environment. This move supports Vision 2030, led by His Royal Highness Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister. It aims to boost the localization of advanced technologies and increase the digital economy's contribution to the GDP, reflecting the Kingdom's strategy for responsible and sustainable innovation. The Kingdom ranks third globally in contributions to the OECD's AI Policy Observatory, having submitted over 60 policies to support international AI governance. This places Saudi Arabia at the forefront of the Middle East in terms of risk oversight and fostering an ethical and responsible framework for modern technology. This step positions Saudi Arabia as a regional role model in AI risk management, establishing standards that balance technological innovation with ethical and regulatory frameworks. This ensures a positive and sustainable impact on communities and the regional digital economy.
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