Saudi Arabia has positioned itself at the forefront of artificial intelligence (AI) ethics, leveraging its global influence and leadership in data and AI. The Kingdom was among the first nations to adopt UNESCO’s Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence, endorsed in November 2021 by 193 member states.
As AI technologies advance rapidly and influence daily life, concerns about their misuse have grown. Saudi Arabia has prioritized the creation of ethical frameworks that safeguard human well-being now and in the future. Core principles such as transparency, fairness, privacy protection, and justice guide its approach.
Role of SDAIA, National Vision
Through the Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA) and in partnership with UNESCO, the Kingdom is shaping an ethical future for AI that benefits societies worldwide. These efforts reflect the vision and support of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and align with Saudi Vision 2030, which emphasizes knowledge-building, AI ethics awareness, and national capacity development.
ICAIRE
On the international stage, Saudi Arabia proposed the creation of the International Center for Artificial Intelligence Research and Ethics (ICAIRE). Headquartered in Riyadh, ICAIRE was approved by the Saudi Cabinet in July 2023 and later recognized as a Category 2 Center under UNESCO at the 42nd UNESCO General Conference in November 2023. The center was granted legal personality and administrative as well as financial independence.
Strategic Focus Areas
ICAIRE’s mission centers on four priorities:
- Supporting research and development in AI
- Promoting awareness and communication about AI ethics
- Offering policy guidance and recommendations
- Strengthening AI capacity building globally
By focusing on these areas, ICAIRE contributes to global AI initiatives that prioritize human-centered progress.
Elevate Initiative
A key part of ICAIRE’s international capacity-building agenda is the Elevate Initiative, launched in partnership with Microsoft and supported by SDAIA. In 2025, the program entered its second edition, aiming to train 5,000 women worldwide as part of a broader goal to empower 25,000 women in the AI sector.
THAKAI Platform
To foster global collaboration, ICAIRE launched the THAKAI Platform, a knowledge hub dedicated to ethical and responsible AI. It offers curated resources, including a comprehensive glossary and the AI & Data Radar. The platform invites experts to contribute insights, ensuring alignment with UNESCO’s ethical principles and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
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