RIYADH/PARIS: Saudi Arabia has taken another decisive step in advancing its technological ambitions by joining the Global Network of Artificial Intelligence Supervisory Authorities (GNAIS), established under UNESCO. The Kingdom’s Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) will represent Saudi Arabia in the network, marking a milestone that strengthens the country’s role in shaping global AI governance.
The announcement came during the inaugural GNAIS meeting at UNESCO headquarters in Paris, where representatives from member states and international organisations discussed the network’s founding principles, membership criteria, capacity-building resources, and the framework for monitoring and oversight. The gathering also addressed practical projects, working groups, and training material designed to guide responsible adoption of AI worldwide.
By joining the network, Saudi Arabia will gain access to leading global expertise, case studies, and best practices in AI policy and oversight. Officials emphasised that this move will not only enhance the Kingdom’s domestic capabilities but also deepen international partnerships, in line with the broader objectives of Vision 2030.
The GNAIS platform aims to harmonise ethical standards, regulatory practices, and supervisory frameworks across countries, while enabling the exchange of knowledge among regulators worldwide. Members benefit from access to resources designed to confront the fast-paced challenges of emerging technologies.
Analysts note that Saudi Arabia’s membership underscores its growing influence in the AI sector and reflects its commitment to responsible and transparent use of advanced technologies. With SDAIA at the helm, the Kingdom has already launched ambitious initiatives to cement its standing as a global hub for data and AI. This latest step positions Saudi Arabia as a credible model for harnessing innovation in a way that balances progress with ethical responsibility.