Riyadh - Sharikat Mubasher: Saudi Arabia, represented by the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), officially joined the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI), the largest global gathering dedicated to AI, as the first Arab country.
SDAIA’s President Abdullah Al-Ghamdi made this announcement at the India AI Impact Summit 2026, according to a recent statement by the authority.
In his speech, Al-Ghamdi highlighted that joining GPAI reaffirms the Kingdom’s commitment to bridging regional priorities with global responsibility and reinforces its distinguished role in hosting, leading, and participating in international AI forums and conferences.
He noted that the Kingdom ranks third globally in the OECD AI Observatory, having contributed more than 60 policies. “We are working to deepen our strategic cooperation with the OECD by expanding the AI Incidents Monitor to cover the Middle East region. This partnership strengthens Saudi Arabia’s regional leadership in responsible AI, alongside initiatives such as the Riyadh Charter for AI, which has been adopted by 53 Islamic countries,” Al-Ghamdi added.
Saudi Arabia’s accession to the GPAI enhances its engagement in international AI-related issues and builds bridges of scientific and civilizational cooperation between the Kingdom and nations worldwide, particularly in AI. This membership enhances the Kingdom's competitiveness and global ranking across international indices related to AI.
Established as an outcome of the 44th G7 Summit held in June 2018, GPAI brings together 46 countries and includes a broad network of experts from governments, the private sector, academia, and civil society. It serves as a key platform for AI-related decision-making, supported by high-level ministerial representation from its member countries.
GPAI leads the global AI agenda through governance frameworks that promote the responsible and trustworthy use of AI technologies. It plays a proactive role in shaping global AI directions and policies, as one of the leading international coalitions dedicated to AI governance.