Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Abdullah Al-Sawaha, met with Canadian Minister of Artificial Intelligence, Evan Solomon, in Riyadh to discuss potential partnerships in artificial intelligence and digital innovation.
Building Bridges in AI Development
The high-level meeting explored areas of mutual interest including AI research collaboration, talent exchange programs, and the development of ethical AI frameworks. Saudi Arabia, through its recently established HUMAIN initiative backed by the Public Investment Fund, has emerged as a major player in the global AI landscape with investments exceeding $3 billion.
Canada, home to some of the world’s leading AI research institutions including the Vector Institute and Mila, brings decades of expertise in machine learning and neural network research. The collaboration could leverage Canada’s research capabilities with Saudi Arabia’s ambitious investment plans and growing digital infrastructure.
Saudi Arabia’s AI Ambitions Accelerate
The meeting comes just days after HUMAIN, Saudi Arabia’s PIF-backed AI investment firm, announced a $3 billion investment in Elon Musk’s xAI. The Kingdom has positioned artificial intelligence as a cornerstone of its economic diversification strategy, with plans to become a global AI hub by 2030.
Minister Al-Sawaha emphasized Saudi Arabia’s commitment to responsible AI development and the importance of international cooperation in shaping the future of technology. The discussions are expected to lead to formal cooperation agreements in the coming months.
A Growing Global AI Network
Saudi Arabia has been actively building AI partnerships with multiple countries, including the United States, China, and several European nations. The Kingdom’s National Strategy for Data and AI aims to position Saudi Arabia among the top 15 countries in AI readiness by 2030, creating thousands of specialized jobs and contributing significantly to GDP growth.
