Saudi Arabia has become the first Arab country to join the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence, a landmark international alliance originally established under the G7 framework and now overseen by the OECD. The announcement was made by Dr. Abdullah bin Sharaf Al-Ghamdi, President of the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority, during his leadership of the Kingdom’s delegation at the AI Impact Summit 2026 held in India.
The GPAI brings together more than 30 nations committed to the responsible development and deployment of artificial intelligence. By joining this partnership, Saudi Arabia gains a seat at the table where global AI governance standards are shaped, research priorities are set, and cross-border collaboration on AI safety and innovation is coordinated.
A Strategic Step Under Vision 2030
The Kingdom’s accession to GPAI reflects years of strategic investment in artificial intelligence infrastructure, talent development, and regulatory frameworks. SDAIA has been at the forefront of Saudi Arabia’s digital transformation, overseeing the national data strategy and building the ecosystem needed to position the Kingdom as a global AI hub.
Saudi Arabia has already demonstrated its ambitions in this space through major initiatives including the annual Global AI Summit, hosted in Riyadh, and significant investments in AI research and development. The Kingdom’s National Strategy for Data and AI, launched as part of Vision 2030, set ambitious targets for the sector’s contribution to the national economy.
Joining GPAI places Saudi Arabia alongside technology leaders such as the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Japan, and Canada. It also strengthens the Kingdom’s credentials as a bridge between the developed world and emerging economies in shaping the future of AI governance.
Global Recognition of Saudi AI Leadership
The timing of the announcement, made at a major international AI gathering, underscores the growing recognition of Saudi Arabia’s role in the global technology landscape. SDAIA has trained hundreds of thousands of Saudi citizens in AI and data science skills, built world-class data infrastructure, and attracted major international technology companies to establish regional headquarters in Riyadh.
As artificial intelligence continues to reshape industries from healthcare to energy, Saudi Arabia’s membership in GPAI ensures that the Kingdom will play an active role in writing the rules that govern this transformative technology for decades to come.
