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Saudi Arabia Establishes Legal Framework for International AI Research and Ethics Center
🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia /Health & Science

Saudi Arabia Establishes Legal Framework for International AI Research and Ethics Center

From Asharq Al-Awsat · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement New plan
  • Saudi Arabia's Cabinet has approved the statute for the International Center for AI Research and Ethics (ICAIRE), establishing its legal framework.
  • ICAIRE, headquartered in Riyadh and sponsored by UNESCO, aims to advance AI research, promote ethics awareness, and provide policy recommendations.
  • The center, the world's first UNESCO Category 2 center for AI ethics, seeks to translate ethical frameworks into practical initiatives and contribute to UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Saudi Arabia has established a legal and regulatory framework for the International Center for AI Research and Ethics (ICAIRE) following its approval by the Saudi Cabinet. The UNESCO-sponsored center, based in Riyadh, is poised to become a global hub for advancing artificial intelligence research and ethical considerations.

Dr. Abdullah Alghamdi, president of the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), highlighted the close collaboration between SDAIA and ICAIRE to achieve development objectives. These include fostering AI research and development, raising awareness and encouraging dialogue on AI ethics, and offering policy recommendations. The partnership also aims to bolster global AI capacity-building efforts in alignment with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals and UNESCO's priorities.

The authority is working closely with ICAIRE to advance its development objectives.

— Dr. Abdullah AlghamdiPresident of the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), commenting on the Cabinet's approval of the ICAIRE statute.

Alghamdi praised the Saudi leadership's commitment to advancing responsible AI globally. He described the Cabinet's decision as a significant stride in strengthening ICAIRE's work across AI research, ethics awareness, capacity building, global AI policymaking, and international cooperation. The center's establishment signifies Saudi Arabia's dedication to shaping the future of AI responsibly.

ICAIRE was officially established by a decision in July 2023, with a trilateral agreement between the Saudi government, UNESCO, and ICAIRE signed in September 2024. Saudi Arabia was selected to lead the global AI ethics agenda at UNESCO's 42nd General Conference, making ICAIRE the first UNESCO Category 2 international center dedicated to AI ethics. The center focuses on translating theoretical ethical frameworks into practical mechanisms and concrete initiatives, aiming to promote ethical AI development and use while contributing to global sustainability goals.

The Cabinet's decision as a significant step toward strengthening ICAIRE's work in AI research, ethics awareness, capacity building, global AI policymaking, and cooperation with international organizations and institutions to promote AI ethics.

— Dr. Abdullah AlghamdiPresident of the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), praising the leadership's support for responsible AI.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Asharq Al-Awsat in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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