The SDAIA AI Summit participation marked a significant step as Saudi Arabia, represented by the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), took part in a high-level session at the AI Impact Summit 2026, hosted by India in New Delhi on February 19, 2026. The event drew participation from more than 70 countries and 25 international organizations, alongside senior decision-makers and technology experts.
Saudi Delegation at the AI Impact Summit 2026
SDAIA President Dr. Abdullah Alghamdi led the Saudi delegation at the summit. The delegation also included Saudi Ambassador to India Haitham Al-Maliki and officials from relevant government entities. Their presence reflected Saudi Arabia’s commitment to engaging with international forums on advanced technologies.
Session Objectives and Key Themes
The high-level session targeted the launch of a global network of specialized AI scientific institutions. It also aimed to accelerate scientific discovery through advanced technologies and strengthen international cooperation among states and research bodies. Furthermore, the session focused on supporting the deployment of artificial intelligence to address global challenges and advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030.
Participants discussed four main tracks during the session. These included a global scientific cooperation framework to connect institutions and enhance joint projects, a responsible use framework to ensure ethical compliance and transparency, an open science framework to provide access to data and research tools, and a capacity-building framework to empower nations.
SDAIA AI Summit: Saudi Arabia’s Position on Responsible AI
Deputy Chief Strategy Officer at SDAIA Dr. Abdulrahman Habib emphasized the need to unify international efforts to promote the responsible and ethical use of artificial intelligence. He stated that such efforts must ensure a sustainable, positive impact on societies and economies worldwide, while supporting the 2030 SDGs.
“We must unify international efforts to promote the responsible and ethical use of artificial intelligence, ensuring a sustainable, positive impact on societies and economies worldwide and supporting the 2030 SDGs.”
Dr. Abdulrahman Habib, Deputy Chief Strategy Officer, SDAIA
Dr. Habib also reviewed Saudi Arabia’s data and AI initiatives. He highlighted efforts to develop regulatory frameworks and national policies that balance innovation with the governance of emerging technologies. In addition, he presented applied models that have enhanced quality of life, improved government service efficiency, and advanced environmental sustainability.
International Organizations and Broader Participation
The session saw participation from representatives of prominent international organizations, including UNESCO, UNICEF, and the Asian Development Bank. Participants collectively affirmed the importance of unifying international efforts to ensure artificial intelligence serves as a tool for sustainable development, equity, and global prosperity. Moreover, they stressed the need to preserve the planet for future generations.
Key discussion topics included promoting responsible AI use in scientific research, supporting international cooperation and knowledge exchange, enabling equitable access to data and digital infrastructure, and connecting universities and research centers through a global digital platform.
Alignment with Saudi Vision 2030
SDAIA’s participation in the summit underscores Saudi Arabia’s role in shaping the global future of AI and strengthening its presence in international forums focused on advanced technologies. The engagement aligns with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, which prioritizes digital transformation and innovation as central pillars of the Kingdom’s development agenda.