Latest news with #SaudiDataandArtificialIntelligenceAuthority
Saudi Gazette
25-07-2025
- Business
- Saudi Gazette
Over 424,000 Saudis enroll in AI training as SDAIA scales national transformation
Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — More than 424,000 Saudi citizens have enrolled in the "SAMAI" initiative — an artificial intelligence (AI) awareness and training program led by the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) — as part of the Kingdom's ambitious plan to equip 1 million Saudis with foundational AI knowledge. The initiative reflects the nation's broader efforts to build a digitally empowered society aligned with Vision 2030. SDAIA highlighted the growing global impact of data and AI technologies, which it said are driving transformative change across sectors such as education, healthcare, industry, cybersecurity, agriculture, energy, and national security. These technologies are not only enhancing productivity and innovation, but also helping solve complex developmental challenges to create a more inclusive, sustainable, and peaceful world. Since its establishment in 2019, SDAIA has become the Kingdom's national reference in the regulation and advancement of data and AI. The authority focuses on maximizing the economic value of data, ensuring ethical AI practices, and developing local capabilities through specialized courses and certifications. SDAIA also issued a comprehensive set of AI regulatory frameworks and ethical guidelines for both government entities and the public, including principles on generative AI, deepfake content, national data governance, and academic standards for AI-related disciplines. These guidelines aim to ensure safe, responsible, and culturally aligned adoption of AI technologies. To raise trust in AI systems, SDAIA launched an AI service provider certification program for the private sector. Certified providers are evaluated across five maturity levels—from 'Aware' to 'Leader'—and are granted a validity period of one year, encouraging higher quality AI applications and services. The authority further introduced a self-assessment tool on AI ethics via the National Data Governance Platform. This tool supports public and private institutions in evaluating their ethical compliance during AI development and deployment phases. In a move to address global concerns, SDAIA released a specialized report on AI bias, highlighting risks that emerge as AI adoption grows across critical sectors worldwide. The report emphasizes the need for fairness and inclusivity in algorithmic decision-making. SDAIA has also advanced personal data protection by introducing the Kingdom's 'Personal Data Protection Law,' which regulates how personal data—such as names, addresses, ID numbers, images, and financial information—is processed and shared. The law seeks to preserve privacy and prevent misuse of data in both public and private sectors. One of SDAIA's most impactful projects to date is its partnership with the Expenditure and Project Efficiency Authority, which resulted in over SR5 billion in financial impact through the 'DEEM Cloud' platform. The platform consolidated 230 data centers and now offers 49 services to more than 180 government entities. Looking ahead, AI is projected to play a major role in global employment shifts. According to the World Economic Forum's latest 'Future of Jobs' report, AI will contribute to the creation of 69 million new jobs over the coming years. Complementary research by the International Labour Organization suggests generative AI will support human roles rather than eliminate them by automating selected tasks. In terms of efficiency, consulting firms Deloitte and McKinsey estimate that generative AI can reduce operational costs by up to 30%. McKinsey's study of over 1,300 companies revealed significant cost savings in HR departments (10–37%) and profit growth in supply chain divisions, in some cases exceeding 6%.
Leaders
23-07-2025
- Business
- Leaders
SDAIA Unveils 'National AI Index' to Assess Government AI Readiness
The Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) has launched the National AI Index, a new initiative designed to measure the readiness of government entities to adopt and implement artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. The inaugural assessment cycle was attended by over 180 representatives from various government organizations. The index is intended to evaluate institutional preparedness for AI adoption, track ongoing progress, and offer strategic recommendations to support development and drive national impact. It aligns with Saudi Arabia's broader objectives under Vision 2030, focusing on enhancing government efficiency and promoting sustainable, AI-driven solutions. Structured around three main pillars, seven core dimensions, and 23 subcategories, the index offers a comprehensive framework for assessing the maturity of AI capabilities across government entities. It delivers insights into current AI adoption levels and provides guidance to strengthen innovation and effectiveness in priority sectors. As part of SDAIA's mandate as the national authority on data and AI, the index plays a key role in regulating, developing, and promoting AI initiatives across the Kingdom. It also supports SDAIA's strategic collaborations aimed at accelerating digital transformation and fostering a knowledge- and innovation-based economy in line with Saudi Vision 2030. Related Topics: Saudi Arabia Showcases Digital Leadership at WSIS 2025 'Madrasati' Platform Wins Top Honor at WSIS Forum 2025 Saudi Arabia Wins Awards at WSIS +20 Forum Short link : Post Views: 24 Related Stories
Gulf Insider
21-07-2025
- Business
- Gulf Insider
Saudi Arabia Shuts 267 Digital Platforms To Boost Unified Government Services
Saudi Arabia's Digital Government Authority (DGA) has announced the closure and integration of 267 digital platforms across various government sectors as part of ongoing efforts to enhance user experience and increase digital efficiency. The move reflects a broader commitment to improving the quality of government digital services and ensuring platform integration in line with Saudi Arabia's strategic digital transformation goals. According to a statement from the DGA, the closures come under a regulatory framework that includes new governance standards, the adoption of shared technical resources such as the National Single Sign-On system, e-payment gateways, and the Government Integration Channel. All platforms are also required to adhere to the unified design code known as the 'Platform Code,' enabling streamlined and effective digital services. The initiative is part of the 'Inclusive Government' program launched in 2022, which has reduced the number of government digital platforms from 817 to 550 as of the end of H1 2025. The program aims to optimize government resource usage and deliver more efficient and user-centered digital services, supporting the Kingdom's broader digital transformation and improving public satisfaction. The DGA emphasized the importance of collaboration among government entities in developing and managing domains and digital platforms. Central to the strategy is the national app 'Tawakkalna,' operated by the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), which is being positioned as the primary gateway for accessing unified government services. The authority reaffirmed its commitment to building an integrated digital ecosystem that enhances the performance of digital platforms and elevates the Kingdom's position in global digital government indicators.
Leaders
12-07-2025
- Business
- Leaders
SDAIA Receives Certificates for Nominated Projects at WSIS Summit
The Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) has received certificates for its nominated projects recognized among the best entries at the 2025 WSIS Prizes, according to the Saudi Press Agency. Organized by the UN International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the 2025 World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) Prizes witnessed the participation of over 194 countries, mirroring the significance of global competition. SDAIA's nominated projects stand out as technological initiatives that crystalized both innovation and creativity. After the ITU's expert evaluation, the Saudi projects were selected out of 973 submissions from various countries. Crucially, SDAIA noted that the nominated projects have covered various fields as follows: The government cloud-computing platform 'Deem,' which offers integrated and flexible cloud services for government entities. 'Nafath' app for biometric identity verification 'My Resume' service within the 'Tawakkalna' app that enables users to display their certified academic qualifications 'Tahseen' an AI-powered project that can restore and boost historical media 'Allam' and 'SauTech' projects which support and process Arabic through large language models and speech recognition technologies Prestigious Recognition Apart from this, the WSIS recognized the IAIO as an unparalleled project in Category 7 (E-Science). This recognition reflects the ongoing efforts of the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) to boost innovation and elevate national and international capacities of the artificial intelligence. In collaboration with the International Center for AI Research and Ethics (ICAIRE), AI Olympiad featured participants from more than 25 countries around the world. By hosting such a prestigious exhibition, SDAIA offers an international platform for AI competitions and an umbrella that brings together brilliant minds and spreads the concept of the Smart Olympiad among current generations. Related Topics: Saudi Arabia Showcases Digital Leadership at WSIS 2025 'Madrasati' Platform Wins Top Honor at WSIS Forum 2025 Saudi Arabia Wins Awards at WSIS +20 Forum Short link : Post Views: 13 Related Stories
Leaders
08-07-2025
- Science
- Leaders
SDAIA Awarded WSIS Certificate of Excellence for Organizing AI Olympiad
The World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) Forum 2025 has awarded SDAIA a Certificate of Excellence for organizing the first global edition of the International AI Olympiad (IAIO). During the 2025 award ceremony, the WSIS recognized the IAIO as an unparalleled project in Category 7 (E-Science), according to the Saudi Press Agency. The ceremony also represented an integral part of the AI for Good Summit in Geneva held from July 8 to 11. This recognition reflects the ongoing efforts of the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) to boost innovation and elevate national and international capacities of the artificial intelligence. Through advanced initiatives and programs, SDAIA also seeks to empower national talents and build the technological and programming skills of the future leaders. Crucially, the awarded projects constitute only 9% of the total number of projects submitted to the annual WSIS Prizes. Organized by the UN International Telecommunication Union (ITU), WSIS Prizes witnessed the participation of over 194 countries, mirroring the significance of global competition. In collaboration with the International Center for AI Research and Ethics (ICAIRE), AI Olympiad featured participants from more than 25 countries around the world. By hosting such a prestigious exhibition, SDAIA offers an international platform for AI competitions and an umbrella that brings together brilliant minds and spreads the concept of the Smart Olympiad among current generations. Related Topics: Participants of International AI Olympiad Undergo Theoretical, Practical Tests Saudi Arabia Hosts Inaugural Edition of International AI Olympiad Saudi Delegation Awaits ISEF 2025 Results Short link : Post Views: 25
