Saudi Arabia First Arab Nation to Join Global AI Group

Saudi Arabia made history this week by becoming the first Arab nation to join the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence, a coalition of over 40 countries working to ensure AI benefits humanity.

Dr. Abdullah Alghamdi, President of the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority, announced the milestone at the India AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi. The partnership marks a major step in bringing Middle Eastern perspectives into global conversations about how AI should be developed and used.

The Kingdom isn't starting from scratch. Saudi Arabia already ranks third worldwide in contributions to the OECD AI Policy Observatory, having submitted more than 60 policies supporting international AI governance. This track record demonstrates the country's commitment to thoughtful, ethical technology development.

The membership aligns perfectly with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, the ambitious plan to diversify the economy and reduce oil dependence. By joining this global partnership, the Kingdom aims to attract high-quality international investments and expand its digital economy's contribution to GDP.

The partnership will help extend AI risk monitoring throughout the Middle East for the first time. This means regional priorities can now directly influence international standards, ensuring AI development reflects diverse global perspectives rather than just Western viewpoints.

The Ripple Effect

This move creates opportunities far beyond Saudi borders. As the first Arab member, Saudi Arabia opens doors for neighboring countries to participate in shaping AI's future. The Kingdom's involvement brings Middle Eastern cultural values, economic needs, and ethical considerations into global AI discussions that have historically centered on North America, Europe, and East Asia.

The partnership also strengthens the Riyadh Charter on AI, a regional framework for ethical technology development. With Saudi Arabia now connected to international standards through GPAI, the charter gains credibility and alignment with global best practices.

For investors and tech companies, the Kingdom's membership signals a robust regulatory environment committed to responsible innovation. This stability attracts the kind of long-term partnerships needed to build sustainable AI industries.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has backed the initiative as part of his vision to position Saudi Arabia as a technology leader. The country's investment in AI governance today lays groundwork for a diversified, knowledge-based economy tomorrow.

Saudi Arabia's historic membership proves that leadership in emerging technologies isn't limited by geography or tradition.