JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia and Kuwait have taken a significant step toward strengthening regional collaboration on artificial intelligence governance and innovation by forming a strategic partnership focused on advancing standards, research, and responsible development in the Artificial Intelligence of Things.
The Kingdom’s Artificial Intelligence Governance Association, which operates under the technical supervision of the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority, has signed a memorandum of understanding with Kuwait’s Association of Artificial Intelligence of Things.
The agreement is aimed at enhancing cooperation on AI governance standards, promoting knowledge exchange, supporting scientific research, and driving innovation in the emerging AIoT sector.
A report by Boston Consulting Group published in April highlighted the Gulf region’s strategic prioritization of AI, noting that all GCC nations have launched national strategies to foster economic diversification and digital transformation.
The memorandum was signed by AIGA Chairwoman Dhabia bint Ahmed Al-Buainain and Sheikh Mohammed bin Ahmed Al-Sabah.
In a post on X, Al-Buainain said: “The agreement stems from a shared vision to enhance regional cooperation in artificial intelligence and its governance, and to build strategic partnerships that advance responsible and innovative AI policies and applications across the Gulf states.”
According to the BCG report, the UAE and Saudi Arabia are leading in infrastructure development and adoption, while Oman and Kuwait are working to expand their capabilities through global partnerships. However, the study pointed out that despite significant state-led investments, challenges remain in private sector funding, research output, and talent development, which hinder the region's ability to fully harness AI’s potential.
As reported by the Saudi Press Agency, the agreement marks AIGA’s first international memorandum of understanding, underscoring its intention to play a broader regional role in the responsible governance of advanced technologies.
The partnership highlights both associations’ commitment to supporting regional initiatives, strengthening governance frameworks, and fostering the exchange of expertise. It also aligns with national and regional objectives to develop knowledge-based economies fueled by emerging technologies.
In a statement, AIGA described the memorandum as a strategic move to deepen regional cooperation in AI governance. The signing ceremony was attended by senior officials from both organizations, along with representatives from SDAIA and AIGA.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Ahmed Al-Sabah, chairman of AAIOT, welcomed the agreement and described it as a “promising opportunity to exchange experiences and develop joint projects that serve the interests of our communities.”
He also emphasized that the deal supports efforts in both countries to advance AI capabilities according to the highest ethical and organizational standards.
AIGA underscored the importance of the memorandum, stating: “This agreement is particularly significant as it is the first international memorandum of understanding signed by the Artificial Intelligence Governance Association outside the Kingdom, representing a step toward expanding cooperation in the field of governance of responsible advanced technologies.”
The association added that the partnership aims to create new avenues for collaboration in setting AI governance standards, promoting research, and encouraging innovation in AIoT — all contributing to a more sustainable and ethically driven technological future.
