NEW DELHI: Saudi Arabia, represented by the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority, participated in a high-level session on harnessing the latest technology for people and the planet during the AI Impact Summit 2026, hosted by India.
The summit brought together representatives from more than 70 countries and 25 international organizations, alongside senior policymakers and technology experts, to discuss the transformative potential of AI and the importance of global cooperation.
The Saudi delegation was led by SDAIA President Abdullah Alghamdi and included Saudi Ambassador to India Haitham Al-Maliki, as well as officials from relevant government entities.
The session focused on launching a global network of specialized AI scientific institutions, accelerating research and innovation through advanced technologies, strengthening collaboration among governments and research bodies, and promoting the use of AI to address pressing global challenges. Discussions also focused on leveraging AI to advance the objectives of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Abdulrahman Habib, deputy chief strategy officer at SDAIA, stressed the importance of unifying international efforts to ensure the responsible and ethical use of AI. He highlighted the need for AI development to deliver sustainable and positive outcomes for societies and economies worldwide.
Habib also outlined Saudi initiatives, noting the Kingdom’s progress in establishing regulatory frameworks and national policies that balance innovation with effective governance of emerging technologies. He pointed to applied AI models that have improved quality of life, enhanced the efficiency of government services, and contributed to environmental sustainability.
SDAIA’s participation in the summit reflects Saudi Arabia’s growing role in shaping the global AI agenda and strengthening its presence in international technology forums. The engagement aligns with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, which places digital transformation and innovation at the core of the Kingdom’s long-term development strategy.
