Saudi Arabia Minister of Culture Prince Badr Bin Farhan has disclosed the inauguration of the International Center for Artificial Intelligence Research and Ethics at UNESCO’s General Conference in Paris on Nov. 11.
Approved by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in June, the initiative aims to enhance competencies and legislative frameworks in AI and advanced technologies.
Initially proposed to UNESCO in March 2022 with support from Kuwait and Oman, the center, operating with legal and financial independence, will promote the growth of technologies like AI in Saudi Arabia.
PwC’s projection indicates that AI could contribute $135 billion to the Saudi economy by 2030, making the Kingdom a primary beneficiary in the Middle East. In June, Saudi Arabia also established the Global Cybersecurity Forum Institute in Riyadh to support global cybersecurity efforts.
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella expressed in an interview that Saudi Arabia’s focus on AI has significantly increased productivity, suggesting a promising era for world-class technology development in the country.