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Saudi Arabia Seeks to Include AI Center under UNESCO

 The Global AI Summit was held in Riyadh in September 2022. (Twitter)
 The Global AI Summit was held in Riyadh in September 2022. (Twitter)
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Saudi Arabia Seeks to Include AI Center under UNESCO

 The Global AI Summit was held in Riyadh in September 2022. (Twitter)
 The Global AI Summit was held in Riyadh in September 2022. (Twitter)

The Saudi government seeks to complete discussions with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) on granting the International Center for AI Research and Ethics the status of Category 2 center, which operates under the auspices of UNESCO.

The Saudi cabinet issued a decision last week to establish the International Center for AI Research and Ethics, to be based in the city of Riyadh and to enjoy legal personality and financial and administrative independence, within the framework of a Saudi endeavor to promote the uses of artificial intelligence and digital solutions.

According to information available to Asharq Al-Awsat, the Saudi government has asked the Saudi Authority for Data and Artificial Intelligence (SDAIA) to complete the discussions with UNESCO and prepare the necessary documents for the regular procedures.

The center seeks to promote sound practices in adopting AI technologies, as well as to support research, development and initiatives at the national and international levels, and ensure the ethical and responsible use of artificial intelligence.

The establishment of the International Center for AI Research and Ethics is also aimed at enhancing Saudi Arabia’s role in the field of artificial intelligence and ensuring the promotion of research efforts and the responsible use of AI applications, in line with the objectives of Vision 2030 to transform the Kingdom into a global technical hub for AI and advanced technologies.

During the second edition of the Global Summit on Artificial Intelligence, which was held in Riyadh in September 2022, Saudi Arabia launched the principles of ethics of artificial intelligence, as part of a set of projects and initiatives that contribute to strengthening the country’s global leadership in the industry and achieving the aspirations of Vision 2030.

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Culture

AlUla’s Cultural Legacy Takes Center Stage at the Marvels of Saudi Orchestra

The Music Commission's Marvels of Saudi Orchestra concert at AlUla's Maraya Hall. (SPA)
The Music Commission's Marvels of Saudi Orchestra concert at AlUla's Maraya Hall. (SPA)
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AlUla’s Cultural Legacy Takes Center Stage at the Marvels of Saudi Orchestra

The Music Commission's Marvels of Saudi Orchestra concert at AlUla's Maraya Hall. (SPA)
The Music Commission's Marvels of Saudi Orchestra concert at AlUla's Maraya Hall. (SPA)

The Music Commission's Marvels of Saudi Orchestra concert at AlUla's Maraya Hall showcased the region's rich cultural heritage by seamlessly blending traditional folk arts into a professional, contemporary symphonic performance.

The event featured renowned local folk arts integrated into an artistic tableau, demonstrating Saudi heritage's ability to thrive in modern contexts while maintaining its historical depth, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

This successful convergence of global musical standards and local tradition further establishes AlUla as a premier international hub for creative and cultural expression.

Culture

Saudi Cultural Development Fund Debuts at Davos to Showcase Culture as Economic Engine

Saudi Cultural Development Fund Debuts at Davos to Showcase Culture as Economic Engine
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Saudi Cultural Development Fund Debuts at Davos to Showcase Culture as Economic Engine

Saudi Cultural Development Fund Debuts at Davos to Showcase Culture as Economic Engine

The Cultural Development Fund (CDF) successfully concluded its participation at the 2026 Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum, held from January 19 to 23 in Davos, Switzerland, marking a historic and groundbreaking presence for Saudi culture at the world’s premier economic event.

Hosted at the Saudi House, the CDF engaged over 200 international experts, including leading economists and investors, through a series of dynamic activities such as a networking breakfast, panel discussion, and beneficiary talks on the NextOn platform. The CDF emphasized culture not only as a form of artistic and creative expression, but also as a vital economic driver and a strategic pillar for national development, SPA reported.

Reinforcing this vision, CDF CEO Majed Al-Hugail highlighted in a Davos panel Saudi Arabia's belief in culture as a pivotal force for economic diversification and quality of life. By 2030, he stated, the cultural sector is set to contribute $48 billion to GDP, create more than 346,000 jobs, and attract 22 million visitors.

The CDF also underscored the critical role of financing in empowering entrepreneurship and amplifying the economic potential of the cultural sector. Notable participants in the NextOn talk series included Co-Founder of AlMashtal Creative Incubator Princess Noura bint Saud bin Naif, who addressed “Culture as Economic Infrastructure: Unlocking Human Capital Through the Creative Industries.” Additionally, CEO of the Arabian Housing & Building (AHB) Company Eng. Khalid Alhenaidy contributed insights during a session titled “The Value in Cultural Assets.”

Looking ahead, the CDF organized six strategic side meetings aimed at exploring new opportunities and fostering collaborations to accelerate the development of the Saudi cultural sector and attract global investment. It also distributed 150 copies of the comprehensive investment report, Saudi Cultural Market Outlook 2025: Vision, Impact, and Opportunities, developed in partnership with the Ministry of Culture, the Ministry of Investment, and the Invest Saudi initiative.

Furthermore, the CDF showcased Saudi creativity by exporting 60 cultural products from Samuda, a fashion-sector beneficiary brand, highlighting the growing economic significance of the Saudi fashion market.

This milestone reflects the CDF’s commitment to serving as a center of excellence and financial enabler for the Kingdom’s cultural sector. It underscores ongoing efforts to elevate Saudi culture on the global stage, maximizing its economic and social impact in alignment with the ambitious objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.

Culture

Five Artists Shortlisted for the Seventh Edition of Ithra Art Prize

The shortlisted artists are Aseel AlYaqoub (Kuwait), Bady Dalloul (Syria), Heba Y. Amin (Egypt), Ala Younis (Jordan), and Jawad Al Malhi (Palestine) - SPA
The shortlisted artists are Aseel AlYaqoub (Kuwait), Bady Dalloul (Syria), Heba Y. Amin (Egypt), Ala Younis (Jordan), and Jawad Al Malhi (Palestine) - SPA
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Five Artists Shortlisted for the Seventh Edition of Ithra Art Prize

The shortlisted artists are Aseel AlYaqoub (Kuwait), Bady Dalloul (Syria), Heba Y. Amin (Egypt), Ala Younis (Jordan), and Jawad Al Malhi (Palestine) - SPA
The shortlisted artists are Aseel AlYaqoub (Kuwait), Bady Dalloul (Syria), Heba Y. Amin (Egypt), Ala Younis (Jordan), and Jawad Al Malhi (Palestine) - SPA

The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) announced the five shortlisted artists for the seventh edition of the Ithra Art Prize, which celebrates artists from or based in the 22 Arab countries.

Recognized as one of the most distinguished honors in the Middle East, the Prize is dedicated to empowering artists, fostering innovation, and deepening cultural dialogue across the Arab world.

The shortlisted artists are Aseel AlYaqoub (Kuwait), Bady Dalloul (Syria), Heba Y. Amin (Egypt), Ala Younis (Jordan), and Jawad Al Malhi (Palestine), SPA reported.

Head of Ithra’s Museum Farah Abushullaih said: “The development and expansion of the Ithra Art Prize since its launch have established it as an important platform for artistic expression.

This year’s shortlist reflects the incredible diversity, creativity, and critical thought shaping contemporary art in the Arab world. The open call received more than 500 artistic submissions, which underwent an initial review process before a selected group of works was evaluated by the jury.”

She added that the award, in its current edition, is witnessing an expansion in scope compared to previous years, as the judging panel is providing production grants to the five finalists, with their works to be showcased in a dedicated exhibition at the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) during the spring of 2026.