Saudi Arabia Outlines Strategy to Become Global Leader in AI by 2030

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. (SPA)
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Outlines Strategy to Become Global Leader in AI by 2030

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. (SPA)
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. (SPA)

Saudi Arabia unveiled on Wednesday its new National Strategy for Data and Artificial Intelligence (NSDAI) which will make the Kingdom a global leader in AI by 2030.

The National Strategy, which will be led by the Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA), was officially launched at the inaugural Global AI Summit in Riyadh. The two-day summit was launched under the auspices of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense.

The “AI for the Good of Humanity” is organized by the SDAIA and G20 Saudi Secretariat as part of the International Conferences Program, honoring the G20 Saudi presidency year 2020.

SDAIA President Dr. Abdullah bin Sharaf Alghamdi thanked Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed, commending their keenness on supporting this pivotal sector.

Alghamdi said the National Strategy encompass six main areas that have been identified as essential to develop Saudi Arabia's national capacity in AI:

- Ambition: Saudi Arabia's plans are focused on turning the country into a global leader in data and AI.

- Skills: The NSDAI seeks to transform the current and future Saudi workforce, through education, and upskilling and reskilling that will enable Saudis to utilize the power of data and AI, in public and private sectors.

- Policy and Regulations: Saudi Arabia will create a world-class regulatory framework that will encourage and foster data-driven businesses.

- Investment: The NSDAI will aim to attract and incentivize local and foreign investors and companies to encourage investment in qualified opportunities within Saudi Arabia.

- Research and Innovation: Under the National Strategy, Saudi Arabia will build and enable core research and innovation institutions in data and AI, to enable the Kingdom to lead in the development and commercialization of new technologies.

- Ecosystem: The National Strategy will aim to stimulate data and AI adoption through the creation of a collaborative and forward-thinking ecosystem.

The Global AI Summit is the world's premier platform for dialogue that brings together over 200 stakeholders from public sector, academia and private sector, including technology companies, investors, entrepreneurs and startups to shape the future of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

The Global AI Summit will be a unique global opportunity to explore what the new global era means to AI, how AI's transformational potential can be best used to create a better future for all, and what this means for policy and decision makers interested in leveraging the potential, for the good of humanity.

Proceedings of the summit will be streamed through its platforms on Twitter, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.



Saudi Arabia Regulates Management of Assets Seized in Money Laundering, Terrorism Financing Cases

Hamad Al Sheikh, Minister of State, Member of the Council of Ministers, and Chairman of the Board of the Commission for the Guardianship of Trust Funds of Minors and Their Counterparts. (SPA)
Hamad Al Sheikh, Minister of State, Member of the Council of Ministers, and Chairman of the Board of the Commission for the Guardianship of Trust Funds of Minors and Their Counterparts. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Regulates Management of Assets Seized in Money Laundering, Terrorism Financing Cases

Hamad Al Sheikh, Minister of State, Member of the Council of Ministers, and Chairman of the Board of the Commission for the Guardianship of Trust Funds of Minors and Their Counterparts. (SPA)
Hamad Al Sheikh, Minister of State, Member of the Council of Ministers, and Chairman of the Board of the Commission for the Guardianship of Trust Funds of Minors and Their Counterparts. (SPA)

Saudi Arabia has approved a new law governing the preservation and management of seized assets, aiming to protect them from misuse, concealment, or damage while safeguarding public and private interests and supporting the Kingdom’s economic and social development.

Hamad Al Sheikh, Minister of State, Member of the Council of Ministers, and Chairman of the Board of the Commission for the Guardianship of Trust Funds of Minors and Their Counterparts, said the Cabinet’s approval of the Law on the Management of Assets Seized and Confiscated in Money Laundering, Predicate Offenses, and Terrorism Financing Cases reflects the leadership’s commitment to strengthening the judicial and regulatory framework, improving government efficiency, and reinforcing governance and transparency.

Al Sheikh said the law protects rights, boosts confidence in government institutions, and supports the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 by establishing a comprehensive legal framework for managing seized and confiscated assets.

It defines the law’s scope, identifies the authorities responsible for implementation, and sets out the legal and procedural rules governing asset preservation and management.

He added that the legislation will improve the management of seized assets, maximize their economic value, enhance spending efficiency, protect public resources, and strengthen the Kingdom’s legal and investment environment.

It also promotes justice and transparency, safeguards the rights of individuals and stakeholders, and supports sustainable development and quality of life.

According to Al Sheikh, the law aligns with international best practices and demonstrates Saudi Arabia’s commitment to the standards of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), reinforcing the Kingdom’s global standing in governance and institutional management.

Published in the official gazette, the 15-article law assigns the Authority responsibility for preserving and managing seized assets upon a court order and at the request of the competent authority.

Its board may set management policies, hire specialized Saudi public or private entities to manage assets requiring technical expertise, and open dedicated accounts at the Saudi Central Bank or licensed banks to hold seized funds.


GCC Secretary-General Welcomes Omani Initiative on Strait of Hormuz, Condemns Iranian Threats

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi. SPA
Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi. SPA
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GCC Secretary-General Welcomes Omani Initiative on Strait of Hormuz, Condemns Iranian Threats

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi. SPA
Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Albudaiwi. SPA

Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Jasem Albudaiwi, welcomed Oman's announcement, made in coordination with the International Maritime Organization (IMO), to establish a temporary maritime corridor for vessels to facilitate the evacuation of more than 11,000 stranded seafarers in the Strait of Hormuz.

The initiative enhances freedom of navigation in the Strait in accordance with international law and the Law of the Sea.

The secretary-general praised this initiative, which embodies the wise approach pursued by the Sultanate of Oman in supporting regional security and stability, enhancing maritime safety and security, and consolidating the principles of international law, thereby contributing to ensuring the smooth flow of regional and international trade.

Albudaiwi expressed the GCC's rejection and condemnation of the claims issued by Iran and its threats to freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz following the announcement.

He affirmed that the Omani step contributes to evacuating stranded seafarers and bolstering supply chains for both regional and global economies and reflects the GCC countries' support for all regional and international efforts aimed at enhancing maritime security, consolidating security and stability, and de-escalating tensions in the region.


Saudi Foreign Minister Discusses Regional Developments with Jordanian Counterpart

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah
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Saudi Foreign Minister Discusses Regional Developments with Jordanian Counterpart

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah
Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah

Saudi Minister of Foreign Affairs Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah received a phone call on Friday from Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of Jordan Ayman Safadi, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

During the call, the two officials discussed the latest regional developments and ongoing bilateral coordination and consultation on related matters.