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The Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) has strengthened the ethical and responsible use of artificial intelligence technologies as part of its efforts to establish an integrated AI ethics ecosystem locally and globally. This is being achieved through the development of regulatory frameworks and specialized initiatives in data and artificial intelligence, contributing to the responsible use of advanced technologies while taking both ethical and human considerations into account.

In conjunction with the Year of Artificial Intelligence 2026, SDAIA continues its national role in raising global awareness of AI ethics, highlighting the risks associated with deepfake technologies, and supporting studies and research that help protect societies from irresponsible AI outputs. These efforts also include collaboration with the International Center for AI Research and Ethics (ICAIRE), which operates under the auspices of UNESCO and is headquartered in Riyadh.

Central to these efforts are the AI Ethics Principles launched by SDAIA, reflecting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s commitment to human rights and cultural values and aligning with international standards and recommendations on AI ethics. SDAIA regularly reviews and updates these principles, monitors compliance, and develops national guidelines, standards, and directives to ensure that AI ethics are effectively managed and implemented.

Its efforts also include developing an AI ethics adoption plan, providing advice on ethical issues, measuring compliance, coordinating and monitoring implementation, and working with relevant government entities to activate AI ethics principles across various sectors.

The principles are based on four key objectives:

• Supporting the Kingdom’s efforts to adopt artificial intelligence, encourage research and innovation, and promote economic growth.
• Enabling organizations to adopt appropriate standards and ethical principles to ensure the responsible use of AI technologies.
• Governing AI models to minimize adverse impacts and potential risks.
• Protecting the privacy and rights of data subjects in relation to the processing of their personal data.

These principles serve as a national reference for every organization that uses artificial intelligence technologies and guide the public and private sectors toward their responsible and secure implementation. The principles are available through the following link: AI Ethics Principles.

SDAIA has also issued Generative AI Guidelines for government entities and the public, as well as Deepfake Guidelines designed to ensure the responsible use of these technologies.

At the international level, the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), SDAIA, and the Saudi National Commission for Education, Culture and Science launched the Riyadh Charter for Artificial Intelligence in the Islamic World. The Charter aims to establish a comprehensive framework for developing AI technologies in accordance with Islamic values and principles while promoting inclusive and sustainable development and international cooperation in the field. It was unanimously approved by 53 member states of the organization.

SDAIA also contributed to the publication of the world’s first International AI Safety Report in collaboration with several international organizations. The report addresses the potential risks of artificial intelligence, provides practical recommendations to mitigate them, and establishes common international foundations for ensuring the safety of AI applications and protecting societies from their negative consequences. This further strengthens Saudi Arabia’s role in shaping the global AI governance ecosystem.