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AI Regulation, Governance, and Ethics: Saudi Arabia’s Approach in a Global Context

Introduction: Why AI Governance Matters

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a futuristic concept—it is embedded in everyday decision-making, from medical diagnoses to financial transactions, hiring processes, and national security systems. Yet with this power comes risk: algorithmic bias, misinformation, privacy intrusions, and potential misuse in ways that could harm individuals and societies.

That is why AI regulation, governance, and ethics are among the most critical policy discussions of our time. Governments and international organizations are asking: How do we encourage innovation while protecting citizens?

Saudi Arabia, under its Vision 2030 framework, has taken proactive steps to position itself as both a regional leader and a global participant in this debate. The Kingdom has begun drafting AI ethics guidelines, hosting international summits, and building institutions like the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority ( SDAIA | سدايا ). While many of these efforts remain advisory rather than binding law, they represent an important trajectory toward shaping AI’s role responsibly.

This article examines Saudi Arabia’s initiatives in AI governance and ethics, before comparing them with approaches in the European Union, United States, China, and other global leaders.

Global Foundations of AI Governance

International Principles

Before diving into Saudi Arabia’s case, it’s important to outline the global backdrop. Several key frameworks guide how nations think about AI governance:

  • OECD.AI AI Principles (2019): Endorsed by more than 40 countries, including Saudi Arabia, these principles stress fairness, transparency, robustness, and accountability.
  • UNESCO Recommendation on the Ethics of AI (2021): The first global standard on AI ethics, focusing on human rights, sustainability, and cultural diversity.
  • G7 Code of Conduct & GPAI (Global Partnership on AI): High-level commitments to responsible AI, emphasizing collaboration on safety, innovation, and regulation.

These principles are non-binding, but they heavily influence national strategies. Countries interpret and implement them differently, depending on their governance models, legal systems, and cultural values.

Saudi Arabia’s AI Governance and Ethics

Saudi Vision 2030 and the National AI Strategy

AI is central to Saudi Vision 2030 , which seeks to diversify the economy and build a knowledge-driven society. The National Strategy for Data and AI (NSDAI) was launched in 2020, with the goal of positioning the Kingdom as a top-10 global AI leader by 2030.

To deliver on this ambition, the government established SDAIA | سدايا , tasked with:

  • Developing national AI policies and standards
  • Overseeing data governance
  • Monitoring AI activities
  • Promoting responsible adoption across sectors

This centralized authority is unusual compared to more fragmented approaches elsewhere and gives Saudi Arabia an agile mechanism for steering AI development.

AI Ethics Principles (Draft, 2023)

In 2023, SDAIA | سدايا released draft AI Ethics Principles, a framework that outlines high-level values for AI development:

  • Fairness and Non-Discrimination
  • Privacy and Security
  • Human-Centricity
  • Reliability and Safety
  • Transparency and Explainability
  • Accountability
  • Social and Environmental Benefit

Crucially, Saudi Arabia’s framework adopts a risk-based model, categorizing AI systems as:

  • Minimal/No Risk
  • Limited Risk
  • High Risk
  • Unacceptable Risk

For example, AI that exploits vulnerable populations or poses serious risks to human rights would be banned outright. This mirrors the European Union AI Act, showing Saudi Arabia’s alignment with international best practices.

Generative AI Guidelines (2024)

Recognizing the rise of large language models and deepfakes, Saudi Arabia issued two sets of Generative AI Guidelines in 2024—one for public-sector employees and another for general users.

They provide advice on:

  • Preventing misinformation and “hallucinations”
  • Using watermarks on AI-generated content
  • Filtering training data to avoid harmful outputs
  • Raising awareness about deepfake misuse

While not legally binding, these guidelines represent practical governance tools for a rapidly evolving technology.

Soft Law, Not Binding Yet

At present, Saudi Arabia has no dedicated AI law. The Ethics Principles and Generative AI Guidelines are advisory, not enforceable. Compliance is voluntary, though SDAIA | سدايا has the authority to monitor and encourage adoption. Related laws, such as the Personal Data Protection Law, cover adjacent issues like data privacy.

This “guidance today, regulation tomorrow” approach gives Saudi Arabia flexibility while it studies global developments.

Hosting Summits and Driving International Dialogue

Saudi Arabia is also positioning itself as a global hub for AI governance discussions:

  • Hosted the Global AI Summit in Riyadh (2020, 2022, 2024), bringing together policymakers, tech leaders, and academics from over 100 countries.
  • Organized the UN Islamic World Consultative Session on AI, leading to the Riyadh Charter for AI Ethics in the Islamic World in 2024.
  • Established the International Center for AI Research and Ethics(ICAIRE)(a UNESCO -affiliated body) in Riyadh in 2023.
  • Co-hosted high-level United Nations AI discussions alongside global leaders.

This dual domestic-international strategy allows Saudi Arabia to shape the AI governance narrative while showcasing its commitment to responsible AI.

Global Comparisons

European Union: The Strictest Model

The European Union is the first jurisdiction to adopt a comprehensive AI law—the EU AI Act. This legislation bans certain practices (like social scoring and exploitative surveillance), heavily regulates high-risk systems, and requires transparency for AI-generated content.

The EU model is precautionary and rights-driven, prioritizing citizen protection even if it slows innovation.

Comparison with Saudi Arabia:

  • Both use risk-based classifications.
  • EU has enforceable law; Saudi Arabia’s framework is still advisory.
  • EU prioritizes fundamental rights; Saudi Arabia emphasizes both global ethics and local cultural/religious values.

United States: Sectoral and Decentralized

The U.S. lacks a single AI law, instead relying on:

This patchwork allows flexibility but risks inconsistency.

Comparison with Saudi Arabia:

  • Both lack binding AI-specific laws.
  • U.S. governance is decentralized across agencies; Saudi Arabia’s is centralized under SDAIA.
  • U.S. emphasizes innovation and civil liberties; Saudi Arabia integrates ethical and cultural dimensions.

China: State-Centric and Content-Controlled

China regulates AI aggressively, especially generative AI. Its 2023 Interim Measures require content to align with socialist values, mandate security assessments, and enforce watermarking of deepfakes.

This ensures government control over AI’s societal impact, but critics see it as prioritizing censorship over innovation.

Comparison with Saudi Arabia:

  • Both address risks of deepfakes and misinformation.
  • China mandates strict compliance; Saudi Arabia issues voluntary guidelines.
  • Saudi Arabia seeks global alignment, while China focuses on domestic ideological control.

United Kingdom, Canada, Japan, and UAE

  • UK: Pro-innovation, regulator-led approach with no central AI law.
  • Canada: Developing the Artificial Intelligence and Data Act (AIDA).
  • Japan: Favors industry self-regulation under Society 5.0.
  • UAE: Pragmatic, sector-specific guidelines, with strong investment in AI.

Saudi Arabia sits between these models: more ambitious than the UAE or Japan in global engagement, but not yet as strict as the EU.

Key Comparative Insights

  1. Regulatory Maturity
  2. Ethical Convergence
  3. Governance Structures
  4. International Engagement

Conclusion: Saudi Arabia’s Role in Shaping AI’s Future

Saudi Arabia has moved quickly from aspiration to action in AI governance. By drafting ethical frameworks, publishing generative AI guidelines, and actively convening international summits, the Kingdom is ensuring it has a seat at the global AI table.

While its guidelines are not yet binding, the foundations are in place for future enforceable regulation that balances innovation with ethics. Importantly, Saudi Arabia’s efforts are not in isolation—they are aligned with OECD, UNESCO, and EU standards, while also introducing cultural and Islamic perspectives.

Globally, AI regulation remains fragmented. The EU leads with binding law, the U.S. prefers flexibility, China enforces strict content rules, and other nations experiment with hybrid approaches. Saudi Arabia’s distinctive contribution is its role as a convener and cultural interpreter, embedding local values into global conversations.

As AI continues to reshape industries and societies, Saudi Arabia’s dual strategy—building a robust domestic framework while driving international dialogue—positions it not just as a participant, but as a shaper of the future of responsible AI.

As Saudi Arabia transitions from ethical guidelines to potential binding AI regulations, how do you think its approach should balance innovation, cultural values, and global alignment—and what lessons can the world learn from this journey?

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