SAUDI DATA AND AI AUTHORITY

Start date :2019
End date :
Name of responsible governmental body :
  • National Data Management Office (NDMO;)
  • National Information Center (NIC;)
  • National Center for AI (NCAI;)
Description :
  • The Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) was established in 2019 as the owner of Saudi Arabia’s national and artificial intelligence agenda, mandated with unlocking the value of data and AI to elevate Saudi Arabia as a pioneering nation among the elite league of data-driven economies. Addressing data, innovation and capability-building, SDAIA serves to foster the digital ecosystem while also supporting the suite of values-based G20 AI Principles.
Saudi Arabia flag
Objectives:
  • The key role of SDAIA is to help unlock the value of AI for the nation and for the good of humanity in general. By building key AI pillars, including data usage and sharing regulations and AI ethics, data operations and AI-powered insights generation, and AI innovation and capability building, in a holistic manner, SDAIA helps achieve consistency, transparency and fairness across sectors.
OECD AI principle adressed:
  • Inclusive growth, sustainable development and well-being
  • Human-centred values and fairness
  • Transparency and explainability
  • Robustness, security and safety
  • Accountability
  • Fostering a digital ecosystem for AI
  • Providing an enabling policy environment for AI
  • Building human capacity and preparing for labour market transition
Relevant policy area covered:
  • Competition
  • Corporate governance
  • Development
  • Digital economy
  • Education
  • Employment
  • Public governance
  • Science and technology
  • Social and welfare issues
Related to a theme:
Direct beneficiaries:
  • N.A
Estimated budget expenditure (range per year):
  • Don't know
Background including shifts in the policy initiative:
  • SDAIA operates through three arms: the National Data Management Office (NDMO), which is the main data regulator and enabler of national data and AI policies and best practices; the National Information Center (NIC) which is the main operator of government data infrastructure, advanced analytics and AI-powered insight platforms, and G-cloud services; and the National Center for AI (NCAI) which drives implementation of the national AI strategy, AI innovation and capability-building.
Policy initiative is a structural reform:
  • No
Evaluated:
  • No
Link to evaluation or reports:
  • N.A
Public access URL:
  • N.A
Funding from the private sector:
  • No
Type of evaluation:
  • N.A
Evaluation provides input to:
  • N.A
Evaluation performed by:
  • N.A
Policy instruments :

Data access and sharing

  • Type : Data access and sharing
  • Name in English :
  • Country : Saudi Arabia

AI computing and research infrastructure

  • Type : AI computing and research infrastructure
  • Name in English :
  • Country : Saudi Arabia

AI co-ordination and/or monitoring bodies

  • Type : AI co-ordination and/or monitoring bodies
  • Name in English :
  • Description : SDAIA’s Board of Directors reports to the Prime Minister and is chaired by the Deputy Prime Minister. The body contributes to implementation of the values-based G20 AI Principles in multiple ways:• Inclusive growth, sustainable development and well-being: NDMO under SDAIA will develop regulations and policies, including open data policies, to provide a fair playing field for all segments of society to create opportunities with data and AI. NCAI will enable society through different capability building programs targeting AI literacy to AI deep expertise. NCAI will also focus R&D activities around national priorities including inclusive growth. NIC is operating a national whole-of-government analytics and AI platform, which generates AI-powered scenarios to support Saudi Arabia’s decision makers. These insights focus typically on socioeconomic priorities such as welfare, social protection, employment, and education. • Human-centred values and fairness: SDAIA is developing a national data and AI strategy focusing on the needs of the nation and prioritising sectors according to those needs. NDMO will define, enable and enforce a comprehensive data and AI framework to ensure data and AI are used and applied ethically and fairly. SDAIA is also planning to lead the global dialogue on human-centric AI by organising an annual thought leadership event “The Global AI Summit” under the theme “AI for the Good of humanity”. • Transparency and explainability: NDMO will regulate data and AI in a way that would minimise negative effect on the society. • Robustness, security and safety, and accountability: NDMO regulations will have special focus on protecting data, and organising the way it is used while enabling value-add applications and opportunities. NIC is running the government’s data infrastructure and the national data bank, leveraging best-in-class standards and technologies to protect the nation’s data assets and ensure their availability and stability. SDAIA is accountable for the national data and AI agenda, responsible for data and AI regulations, operations and innovation.
  • Country : Saudi Arabia
  • Type of coordinating or monitoring body : Ministry
  • Reports to : Head of national government
Last updated : Jan 18, 2022
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