Photo Credit: SPA
Dubai, UAE — March 2026 — In a move underscoring its commitment to becoming a global leader in technology and innovation, Saudi Arabia has officially designated 2026 as the “Year of Artificial Intelligence.”
The approval was granted during a Cabinet session held Tuesday via video conference, chaired by Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
The designation of 2026 as the Year of AI marks a strategic acceleration of the Kingdom’s efforts to integrate advanced technology into its economic and social framework, aligning with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 to diversify the economy and foster a digital-first society.
During the session, the Cabinet approved a series of international agreements and domestic initiatives aimed at bolstering the Kingdom’s global partnerships and cultural landscape.
Key approvals included authorizing the Minister of Foreign Affairs to negotiate and sign a draft memorandum of understanding for political consultations with Malaysia. In the sports sector, an MoU was ratified with the Arab Administrative Development Organization focused on training programs.
In a move to enhance judicial transparency, the Cabinet approved a partnership between the Ministry of Justice and the World Intellectual Property Organization concerning the publication of judicial rulings. Tourism cooperation was also expanded through MoUs signed with Hungary and the Republic of San Marino.
Further solidifying regional ties, an agreement was made with Bahrain’s Ministry of Sustainable Development to collaborate on sustainable development goals, and a real estate cooperation MoU was signed with Qatar’s Real Estate Sector Regulatory Authority.
On the economic front, the Cabinet greenlit two separate investment protection and promotion agreements with the Syrian Arab Republic and the Oriental Republic of Uruguay.
In a significant cultural development, the session approved the establishment of the Royal Institute for Anthropology and Cultural Studies, alongside a new organizational structure for the King Fahd National Library.
The decisions reflect the Kingdom’s comprehensive approach to development, blending technological ambition with cultural preservation and international cooperation.
