Saudi Arabia ranks third in global AI policy review, behind US, UK
Kingdom’s rating highlights efforts in AI regulation
UNESCO praises country’s advances in accordance with ethical values
Updated 17 December 2024
Arab News
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has been ranked third globally in the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development’s AI Policy Observatory, behind the US and the UK.
Abdullah bin Sharaf Al-Ghamdi, president of the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority, referenced the Kingdom’s advances during a panel discussion at the Internet Governance Forum on Monday at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center in Riyadh.
Al-Ghamdi said that Saudi Arabia’s third-place global ranking highlighted the Kingdom’s substantial efforts at AI regulation, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
He credited the country’s recognition to its placing ethics at the heart of AI initiatives since the establishment of SDAIA in 2019, highlighting the international significance of this focus, the SPA added.
Al-Ghamdi added that the Kingdom’s AI Ethics Early Adopters initiative and the International Center for AI Research and Ethics were vital in enhancing trust in AI products and establishing ethical standards for AI practices and services.
He said that ICAIRE, which is based in Riyadh and sponsored by UNESCO, had been selected as a regional and global partner for advancing the AI ethics agenda.
Al-Ghamdi added that UNESCO had praised Saudi Arabia’s advances in the AI sector as part of a recent report evaluating countries’ readiness to adopt AI in accordance with ethical values and international standards.
He said that the Kingdom was prepared to share its expertise with other countries and had significantly contributed to establishing a UN-affiliated AI advisory body in 2023.
He added that Saudi Arabia had collaborated with the Gulf Cooperation Council and the Arab League to organize workshops on raising awareness about ethical evaluation tools for AI.
Al-Ghamdi said several initiatives had been launched during the Global AI Summit in Riyadh in September, including the Riyadh Charter on Artificial Intelligence, in partnership with the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.
He stressed that trust, transparency, clear guidelines, and proactive risk management were priorities that had positioned Saudi Arabia as a global leader in harnessing AI for the benefit of humanity.
Saudi Arabia lifts global health standing with research milestones, WHO Healthy Cities
Jeddah and Madinah stand out as the first cities in the Middle East with populations of 2 million or more to receive the accreditation
Updated 15 August 2025
Arab News
Saudi Arabia’s national health system continues to strengthen its global standing through a series of significant achievements in scientific research and international recognition.
The Ministry of Health highlighted the designation of 16 locations as “Healthy Cities” under World Health Organization criteria.
Among these, Jeddah and Madinah stand out as the first cities in the Middle East with populations of 2 million or more to receive the accreditation, marking a milestone in the ministry’s “Healthy Cities Program” and its efforts to enhance quality of life.
Madinah’s distinctive architectural style and human-centered urban initiatives have enhanced the holy city’s visual identity and improved pedestrian access to the Prophet’s Mosque. (SPA)
The accomplishment reflects successful collaboration among government and community stakeholders through the application of more than 80 international evaluation criteria across nine core domains spanning health, development, and sustainability.
Saudi Arabia has also made notable advances in medical research and innovation.
A study conducted by King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center on robotic liver transplantation was named one of the 10 most influential research papers of 2024 by the American Society of Transplantation.
In addition, seven Saudi hospitals were included in Brand Finance’s Global Top 250 Hospitals 2025 report, highlighting the Kingdom’s strong healthcare infrastructure, international competitiveness, and commitment to high-quality patient care.
Jeddah's designation by the WHO as a healthy city is a culmination of the Red Sea coast city's effort to improves health services and promote a healthy, active lifestyle. (SPA)
These accomplishments are closely aligned with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, particularly the “A Vibrant Society” and “A Thriving Economy” pillars to enhance quality of life and support innovation and scientific advancement.
Together, the milestones reflect the integrated efforts of the national health system and various sectors, reinforcing the Kingdom’s position as a regional hub and global destination for advanced healthcare.
Incentive measures have been provided by the relevant authorities in the Madinah region to encourage local henna production and export
Updated 15 August 2025
Arab News
RIYADH: Madinah is considered one of the leading regions in the Kingdom for cultivating henna, which is renowned for its high quality and unique characteristics.
The plant is grown in several locations in the region, such as the governorates of Wadi Al-Fora’a and Badr.
Madinah henna is regarded as one of the best varieties in the world due to its purity and natural properties.
It is known for its light green color and strong herbal fragrance, which indicate its quality.
Henna has long been used to dye and nourish hair, increase its thickness, and reduce hair loss, and as a natural substance to cool the skin in high temperatures. (SPA)
The plant is also organically cultivated, without the use of pesticides or chemical fertilizers, making it safe to use.
The uses of Madinah henna are varied, but it has widespread application in cosmetics, where henna leaves are ground into a fine powder and then mixed with water, olive oil, or coconut oil for added moisture, or with essential oils to enhance its color and improve texture.
Henna has long been used to dye and nourish hair, increase its thickness, and reduce hair loss, and as a natural substance to cool the skin in high temperatures.
FASTFACTS
• Madinah henna is regarded as one of the best varieties in the world due to its purity and natural properties.
• Henna can also be converted into derivative products such as powders, pastes, and essential oils to increase the economic value of this agricultural product and enhance its profitability.
It is also used for decorating hands and feet, cleansing the skin, and reducing pigmentation.
A report issued by the Madinah Chamber of Commerce has reviewed the investment opportunities provided by henna cultivation, noting the possibility of expanding henna farming using modern irrigation techniques to increase production, developing value-added henna products such as scented henna or organic henna, and targeting international markets by promoting henna as an authentic Madinah product.
Henna is also used for decorating hands and feet, cleansing the skin, and reducing pigmentation. (SPA)
The report suggested Madinah can benefit from opportunities in agricultural investment, livestock production, as well as industrial investment based on production inputs from agricultural crops, derivatives, or waste related to these crops and others.
Henna can also be converted into derivative products such as powders, pastes, and essential oils to increase the economic value of this agricultural product and enhance its profitability.
Incentive measures have been provided by the relevant authorities in the Madinah region to encourage local henna production and export.
Henna is among the targeted sectors of the Reef program to support productive families and professions linked to local production, and to provide financial support to farmers and agricultural professionals, especially given the relatively low cost of cultivating the product.
Saudi Arabia, Belgium discuss boosting investment in Asir
Updated 15 August 2025
SPA
ABHA: Officials of the Abha Chamber of Commerce and Industry officials received Ambassador Pascal Gregoire of Belgium on Thursday to discuss ways to develop trade relations and support joint investment opportunities.
The two sides also discussed efforts to foster an attractive investment environment for Saudi and Belgian ventures, Asir region’s economic potential, key investment opportunities, and the facilities available to Belgian investors in the region.
They stressed the importance of enhancing cooperation through joint trade events and visits and explored prospects for partnership in various sectors.
Gregoire expressed his pleasure at visiting the Asir region and learning about its promising investment opportunities.
NEOM: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman held a phone call on Thursday with UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The two leaders discussed Saudi-Emirati relations and ways to boost cooperation in various fields.
The two leaders also reviewed regional developments and efforts aimed at promoting security and stability, SPA added.
How Saudi Arabia’s self-driving push is transforming transport, fueling Vision 2030’s smart mobility goals
Riyadh has launched its first Robotaxi trial with WeRide, Uber, and AiDriver, covering key airport and city routes
Saudi Arabia aims for 25 percent of all goods transport vehicles to be fully autonomous by 2030
Updated 14 August 2025
Lama Alhamawi
RIYADH: From self-driving cars to autonomous delivery robots, Saudi Arabia is accelerating toward the next generation of AI-driven transport.
The year 2025 is shaping up to be a landmark period for autonomous mobility in the Kingdom, as the country builds partnerships and infrastructure for a cutting-edge logistics ecosystem.
This drive toward self-driving technology is central to the broader transformation under Vision 2030 — reshaping how goods and people move across Riyadh and beyond.
The shift aligns with the Transport General Authority’s land transport strategy, which aims for 25 percent of goods vehicles to be autonomous by 2030.
In July 2025, Transport and Logistic Services Minister Saleh Al-Jasser launched a pilot of WeRide’s Robotaxi in Riyadh — a milestone for developing a smart, safe transportation network.
WeRide’s Robotaxi being pilot-tested in Riyadh. (Supplied/WeRide photo)
“The expansion into Saudi Arabia is a major step in WeRide’s global expansion plan with a vision for safer, smarter transportation at scale,” Ryan Zhan, regional general manager for the Middle East and Africa at WeRide, told Arab News.
“The entry enables WeRide to scale Robotaxi services and unlock new commercial opportunities in Saudi Arabia,” he said. Robotaxi received the Kingdom’s first autonomous driving permit.
With 104 million public transport users and 349 million intercity bus passengers annually, demand for mobility solutions is high. Ride-hailing trips rose 26 percent and delivery app orders 27 percent from 2023 to 2024, topping 290 million.
WeRide’s Robotaxis and Robobuses are the latest additions to this evolving sector. The pilot, run with Uber and local partner AiDriver, operates between King Khalid International Airport and central Riyadh.
“The Initial Operational Phase of Autonomous Vehicles initiative aligns with the objectives of Saudi Arabia’s National Transport and Logistics Strategy and supports Saudi Vision 2030 in embracing sustainable mobility solutions powered by artificial intelligence,” said Zhan.
“Saudi Arabia is the Middle East’s largest economy and has been accelerating efforts under Vision 2030 to diversify into high-growth sectors.
“With its tourism sector alone projected to reach $110.1 billion by 2033, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 8.4 percent from 2024, WeRide’s Robotaxis and Robobuses support the Kingdom’s push to develop a smart, sustainable transport infrastructure for both residents and the rising influx of visitors.”
Jahez and ROSHN Group have launched the first fully autonomous Level 4 delivery robot in Riyadh’s ROSHN Front Business Area. (AN Photo by Huda Bashattah)
Globally, the AI market is expected to grow from $189 billion in 2023 to $4.8 trillion by 2033, according to UN Trade and Development.
WeRide was the first AV company to complete the Transport General Authority’s Regulatory Sandbox for autonomous piloting.
“WeRide is not just deploying technology. We’re participating in the local transportation ecosystem, creating jobs in fleet management, maintenance, and customer service, while helping address urban mobility challenges,” said Zhan.
Partnerships that have underpinned the project include those with the Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority, General Authority for Survey and Geospatial Information, Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization, Uber, WeRide, and AiDriver.
Meanwhile, food delivery is getting its own autonomous upgrade. Jahez and ROSHN Group have launched the first fully autonomous Level 4 delivery robot in Riyadh’s ROSHN Front Business Area.
A Jahez and ROSHN Group level 4 robot at work in Riyadh’s ROSHN Front Business Area. (AN Photo by Huda Bashattah)
Five robots, equipped with over 20 sensors, six cameras, GPS, and climate-specific cooling, now operate there during working hours.
“Part of our strategy is to always optimize on automation, and this is part of the automation. To be innovative, we chose to optimize in our key pillar, which is logistics,” Mohammed Al-Barrak, Jahez’s chief technology officer, told Arab News.
“So we decided to go with the autonomous delivery. And this is part of many upcoming technologies that will help with the automation of delivery, like within gated communities.”
To prepare for this shift, the Roads General Authority has issued a Self-Driving Vehicles code, requiring smart road communication devices to relay real-time traffic and road data directly to autonomous systems.
With strong investment and clear regulation, Saudi Arabia is well-placed to lead the autonomous vehicle transformation.
