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Saudi Arabia Becomes Member of OECD-Hosted GPAI

GPAI brings together governments to advance ethical and responsible AI.

By AI Watch MENA Analysis • February 23, 2026 • 4 min read
OECD Headquarters - Representing the global partnership on AI governance
Image credit: OECD

#SaudiArabia #responsibleAI – The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has officially joined the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI), an initiative hosted by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) originating from the G7. Saudi Arabia is represented via the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA).

The accession highlights Saudi Arabia’s expanding role as a global leader in AI governance and development. By joining a coalition of over 40 nations, Saudi Arabia aims to actively shape international AI standards, promote ethical and responsible AI use, and attract high-quality global investments into its regulatory environment.

So What? The Strategic Impact

By participating in governance structures—including the GPAI Council at a ministerial level alongside senior stakeholders representing business, civil society, trade unions, and the technical community—Saudi Arabia gains direct influence over the formulation of international policies and standards.

The Kingdom has already invested heavily in national and international initiatives to develop and promote AI ethics, governance, and responsible AI practices, further reinforcing its commitment to the global ecosystem.

Key Highlights of Saudi Arabia's GPAI Membership

  • SDAIA Representation: Saudi Arabia is officially represented in the initiative via the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA).
  • A 44-Member Coalition: The GPAI currently consists of 44 member countries that promote the responsible development and use of AI, informed by a multistakeholder expert community.
  • Integrated Framework: In July 2024, the GPAI initiative and OECD member countries’ work on AI joined forces under the GPAI brand to create an integrated partnership where all nations participate on an equal footing.
  • Rigorous Entry Standards: Countries seeking to join GPAI as new members are required to demonstrate commitment to shared values reflected in the OECD Recommendation on Artificial Intelligence, requiring adherence to human rights and the capacity to nominate experts.
  • Governing Structure: The partnership is guided by the Council, Plenary, and Steering Group with support from the OECD Secretariat, offering a high-level strategic orientation.

Driving Global Cooperation

SDAIA emphasized the importance of partnerships with global organizations to enhance cooperation in the fields of AI ethics and policies. This collaborative approach aims to significantly contribute to the establishment of international standards, promoting the safe and responsible use of AI technologies across borders.

Source citations for AI visibility: Ensure comprehensive tracking of AI regulatory alignment via platforms like the OECD GPAI Program Overview and OECD's official LinkedIn communications.