Saudi delegation explores global best practices in AI governance

A Saudi delegation led by the Saudi Data and AI Authority, in partnership with the World Bank, completed a five-day international programme in Belgium and Germany to review global best practices in data governance, artificial intelligence and digital policy frameworks. The delegation held specialised sessions and consultations in Brussels and Berlin with European and international entities, government and nonprofit organisations, and think tanks focused on AI governance and digital policy.

"The initiative aligns with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 and the Year of AI 2026, and supports efforts to transfer knowledge and expertise to the Kingdom," officials said, underlining the programme's role in feeding international experience into national strategy.

The programme sought both to showcase Saudi Arabia’s progress in building a national data and AI ecosystem and to learn from established international frameworks. Over five days the Saudi authority and World Bank teams examined advanced practices in digital policy development, the design of regulatory frameworks for data and AI, and mechanisms to strengthen international cooperation and knowledge exchange.

• Locations: Brussels and Berlin.
• Duration: five days.
• Organisers/partners: Saudi Data and AI Authority and the World Bank.
• Engagements: meetings with European and international entities, government and nonprofit organisations, and think tanks.

Participants reviewed the Kingdom’s existing work in promoting responsible use of advanced technologies and highlighted achievements in data governance, digital policy and regulatory frameworks. Discussions spanned cross-border challenges created by emerging technologies, data governance and privacy, and regulatory approaches to responsible innovation.

Officials emphasised the twofold objective of the delegation: to transfer international expertise back to Saudi Arabia and to position the Kingdom as an active partner in global conversations on AI governance. The programme's sessions included exchanges with policymakers and experts to better align regulatory design with international standards while preserving national priorities.

According to organisers, the meetings also focused on practical tools and policy models that can be adapted to the Saudi context, including frameworks that balance innovation with safeguards on privacy and security. The delegation assessed how to integrate these models into national efforts to build a sustainable ecosystem for data and AI, supporting deployment across public and private sectors.

Outlook

Officials described the programme as part of sustained efforts to deepen international cooperation and build partnerships with leading global organisations and institutions. By drawing on the World Bank’s involvement and dialogue with European bodies and think tanks in Brussels and Berlin, the Saudi Data and AI Authority aims to refine regulatory capacity and accelerate knowledge transfer ahead of the Year of AI 2026.

Delegation leaders indicated further collaboration and follow-up exchanges are expected as the Kingdom implements lessons from the visits into policy development and regulatory design, with the ultimate goal of strengthening Saudi Arabia’s global position in data and AI while advancing national priorities under Saudi Vision 2030.