Politics
SDAIA President: Saudi Arabia has presented a pioneering model in promoting comprehensive governance of artificial intelligence
The President of the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), Dr. Abdullah bin Sharaf Al-Ghamdi, confirmed that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
The President of the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), Dr. Abdullah bin Sharaf Al-Ghamdi, affirmed that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has presented a pioneering model in promoting comprehensive governance of artificial intelligence at the regional and global levels, in light of the global need for this as a result of artificial intelligence continuing to shape economies, societies and global power structures, and the transcendence of artificial intelligence-based technologies of international boundaries, affecting industries, governments, labor markets and security.
This came in a speech he delivered today at a session held during the “Action Summit for Artificial Intelligence” hosted by the French capital, Paris, during the period of February 10-11.
The session was attended by French President Emmanuel Macron, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, a number of world leaders, policymakers and leading artificial intelligence experts.
Al-Ghamdi said: “Comprehensive AI governance ensures that all stakeholders, including governments, the business sector, civil society, and underrepresented communities, have a role in shaping the future of AI. By promoting cooperation and transparency, comprehensive governance can reduce risks, build trust, and create a framework that ensures AI serves all of humanity, not just a specific group.”.
He added that in the absence of diverse perspectives in policymaking, there is a risk that artificial intelligence will exacerbate inequalities, reinforce biases, and benefit certain groups at the expense of others. He noted that the Kingdom published 65 AI-related policies on the OECD's Global AI Observatory, ranking third after the United States and the United Kingdom, and launched the Middle East AI Policy and Incident Observatory in Arabic, reflecting its commitment to regional transparency and data-driven policymaking.
In his speech, Dr. Abdullah Al-Ghamdi reviewed the Kingdom’s local, regional and international efforts in the field of data and artificial intelligence, explaining that in 2020, before the recent leaps in the field of artificial intelligence, the Kingdom organized the first edition of the Global AI Summit in Riyadh, and in 2024 it organized the third and largest edition of this summit, which brought together experts, policymakers and industry leaders from more than 100 countries, to outline the future of artificial intelligence for the good of humanity.
He pointed out that, based on the Kingdom’s keenness to ensure the advancement of artificial intelligence in line with our Islamic values and ethical principles, it hosted in Riyadh the largest consultative session of the United Nations Advisory Committee on Artificial Intelligence, with the participation of representatives from more than 53 Islamic countries. These efforts culminated in the launch of the Riyadh Charter for Artificial Intelligence in the Islamic World last September, reflecting the impact of artificial intelligence on the lives of two billion Muslims around the world.
He stated that the Kingdom’s role was not limited to initiatives in light of its interest in comprehensive AI governance, but went beyond that to the establishment of the International Center for Research and Ethics in Artificial Intelligence (ICAIRE) in Riyadh, a Category II center under the umbrella of UNESCO that will play a pivotal role in formulating AI policies, promoting capacity building, and supporting the development of ethical and responsible AI.
He mentioned in that regard that the (ICAIRE) center organized several events in cooperation with the League of Arab States and the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf, with the participation of more than 100 experts from 28 countries and institutions, with the aim of promoting regional governance of artificial intelligence and establishing clear ethical regulations for it.
In concluding his speech, he stressed that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, as the heart of the Arab and Islamic worlds, is ready to contribute to shaping the future of the Global Partnership for Artificial Intelligence (GPAI), which will hold the Partnership’s Ministerial Council meeting in 2025 in Slovakia, calling for the unification of international efforts to build an innovative, trustworthy and inclusive artificial intelligence system.
Politics
Saudi Arabia is funding the expansion of Prince Faisal Hospital in Jordan with $14 million
The Saudi Fund for Development lays the foundation stone for the expansion of Prince Faisal Hospital in Jordan, worth $14 million, in the presence of the Jordanian Prime Minister, to enhance health services and increase capacity.
In a move reflecting the deep fraternal and strategic relations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the Saudi Fund for Development contributed to financing a vital project to expand and modernize Prince Faisal Hospital, with a total value of approximately US$14 million. The project site witnessed a groundbreaking ceremony attended by high-level dignitaries, including the Prime Minister of Jordan, Dr. Jaafar bin Abdul Fattah Hassan, and the CEO of the Saudi Fund for Development, Mr. Sultan bin Abdul Rahman Al-Murshid, along with a number of officials from both sides.
This ambitious project aims to revolutionize medical services for the beneficiary communities. It focuses on the complete renovation and modernization of the existing hospital building, as well as the construction of a new four-story extension. Spanning a total area exceeding 8,000 square meters, the project will provide ample space to accommodate the new medical departments and specialized clinics needed by the area's residents.
From a technical and operational standpoint, the project directly contributes to increasing the hospital's capacity, thereby reducing waiting times and enhancing the efficiency and quality of healthcare services provided to citizens. The engineering plan also includes the construction of a helipad dedicated to rapid medical response and air medical evacuation, and the development of medical infrastructure according to the latest international engineering and technical standards, in order to keep pace with increasing population growth and meet the growing basic needs in the healthcare sector.
This support comes within a long history of development cooperation between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Jordan, with the Saudi Fund for Development being a key partner in supporting infrastructure projects in Jordan for decades. This support is not limited to the health sector alone, but extends to the education, energy, water, and roads sectors, reflecting the Kingdom's unwavering commitment to supporting sustainable development in brotherly and friendly nations.
This expansion is particularly important given the location of Prince Faisal Hospital, which serves a large segment of the population in a densely populated area. The project is expected to have a tangible positive social and economic impact by improving public health indicators, providing a comprehensive and safe treatment environment, and creating new job opportunities during the construction and operation phases. This will enhance the stability of the healthcare system in Jordan and support its future plans.
Politics
Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko arrives in Jeddah and receives an official welcome
Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko arrived in Jeddah on an official visit. He was received by Prince Saud bin Jalawi and senior officials. Learn more about the visit and Saudi-Senegalese relations.
The Prime Minister of the Republic of Senegal, Mr. Ousmane Sonko, arrived in Jeddah today, Sunday, accompanied by a high-level delegation, on a visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia that reflects the depth of the brotherly relations between the two countries.
At the forefront of those receiving the distinguished Senegalese guest upon his arrival at King Abdulaziz International Airport was His Royal Highness Prince Saud bin Abdullah bin Jalawi, Governor of Jeddah, who welcomed the Prime Minister and his accompanying delegation, wishing them a pleasant stay in the Kingdom.
The reception was also attended by a number of civilian and military officials, including the Deputy Mayor of Jeddah, Engineer Ali Al-Qarni, the Director of Jeddah Police, Major General Suleiman bin Omar Al-Tuwaireb, and the Director of Royal Protocol in the Makkah Region, Mr. Ahmed Abdullah bin Thafir. Also present were the Ambassador of the Republic of Senegal to the Kingdom, Mr. Biram Mbaneck Dieng, and members of the Senegalese Embassy.
Context of the visit and its political significance
Mr. Ousmane Sonko's visit to Saudi Arabia comes at a crucial time, as Senegal undergoes a new political phase following recent democratic transitions and elections that brought to power a new leadership eager to strengthen international partnerships. Sonko is a pivotal figure in the current Senegalese political landscape, and diplomatic circles view this visit as a step toward solidifying ties with major Islamic and Arab powers, particularly Saudi Arabia.
Historical relations and strategic partnership
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Republic of Senegal share strong historical ties spanning decades, based on Islamic brotherhood and joint cooperation in international forums, particularly through the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. Senegal is considered a strategic partner of the Kingdom in West Africa, as the two countries share similar views on many regional and international issues of concern to the Islamic world.
On the development and economic front, the Saudi Fund for Development has long been a major supporter of infrastructure and sustainable development projects in Senegal, reflecting the Kingdom's commitment to supporting the stability and prosperity of its sister nations. Such reciprocal visits between senior officials are expected to open new horizons for economic and investment cooperation, in line with the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which places particular emphasis on strengthening relations with the African continent, and in a way that serves the interests of both brotherly peoples.
Politics
Yasser Galal: Treatment at the state's expense is a constitutional right and a source of hope for patients
Senator Yasser Galal stressed the need to develop the state-funded treatment system and reduce waiting lists, calling for coordination between hospitals and support for alternative medicines.
In an important intervention that reflected the pulse of the Egyptian street and the needs of the health sector, MP Yasser Galal, Deputy Chairman of the Culture and Media Committee in the Senate, stressed the utmost importance of the file of treatment at the expense of the state , describing it as a lifeline and real hope for thousands of simple patients, and not just routine procedures or papers that are exchanged between offices.
Constitutional dimension and governmental commitment
During his address to the Senate plenary session, Jalal invoked the constitutional framework governing health rights in Egypt, emphasizing that the state bears a direct responsibility towards its citizens under Article 18 of the Egyptian Constitution. This article clearly stipulates the right of every citizen to health and comprehensive healthcare according to quality standards, and criminalizes the refusal to provide treatment in its various forms to any person in emergency situations or when life is in danger.
The MP explained that this constitutional obligation requires the government to remove all obstacles that prevent the service from reaching those who deserve it with the required speed and efficiency, noting that the Egyptian state has made great efforts in recent years, as issuing treatment decisions has become easier procedurally compared to the past, but challenges still exist.
The waiting list crisis and increasing pressure
The Deputy Chairman of the Culture and Media Committee addressed one of the most pressing problems facing patients and their families: the long waiting times. He pointed out that waiting lists in some hospitals and specialized fields can extend for extended periods, sometimes reaching five or six months. While this delay reflects the immense pressure on the public healthcare system and the increasing number of patients, it necessitates unconventional solutions to ensure that patients' health does not deteriorate during the waiting period.
Integration of the health system and alternative medicines
Yasser Galal presented a practical vision for a solution based on two main pillars:
- First: Strengthening coordination and integration between Ministry of Health and Population hospitals on the one hand, and university hospitals on the other. Observers believe that the lack of effective coordination between these two main branches of the healthcare system in Egypt is one of the primary reasons for the overcrowding of patients in certain facilities, while vacancies or resources may be available in other locations.
- Second: The necessity of adopting a clear pharmaceutical policy that supports the culture of "alternative" or equivalent (generic) medicines. Jalal emphasized the importance of educating citizens that generic medicines contain the same active ingredient and meet the same quality standards, which contributes to saving budgets, reducing the burden on both the state and patients, and ensuring the sustainability of healthcare services.
These demands come at a time when the Egyptian state is seeking a gradual transition towards implementing the comprehensive health insurance in all governorates, as the state-funded treatment system represents the current bridge that the unable to afford it cross to obtain their right to treatment until the new system is generalized.
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