The Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) to strengthen AI incident monitoring in Middle Eastern countries and improve the tracking of AI developments by implementing the OECD AI Incidents Monitor (AIM) to track data in the Arabic language.
A statement from the Embassy of Saudi Arabia, and made available to Diplomat Nigeria said the MoU was signed during the third edition of the Global AI Summit (GAIN) in Riyadh, which has brought together leaders, experts, and specialists in AI from across the world.
“The MoU is centered on advancing AI monitoring capabilities across the region by collaborating with local entities to ensure more comprehensive reporting of AI-related incidents.
“Through this collaboration, the OECD’s extensive resources, including its database of over 1,000 AI policies from 70 countries, will be enriched with valuable insights from the Middle East. These efforts are part of a broader initiative to support the collection and sharing of AI metrics globally, helping countries collectively address the opportunities and challenges posed by AI.”
The statement said the OECD AI Incidents Monitor (AIM) is designed to document AI incidents and hazards, providing policymakers, AI practitioners, and global stakeholders with critical insights into the risks and harms posed by AI systems.
According to it, AI plays an essential role in identifying risk patterns and fostering a collective understanding of the multifaceted nature of AI-related incidents.
“The Middle East, a region that is increasingly involved in AI development and regulation, has limited data available regarding AI incidents and policies. Through this MoU, Saudi Arabia, represented by SDAIA, is taking a proactive approach to address this gap.
“Working closely with the OECD, the Kingdom seeks to enhance AI policy monitoring and incident reporting, ensuring that Arabic-speaking countries can actively contribute to and benefit from the global AI landscape.
“In another news, SDAIA) in collaboration with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), announced the classification of the International Center for Research and Ethics in Artificial Intelligence (ICAIRE) as a Category 2 (C2) center under UNESCO’s auspices.
“The classification shows the role of Saudi Arabia in advancing international and regional cooperation in AI policies, ethics, research and its commitment to supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 2030.
“The decision to classify ICAIRE as a Category 2 Center (C2C) followed a Cabinet decision on July 25, 2023, approving the establishment of the International Center for Research and Ethics in Artificial Intelligence to be headquarter in Riyadh, where it will operate with legal personality and financial and administrative independence,” it said.
