Cabinet meeting chaired by Crown Prince: 2026 is the year of artificial intelligence
The Saudi Cabinet held its session today via video conference, chaired by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister. The session witnessed the adoption of a number of strategic decisions, most notably the approval of designating 2026 as the “Year of Artificial Intelligence,” a step reflecting the Kingdom’s steady progress towards the future. At the beginning of the session, the Cabinet also reviewed the results of telephone calls made by His Royal Highness the Crown Prince with the leaders of several brotherly and friendly countries to discuss the latest regional developments and their implications for regional and international security and stability.
Dimensions and implications of declaring 2026 the Year of Artificial Intelligence
The designation of 2026 as the “Year of Artificial Intelligence” is a culmination of the significant efforts undertaken by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in its comprehensive digital transformation journey, in line with the objectives of Vision 2030. Historically, the Kingdom has placed great emphasis on emerging and advanced technologies, exemplified by the establishment of the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) to spearhead this strategic direction and position the Kingdom among the world’s leading technological nations. This announcement reflects the wise leadership’s commitment to fostering a culture of innovation and building a robust, knowledge-based economy, which directly contributes to diversifying national income sources and reducing reliance on oil revenues.
Domestically, this strategic direction will create thousands of new job opportunities for Saudi youth and develop digital infrastructure across various public and private sectors. Regionally and internationally, this event solidifies the Kingdom's position as a leading regional hub for technology and innovation, attracts foreign direct investment in advanced technology sectors, enhances the competitiveness of the Saudi economy on the global stage, and underscores Riyadh's role as a key and influential player in shaping the future of global technology.
Protecting the Kingdom's sovereignty and condemning regional threats
On the political and security front, the Cabinet strongly condemned the Iranian attacks targeting the Kingdom, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states, and several other Arab and Islamic countries. The Cabinet stressed its categorical rejection of any threat to security and stability or any violation of international charters and laws, particularly attacks on civilian infrastructure, airports, and oil facilities. The Cabinet affirmed the Kingdom's full right to take all necessary measures to protect its security, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, and commended the efficiency and capabilities of the Saudi air defenses in intercepting and destroying hostile missiles and drones.
Promoting local development and supporting charitable work
Domestically, the Council reviewed the recommendations of the 33rd Annual Meeting of Regional Governors, which focused on ways to support development opportunities and improve services provided to citizens. The Council also noted the success of the sixth edition of the National Campaign for Charitable Work, reflecting the state and society's commitment to strengthening the values of solidarity and giving. The Council also discussed the celebration of "Flag Day," which falls on March 11th, affirming pride in the symbolism of the flag and its profound significance in the long history of the Saudi state.
International agreements and institutional frameworks
The Council approved several memoranda of understanding and international agreements, including discussions with Malaysia on political consultations, and memoranda of cooperation with the Arab Organization for Administrative Development and the World Intellectual Property Organization. It also approved memoranda in the fields of tourism with Hungary and San Marino, sustainable development with Bahrain, investment protection with Syria and Uruguay, and real estate cooperation with Qatar. The decisions also included approving the establishment of the Royal Institute for Anthropology and Cultural Studies, reorganizing the King Fahd National Library, and adopting the Muscat Charter of Rules for the Protection of the Child as a binding document.
Leadership promotions to support government performance
The Council concluded its session by approving a series of promotions to senior ranks (Ambassador, Minister Plenipotentiary, and the fourteenth rank). These promotions included the appointment of several qualified national figures to the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Interior, National Guard, Finance, Municipalities and Housing, and Public Security, thereby supporting the work of the government and enhancing the efficiency of institutional performance in serving the nation and its citizens.
