The legal regulation of artificial intelligence (AI) in Saudi Arabia represents a key component of the Kingdom’s national digitalization strategy within Vision 2030. The objective is to harness AI’s potential for innovation, economic growth, and sustainable development while mitigating legal, ethical, and societal risks.
Artificial intelligence refers to systems that replicate human cognitive abilities such as learning, reasoning, and decision-making. It is based on methods of machine learning and neural networks and is generally divided into narrow AI, which performs specific tasks, and general AI, which aims to simulate broader human reasoning. In the Saudi context, AI has gained strategic importance as part of the national transformation agenda and contributes significantly to the modernization of core economic sectors.
In areas such as energy, healthcare, and education, AI enhances efficiency, productivity, and sustainability. However, this technological progress requires a coherent legal framework that promotes innovation while ensuring data protection, transparency, and accountability. The existing regulatory system includes the Personal Data Protection Law and various provisions safeguarding individual digital rights.
Saudi Arabia’s National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence (2021) has further defined the domestic legal and institutional framework. Its main objectives are to create an innovation-friendly and legally secure environment that facilitates investment and enforces ethical standards. The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) has also issued guidelines governing responsible AI use, focusing on data handling, privacy protection, and the delineation of legal responsibilities.
Internationally, Saudi Arabia aligns its efforts with frameworks such as the EU Artificial Intelligence Act, which classifies AI systems by risk level, and with guidelines issued by the OECD, the Council of Europe, and the United Nations, emphasizing transparency, fairness, and safety. These international standards serve as reference points for the Kingdom’s regulatory development, ensuring consistency with global legal norms.
The Saudi government plays a central role in steering AI policy by supporting research, education, and entrepreneurship, while also setting standards for data security and ethical responsibility. Training and educational initiatives aim to prepare the workforce for the demands of an AI-driven economy.
Attribution of liability
A core legal challenge concerns the attribution of liability in cases where AI systems cause harm. As autonomous systems make independent decisions, determining whether responsibility lies with the developer, operator, or user is complex. This challenge may require adapting civil liability laws or enacting new AI-specific legislation to guarantee transparency and legal certainty.
Risks
The integration of AI also entails risks such as job displacement, algorithmic discrimination, privacy violations, and cybersecurity threats. Ethical questions regarding control, accountability, and the social impact of autonomous systems are increasingly relevant. These factors underscore the need for a balanced legal framework that aligns technological progress with societal and moral values.
Looking ahead, Saudi Arabia aims to establish itself as a regional and international hub for AI development. Expanding research infrastructure, fostering start-ups, and implementing clear and reliable legal standards are key to strengthening public trust and ensuring sustainable technological growth.
Conclusion
The regulation of artificial intelligence is a strategic instrument for realizing Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. While the current legal framework provides a solid foundation, further development is needed, particularly regarding liability, ethics, and international cooperation. By achieving a balance between innovation and legal protection, and the establishment of a solid governance framework, Saudi Arabia can ensure that AI contributes not only to economic prosperity but also to social stability and a responsible digital future.
