Riyadh Hosts UNESCO AI Ethics Forum, 6,300+ Attend

Riyadh hosted the 4th UNESCO Global Forum on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence from 14 to 17 September 2026, bringing together more than 6,300 participants at The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh. The event was co-hosted by UNESCO and Saudi Arabia, represented by the Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA) and the International Center for AI Research and Ethics (ICAIRE).

The forum welcomed delegations from more than 50 UNESCO Member States, with invitations extended to participants from 194 countries. Its programme featured more than 100 speakers across 30 sessions and workshops focused on the responsible and ethical development of artificial intelligence.

Why it matters

Hosting a global gathering of this scale places Riyadh at the centre of an international conversation on how AI should be built and used responsibly. With attendance surpassing 6,000 people, the turnout reflects growing interest in the practical and ethical questions surrounding a technology that is increasingly part of daily life.

For residents and the wider community, the discussions carry real relevance. As AI tools reshape work, education, healthcare and public services, conversations about fairness, transparency and safeguards help shape the standards that guide their everyday use. The forum's presence in the capital also underscores Saudi Arabia's expanding role as a venue for major international events and dialogue on emerging technology.

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