Riyadh Hosts UNESCO Global Forum on AI Ethics 2026

Saudi Arabia hosted the fourth UNESCO Global Forum on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence (GFEAI 2026) in Riyadh from 14 to 17 September 2026. The event took place at The Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Riyadh, under the theme "Transforming Global Cooperation for Ethical AI Governance."

The forum was jointly 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). It brought together representatives from 194 countries, with more than 100 speakers taking part across 30 sessions and workshops.

Why it matters

The gathering placed Riyadh at the centre of global discussions on how artificial intelligence should be developed and governed responsibly. Sessions focused on strengthening international cooperation and building shared frameworks for the ethical use of AI across borders.

For residents and professionals in the Kingdom, the forum reflects Saudi Arabia's growing role as a hub for technology and innovation. Hosting a major international event of this scale highlights the country's ambitions in data and AI, sectors that continue to shape services, jobs, and daily life for both citizens and expatriates.

With participation spanning nearly every nation and a wide programme of speakers and workshops, the Riyadh forum offered a platform to align efforts on one of the most important issues facing societies worldwide: ensuring that advanced technologies are used safely, fairly, and for the benefit of all.

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