Saudi Arabia designates 2026 as 'Year of Artificial Intelligence'

Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman said, "We have designated 2026 as the 'Year of Artificial Intelligence,' reaffirming our commitment to making Saudi Arabia a global leader in developing AI applications and solutions, leveraging them to boost productivity, improve service quality, and train Saudi talent."

In his annual royal address, delivered on behalf of King Salman at the opening of the third year of the ninth session of the Shoura Council, the Crown Prince added, "Recent events in the region have proven that long-term planning does not mean rigidity, but rather the ability to adapt to change."

He continued, "Amid ongoing global transformations, the importance of reforms that have diversified the economy is clear, as they have strengthened Saudi Arabia's ability to manage crises and successfully turn threats into opportunities, further enhancing the Kingdom's position and advancing its development priorities efficiently and sustainably."