RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, July 7: In a major step towards strengthening regional technological collaboration, the Kuwaiti Artificial Intelligence of Things (AIoT) Association and the Saudi Artificial Intelligence Governance Association (AIGA) signed a strategic cooperation agreement on Monday in Riyadh. The agreement aims to advance joint efforts in regulating and developing artificial intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies across the Gulf region.

Sheikh Mohammad Al-Sabah, Chairman of the Kuwaiti AIoT Association, stated that the agreement is part of the association’s wider goals to enhance its impact through the exchange of expertise and best practices. "This cooperation will promote specialized education and training, and help develop joint initiatives in AI and IoT," he told Kuwait News Agency (KUNA).

Sheikh Mohammad also expressed optimism that the agreement will pave the way for unified standards on the ethical governance of emerging technologies. "Such cooperation will strengthen the GCC countries’ position as regional leaders in technology and innovation," he added.

Speaking on behalf of the Saudi side, Dr. Dhabia Al-Buainain, Chairwoman of the AIGA Board of Directors, noted that the agreement reflects Saudi Arabia’s ongoing commitment to fostering regional collaboration in AI governance. "This initiative supports the Kingdom’s broader efforts to keep pace with rapid technological change by creating a robust and ethical regulatory environment," she said.

Dr. Al-Buainain emphasized the importance of building strategic partnerships to support responsible innovation. "Establishing an advanced legislative and ethical framework ensures the responsible use of technology, in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030, Kuwait’s Vision 2030, and regional aspirations," she noted.

Representing the Kuwaiti AIoT Association at the signing were Chairman Sheikh Mohammad Al-Sabah, Secretary Dr. Ayed Salman, and board member Abdulaziz Al-Barjas. The Saudi delegation was led by Dr. Dhabia Al-Buainain, accompanied by board member Eng. Majed Al-Otaibi.

The event was also attended by Raed Al-Falih, CEO of the Business Development Sector at the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), along with members of SDAIA’s Supervisory Unit team.

Established by Ministerial Resolution No. 193 of 2023, the Kuwaiti AIoT Association aims to raise public awareness about AI and IoT technologies, foster scientific research, and support national efforts to advance these fields through seminars, conferences, and collaboration with relevant institutions.