Riyadh - Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

The Saudi capital, Riyadh, is preparing to host the fourth edition of the Global Forum on Artificial Intelligence Ethics 2026, organized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), in the first Arab hosting of this prestigious international platform.

The event witnesses the participation of ministers and officials concerned with digital transformation and technology, policy makers, leaders of major global technology companies, and representatives of international organizations representing 194 member states of the organization, with the aim of pushing the global dialogue from the stage of formulating principles to developing practical executive policies that guarantee the safe and responsible use of these advanced technologies and the protection of human rights and dignity.

​Specialized sessions examining innovation governance and digital justice

​The forum will be held over four continuous days in cooperation with the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) and the International Center for Artificial Intelligence Research and Ethics, including more than 30 specialized sessions and workshops with the participation of more than 100 prominent international speakers.
The discussions focus on issues of algorithmic bias, protecting privacy, building institutional capacities, and addressing the digital divide between countries, in addition to activating the historic UNESCO recommendation approved in 2021, ensuring that the pace of rapid technical development is aligned with standards of safety and ethical responsibility that support the goals of sustainable development.

​Impacts on business tourism and hospitality movement in the capital

This exceptional hosting contributes to consolidating Riyadh’s position as a leading capital for business tourism, international events and conferences (MICE), by attracting thousands of visitors, experts and high-ranking official delegations from various continents of the world.

These flows have a positive and direct impact on the local hospitality sector, by recording noticeable jumps in hotel occupancy rates within luxury establishments, and stimulating the air and land transport, restaurants, and entertainment shopping sectors. These major events also allow the Kingdom’s guests to explore the city’s ancient cultural and heritage landmarks, which enhances direct tourism spending and supports the diversification of the national economic streams.