RIYADH: The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization issued a report on Saturday that highlighted Saudi Arabia’s progress in the field of artificial intelligence, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The report, part of UNESCO’s initiative to measure AI readiness through its Readiness Assessment Methodology, commended the Kingdom’s achievements as “a global benchmark for the ethical and innovative adoption of advanced technologies,” according to the SPA.

The UNESCO report evaluated Saudi Arabia’s AI readiness in six key areas: national governance; legislation and regulations; societal and cultural; research and education; economic impact; and technical infrastructure. It concluded that the Kingdom had the capacity to adopt AI ethically and responsibly while achieving sustainable outcomes.

The report highlighted the establishment of the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority in 2019 and the launch of the National Strategy for Data and Artificial Intelligence in 2020 as key steps in Saudi Arabia’s AI journey, and praised the Kingdom’s commitment to fostering a robust regulatory environment, promoting innovation while managing risks, enhancing education and workforce capabilities, and empowering women in AI-related fields, the SPA added.

UNESCO’s assistant director-general for social and human sciences, Gabriela Ramos, acknowledged Saudi Arabia’s efforts to lay strong foundations for AI governance and expressed confidence in the Kingdom’s ability to achieve sustainable, equitable outcomes through the technology.

The Kingdom ranked first globally in the Government Strategy for Artificial Intelligence category of the Global Artificial Intelligence Index 2024, second globally in public awareness of AI per the Artificial Intelligence Index 2023, and first regionally in overall AI performance.

Infrastructure development has been another area of strength. The Kingdom increased the capacity of its data centers to 204 megawatts in 2023, and launched the cutting-edge supercomputer Shaheen 3, and advanced digital communication through platforms including the Saudi Private Integration Network Exchange.

The report also highlighted Saudi Arabia’s strides in innovation and scientific research — noting that AI-related research publications more than doubled from 4,100 to 10,500 between 2019 and 2023 — as well as the establishment of institutions including the SDAIA-KAUST AI Center.

RIYADH: Saudi female falconers expressed their joy at participating in the King Abdulaziz Falconry Festival, organized by the Saudi Falconry Club.

The festival, held at the club’s headquarters in Malham, north of Riyadh, runs until Dec. 19 and features prizes exceeding SR36 million ($9.6 million) for both the Al-Mellwah racing and Mazayen (falcon beauty pageant) competitions.

Participants expressed their gratitude to the club for dedicating a special round to women, saying that this step is significant as it allows them to pursue their hobby professionally under strict regulations, the Saudi Press Agency reported

Huda Al-Mutairi, a falconer, said she has previously taken part in falconry competitions and won first place, noting that she is the first Saudi falconer with a disability.

Al-Mutairi added that she has prepared well to compete for first place in this festival.

The festival is a three-time Guinness World Record holder for hosting the world’s largest gathering of falcons, SPA reported.

It brings together top falconers from around the world to celebrate the cultural heritage of falconry, encourage competition, and ensure its sustainability for future generations.

The club’s CEO, Talal Al-Shamaisi, said the festival’s primary aim was “to advance falconry as a cultural hobby, while preserving and promoting this Arab tradition.”