Saudi Arabia publishes ICAIRE Statute

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's flag

The Official Gazette published in its latest issue the Statute of the International Center for Artificial Intelligence Research and Ethics (ICAIRE), which consists of 23 articles.

Under the statute, ICAIRE has legal personality and financial and administrative independence.

It operates as an international center under the auspices of UNESCO and is subject to the provisions of the statute and relevant laws and regulations when carrying out its functions.

Headquartered in Riyadh, ICAIRE’s statute allows it to establish branches and offices inside and outside Saudi Arabia as needed. Its activities cover all UNESCO member states.

The center aims to implement cooperation and support initiatives in AI research and ethics at the regional and international levels across four key areas: supporting research and development in AI; raising awareness and promoting communication on AI research and ethics; providing recommendations related to AI research and ethics; and enhancing and supporting capacity building in AI research and ethics.

The center is empowered to exercise all functions and powers necessary to achieve its objectives. These include supporting scientific research in AI; developing capabilities and designing AI training programs; exchanging knowledge and expertise in AI ethics and policies at the regional and international levels; and building and developing international platforms for knowledge exchange and raising awareness of AI.

Its powers also include providing technical consulting services in AI; producing research, technical and media reports related to its mandate and activities; participating in international organizations and coordinating with relevant entities in AI; entering into agreements and contracts with domestic and foreign organizations and entities in accordance with applicable procedures; and owning and disposing of movable and immovable property in accordance with relevant laws and regulations.

In addition, ICAIRE is authorized to approve the acceptance of donations, grants, bequests, gifts and endowments in accordance with applicable procedures, and determine the fees for the services it provides.