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JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia and Kuwait have taken a significant step toward strengthening regional collaboration on artificial intelligence governance and innovation by forming a strategic partnership focused on advancing standards, research, and responsible development in the Artificial Intelligence of Things.

The Kingdom’s Artificial Intelligence Governance Association, which operates under the technical supervision of the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority, has signed a memorandum of understanding with Kuwait’s Association of Artificial Intelligence of Things.

The agreement is aimed at enhancing cooperation on AI governance standards, promoting knowledge exchange, supporting scientific research, and driving innovation in the emerging AIoT sector.

A report by Boston Consulting Group published in April highlighted the Gulf region’s strategic prioritization of AI, noting that all GCC nations have launched national strategies to foster economic diversification and digital transformation.

The memorandum was signed by AIGA Chairwoman Dhabia bint Ahmed Al-Buainain and Sheikh Mohammed bin Ahmed Al-Sabah.

In a post on X, Al-Buainain said: “The agreement stems from a shared vision to enhance regional cooperation in artificial intelligence and its governance, and to build strategic partnerships that advance responsible and innovative AI policies and applications across the Gulf states.”

According to the BCG report, the UAE and Saudi Arabia are leading in infrastructure development and adoption, while Oman and Kuwait are working to expand their capabilities through global partnerships. However, the study pointed out that despite significant state-led investments, challenges remain in private sector funding, research output, and talent development, which hinder the region's ability to fully harness AI’s potential.

As reported by the Saudi Press Agency, the agreement marks AIGA’s first international memorandum of understanding, underscoring its intention to play a broader regional role in the responsible governance of advanced technologies.

The partnership highlights both associations’ commitment to supporting regional initiatives, strengthening governance frameworks, and fostering the exchange of expertise. It also aligns with national and regional objectives to develop knowledge-based economies fueled by emerging technologies.

In a statement, AIGA described the memorandum as a strategic move to deepen regional cooperation in AI governance. The signing ceremony was attended by senior officials from both organizations, along with representatives from SDAIA and AIGA.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Ahmed Al-Sabah, chairman of AAIOT, welcomed the agreement and described it as a “promising opportunity to exchange experiences and develop joint projects that serve the interests of our communities.”

He also emphasized that the deal supports efforts in both countries to advance AI capabilities according to the highest ethical and organizational standards.

AIGA underscored the importance of the memorandum, stating: “This agreement is particularly significant as it is the first international memorandum of understanding signed by the Artificial Intelligence Governance Association outside the Kingdom, representing a step toward expanding cooperation in the field of governance of responsible advanced technologies.”

The association added that the partnership aims to create new avenues for collaboration in setting AI governance standards, promoting research, and encouraging innovation in AIoT — all contributing to a more sustainable and ethically driven technological future.

JEDDAH: Job creation, better health care, and greener transportation are set to advance in several member countries as the Islamic Development Bank approved $277 million in financing.

In its 361st meeting, chaired by President Mohammed bin Sulaiman Al-Jasser, the IsDB approved financing for projects in Mauritania, Cote d’Ivoire, and The Gambia, it said in a statement on July 7.

As a leading multilateral development institution in the Islamic world, the IsDB focuses on fostering inclusive economic growth, strengthening human capital, and enhancing infrastructure across its 57 member countries. Through long-term partnerships and targeted investments in key sectors, the bank supports sustainable development and improves the quality of life throughout the Islamic nation.

The Jeddah-headquartered global funding organization added that this round of development financing highlights its firm commitment to transformative projects that generate tangible impact and advance the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

“The approved financing package spans vital sectors, namely health care, education, and transportation and is focused on addressing urgent development challenges, from improving urban mobility to strengthening public health systems and building human capital,” the statement said.

In Mauritania, the IsDB allocated €26.18 million ($30.7 million) to expand the National Cardiology Center in Nouakchott. The initiative aims to enhance the country’s capacity to prevent and treat cardiovascular diseases, a leading cause of premature death, and improve access to specialized, life-saving care for thousands of people, the statement added.

In Cote d’Ivoire, a €200 million financing package will support the Abidjan Sustainable and Integrated Urban Mobility Project, a major initiative to upgrade the city’s public transportation system.

The undertaking seeks to enhance access to financial and social opportunities while boosting the efficiency of transit along the Yopougon-Bingerville corridor and its feeder lines in Abidjan, the country’s economic capital and largest city.

It also aims to reduce congestion, encourage greener transportation, and facilitate easier travel for residents — especially those in underserved areas — to jobs, schools, and essential services.

In The Gambia, meanwhile, the bank is investing $32.20 million to help establish the School of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences at the University of The Gambia.

“This initiative will help address the country’s critical shortage of health care professionals by building a pipeline of locally trained doctors, nurses, and public health experts, ultimately improving the quality and resilience of the national health system,” the statement said.

In May, the IsDB approved over $1.32 billion in funding for key projects during its 360th board meeting. The funding included a $632 million flood protection dams project in Oman aimed at reducing climate-related risks, a €212 million road rehabilitation initiative in Cameroon to enhance regional connectivity, and major infrastructure improvements in Burkina Faso.

Spanning sectors such as health, infrastructure, food security, vocational training and water access, the investments also reflected the bank’s comprehensive approach to promoting sustainable development in its member states.