Lead:
Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman inaugurated the third session of the ninth term of the Consultative Council (Shura Council) on behalf of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. The royal address highlighted citizens' central role in Saudi Arabia's development trajectory and formally designated 2026 as the Year of Artificial Intelligence, reflecting the kingdom's strategic pivot toward technological leadership and Vision 2030 objectives.
Details:
According to reporting from Al-Watan, Sabq, and Al-Yaum, the Crown Prince's opening speech underscored that "citizens and citizens are the foundation of every success we have achieved." This framing positioned human capital and national cohesion as essential pillars supporting the kingdom's modernization agenda and economic diversification strategy outlined under Vision 2030.
The designation of 2026 as the Year of Artificial Intelligence received immediate institutional endorsement. According to Sabq, Abdullah Al-Ghamdi, president of the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority, affirmed that the naming reflects "the leadership's commitment to advancing the kingdom's global leadership in artificial intelligence." The announcement signals governmental coordination in positioning Saudi Arabia as a regional and international technology hub, aligning with broader investment in digital infrastructure and AI-driven innovation across public and private sectors.
Multiple senior officials issued statements praising the address. Sheikh Abdullah Al-Sheikh, chairman of the Shura Council, characterized the speech as "a roadmap for achieving the nation's aspirations." Regional governors, including Saud bin Naif (Eastern Province) and Faisal bin Khalid bin Sultan (Northern Border Region), similarly endorsed the address, emphasizing its articulation of Vision 2030 accomplishments. According to Al-Jazirah, Sheikh Abdulrahman Al-Sudais, chief of religious affairs at the Grand Mosque and the Prophet's Mosque, stated that the speech "embodied the kingdom's constants and its approach to serving the two holy mosques."
Municipal and institutional leaders also commented on the address. Ihsan Abbas Al-Faghi, governor of Jeddah, pledged continued municipal development efforts in line with the speech's priorities. Dr. Hisham Al-Jadaa, CEO of the General Authority for Food and Drug, highlighted the Crown Prince's emphasis on Saudi Arabia's "pivotal role in establishing peace and development."
Watch For:
— Implementation timeline for AI-sector initiatives announced under the 2026 designation; potential budget allocations or regulatory frameworks to emerge in coming parliamentary sessions.
— Follow-up parliamentary debate on Vision 2030 progress metrics and citizen engagement strategies mentioned in the speech; indicators of consensus or divergence among council members on developmental priorities.
— Announcement of specific artificial intelligence projects or partnerships that may accompany the 2026 designation in subsequent government statements.