The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) and the Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to explore avenues of cooperation in implementing national initiatives.
This was formalized during a meeting between the Chief Executive Officer of SFDA, Dr. Hisham Aljadhey and President of SDAIA, Dr. Abdullah Alghamdi at the SFDA’s headquarters in Riyadh.
They discussed enhancing cooperation in areas that integrate the specializations of the SFDA and SDAIA through the optimal use of data and AI technologies.
Dr. Alghamdi was briefed on the efforts of the SFDA’s Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (SAIL), a specialized platform designed for developing and adopting AI-based technical solutions, and also received a detailed explanation of the development work aimed at integrating AI technologies into the authority’s operations.
Alghamdi also visited the Interactive Center, where he learned about its services that support the objectives of the SFDA’s fourth strategy, which emphasizes enhancing the regulatory system, supporting research and innovation, and strengthening its pioneering role at the regional and international levels.
The national initiatives are designed to maximize the benefits of data and AI, thereby reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s global leadership in this evolving technological field.
Furthermore, the two entities will establish national programs focused on innovation, developing AI solutions, and increasing local content through the adoption of advanced technology. They will also collaborate to establish standards for logistics data and AI capabilities, develop national competencies, and exchange expertise in AI governance within the food and drug sectors.
