TLDR: Demetris Skourides, the Chief Scientist of the Republic of Cyprus, has concluded a significant visit to Saudi Arabia, aimed at bolstering collaboration in digital transformation, artificial intelligence, research, and innovation. The visit included key meetings with the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) and saw Skourides honored with the “Exemplary Leader of the Year 2025 in Human-Centric AI Governance” award.
The Chief Scientist of the Republic of Cyprus, Demetris Skourides, has successfully concluded his inaugural visit to Saudi Arabia, marking a pivotal step in strengthening bilateral cooperation across the critical domains of digital transformation, artificial intelligence (AI), research, and innovation. The visit, which wrapped up on September 12, 2025, underscores a mutual commitment to advancing technological frontiers and fostering ethical AI development.
During his visit, Dr. Skourides, accompanied by the Ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus to Saudi Arabia, Charis Moritsis, held an official meeting with Dr. Abdullah bin Sharaf Alghamdi, President of the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA). Dr. Alghamdi provided a comprehensive overview of Saudi Arabia’s remarkable digital evolution since the 1980s, highlighting the Kingdom’s strategic focus on building and manufacturing sovereign information technology solutions. He showcased the national data platform and identity solutions as central to Saudi Arabia’s AI design, emphasizing how these initiatives have propelled the country to a leading position in global AI readiness.
In turn, Chief Scientist Skourides positioned Cyprus as a strategic gateway for Saudi companies seeking access to the European market. He elaborated on shared interests between the two nations, particularly focusing on the adoption of human-centric AI, sovereign usage of AI technologies, and the collective acceleration of AI development. Discussions delved into concrete avenues for collaboration, including AI infrastructure, data governance, and joint research initiatives. Both sides unequivocally stressed the paramount importance of forging strategic partnerships to ensure the development of human-centric and ethical AI.
A highlight of the visit was Dr. Skourides’ participation in the White Page Leadership Conclave 2025 award ceremony, inaugurated by Liselotte Plesner, the Ambassador of Denmark to Saudi Arabia. Here, he was bestowed with the prestigious title of “Exemplary Leader of the Year 2025 in Human-Centric AI Governance,” an accolade recognizing his unparalleled leadership, visionary acumen, and unwavering dedication to advancing responsible and ethical AI on a global scale.
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Reflecting on the visit, Dr. Skourides stated, “This visit marks a significant step in strengthening the ties between Cyprus and Saudi Arabia in the fields of artificial intelligence, research, and innovation.” He added that receiving the award was a personal honor and “a recognition of Cyprus’s commitment to developing responsible, ethical, and human-centred AI.” He further noted that the discussions with SDAIA and other stakeholders have “opened promising avenues to explore collaboration that will help shape the development of next generation AI infrastructure, AI governance and risk management solutions.”
