ICAN 2026 Concludes in Riyadh, Yields 27 Agreements and Seven Initiatives

The International Conference on Data and AI Capacity Building (ICAN 2026) concluded yesterday in Riyadh, marking a significant milestone in the Kingdom's digital journey. Organized by the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) at King Saud University, the event was held in partnership with the university, the Human Capability Development Program, and Elm, attracting more than 30,000 attendees.

 Over two days, the conference brought together experts from over 50 local and international entities, including global tech giants and leading universities. The agenda featured 64 speakers leading 14 high-level panel discussions, 15 applied workshops focusing on technical skill-building, and 23 exhibition booths showcasing the latest AI innovations.

 The event served as a major platform for collaboration, resulting in the signing of 27 strategic agreements and the launch of seven initiatives designed to bolster the Kingdom’s AI infrastructure and human capital.

 A highlight of the conference was the launch of the “SAMAI 2” initiative. Developed in partnership with 11 ministries, this project aims to empower government employees to utilize AI technologies practically and responsibly. By enhancing productivity through specialized training, the initiative ensures that national competencies are fully equipped to meet the evolving requirements of the labor market.