ai ties — Cyprus’ Chief Scientist Demetris Skourides has embarked on a significant mission to enhance collaboration in artificial intelligence during his first official visit to Saudi Arabia.
Photo: cyprus-mail.com
- ai ties — Cyprus’ Chief Scientist Demetris Skourides has embarked on a significant mission to enhance collaboration in artificial intelligence during his first official visit to Saudi Arabia.
This visit, which concluded recently, was a vital step towards fostering cooperation in AI, digital transformation, research, and innovation between the two nations. The trip commenced with a meeting at the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), where Skourides was welcomed by SDAIA president Abdullah bin Sharaf Alghamdi, alongside Cyprus’ ambassador to Riyadh, Charis Moritsis.
During the meeting, Alghamdi highlighted the evolution of Saudi Arabia’s digital landscape since the 1980s, showcasing the Kingdom’s commitment to developing and manufacturing sovereign technologies. He elaborated on the national data platform and identity solutions that are integral to Saudi Arabia’s AI strategy, illustrating how these initiatives have positioned the country as a leader in AI readiness globally.
In response, Skourides presented Cyprus as a pivotal gateway for Saudi businesses looking to expand into Europe. He underscored shared objectives in adopting human-centric AI and sovereign technology usage, advocating for joint initiatives that could accelerate AI development for both countries.
The discussions centred around the need for strategic partnerships to promote ethical and human-centred AI practices. Skourides noted that these dialogues have opened “promising avenues to explore collaboration that will help shape the development of next generation AI infrastructure, AI governance and risk management solutions.”
Skourides also participated in the White Page Leadership Conclave 2025, where he was awarded the title of Exemplary Leader of the Year 2025 in Human-Centric AI Governance. This accolade, part of the Global 200 Inspirational Leaders initiative, was presented by Yazeed Alotaibi, Saudi Arabia’s Assistant Deputy Minister for Planning and Digital Transformation. The award acknowledged Skourides’ leadership and dedication to responsible AI, with Moritsis further highlighting Cyprus’ increasing role in global AI governance discussions.
Reflecting on the visit, Skourides expressed that it was a notable advancement in cementing ties between Cyprus and Saudi Arabia in AI, research, and innovation. He emphasized that the recognition he received was both a personal honour and a testament to Cyprus’s dedication to developing responsible and ethical AI.
To conclude his visit, Skourides appeared on the SIGMA Signals podcast, discussing the future of AI with other experts, including Abdulrahman Habib from the Centre for AI Research and Ethics and Fares K. Alaboud, Innovation Director at Beyond. This conversation delved into the evolving research and innovation landscape, as well as the potential for partnerships to drive sustainable economic growth while maintaining human-centred values in AI.
Before returning to Cyprus, Skourides hosted two AI-focused podcasts in Dubai, part of his international series, Fearless Future. One episode, titled “Strategy in the Age of AI,” featured insights from Professor Steyn Heckroodt, while another, “AI and Healthtech – Diagnosing the Future,” brought together key figures in health and technology to discuss the implications of AI in healthcare.
In just one week, Skourides engaged with leading international experts and represented Cyprus in discussions across Australia, Saudi Arabia, and Dubai, underlining the island’s commitment to fostering bilateral cooperation in emerging technologies.
