Chief Scientist of the Republic of Cyprus, Demetris Skourides, has concluded his first visit to Saudi Arabia aimed at exploring and strengthening cooperation in digital transformation, artificial intelligence, research, and innovation between the two countries.
According to a press release, the visit began with an official meeting at the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), where Skourides, accompanied by Ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus to Saudi Arabia, Charis Moritsis, was hosted by President of SDAIA, Dr. Abdullah bin Sharaf Alghamdi.
Dr. Alghamdi introduced the Chief Scientist to how Saudi Arabia has evolved since 1980s using information technology, with a focus on building, manufacturing sovereign solutions and technologies in the Kingdom. He demonstrated both data platform and identity solutions as the core of the designs and provided an overview of the solution platforms and managed services that have enabled Saudi Arabia to become one of the top countries in AI readiness.
Skourides, the press release adds, positioned Cyprus as a gateway for Saudi companies to Europe, and elaborated on common interests, focusing on human centric AI adoption, sovereign usage, and the mutual acceleration of AI adoption through further discussions on advancing collaboration between Cyprus and Saudi Arabia in the areas of AI infrastructure, data governance, and joint research initiatives.
Both sides emphasised the importance of strategic partnerships to foster human-centric and ethical AI development, the press release says.
As part of the visit, Skourides participated in the White Page Leadership Conclave 2025 award ceremony, inaugurated by Liselotte Plesner, Ambassador of Denmark to Saudi Arabia. He was honoured with the title of Exemplary Leader of the Year 2025 in Human-Centric AI Governance (Global 200 Inspirational Leaders), awarded as a testament to his unparalleled leadership, visionary acumen, and steadfast dedication to advancing responsible and ethical AI and global stewardship.
The award was presented by Yazeed Alotaibi, Assistant Deputy Minister for Planning and Digital Transformation of Saudi Arabia. The Ambassador of Cyprus, Charis Moritsis, also participated in the event, underlining Cyprus’s growing engagement in global AI governance dialogue, the press release continues.
Speaking about the visit, Skourides said that “this visit marks a significant step in strengthening the ties between Cyprus and Saudi Arabia in the fields of artificial intelligence, research, and innovation".
"Receiving the Exemplary Leader of the Year 2025 in Human-Centric AI Governance award is a personal honour and should serve as a reminder that no matter the size of a nation, AI is a disruptive force, and an opportunity for leaders to make a difference. It should also serve as a recognition of Cyprus’s commitment to developing responsible, ethical, and human-centred AI" he added.
Our discussions with SDAIA he said, and other key 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.
Concluding his visit, Skourides was hosted on the SIGMA Signals podcast, moderated by Turki Fageera – a 2030 Leader, multipotentialite innovator, entrepreneur, and thought leader. The discussion also featured Dr. Abdulrahman Habib from the Centre for AI research and Ethics (iCARIE) and Dr. Fares K. Alaboud, Innovation Director at Beyond and member of the Saudi National Committee for Artificial Intelligence. Conversations explored the future of AI, the evolving research and innovation ecosystem, and opportunities for partnership between Cyprus and Saudi Arabia, offering perspectives on how AI can drive sustainable economic growth while preserving human-centred values.
"This high-level visit reflects Cyprus’s commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation in emerging technologies and underscores the country’s ambition to position itself as a regional hub for research, innovation, and responsible AI governance," the press release says.
Prior to returning to Cyprus, Skourides co-hosted two podcasts in Dubai, under the theme of his new podcast series, “Fearless Future”, which has been launched internationally. The episode titled “Strategy in the Age of AI” featuring Prof. Steyn Heckroodt, Chief thought leader at Platform of Connected leadership, and Harvard Business School Publishing Senior Facilitator, and Tariq Qureishy, Global Speaker & AI Futurist. The episode, which will be released soon, focused on how strategy, culture, and digital skills can create an ultimate game changer for AI adoption.
The episode titled “AI and Healthtech – Diagnosing the Future”, featured Dr. Waddah S. Ghanem Al Hashmi, one of the authorities on health, safety, environmental and sustainability governance and leadership in the UAE, Dr. George Spyrou, Director of Bioinformatics at the Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Dr. Constantinos Zamboglou, Professor & Mecial Director at the German Oncology Center (Precision Medicine), Mr. Matthew Papadopoulos, CEO of Sozo Brain center, and Anton Golub, Chief Business Officer at FreedX.
Within a single week, the press release says, Skourides participated in and co-hosted AI-focused podcasts in Australia, Saudi Arabia, and Dubai, engaging leading international AI experts alongside Cypriot industry representatives.
The initiative brought the Fearless Future podcast platform to wider audiences across continents, strengthening Cyprus’s role as a bridge for knowledge exchange and collaboration in the fields of technology and artificial intelligence, it concludes.
(Source: CNA)
