The map·Saudi Arabia·Government programmes

SDAIA

Saudi Data and AI Authority — the national AI regulator and builder.

What
Access to a $160M AI fund with $40K per GAIA cohort startup.
Status
Active

sdaia.gov.sa/en/SDAIA/Pages/default.aspx · How we check ↗

Website ↗On the map →

In detail

SDAIA is a government authority in Saudi Arabia. Saudi Data and AI Authority — the national AI regulator and builder. First entity globally to achieve ISO 42001:2023 certification for AI management systems; declared 2026 the Year of Artificial Intelligence. Its GAIA generative-AI accelerator (with NTDP and New Native) last opened intake in March 2024 — see the GAIA entry.

Amount
$160M AI fund · $40K per GAIA startup
Services
  • GAIA accelerator
  • National AI strategy
  • Data governance
  • AI sandbox
Status
Active

What the source says

“SDAIA set forth to become the foundation of empowering young national capabilities.”

sdaia.gov.sa/en/SDAIA/about/Pages/Achievements.aspx · seen September 2026

“That is by innovating digital solutions that contribute to addressing all obstacles, building a Data and AI-based future, and meeting the Saudi Vision 2030 goals.”

sdaia.gov.sa/en/SDAIA/about/Pages/Achievements.aspx · seen September 2026

Closing soon on the map

Cultural Development Fund (CDF)

Grant · Saudi Arabia
Up to SAR 500,000 non-repayable per project, capped at 20 projects total.
No equity — grant
29 Sep 2026closes

Finspire

Accelerator · Saudi Arabia
SAR 100,000 development funding, earmarked rather than paid as cash.
Equity via SAFE, capped at 5%
4 Oct 2026closes

QSTP Incubation

Accelerator · Qatar
In-kind support: Doha workspace and housing for a four-week Sprint, talent and investor access.
Equity — 1.5% deferred SAFE-style stake
1 Nov 2026closes

All published deadlines →

More government programmes in Saudi Arabia

CMA FinTech Lab (ExPermit)

Government · Saudi Arabia
Regulatory permission to test products live; no funding provided.
No equity — service or permission
—

KAUST University

Government · Saudi Arabia
R&D grants plus equity investment.
Equity or convertible note
—

MCIT — Ministry of Communications

Government · Saudi Arabia
Access to CODE programmes and national financing.
—

MISA — Ministry of Investment

Government · Saudi Arabia
Investor registration, RHQ programme access and Startup Saudi services.
No equity — service or permission
—

All government programmes in Saudi Arabia →  ·  Across the Gulf →

Sources

Primary source · sdaia.gov.sa/en/SDAIA/Pages/default.aspx · LinkedIn · linkedin.com/company/sdaia-ksa