UNESCO AI Ethics Forum: Saudi Arabia’s Culture Minister Prince Badr said hosting UNESCO’s Global Forum on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence (GFEAI 2026) in Riyadh underlines the Kingdom’s global leadership on responsible AI, with SDAIA and ICAIRE backing policy and capacity-building. Biotech Summit in Riyadh: The Riyadh Global Medical Biotechnology Summit (RGMBS 2026) runs Sept 14–16, bringing 15,000+ visitors, 100+ speakers, 200 brands and 70+ country delegations across AI in biotech, multi-omics, immunology, bioengineering and workforce development. Saudi AI adoption: Saudi Arabia’s use of AI tools jumped to 45.2% of internet users, more than doubling in a year, as the Kingdom pushes its “Year of AI” agenda. Data centres push: stc’s unit “solutions” signed a SAR364m contract to build data centres in Dammam, with delivery starting to show in financials from Q1 2027. Haj tech integration: India’s ministry officials met Saudi counterparts to integrate Haj portals and use emerging tech to streamline services for Indian pilgrims. Security pact fallout: Saudi, Türkiye and Pakistan signed the Mecca joint defence agreement, treating attacks on one as attacks on all, with officials stressing it’s defensive and not aimed at any specific country. Energy pressure from Hormuz: Oil prices rose as Strait of Hormuz reopening remains uncertain, while Houthis reportedly attacked Saudi Aramco facilities, keeping supply worries front and center.