Cyprus’ Chief Scientist Demetris Skourides has completed his first official visit to Saudi Arabia, according to a statement released this week.

According to the announcement, the mission focused on strengthening cooperation in artificial intelligence, digital transformation, research and innovation between the two countries.

The visit opened with a meeting at the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), where Skourides, joined by Cyprus’ ambassador to Riyadh, Charis Moritsis, was received by SDAIA president Abdullah bin Sharaf Alghamdi. 

Alghamdi described how Saudi Arabia’s digital landscape has developed since the 1980s, pointing to the Kingdom’s focus on building and manufacturing sovereign technologies.  

He also presented the national data platform and identity solutions, saying they stand at the centre of Saudi Arabia’s AI design, and showcased the managed services that have helped position the country among the global leaders in AI readiness. 

In turn, Skourides presented Cyprus as a gateway for Saudi companies to Europe. He highlighted common interests in human-centric AI adoption and sovereign usage, while stressing the potential for both sides to accelerate AI development through joint initiatives.  

The discussions, he said, emphasised the importance of strategic partnerships to advance ethical and human-centred AI. 

During the visit, Skourides also attended the White Page Leadership Conclave 2025 award ceremony, inaugurated by Liselotte Plesner, the Ambassador of Denmark to Saudi Arabia.  

He was honoured with the title of Exemplary Leader of the Year 2025 in Human-Centric AI Governance, part of the Global 200 Inspirational Leaders.  

The award, described as a recognition of his leadership and commitment to responsible AI, was presented by Yazeed Alotaibi, Assistant Deputy Minister for Planning and Digital Transformation of Saudi Arabia. Cyprus’ ambassador, Charis Moritsis, also participated, underlining the island’s growing engagement in global AI governance dialogue. 

Speaking afterwards, Skourides said the visit marked “a significant step in strengthening the ties between Cyprus and Saudi Arabia in the fields of artificial intelligence, research, and innovation”.  

He explained that receiving the award was both a personal honour and “a recognition of Cyprus’s commitment to developing responsible, ethical, and human-centred AI”.  

He added that talks with SDAIA and other stakeholders had opened “promising avenues to explore collaboration that will help shape the development of next generation AI infrastructure, AI governance and risk management solutions”. 

Furthermore, to close the mission, Skourides was hosted on the SIGMA Signals podcast, moderated by Turki Fageera, a 2030 Leader, innovator and entrepreneur.

The discussion also featured Abdulrahman Habib from the Centre for AI Research and Ethics (iCARIE) and 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. 

The visit, according to officials, “reflects Cyprus’ determination to deepen bilateral cooperation in emerging technologies and reinforces the country’s ambition to establish itself as a regional hub for research, innovation and responsible AI governance”.

Before returning to Cyprus, Skourides also co-hosted two podcasts in Dubai under the theme of his new international series, Fearless Future.  

One episode, “Strategy in the Age of AI”, featured Professor Steyn Heckroodt, Chief Thought Leader at the Platform of Connected Leadership and Harvard Business School Publishing Senior Facilitator, together with Tariq Qureishy, Global Speaker and AI Futurist.  

The discussion, which will be released soon, focused on how strategy, culture and digital skills can serve as a game changer for AI adoption. 

Another episode, “AI and Healthtech – Diagnosing the Future”, brought together Waddah S. Ghanem Al Hashmi, an authority on health, safety, environmental and sustainability governance in the UAE, George Spyrou, Director of Bioinformatics at the Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Constantinos Zamboglou, Professor and Medical Director at the German Oncology Center, Matthew Papadopoulos, CEO of Sozo Brain Center, and Anton Golub, Chief Business Officer at FreedX. 

Finally, the statement mentioned that within a single week, Skourides had taken part in and co-hosted AI-focused podcasts in Australia, Saudi Arabia and Dubai, engaging leading international experts alongside Cypriot representatives.