AI Fears Overshadow Saudi Investment Conference

Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund Governor, Yasir Al-Rumayyan, opened the Future Investment Initiative conference by emphasizing the fears surrounding technological advancements, specifically artificial intelligence, and its potential to exacerbate education inequality. Highlighting survey findings, Al-Rumayyan pointed out that majority of people worry AI could widen the divide between societies with access to advanced education and those without.

The kingdom is under pressure to showcase progress towards its ambitious economic transformation amidst regional tensions and a fragile Gaza ceasefire. Despite these challenges, Al-Rumayyan noted that Saudi Arabia had closed $250 billion in deals over the conference's eight editions, and foreign investment in the kingdom grew by 24% in 2024, reaching $31.7 billion.

He stressed that while most individuals remain positive about their personal circumstances, fewer remain optimistic about the broader world. Al-Rumayyan called for a collective effort to ensure technology serves all, bridging the gap between personal hope and global uncertainty.