At LEAP 2026, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO), and AMD announced a joint initiative to create an open ecosystem designed to accelerate AI innovation. The program will provide open software tools, training, and community engagement opportunities for developers, startups, and software engineers.
Key Components of the Initiative
The first workshop under this collaboration introduced participants to AMD’s AI developer program, its portfolio of AI-focused computing technologies, and the AMD ROCm open software platform, which enables developers to build and deploy AI applications.
Focus on Responsible AI
The workshop also highlighted DCO’s programs and tools related to AI ethics and responsible governance. This reflects the initiative’s dual focus on advancing technical skills while promoting the responsible use of emerging technologies.
Connecting Talent with Resources
The initiative aims to link developers, startups, and digital talent with AMD’s technical expertise, open innovation resources, and learning opportunities. It also leverages DCO’s frameworks for AI governance to ensure that growth is aligned with ethical standards.
Expected Impact
This collaboration is expected to enhance developer skills and expand startup participation, strengthening local AI capabilities. It also supports converting Saudi investments in AI into scalable applications and services that can compete globally.
Leadership Perspectives
Lisa Su, Chair and CEO of AMD, stated that the real impact of AI depends on what developers can build with these technologies. She noted that the partnership with MCIT and DCO aims to broaden access to AMD’s open software and AI platforms, helping developers, startups, and engineers in the Kingdom turn ideas into practical applications.
His Excellency Abdullah bin Amer Alswaha, Saudi Minister of Communications and Information Technology, emphasized that leadership in AI relies on enabling people to build, innovate, and compete. He said the partnership with AMD and DCO will expand access to advanced AI technologies, develop developer capabilities, and strengthen open innovation ecosystems.
Deemah AlYahya, Secretary-General of DCO, stressed that achieving greater impact from AI innovation requires empowering talent with the skills, tools, and partnerships needed to turn technology into solutions. She added that the collaboration with MCIT and AMD gives developers, startups, and digital talent access to open technologies and global capacity-building opportunities, while also fostering knowledge exchange among member states.
Future Expansion
Following the launch in Saudi Arabia, DCO plans to work with AMD and interested member states to explore expanding AI capacity-building programs and knowledge sharing. The organization will continue connecting developers, startups, and digital talent with technical expertise, open innovation systems, and learning opportunities to support responsible AI use and develop solutions that address economic and societal priorities at national and regional levels.