ICAN 2026 Conference: Saudi Arabia shapes the future of education and artificial intelligence
The International Conference on Building Capabilities in Data and Artificial Intelligence (ICAN 2026) kicked off today in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia. Organized by the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) in partnership with King Saud University, this exceptional event underscores the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's unwavering commitment to leading the global digital transformation, based on the pillars of Vision 2030, which prioritizes investment in human capital.
Strategic context and ambitious vision
This conference is not a fleeting event, but rather a pivotal link in the chain of national efforts led by the Kingdom to enhance its position as a global hub for technology and innovation. Since launching the National Strategy for Data and Artificial Intelligence, the Kingdom has worked to create a sophisticated legislative and technological environment aimed at attracting investments and localizing knowledge. ICAN 2026 comes to crown these efforts by focusing on the most important element in the technological equation: people.
In his opening remarks, the Minister of Education, Yousef bin Abdullah Al-Bunyan, affirmed that the path of education in the age of artificial intelligence stems directly from the vision of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman. Al-Bunyan pointed to a crucial aspect that distinguishes the Saudi strategy from others: “Leadership is not achieved by importing ready-made models, but rather by building national minds capable of innovation.” He explained that the global challenge today has shifted from simply acquiring technology to how to adapt it to create sustainable societal and economic value.
Conference themes and global objectives
The ICAN 2026 conference is distinguished by being a global platform that discusses three main themes that form the backbone of the digital future:
- Building national capabilities: Focusing on training local personnel in the fields of data and artificial intelligence.
- Reimagining education: Integrating artificial intelligence tools into educational curricula to enhance the educational process, not replace it.
- Preparing the workforce: equipping the labor market for the requirements of a knowledge-based economy and advanced technologies.
Expected impact: locally and regionally
This conference is expected to generate significant momentum on several levels. Locally , it will help bridge the gap between educational outcomes and the evolving needs of the labor market, thereby increasing employment rates in the technology sector. Regionally , the conference will solidify Riyadh's position as the digital capital of the Middle East and North Africa, capable of exporting knowledge and expertise to neighboring countries. Internationally , strategic partnerships with leading technology companies and global academic institutions will enhance the Kingdom's presence as a key player in shaping the future of AI governance and ethics.
Artificial intelligence: an enabler, not a replacement
The dialogue sessions featured in-depth discussions on the philosophy of dealing with technology. Edward Byrne, President of King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), explained that the real challenge lies in "governance of technology" and its responsible application. In a related vein, Paris Teltazar, from IE Business School, emphasized the importance of preserving critical thinking skills in humans, considering artificial intelligence a supportive tool that enhances human capabilities rather than replacing them.
It is worth noting that the conference is witnessing a remarkable attendance of more than 10,000 participants from various countries around the world, and includes an accompanying exhibition in which more than 20 entities are participating to showcase the latest solutions in digital education and capacity building, making it an opportune occasion to exchange experiences and sign agreements that will shape the future of education and work in the region and the world.
