19 March 2026: The Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO) has become the first organization in Saudi Arabia to achieve BSI ISO/IEC 42001 Artificial Intelligence Management System (AIMS) certification from BSI, demonstrating national leadership in responsible and secure AI governance.
Saudi Arabia’s AI industry is rapidly evolving into one of the most ambitious and fastest growing in the world . Driven by Vision 2030, large scale digital transformation programs, and strong government investment, the Kingdom is positioning itself as a global AI hub. However, BSI research highlights that fewer than half of business leaders globally (49%) are confident in their organization’s ability to provide transparency around the data sources and algorithms powering their AI systems. This indicates a broader concern about data quality, governance, and potential bias — issues that are increasingly important as Saudi businesses adopt AI in line with the Kingdom’s digital transformation ambitions. AI has huge potential to be a force for good, however ensuring that systems are safe and reliable is vital for building trust and to differentiate products in the global marketplace.
ISO/IEC 42001—the world’s first standard for AI management systems—provides a globally applicable framework designed to support the safe, secure, and responsible deployment of artificial intelligence. The standard addresses critical considerations such as algorithmic transparency, continuous learning models, and effective risk mitigation across AI products and services.
The AIMS framework outlines how organizations can establish, implement, maintain, and continually improve an AI management system with strong safeguards. It introduces requirements for context based AI risk assessments and provides structured controls to support high quality, accountable, and socially responsible AI adoption. Furthermore, it helps organizations in fostering a quality-centric culture and in responsibly shaping the design, development and delivery of AI-enabled products and services that benefit both the organization and society.
SASO, the national body responsible for coordinating standardization activities and developing Saudi Standards in collaboration with government entities, industry, and the community, has obtained certification following a comprehensive audit conducted by BSI. The audit evaluated SASO’s AI governance framework, risk management practices, and implementation mechanisms.
Omkar Joshi, Managing Director – AI, BSI, said: “AI is a powerful enabler of growth, and ensuring its responsible use is essential to realizing its full potential. Achieving AIMS certification demonstrates SASO’s commitment to strong governance and global best practice in AI management. BSI is proud to work alongside SASO to help strengthen trust, resilience, and accountability across Saudi Arabia’s digital ecosystem.”
Wael AlTheyab, Spokesman of the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO), stated: “SASO is proud to have achieved the BSI certification for ISO/IEC 42001, reflecting our commitment to the responsible development and use of artificial intelligence. The implementation of AI systems within SASO’s laboratories supports data validation processes and contributes to enhancing the quality and reliability of laboratory results, in line with SASO’s AI governance and management framework.
For further information, please visit the BSI website
