Saudi Arabia launches AI incentives offering up to SR500,000 for cultural projects

Saudi Arabia has launched a new funding initiative offering non-repayable grants of up to SR500,000 per project to help cultural enterprises adopt and develop artificial intelligence technologies. The Cultural Development Fund (CDF) announced the launch of the AI Incentives for Cultural Projects in partnership with the Ministry of Culture and the Quality of Life Program, and in collaboration with the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA). The initiative is the first track under the CDF’s Numou Incentives, designed to support cultural projects in priority areas aligned with national objectives. The program will support up to 20 cultural projects, with a maximum of one project per enterprise. It targets micro, small and medium-sized enterprises seeking to adopt AI technologies or develop AI-powered solutions within their projects. Applications are open to projects at different stages of development, ranging from viable concepts and prototypes to existing ventures seeking to expand. The initiative covers six key areas across the cultural value chain, including creativity and production; preservation of heritage and cultural assets; content and knowledge enrichment; cultural experiences and engagement; project management and operations; and governance and intellectual property. The fund said the initiative aims to encourage innovative solutions, accelerate digital transformation across [...]