Artificial intelligence emerged as the defining theme at the Absher Conference in Riyadh, as Saudi Arabia used the platform to underline how deeply AI is being embedded into public services, digital governance and national security infrastructure. Held in December, the conference positioned AI not as a future ambition, but as a system already shaping how government operates at scale.
From Digital Portals to Intelligent Systems
What began years ago as a digital services platform has evolved into something far broader. At Absher, officials and technology leaders highlighted how AI is now driving automation, decision-making and service delivery across multiple government functions. Rather than focusing on standalone applications, discussions centred on how intelligence is being woven into the core architecture of public platforms.
Speakers pointed to AI-powered identity verification, predictive service delivery and real-time data analysis as examples of how government systems are moving from reactive to anticipatory models. The emphasis was that digital government is about intelligence, speed and precision.
Security, Identity and Trust in an AI Era
A major thread running through the conference was the role of AI in strengthening national security and digital trust. Sessions explored how machine learning can enhance fraud detection, border management and cyber defence without compromising citizen privacy.
Digital identity systems featured prominently, with AI positioned as a tool to balance convenience with resilience. By analysing behavioural patterns rather than relying solely on static credentials, authorities argued that AI can reduce risk while improving user experience across government services.
Building at National Scale
Unlike many technology conferences that focus on pilots or early-stage innovation, the Absher Conference placed strong emphasis on deployment at a national scale. Case studies presented at the event showed AI systems already supporting millions of users, processing vast datasets and operating under strict regulatory frameworks.
This scale, speakers noted, requires more than advanced algorithms. It demands robust infrastructure, clear governance models and local talent capable of maintaining and evolving complex systems. As a result, AI was discussed as much in terms of policy and capability-building as in technical terms.
Local Innovation, Global Signals
While the conference highlighted Saudi-built platforms and regionally developed solutions, its message extended beyond national borders. Absher Conference positioned Saudi Arabia as an active contributor to global conversations on digital government and applied artificial intelligence.
By showcasing AI in live government environments rather than conceptual demos, the event sent a signal that the region is moving from adoption to leadership in applied public-sector AI.
A Shift in How Government Thinks About Technology
Perhaps the most significant takeaway from the Absher Conference was philosophical rather than technical. AI was not presented as a tool to digitise existing processes, but as a catalyst for redesigning how government thinks, plans and responds.
As discussions concluded, one theme remained consistent. Artificial intelligence is no longer at the edges of public administration. In Riyadh, it stood firmly at the centre.
