Artificial intelligence is transforming economies worldwide, and for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, AI is a strategic priority embedded within Vision 2030. The Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) lead the Kingdom’s AI agenda, positioning Saudi Arabia as a global AI leader.
This call for concept notes is issued by FCDO under the Gulf Strategy Fund (GSF), a non-ODA programme fund that supports strategic programming to strengthen UK partnerships across the Gulf.
This project aligns with GSF objectives to enhance UK–Saudi engagement on innovation and technology, support Vision 2030 goals, and position the UK as a trusted partner in Saudi Arabia’s AI-driven transformation. The project will provide UK government stakeholders with decision-useful intelligence to guide diplomatic, commercial, and programmatic engagement.
Outputs will be used by FCDO policy teams, British Embassy Riyadh, UK government departments (including DSIT and DBT).
Project objectives
The primary objective is to produce a comprehensive, evidence-based mapping and analysis of the AI landscape in Saudi Arabia, examining the policy environment, institutional structures, research ecosystem, commercial sector, and governance frameworks.
Specific objectives include
- mapping the AI policy and governance landscape
- analysing the AI research and innovation ecosystem
- assessing the AI commercial and entrepreneurial environment
- examining AI talent development and pipelines
- identifying strategic opportunities for UK–Saudi AI collaboration; and
- producing actionable, policy-relevant recommendations to inform future UK engagement
The programme will adopt a whole-of-ecosystem approach, delivering analytical, evidence-driven, and strategically oriented insight that supports decision-making rather than purely descriptive outputs.
Scope of work
The implementing partner will conduct comprehensive desk research, stakeholder consultations, and analytical synthesis to produce a detailed mapping and analysis of Saudi Arabia’s AI landscape, focusing on collaboration to address the challenge of building and scaling AI ecosystems.
Funding and delivery
The project will be funded through UK Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and must be delivered by 30 November 2026.
The project budget will be in the range of £60,000 to £80,000.
Eligibility and procedural requirements
Eligibility
- we accept concept notes from non-profit organisations, non-governmental organisations, government entities, academic institutions, think tanks/research organisations and private companies given the appropriate due diligence
- the project must be led by a single lead implementer holding full accountability for project delivery and budget. A lead implementer may, subject to British Embassy Riyadh’s agreement, sub-contract some activities to a third party
- applications are open to organisations based in the UK or Saudi Arabia. Priority will be given to institutions which can demonstrate experience in AI landscape mapping in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf region
- applicants must also demonstrate competency/experience in AI. This would ideally include competency/expertise in the specific theme most relevant to the project’s scope as outlined above
- ethics and do no harm concept notes must include adequate ethical risk assessments, including in relation to any potential issues around data, safeguarding, AI safety, and other relevant ethical issues
How to apply
We encourage potential applicants to discuss project ideas with the British Embassy Riyadh Programmes Team before applying or to seek further clarification. Email the Programmes Team Riyadh.Programmes@fcdo.gov.uk with any questions.
Bidders should submit
- . This template must clearly indicate the planned expenditure, including delivery, administrative, and staffing costs itemised
See .
Bidders should rename the forms with your organisation and email them by 17 July 2026 to Riyadh.Programmes@fcdo.gov.uk.
Timeline
| Activity | Date |
| Call for concept notes opens | 9 July 2026 |
| Submission deadline | 17 July 2026 |
| Successful implementers will be invited to submit full project proposal | 23 July 2026 |
| Communication of funding decisions | Early August 2025 |
Process
Projects will be assessed as per the below appraisal criteria, for approved projects, and prior to awarding grants, the Embassy will begin the mobilisation process, including
- due diligence assessments
- preparation and signing of an accountable Grant Agreement (AGA) / Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) / or Commercial Contract
Appraisal criteria
| Criteria | Explanation | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Strategic fit | The degree to which the proposed project advances the stated purpose and scope outlined in this document, creates measurable impact, aligns with the priorities of both countries, and effectively integrates the proposed deliverables. | 25% |
| Value for money | FCDO defines ‘value-for-money’ as, ‘making the best possible use of our all resources to maximise our impact’. In programme work, maximising impact includes having a robust, evidence-based theory of change demonstrating the causal pathway between the intervention and outcomes that support FCDO strategic priorities. | 25% |
| Feasibility | Are project objectives realistic in the timeframe? Are stakeholders (Especially within Saudi Government) supportive? What is the feasibility of implementing the project and its anticipated impact? | 15% |
| Risk | Is the risk assessment comprehensive and realistic? Are mitigation measures viable? Are any risks (reputational, financial) to FCDO and UK Government within an acceptable range? | 15% |
| Consideration of cross-cutting issues | Are cross-cutting issues, especially gender, climate and disability inclusion, dealt with adequately? Proactively? | 10% |
| Capability of the implementing organisation | Does the organisation have a proven record of performance delivering in this context or similar contexts? | 10% |
Further guidance
In awarding and overseeing programme funds British Embassy Riyadh is obliged to comply with all Cabinet Office and FCDO rules and guidance, including but not limited to those set out in the FCDO Programme Operating Framework (PrOF). Potential implementing partners should especially take note of the following requirements
- FCDO can only pay for costs that are incurred after signature of the Grant Agreement (GA) or MoU and between the start and end date stated in a funding agreement. No payment can be made in advance of need. All projects must align with the Paris Agreement and assess climate and environmental impact and risks, taking steps to ensure that no environmental harm is done
- all projects must demonstrate how their interventions will impact gender equality, disability inclusion and those with protected characteristics
- all projects involving paid-for communications activity must receive clearance from the Professional Communications Assurance (PCA) team prior to signing a GA / MoU
- all approved projects will be expected to comply with FCDO mandated reporting requirements using templates provided, including
- monthly Actual Based Budget (ABB) forecasts
- Quarterly monitoring Reports (QMR) and
- Project closure report (PCR)
- all projects’ activities must be completed within the financial year for which the funding is approved
Background to the Gulf Strategy Fund
The GSF is a UK Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) fund within the FCDO’s International Programme. It supports Saudi’s ambitious ‘Vision 2030’ agenda for modernisation and economic diversification, while enhancing mutual prosperity by promoting inward investment and creating opportunities for UK companies, especially in the education, technology, culture, tourism, sport and finance sectors. The GSF is also expected to align with the UK government’s strategic priorities in Saudi Arabia.
