Writing the Next Chapter of AI: Dr. Yaser Al-Onaizan on Vision, Values, and the Human Side of Innovation

The Middle East is laying the foundations for a bold new era of artificial intelligence, one rooted in purpose. At the center of this transformation is Dr. Yaser Al-Onaizan, Deputy CEO of HUMAIN, and one of the driving forces behind Saudi Arabia’s national AI vision.

In this episode Dr. Yaser and co-host Dr. Akram Awad, Managing Director and Partner at BCG explore how the region is turning strategy into reality, developing world-class data infrastructure, building AI systems grounded in human values, and cultivating the talent that will power tomorrow’s digital economies.

Dr. Yaser shares how his journey from pioneering researcher to national AI leader reflects the region’s broader transformation. A mission driven by ambition, collaboration, and a belief that technology must serve people.

And Dr. Akram offers insight into how purpose-driven strategy, governance, and public-private partnerships are creating an ecosystem where innovation can thrive responsibly and sustainably.

Together, they explore the ethical and societal dimensions of AI, from inclusion and gender parity to lifelong learning, and how regionally trained, Arabic-first AI models are helping position the Middle East as a global leader in human-centric innovation.

If you want to understand how the Middle East is shaping the future of AI, balancing innovation with integrity, and vision with values, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

Links:

Dr. Yaser Al-Onaizan on LinkedIn

HUMAIN

Akram Awad on LinkedIn

BCG Middle East

Email Flavors of Ambition: flavorsofambition@bcg.com