Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become a key force in reshaping economies and societies globally, and Saudi Arabia is no exception. The Kingdom has embraced AI as a crucial part of its national vision to transform its economy, diversify its industries, and enhance the quality of life for its citizens.
This article explores the current state of AI in Saudi Arabia, including the government’s initiatives, key developments in infrastructure, education, and investments, and what the future holds for the Kingdom in this evolving technological landscape.
Vision 2030 and AI
Vision 2030 is Saudi Arabia’s blueprint for diversifying its economy and reducing dependence on oil by focusing on technology, renewable energy, and tourism. Artificial Intelligence (AI) plays a key role in this transformation, as it promises to drive growth, innovation, and efficiency across multiple sectors.
To lead the nation's AI initiatives, the Saudi Data & AI Authority (SDAIA) was founded in 2019. SDAIA's mission is to develop national AI policies, promote innovation, and ensure that AI is used ethically and responsibly throughout the Kingdom. It plays a central role in realizing Vision 2030’s goals, supporting the widespread adoption of AI across government and industry.
Through SDAIA, Saudi Arabia aims to become a global leader in AI, fostering advancements that will enhance the economy, public services, and overall quality of life.
AI and Global Recognition
Saudi Arabia's commitment to integrating AI into its national framework has gained significant global recognition. In 2023, the Kingdom ranked first globally in government strategy for AI, according to the Global AI Index, showcasing its dedication to becoming a leader in AI technology. This high ranking reflects the Kingdom's progress in building an AI-driven economy and society.
Alongside this achievement, Saudi Arabia has earned several certifications and awards for its AI initiatives. The Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA) won recognition for its "Elevate" AI training program, which received an award from the ITU WSIS Forum in 2024.
Additionally, the International Center for AI Research and Ethics (ICAIRE) in Riyadh was acknowledged by UNESCO, further highlighting Saudi Arabia's influence in the global AI landscape. These accolades underscore the Kingdom's efforts to position itself at the forefront of AI innovation and ethical AI development.
Government Policies and Regulations
Saudi Arabia has implemented several policies to promote the responsible use of AI while protecting personal data. The Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL) is a key regulation designed to safeguard individual privacy by regulating the collection, storage, and use of personal data in AI-driven technologies. This law ensures that innovations respect data security and protect citizens' rights.
In 2023, Saudi Arabia introduced a set of AI Ethics Principles to guide ethical AI practices across various sectors. These principles focus on transparency, fairness, and accountability, ensuring that AI systems are used responsibly.
By providing a clear framework for the ethical use of AI, the Kingdom aims to promote trust in AI applications while fostering innovation. These policies are part of Saudi Arabia’s broader strategy to lead in AI development while maintaining high standards of security and ethics.
Investment in AI
The Saudi government has made significant investments in Artificial Intelligence (AI) as part of its strategy to develop the country’s digital economy. Between 2019 and 2023, spending on information and communication technology (ICT), including AI, grew at a compound annual growth rate of 27%. In 2024, the government allocated $10 billion to ICT infrastructure, further supporting AI development.
Private investment in AI has also surged. In 2023, AI-related companies in Saudi Arabia raised over $1.7 billion in funding, reflecting investor confidence in the sector's potential. These investments are driving innovation across industries such as healthcare, finance, and education, helping position Saudi Arabia as a leader in AI development and adoption.
Infrastructure for AI
A robust digital infrastructure is essential for AI development, and Saudi Arabia is making significant progress in this area. The Kingdom has become the largest country in the Middle East in terms of colocation data centers, with 22 operational centers and 40 more under development(State of AI in KSA). This infrastructure supports large-scale data processing and high-performance computing, which are critical for advanced AI applications.
Supercomputing capacity is also expanding in Saudi Arabia. The Kingdom has 10 supercomputers, 8 of which are ranked among the top 500 globally. These machines are used in various fields, including scientific research and energy management, showcasing Saudi Arabia’s commitment to becoming a leader in AI-powered innovation(State of AI in KSA).
The Role of Data
Data is essential for AI, and Saudi Arabia is making strong efforts to ensure its availability, quality, and governance. The National Data Bank (NDB) plays a crucial role in managing the nation's datasets, offering the data required for AI advancements. With over 8,700 datasets and contributions from more than 60 government entities, the NDB supports various sectors with reliable data.
By making data accessible and usable, the NDB helps government entities leverage AI to enhance decision-making, improve services, and optimize operations. This focus on data accessibility is a key component of Saudi Arabia’s AI strategy, contributing to the development of a strong AI ecosystem that can drive innovation and support various industries. The NDB’s work is foundational in enabling AI-powered solutions that improve efficiency and open up new opportunities for growth and technological advancements in the Kingdom.
Talent Development and Human Capital
Developing AI talent is a crucial part of Saudi Arabia’s AI strategy. The Kingdom is investing in education and training programs to build a skilled workforce capable of driving AI innovation. By 2030, Saudi Arabia aims to train 20,000 data and AI specialists, including 5,000 AI scientists.
Educational institutions across the country are offering AI-related degrees, with 86% of Saudi universities providing bachelor’s programs in fields related to AI. Graduates in AI-related degrees, such as computer science, reached over 38,000 between 2019 and 2023. Programs like the Elevate AI training program and the ATHKA AI Olympiad are helping to raise public awareness of AI and equip young Saudis with essential AI skills.
Research and Innovation
Saudi Arabia is also fostering an environment that promotes AI research and innovation. The Kingdom has established 11 Centers of Excellence (CoEs) focused on AI, with partnerships between local universities, research institutions, and global technology companies. These centers facilitate research and the development of AI applications in areas like healthcare, media, and energy.
AI publications and patents have increased significantly over the past five years. Between 2019 and 2023, AI-related publications grew at an annual rate of 45%, and patent filings increased fivefold. This growth is a testament to the innovation occurring in Saudi Arabia, with both the public and private sectors contributing to the development of new AI technologies.
AI Adoption Across Industries
The adoption of AI in Saudi Arabia is growing rapidly across various sectors, including healthcare, finance, transportation, and agriculture. In the public sector, about 39% of government entities are currently using or experimenting with AI, with plans for wider adoption in the future.
AI applications are improving operational efficiency, service delivery, and decision-making in these sectors. For example, AI-powered platforms like Estishraf are enabling government entities to analyze data and make more informed decisions. The healthcare sector is using AI to develop chatbots and improve patient care, while smart city initiatives are using AI for traffic management and energy optimization.
Future Predictions
The future of AI in Saudi Arabia is highly promising. By 2030, AI is projected to contribute 12% to the nation’s GDP, with the AI market growing at a compound annual rate of 29%. Saudi Arabia aims to become a global leader in AI, driven by robust policies, significant investments, advanced infrastructure, and a strong focus on talent development.
As the Kingdom continues to build its AI capabilities, it is positioned to shape the global AI landscape. Both the government and private sector are actively supporting AI research, innovation, and application. This ongoing support is expected to result in major breakthroughs, not only for local industries but also for the broader international AI community.
With these strategic advancements, Saudi Arabia is on a clear path to becoming a key player in the future of AI, contributing to innovation and technological growth worldwide.