Saudi Arabia Becomes World AI Powerhouse in Six Years
Initiatives led by SDAIA are part of Vision 2030 overhaul
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has become a world leader in artificial intelligence and data in only six years with the push of the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), the Saudi Press Agency said on Wednesday.
Since it was established in 2019, SDAIA has formulated a strategic roadmap with the aim of increasing the Kingdom’s competitiveness globally through the utilization of data and AI to drive economic growth, digital transformation, and human capacity development.
“As the main guardian of the Kingdom’s national data, SDAIA plays a key role in facilitating digital transformation, supporting national decision-making, and developing a sound digital infrastructure for integrated government services,” the agency stated.
The government has also given great emphasis to ethical governance, establishing guidelines based on the Personal Data Protection Law to promote responsible usage of AI and data.
Muhammad Khurram Khan, an associate professor of cybersecurity at King Saud University, said: “Saudi Arabia’s AI trajectory is a testament to inspirational leadership, strategic insight, and an unshakeable national resolve for technological sovereignty. With the encouragement of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the Kingdom has made AI a national priority, integrating it into the center of its economic transformation and modernization strategy.
He further stated that the Kingdom has invested heavily in top-notch digital infrastructure, AI research, and innovation and maintained long-term independence in disruptive technologies.
Supported by the crown prince, SDAIA has achieved over 70 national and international awards and certifications, further solidifying the Kingdom’s leadership status in global indicators.
Saudi Arabia has also advanced global collaboration through hosting international AI summits, attracting more than 100,000 participants since 2020, and establishing the UNESCO-supervised International Center for Artificial Intelligence Research and Ethics.
Locally, SDAIA’s digital services also encompass the Tawakkalna app, offering more than 1,000 services to more than 34 million users, and AI systems for crowd management during Hajj and Umrah. Through its Estishraf platform, it has brought in excess of SR51 billion ($13.5 billion) in savings to 121 government entities, while the Ehsan charitable platform has enabled donations exceeding SR12 billion.
The government has also focused on talent building, implementing programs like SAMAI, aimed at equipping a million Saudis with AI skills, in addition to a national curriculum covering over six million pupils. Female engagement within the digital economy has increased from 7 percent in 2018 to 35 percent, which surpasses G20 and EU targets.
“These initiatives clearly show the Kingdom’s determination to be at the forefront of the global AI race,” Khan added. “By integrating AI into the fabric of society and connecting all initiatives to Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia is creating a robust, self-sustaining, and innovation-driven economy capable of leading the world into the era of AI.”