Saudi Arabia has achieved a significant leap in artificial intelligence, securing the first place regionally and the fifth globally, according to the Global AI Index—reflecting the strength of its national AI strategy and the impact of its ongoing digital transformation efforts.
Saudi Arabia has achieved notable progress in the field of artificial intelligence, ranking fifth globally and first in the Arab world in AI sector growth, according to the Global AI Index. This accomplishment highlights the Kingdom’s strong commitment to artificial intelligence and its steady advancement across international indicators, in line with the ambitions of Vision 2030.
During the index’s assessment period, the Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA) launched a wide range of national initiatives that reinforced the Kingdom’s position. Among these initiatives is the “Ruwad Package,” designed to support entrepreneurs and startups by enabling them to verify customer data through electronic linkage with the National Information Center’s databases.
SDAIA also introduced the AI Ethics Incentive Badges Initiative, aimed at promoting ethical practices and encouraging responsible use of AI technologies. The initiative provides a clear framework that helps organizations and developers adhere to global best standards. More than 50 certifications were granted to national AI companies for developing solutions that serve priority sectors in the Kingdom.
Additionally, the “Ghayya” Generative AI Accelerator, launched with the support of SDAIA and the National Technology Development Program in cooperation with New Native, contributed to empowering AI startups and accelerating their entry into the market.
Saudi Arabia’s AI efforts also extended to capacity building through SDAIA Academy, which has played a major role in developing national talent by offering advanced training programs in partnership with international institutions. Through the “Samai” initiative—one of the world’s largest training programs of its kind—the academy has trained more than one million Saudi citizens in data and AI skills.
This progress comes shortly after the Kingdom ranked third globally in the growth of AI-related jobs, further underscoring its accelerating momentum in this vital sector.
