Saudi Arabia has soared to fifth place worldwide—and first in the Arab region—in artificial intelligence sector growth, according to the Global AI Index. This milestone reflects the Kingdom’s accelerating advancement in AI and underscores the strength of its development strategies and its rising global competitiveness under Saudi Vision 2030.
During the period evaluated by the index, the Kingdom introduced a sweeping set of national initiatives led by the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), significantly boosting its standing. Among the most notable was the Rowad Package, designed to support entrepreneurs and startups by enabling seamless verification of customer data through secure electronic integration with the National Information Center.
SDAIA
SDAIA also launched the AI Ethics Incentive Badges program to deepen awareness of ethical AI practices and encourage responsible technology use. The framework helps organizations and developers align with global standards, and more than 50 accreditation certificates have already been awarded to national AI companies developing solutions for key sectors.
Another major driver of progress was the Gaia generative AI accelerator, supported by SDAIA and the National Technology Development Program (NTDP) in partnership with New Native, which has empowered startups to enter the market faster and more effectively.
These advancements were complemented by the work of the SDAIA Academy, which has been dedicated to strengthening national talent through advanced training programs in data and AI, delivered in cooperation with leading international institutions. Through the expansive SAMAI initiative, developed with multiple government partners, the Academy has trained over one million Saudi men and women—making it one of the world’s largest public AI training programs.
Together, these achievements showcase SDAIA’s growing influence in data and AI on both national and global levels. They reaffirm its leadership as the Kingdom’s central authority for regulation, development, and implementation in the field—propelling Saudi Arabia toward a prominent role in the global data- and AI-driven economy.
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