Saudi Arabia Ranks Fifth Globally in AI Growth, Leading the Arab World

Saudi Arabia has emerged as one of the fastest-advancing countries in the field of artificial intelligence, securing fifth place worldwide and first in the Arab region for AI sector growth, according to the latest Global AI Index figures cited by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA). The ranking highlights the Kingdom’s rapid progress in building a competitive technology ecosystem under Vision 2030, its long-term strategy to diversify the economy and reduce reliance on oil revenues.

Officials said the new ranking reflects the country’s commitment to becoming a regional and global hub for advanced technologies by the end of the decade. The expansion of national AI programmes and major investments directed at digital transformation were noted as key drivers behind the Kingdom’s rise in the index.

Additional data pointing to this momentum came from a recent KPMG survey, which found that 84 percent of CEOs in Saudi Arabia are prepared to implement AI responsibly—significantly above the global average of 76 percent. The report linked this readiness to strong data governance frameworks and multiple national initiatives led by the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA).

SPA reported that the Global AI Index assessment period coincided with the rollout of a wide range of SDAIA-led projects aimed at strengthening the Kingdom’s AI capabilities. Among these was the Rowad Package, designed to support entrepreneurs and startups by enabling digital authentication of customer data through secure integration with the National Information Center. Another major initiative was the AI Ethics Incentive Badges programme, created to encourage adherence to ethical standards and help institutions align with global norms.

According to SPA, more than 50 accreditation certificates have been awarded to Saudi AI companies developing technologies for priority economic sectors. The Gaia generative AI accelerator—established by SDAIA, the National Technology Development Program and New Native—was highlighted as a key contributor to the growth of early-stage AI firms, giving startups tools to scale quickly.

SDAIA’s work also extends to national skills development. SPA noted that SDAIA Academy has trained over one million people in AI and data competencies through the SAMAI initiative, one of the world’s largest public training programmes. The initiative is delivered in partnership with government bodies and international organisations, focusing on equipping young Saudis with advanced technical skills.

Officials said these achievements reinforce SDAIA’s central role as the Kingdom’s authority for data and AI development, regulation and application, positioning Saudi Arabia to lead in technology-driven economic sectors.

The country’s expanding AI landscape is being supported by major investment commitments. In October, Humain—a Public Investment Fund-owned AI company—announced a partnership with AirTrunk, backed by BlackRock and the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board, to build hyperscale data centres in Saudi Arabia. The first phase alone is expected to involve $3 billion in infrastructure spending, signalling the scale of the Kingdom’s ambitions in the digital economy.