Saudi Arabia is undergoing a massive transformation, driven by its Vision 2030 plan. Innovation, especially in the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI), lies at the heart of this national vision. From bold government initiatives and world-class events to a growing pool of Arab talent, AI is becoming a powerful tool reshaping the Kingdom’s economy and society.
Government Efforts: Vision 2030 and the AI Strategy
The Saudi government has taken strategic steps to integrate AI into its long-term national plans. In 2020, the Kingdom launched the National Strategy for Data and Artificial Intelligence (NSDAI) with the goal of positioning Saudi Arabia among the top 15 countries in AI by 2030. This aligns directly with Vision 2030’s aim to diversify the economy, reduce dependency on oil, and build a knowledge-based society.
To support this strategy, the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) was established. SDAIA leads the country’s efforts in data governance, digital transformation, and AI adoption. One of its most important initiatives is “Smart Government”, which uses AI to streamline public services, improve efficiency, and support decision-making in sectors like healthcare, energy, and transportation.
The government has also committed billions of dollars to AI-focused research and infrastructure. From NEOM, the futuristic smart city, to national initiatives in smart mobility, Saudi Arabia is building a digital-first economy where innovation drives both growth and sustainability.
We are determined to build a thriving country in which all citizens can fulfill their dreams, hopes, and ambitions. Innovation is at the heart of our transformation.
Saudi Arabia | Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman
Saudi Events: Platforms Fueling Innovation and Global Exchange
Saudi Arabia is increasingly becoming a global stage for innovation-focused events. In recent years, it has hosted key gatherings that put AI and future technologies in the spotlight.
One of the most significant events is the Global AI Summit, hosted by SDAIA in Riyadh. The summit brings together global tech leaders, researchers, and policymakers to discuss AI’s role in shaping economies and societies. It highlights Saudi Arabia’s commitment to ethical AI, inclusive innovation, and global cooperation.
Another major event is LEAP, the Kingdom’s flagship tech expo. LEAP showcases cutting-edge innovations, startups, and investments in emerging technologies like robotics, blockchain, space tech, and AI. With global attendance and local startup participation, LEAP has quickly become a symbol of Saudi Arabia’s ambition to be a regional leader in tech.
These events are more than just exhibitions—they serve as dynamic ecosystems where ideas are exchanged, partnerships are formed, and Arab innovators are given the stage to shine.
Arab Innovators: Shaping the Future from Within
The rise of AI in Saudi Arabia is also creating space for Arab innovators to lead and inspire. The government’s support for entrepreneurship, combined with access to funding and mentorship, has helped local talent turn ideas into scalable tech solutions.
Organizations like MISK Foundation, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), and KAUST are playing a key role in nurturing Saudi youth. They provide platforms for innovation through bootcamps, hackathons, and accelerator programs focused on AI and data science.
Arab-led startups are making waves in sectors like edtech, agritech, and fintech. For example, Saudi entrepreneurs are using AI to develop Arabic speech recognition tools, automate oil industry analytics, and even use drone technology for desert agriculture. Their work not only addresses local needs but also creates homegrown solutions with the potential to expand globally.
Women innovators are also stepping into the spotlight. With recent reforms opening up more opportunities, many Saudi women are now leading AI initiatives, heading tech startups, and contributing to research in universities and innovation centers across the Kingdom.
Conclusion: Saudi Arabia’s AI-Powered Future
Artificial Intelligence is playing a central role in Saudi Arabia’s journey toward becoming a global innovation powerhouse. The government’s proactive policies, the rise of world-class tech events, and the growing community of Arab innovators are creating a vibrant ecosystem where ideas turn into action.
From NEOM’s digital backbone to AI in smart governance and education, Saudi Arabia is setting the foundation for a future shaped by knowledge, technology, and creativity. With Vision 2030 as its guiding star, the Kingdom is not only adapting to the future—it’s helping define it.
