Saudi Technological Renaissance.. How did the Kingdom become a global gateway to artificial intelligence?

In a world where the compass of international relations is changing daily, the role of technology, communication, and data flow is emerging as an influential tool in reshaping the balance of power and redrawing the map of global influence.

While the Arab world has enjoyed strategic importance for decades, stemming from its geographical location at the heart of the world, the fact that some Gulf states, particularly Saudi Arabia, have leveraged their financial, technical, and political resources and capabilities to invest in the technology sector, diversify economic resources, increase non-oil revenues, and move away from traditional sources. They have also shifted from digital transformation to artificial intelligence across all sectors, particularly in vital areas such as education, security, and smart cities. This has strengthened their position and influence on the regional and international scene. 

US President Donald Trump's recent visit to Saudi Arabia, accompanied by political stances and bilateral investments in technology, cemented the Kingdom's position as the US administration's primary ally in the region and a key partner not only economically but also in the region's political influence. 

The nature and scope of the bilateral agreements in the field of artificial intelligence concluded during Trump's recent visit to the Kingdom prompted “Bloomberg” website to describe it as "opening the gates of artificial intelligence" not only for the Kingdom but for the world as well. Source:  

The Saudi Experience: From Ambition and Vision to Implementation 

Investing in artificial intelligence is a key component of Saudi Vision 2030, launched in 2016 to develop Saudi society and the economy, advance governance, and strengthen Saudi Arabia's strategic position and investment power. The Kingdom has developed a comprehensive plan in this area, divided into eight main axes: 

1. National Strategy for Data and Artificial Intelligence 

This strategy is part of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 to enhance the digital economy, transforming the Kingdom into a hub for technology and innovation, positioning it among the top 15 countries in artificial intelligence worldwide by 2030. 

This strategy aims to empower and train 20,000 specialists and experts in data science and artificial intelligence, stimulate entrepreneurship, create 300 startups in the data and artificial intelligence sector, and provide a more encouraging legislative environment for companies specializing in data and artificial intelligence .

1. Formation of the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) 

The Authority works to achieve several objectives, the most prominent of which are: Empowering young Saudi talent through innovating digital solutions and building a future based on data and artificial intelligence, data and artificial intelligence governance, and developing smart systems to support the digital economy. Managing the National Center for Artificial Intelligence to develop technical solutions and implement research projects, and strengthening national and global partnerships in the field of data and artificial intelligence to build a strong Saudi economy.  

1. Investing in digital infrastructure

Saudi Arabia is one of the leading countries investing in artificial intelligence infrastructure. According to a report issued by “Twimbit 2024” (a simple definition in the company's footnote), the Kingdom has 22 data centers, with 40 additional centers under development. It is working to localize Blockchain technology and encourage its adoption to improve performance and service quality. 48% of Saudi institutions rely on cloud computing (a simple definition in the company's footnote). The Kingdom also allocates huge budgets for investment in smart cities such as: NEOM, Qiddiya, and the creation of sustainable cities. : 

1. Building specialized human cadres and developing technical talents

Training talent in skills and technologies in the data and artificial intelligence sector is one of the priorities of "Saudi Vision 2030" through:

• Technology academies such as SDAIA offer training programs in collaboration with universities and academic institutions. 
• Scholarship programs in artificial intelligence to provide qualified competencies and enhance the quality of scientific research. 
• The Information Technology Institute trains and develops personnel to enhance the efficiency of government employees in digital transformation. 

1. Huge investments in technology

The Kingdom seeks to stimulate sustainable investment in technology projects through: 

• Public Investment Fund (PIF): The fund is the engine of the Kingdom's economic transformation and works to enhance the artificial intelligence ecosystem through investment and international partnerships.
• Saudi Venture Capital Company (SVC): It works to stimulate investment in technology and artificial intelligence startups. 

1. Launch of “Humane”, an artificial intelligence development company

Ahead of Trump's visit, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman announced the launch of “Humane”.

 As a global leader in artificial intelligence, we empower and develop human capabilities and open new horizons in the digital economy. 

1. Partnerships, international agreements, and building a global network of alliances

The Kingdom has entered into partnerships with global entities, including Google and IBM, to enhance capabilities in cloud computing and artificial intelligence and to establish AI research centers in the Kingdom. 

1. Organizing international events that attract technology giants 

The Global AI Summit is one of the most important global summits for promoting cooperation in the field of artificial intelligence and highlighting innovative Saudi projects. 

Saudi Arabia is a rising force in the global artificial intelligence race.

The Kingdom enjoys a key geographic location between the continents of the Old World, providing it with logistical advantages to play a significant role in developing the emerging global network of artificial intelligence and digital communication infrastructure. Thanks to its geographic location, the Kingdom can quickly route and transmit data, distributing AI capabilities across the three continents. These features make it a geographic gateway for artificial intelligence, connecting Eastern and Western markets.

Global demand for energy is rising due to the world's increasing reliance on computing-based artificial intelligence systems. Therefore, the Kingdom is one of the countries capable of diversifying its energy mix between gas and renewable energy sources to produce electricity at a lower cost, thus providing a continuous supply of energy. 

Riyadh has a competitive advantage, represented by its heavy investment in digital infrastructure, submarine cables, and high-speed data centers, which enhance its global connectivity. The Saudi market is also considered a promising technology market, especially with the presence of global companies, including Microsoft and Google Cloud. 

Combined with recent agreements and deals, the Kingdom is well on its way to becoming a global hub for artificial intelligence in the near future, having already topped the global government AI strategy benchmark on the Global AI Index 2024. 

Integrating modern technologies and Vision 2030 to enhance economic and societal growth 
The Kingdom's efforts to invest in local capabilities to consolidate its position as a global hub for artificial intelligence will provide it with technological strength and leadership and add to its strategic balance, which will benefit the Arab region as a whole.

According to the National Strategy for Data and Artificial Intelligence, the Kingdom is working to achieve investment opportunities estimated at approximately 75 billion riyals, or approximately $20 billion, by 2030. 

Investment in advanced technologies and artificial intelligence applications aims to develop a number of sectors, such as industry, tourism, health, education, travel, finance, and smart city development.
It remains to be noted the cultural significance of the success of the Saudi technological experience, as the Kingdom is focusing on bringing Arabic back to the digital landscape, not simply as a supported language, but as a genuine player in the artificial intelligence industry, with the development of Arabic language models that are among the most powerful in the world, thus restoring the authenticity of the Arab identity.