AI playing a key role in transformation of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030

 

AI to expedite transformation of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030  

Artificial intelligence is at the forefront of Saudi Arabia’s economic transformation, playing a pivotal role in the Kingdom’s post-oil strategy. As the country reaches the halfway mark of Vision 2030, AI adoption is accelerating across industries, balancing innovation with sustainability.

Saudi Arabia’s AI Growth in Numbers

Over the past five years, Saudi Arabia has positioned itself as a global AI powerhouse. According to PwC, AI is expected to contribute $235.2 billion (12.4% of GDP) by 2030. Key initiatives like the $100 billion Project Transcendence are further solidifying the Kingdom’s status as an AI innovation hub.

The progress is tangible:

• Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA), established in 2019, has been instrumental in integrating AI across public and private sectors.
• AI-related companies secured $1.7 billion in funding last year.
• The number of AI-focused firms surpassed 240 in 2023.
• AI patents have increased fivefold since 2019.

 

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Key AI Trends Shaping Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia’s AI landscape is evolving through five key trends:

1.      Generative AI for Arabic Content

• Tools like ChatGPT are enhancing digital engagement by generating localized Arabic content.
• However, challenges remain in handling Arabic dialects, prompting local innovators like Lucidya to develop advanced models.

2.      Arabic Natural Language Processing (NLP)

• NLP is improving customer service, government applications, and digital assistants.
• The Kingdom’s ambition to develop ALLaM, a world-leading Arabic large language model, reflects its commitment to AI leadership.

3.      AI-Powered Business Transformation

• AI is optimizing operations, tracking consumer sentiment, and refining marketing strategies.
• In 2024, 42% of Saudi citizens used generative AI for scientific or professional purposes, per SDAIA’s latest report.

4.      Education and Workforce Development

• AI is reshaping education, aligning with Vision 2030’s push for a tech-savvy workforce.
• Programs like Oracle’s Mostaqbali (My Future) aim to train 50,000 Saudis in AI by 2027.

5.      Ethical AI and Privacy

• Ranked among the top three nations for AI ethics, Saudi Arabia prioritizes data security and responsible governance.
• Technologies like zero-knowledge proofs and advanced cryptography are gaining traction to enhance data privacy.

 

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The Road Ahead

AI-driven automation, predictive analytics, and intelligent customer support are set to boost productivity and scalability across sectors. However, Cisco’s AI Readiness Index reveals that only 22% of Saudi companies have highly scalable AI infrastructure, highlighting the need for further investment.

With just five years left to achieve Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia’s balanced approach—blending rapid AI progress with sustainability and governance—positions it as a global AI leader. As the Kingdom continues to refine its AI strategy, it sets a blueprint for nations navigating digital transformation.

Source: Arab News