International Report: Saudi Arabia a Leading Model in Building a Smart Economy Based on Data and Artificial Intelligence

A recent economic report highlighted the qualitative progress achieved by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the field of data and artificial intelligence, affirming its success in building an integrated national system that strengthened its position among the leading countries globally in artificial intelligence, supporting the digital economy, and establishing the foundations of governance and digital sovereignty, citing the experience of the Saudi Authority for Data and Artificial Intelligence (SDAIA) as a leading national model in this field.

This was stated in a report issued by the global companies Microsoft and Accenture titled: 'Securing States in the Smart Economy: Turning AI and Quantum Computing Challenges into a Strategic Advantage,' shedding light on SDAIA's efforts in leading the national system for data and artificial intelligence, and the progress it has achieved on behalf of the Kingdom in developing national policies, enhancing digital infrastructure, enabling innovation, and building strategic partnerships with major global technology companies, in line with the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030.

The report confirmed that the Kingdom adopted an integrated approach to accelerate the adoption of artificial intelligence, based on developing national enablers, developing human capabilities, localizing advanced technologies, and enhancing cooperation between the public and private sectors, which contributed to building a national system supportive of innovation and boosting economic competitiveness.

The report reviewed the National Artificial Intelligence Index developed by SDAIA, as one of the most prominent national initiatives to measure the readiness of government entities in adopting artificial intelligence technologies, monitor the maturity level of their applications, and provide strategic recommendations that contribute to raising the efficiency of government performance and enhancing the responsible and sustainable use of artificial intelligence.

The report explained that the index relies on an integrated scientific framework comprising three main pillars, seven dimensions, and (23) sub-criteria, allowing a comprehensive assessment of the maturity level of artificial intelligence applications in government entities, supporting decision-making, raising the efficiency of implementing national initiatives, and enhancing the readiness of the government sector to keep pace with accelerating technological transformations.

The report pointed out that the Kingdom's experience reflects a clear strategic vision for building a smart, data-driven economy by investing in digital infrastructure, developing regulatory frameworks, and empowering national competencies, thereby enhancing the Kingdom's position as a global center for emerging technologies and an active partner in shaping the future of artificial intelligence.

This report comes as an extension of the Kingdom's growing presence in global reports, indicators, and forums related to data and artificial intelligence, and reflects the progress it has made in building an integrated national system led by SDAIA, based on governance, innovation, and empowering national capabilities, contributing to the achievement of the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030.