Saudi Arabia advances data and AI leadership

Saudi Arabia is pressing its case as a data and AI leader as part of its Saudi Vision 2030, using an “integrated approach” that pairs technological innovation with building national human capabilities and ethical governance for responsible AI use, according to Saudi Press Agency. The kingdom has declared 2026 the Year of Artificial Intelligence, with efforts led by SDAIA. It says it ranked 13th globally among 70 economies in the 2026 IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook, third among G20 economies, fourth worldwide in AI company adoption, and fourth in societal AI access. SDAIA initiatives include the Rowad Package and AI Ethics Incentive Badges, and training via the SDAIA Academy and SAMAI, which has trained more than 1.2 million Saudis.