Saudi Arabia has witnessed remarkable progress in its transition towards a digital economy, with the latest official data revealing a significant leap in the modern technology sector. The artificial intelligence (AI) sector recorded a notable 34% growth in the number of active commercial registrations by the end of the fourth quarter of 2025, bringing the total to approximately 19,000, reflecting the substantial momentum this vital sector is experiencing.
Strategic context and Vision 2030
This rapid growth is a practical manifestation of the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which prioritizes digital transformation and the adoption of emerging technologies to diversify national income sources away from oil. The Saudi Data & Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) plays a pivotal role in developing the legislative and technological infrastructure, encouraging entrepreneurs and investors to actively participate in this sector. This surge in commercial registrations underscores the success of government initiatives aimed at establishing the Kingdom as a global hub for technology and innovation in the Middle East and North Africa.
Details of growth in the artificial intelligence sector
According to the Business Sector Bulletin issued by the Ministry of Commerce, the number of commercial registrations in the artificial intelligence technologies sector increased to 19,042 registrations, compared to 14,163 registrations in the same period of 2024. The capital, Riyadh, accounted for the lion's share of these registrations with 11,700 registrations, consolidating its position as the digital capital of the region, followed by the Makkah region with 3,600 registrations, then the Eastern region with 1,900 registrations, while Madinah and Qassim recorded promising figures that reflect the spread of interest in technology in various regions of the Kingdom.
A boom in health software and cybersecurity
Growth wasn't limited to artificial intelligence; it extended to other vital sectors. The health and medical software sector saw the highest growth rate at 85%, reaching 4,300 records, reflecting the trend toward digitizing the healthcare sector and improving the efficiency of medical services. The cybersecurity sector also witnessed growth of 27%, reaching 9,700 records, with the Makkah region leading the way with 6,200 records, highlighting the critical importance of data protection in the face of digital expansion.
The revival of electronic games and user experience
In a related development, the video game industry saw a 27% growth, while the user interface and experience (UI/UX) design sector rose by 28% to reach 18,900 registrations. These figures indicate the maturity of the Saudi market and the increasing demand for enhanced digital user experiences, coinciding with the growth of the e-commerce sector, which reached 43,800 registrations, representing a 9% increase.
Expected economic impact
This expansion in commercial registrations carries significant economic implications, contributing to the creation of thousands of high-quality jobs for Saudi youth and boosting the digital economy's contribution to the GDP. Furthermore, the diversification of technology sectors, from video games to healthcare software, underscores the comprehensive nature of the technological renaissance and its ability to attract both local and foreign investment, thereby enhancing the Kingdom's regional and international competitiveness.
