A recent study by the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) revealed that Saudi Arabia has made remarkable progress in artificial intelligence, with 40% of its institutions ranked among the world’s “AI leaders.” This finding underscores the Kingdom’s growing prominence as a key player in the global technology landscape, driven by substantial investments and an ambitious strategic vision.
Study details and maturity indicators
The study, titled “Unleashing Potential: How GCC Organizations Can Transform AI Momentum into Sustainable Value at Scale,” surveyed 200 senior executives and assessed 41 AI-related digital capabilities across seven key sectors. The results showed that 35% of organizations in the Kingdom have reached the “scaling up” stage of AI adoption maturity, an advanced stage reflecting the transition from initial experimentation to widespread, actual implementation of the technology. With an average maturity score of 43, these figures demonstrate significant progress, while also highlighting the potential for further growth for the 27% of organizations that are still in relatively late stages.
Strategic context: Vision 2030 and the National Transformation Program
This progress did not come about by chance, but is a direct result of the strategic direction adopted by the Kingdom within the framework of “Saudi Vision 2030.” The Vision aims to diversify the economy away from dependence on oil and build a knowledge-based and innovation-driven economy. In this context, advanced technologies, especially artificial intelligence, represent a fundamental pillar for achieving these goals. The government has established specialized bodies to support this direction, most notably the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), which was established in 2019 to serve as the national authority on all matters related to data and artificial intelligence. It also launched the National Data and Artificial Intelligence Strategy (NSDAI), which aims to make the Kingdom a leading global model in this field by 2030.
Importance and expected impact on various levels
Locally, the adoption of artificial intelligence is expected to have a transformative impact on the Saudi economy and society. By automating processes and analyzing big data, vital sectors such as energy, healthcare, financial services, and logistics will be able to enhance their productivity and deliver innovative services. This transformation will also contribute to the creation of new, highly skilled jobs requiring expertise in data science and AI engineering, thus supporting the development of national talent.
Regionally and internationally, the Kingdom's leadership in this field reinforces its position as a regional technology hub, attracting investments and talent from around the world. Internationally, Saudi Arabia's strong entry into the artificial intelligence arena gives it an influential voice in shaping the future of this technology, including ethical standards and global governance frameworks. This transformation solidifies the Kingdom's image as an active partner in the global digital economy.
The power of Saudi technological transformation
Commenting on the study’s findings, Rami Mortada, Partner and Director at Boston Consulting Group, said: “Saudi Arabia’s progress in adopting artificial intelligence reflects its strong commitment to technological transformation on an unprecedented scale.” He added: “Saudi Arabia’s leading AI institutions are uniquely positioned to capitalize on significant investments in building a world-class infrastructure, enabling them to achieve a tangible impact across multiple sectors simultaneously. The most important step forward is adopting systematic approaches to transforming AI into real added value through comprehensive strategies that address local challenges while maintaining a unique global position.”
