Saudi Arabia is expanding its national artificial intelligence strategy across government, business and skills development, with more than 1.2 million Saudis trained in AI as the kingdom uses its designated Year of Artificial Intelligence 2026 to accelerate adoption and strengthen governance.
The Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA) is playing a central role in the programme, spanning AI policy, infrastructure, regulation, workforce development and initiatives designed to increase adoption across the public and private sectors.
The strategy forms part of Saudi Vision 2030 and seeks to combine wider deployment of AI and data technologies with national skills development and frameworks covering responsible and ethical use.
More than 1.2 million Saudis receive AI training
Human-capital development is one of the major components of Saudi Arabia's AI programme.
According to the Saudi Press Agency report, the SAMAI initiative has now trained more than 1.2 million Saudis in artificial intelligence, alongside broader skills development activities delivered through the SDAIA Academy for Data and AI.
The programmes are intended to expand AI knowledge among the population while developing more specialised capabilities among students, researchers and technology professionals.
Saudi Arabia has designated 2026 as the Year of Artificial Intelligence, placing additional emphasis on building national capabilities and increasing the practical use of AI.
Saudi Arabia highlights gains in global AI indicators
The kingdom is also pointing to international rankings as indicators of its progress.
Saudi Arabia ranked 13th among 70 economies in the 2026 IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook and third among G20 economies, according to the SPA report.
The report also states that Saudi Arabia ranked fourth globally for AI adoption by companies and fourth for societal access to AI.
Corporate adoption has been supported by SDAIA programmes including the Rowad Package and AI Ethics Incentive Badges, while initiatives such as SAMAI and the SDAIA Academy are being used to expand AI skills and awareness.
The International Monetary Fund's 2026 Article IV consultations with Saudi Arabia also highlighted the country's performance in AI adoption across several sectors, according to the source.
SDAIA combines AI development with governance
SDAIA's mandate extends beyond promoting adoption.
The authority is involved in policymaking, infrastructure development, regulatory frameworks, capability building and providing technology enablers for government agencies and private companies using data and AI.
Saudi Arabia is also placing emphasis on AI governance principles including transparency, fairness and privacy protection, alongside measures intended to reduce risks associated with algorithmic systems.
This creates a parallel strategy in which the kingdom is seeking to accelerate AI deployment while establishing governance structures around how the technology is developed and used.
International cooperation forms part of AI strategy
Saudi Arabia is also using international institutions and partnerships to expand its role in discussions around AI governance.
Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah reaffirmed the kingdom's commitment to responsible AI use during activities associated with the High-level Week of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Saudi Arabia has also expressed support for UNESCO's work around responsible technology and the UN Sustainable Development Goals, while pursuing partnerships with international organisations and academic institutions.
The international dimension complements domestic initiatives aimed at developing AI infrastructure, talent and regulatory capabilities.
Source: MEA Tech Watch Press Reporter
