Saudi Arabia Becomes A Global Leader In Data And AI Through SDAIA's Strategic Efforts

Saudi Arabia has rapidly positioned itself as a leader in data and artificial intelligence (AI) within just six years. This transformation is led by the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), established in 2019. SDAIA's strategic roadmap aims to boost the Kingdom's global competitiveness by leveraging data and AI for economic growth and human capability development.

SDAIA plays a pivotal role in enabling digital transformation, offering insights for national decision-making, and building a robust digital infrastructure for integrated government services. The authority ensures responsible technology use by creating regulatory frameworks aligned with the Personal Data Protection Law to maintain privacy and ethical standards.

His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, supports SDAIA's mission to advance data and AI for humanity's benefit. This backing has helped SDAIA secure over 70 national and international awards, placing Saudi Arabia at the forefront of global indicators.

SDAIA has organized three successful Global AI Summits since 2020, attracting over 100,000 participants. These efforts led to establishing the International Center for Artificial Intelligence Research and Ethics (ICAIRE), supervised by UNESCO. Additionally, SDAIA's cybersecurity standards earned certification from the global CREST organization, marking it as the first government agency in the Middle East to achieve this recognition.

Domestically, SDAIA has significantly enhanced government services through digitization. The Tawakkalna app serves over 34 million users with more than 1,000 services. Moreover, SDAIA employs AI technologies to manage crowds and ensure safety during Hajj and Umrah seasons.

The authority also focuses on knowledge development through its academy, offering specialized programs with international experts. The One Million Saudis in AI (SAMAI) Initiative, launched with the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, has registered over 560,000 Saudis to learn AI fundamentals.

Economic Impact

SDAIA's projects have yielded significant economic benefits. The Estishraf platform has generated savings exceeding SAR51 billion for more than 121 government agencies. Meanwhile, the Ehsan platform has facilitated donations surpassing SAR12 billion. These achievements highlight SDAIA’s tangible impact on strengthening the national economy and enhancing government efficiency.

With inputs from SPA