Year Of Artificial Intelligence In Saudi 2026 Strengthens Global Tech Leadership And Crown Prince Vision

Saudi Arabia will mark 2026 as the Year of Artificial Intelligence after a Cabinet decision that aims to boost the Kingdom’s position in advanced technology. The move is linked to the national digital transformation agenda and is expected to support innovation, sustainability, and smarter public and private services.

President of the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) Dr. Abdullah bin Sharaf Al-Ghamdi thanked Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister and Chairman of SDAIA’s Board of Directors, for supporting the Year of Artificial Intelligence initiative.

Al-Ghamdi stated that designating 2026 as the Year of Artificial Intelligence reflects HRH the Crown Prince’s vision to enhance the Kingdom’s global standing in advanced technologies. The step aligns with efforts to build a data-driven economy and expand Saudi Arabia’s influence in international discussions on technology and regulation.

According to Al-Ghamdi, the Year of Artificial Intelligence represents a national milestone in Saudi Arabia’s wider digital transformation journey. The initiative is intended to generate broad momentum for innovation, encourage new digital solutions, and help embed artificial intelligence tools across government services, industry sectors, and daily life in the Kingdom.

Al-Ghamdi explained that the initiative underlines Saudi Arabia’s commitment to using modern technology to serve humanity and improve quality of life. He noted that it also supports the Kingdom’s goal of becoming a regional and international hub for emerging technologies, with artificial intelligence at the core of future economic and social projects.

Year of Artificial Intelligence and economic growth prospects

The SDAIA president pointed out that artificial intelligence is now a key driver of the global economy, with many leading states relying on it to raise productivity and refine essential services. He said the Year of Artificial Intelligence will help Saudi Arabia capture similar gains across vital sectors and strategic industries.

Al-Ghamdi called on all segments of society, as well as public and private institutions, to engage actively in programmes linked to the Year of Artificial Intelligence in 2026. Al-Ghamdi said these combined efforts will highlight Saudi Arabia’s growing capabilities in data and artificial intelligence and support the leadership’s vision of a prosperous, AI-powered national economy.

With inputs from SPA