Saudi Arabia Becomes Global Leader in Data and AI with SDAIA’s Six-Year Effort

Source: SPA

In just six years, Saudi Arabia has emerged as a regional and international leader in data and artificial intelligence (AI), a transformation spearheaded by the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) since its establishment in 2019.

SDAIA has developed a strategic roadmap to enhance the Kingdom’s global competitiveness by leveraging data and AI to drive economic growth and develop human capabilities.

As the primary host of the Kingdom’s national data, SDAIA is crucial for enabling digital transformation, providing insights for national decision-making, and building a robust digital infrastructure for integrated government services.
The authority also prioritizes the responsible use of these technologies, creating regulatory frameworks that align with the Personal Data Protection Law to ensure privacy and ethical standards.

His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, provides continuous support for SDAIA’s mission to advance data and AI for the benefit of humanity. This support has enabled the authority to achieve over 70 national and international awards and certifications, positioning the Kingdom at the forefront of global indicators.

SDAIA’s initiatives include organizing three successful Global AI Summits since 2020, attracting over 100,000 participants, and leading to the establishment of the International Center for Artificial Intelligence Research and Ethics (ICAIRE), supervised by UNESCO.

In addition to its global efforts, SDAIA has significantly contributed to domestic services. The authority’s cybersecurity standards earned it certification from the global CREST organization, making it the first government agency in the Middle East to do so. SDAIA has also digitized government services, notably through the Tawakkalna app, which serves over 34 million users with more than 1,000 services. Furthermore, SDAIA employs AI technologies to manage crowds and ensure safety during the Hajj and Umrah seasons.

The authority’s focus on knowledge development is evident in its academy, which offers specialized programs in collaboration with international experts. The One Million Saudis in AI (SAMAI) Initiative, launched in partnership with the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, has already registered more than 560,000 Saudis to learn the fundamentals of AI.

SDAIA’s projects have also yielded significant economic benefits. The Estishraf platform has generated over SAR51 billion in savings for more than 121 government agencies, while the Ehsan platform has facilitated over SAR12 billion in donations. These achievements demonstrate the tangible impact of SDAIA’s work in strengthening the national economy and enhancing government efficiency.