Saudi Arabia’s strides in digital infrastructure and data governance have earned strong recognition from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which affirmed the Kingdom’s leading position in the number of data centres across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
According to the IMF’s recent report, “Digital Transformation in the Gulf Cooperation Council Economies,” Saudi Arabia’s advancements are driven by its strategic focus on data and artificial intelligence, spearheaded by the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA). Established in 2019, SDAIA plays a central role in developing, regulating, and accelerating AI and data initiatives in collaboration with key sectors.
The IMF highlighted several milestones, including the launch of the National Strategy for Data and AI, and the introduction of the Personal Data Protection Law—both pivotal steps towards building a secure, dynamic, and globally aligned digital ecosystem. The law underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to safeguarding data privacy and promoting a regulatory environment that evolves alongside technological innovation.
A key aspect of the Kingdom’s success has been the development of sustainable, high-standard data centres certified by the Uptime Institute, recognised for their energy efficiency and low PUE (Power Usage Effectiveness) ratings. These facilities are critical to supporting Saudi Arabia’s ambitions in AI, cloud computing, and digital transformation.
The IMF also praised the Kingdom’s launch of digital platforms across critical sectors, noting their positive impact on service accessibility, quality of life, and the broader goals of Saudi Vision 2030.
Saudi Arabia’s achievements reflect its growing role as a regional leader in digital innovation, setting benchmarks for data governance, infrastructure sustainability, and future-ready public services.
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