Saudi Arabia has announced that 2026 will be designated the “Year of Artificial Intelligence,” reinforcing the Kingdom’s ambition to position itself as a global centre for data and AI under the framework of Saudi Vision 2030.
According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the decision was approved by the Saudi Cabinet and reflects the growing momentum behind the Kingdom’s national AI strategy, supported by Mohammed bin Salman, who also serves as Chairman of the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority.
Since its establishment in 2019, SDAIA has led the National Strategy for Data and Artificial Intelligence, which is structured around six key pillars: ambition, competencies, policies, investment, innovation, and ecosystem development. The strategy has moved the Kingdom from planning to implementation, with initiatives focused on regulating the AI sector, strengthening digital infrastructure and fostering a dynamic AI ecosystem.
Saudi Arabia’s progress is increasingly visible in global benchmarks. The Kingdom ranked 14th in the 2025 Global AI Index and holds a leading position in the Arab region for AI model development. Investment in the sector has also accelerated, with government spending on emerging technologies rising by more than 56 percent in 2024, while AI companies operating in the Kingdom have secured $9.1 billion in funding.
Infrastructure development has been a major component of the national AI push. Key initiatives include the Shaheen III supercomputer and the Hexagon data centre, described as the world’s largest government data facility with a capacity of 480 megawatts. In parallel, the Kingdom has established a National Data Lake that integrates more than 430 government systems, providing a foundation for large-scale data-driven innovation.
Talent development remains another priority. More than 11,000 specialists have been trained in AI-related fields, while the SAMAI programme has reached over one million participants, helping expand digital skills across the population.
Saudi Arabia has also strengthened its international engagement in AI governance and research. The Kingdom became the first Arab country to join the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence, and Riyadh now hosts the International Center for Artificial Intelligence Research and Ethics, a UNESCO-sponsored centre dedicated to advancing responsible and ethical AI.
According to SPA, together, these initiatives underscore Saudi Arabia’s broader objective of building a globally competitive digital economy while ensuring that artificial intelligence is developed and deployed responsibly.
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