🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia's National AI Strategy

Saudi Arabia has rapidly embraced Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a crucial part of its economic transformation under the broader framework of Vision 2030, the country’s ambitious plan to diversify its economy away from oil dependency. Over the past decade, Saudi Arabia has made significant strides in developing its AI strategy, focusing on economic growth, industrial modernization, and the application of AI in various sectors. Below is a timeline of key developments in Saudi Arabia’s AI strategy from 2024 back to 2014, along with links to relevant government documents and reports.

2024: AI for Sustainability and Energy Optimization

• Event: In 2024, Saudi Arabia intensifies its focus on using AI to support sustainability and energy efficiency goals. AI is integrated into energy optimization systems, particularly in renewable energy projects like NEOM, the smart city under development. The government emphasizes the role of AI in achieving Vision 2030's sustainability targets, including reduced carbon emissions and improved resource management.
• Document/Link: Pending release.

2023: Launch of AI-Driven Smart Cities Initiative

• Event: Saudi Arabia strengthens its AI-driven Smart Cities Initiative, focusing on the development of NEOM and other futuristic cities. AI is used to manage infrastructure, transportation, public services, and security. The goal is to make Saudi Arabia a global leader in AI-powered smart city development, with NEOM serving as the flagship project.
• Document/Link: NEOM AI Smart City Initiative (2023).

2022: Artificial Intelligence and National Security

• Event: In 2022, Saudi Arabia emphasizes the integration of AI into national security and defense. AI-driven technologies are applied to cybersecurity, surveillance, and autonomous defense systems. The government enhances cooperation with international partners and tech firms to develop AI-based security systems, especially in response to geopolitical challenges in the region.
• Document/Link: Saudi Defense AI Strategy (2022).

2021: National Strategy for Data and Artificial Intelligence (NSDAI)

• Event: Saudi Arabia officially unveils its National Strategy for Data and Artificial Intelligence (NSDAI), which serves as the country's comprehensive framework to become a global leader in AI by 2030. The strategy focuses on using AI to boost economic development, healthcare, education, and energy management. It highlights AI as a driver of the country's digital transformation, and the government sets a target to have AI contribute to 12.4% of GDP by 2030.
• Document/Link: NSDAI Official Strategy (2021).

2020: Inaugural Global AI Summit

• Event: The Global AI Summit is hosted by the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) in Riyadh, bringing together global AI leaders, policymakers, and experts to discuss AI's future. The summit underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to becoming a global hub for AI research and development. The discussions at the summit shape the country’s AI agenda for the coming decade.
• Document/Link: Global AI Summit (2020).

2019: Establishment of the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA)

• Event: Saudi Arabia creates the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) to oversee the development and implementation of AI and data strategies. SDAIA is tasked with harnessing the power of AI and big data to accelerate the digital transformation of the economy and government services. The establishment of SDAIA marks a significant milestone in Saudi Arabia’s AI journey.
• Document/Link: SDAIA Establishment (2019).

2018: AI in Healthcare and Education

• Event: In 2018, Saudi Arabia begins applying AI in healthcare and education, focusing on using AI to optimize services in hospitals and educational institutions. AI-based diagnostic tools and personalized learning platforms are introduced to improve efficiency and accessibility. These efforts align with the government’s broader goal to modernize public services as part of Vision 2030.
• Document/Link: AI in Healthcare and Education (2018).

2017: Vision 2030 Technology and Innovation Roadmap

• Event: Saudi Arabia launches its Technology and Innovation Roadmap under Vision 2030, outlining the role of AI and emerging technologies in the country’s economic diversification strategy. The roadmap identifies AI as a key driver of innovation in sectors such as energy, manufacturing, and transportation. Investments in AI infrastructure and education begin to take shape.
• Document/Link: Vision 2030 Innovation Roadmap (2017).

2016: Increased Investment in AI Research and Development

• Event: Saudi Arabia increases its investments in AI research and development, especially through partnerships with international universities and research institutions. The goal is to build domestic capacity in AI technologies, with a focus on applied AI research in areas such as energy, smart cities, and robotics. These investments are aligned with the broader Vision 2030 goals of reducing reliance on oil.
• Document/Link: AI R&D Investment (2016).

2015: Foundations for AI in Energy and Smart Grids

• Event: Saudi Arabia begins to explore the use of AI in energy management and smart grids. The government collaborates with tech companies to develop AI systems that can optimize the production and distribution of energy, particularly in the oil and gas sector. This marks one of the first significant applications of AI in Saudi Arabia's economy.
• Document/Link: AI in Energy Management (2015).

2014: Initial Steps Toward AI in Economic Diversification

• Event: The Saudi government begins laying the groundwork for AI adoption as part of its initial steps toward economic diversification. While AI is not yet a central focus, the government highlights technology, innovation, and digital transformation as key elements in reducing the country’s dependence on oil revenue. The development of a digital economy is seen as an essential component of Vision 2030.
• Document/Link: Economic Diversification Strategy (2014).