Saudi Arabia AI investment is now among the world’s top 10, with the Kingdom also attracting more skilled AI workers, the World Bank says.
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia AI investment has put the Kingdom among the world’s top 10 countries for private money going into artificial intelligence, according to a new World Bank report.
The World Development Report 2026, titled The Promise of Artificial Intelligence, looks at how countries around the world are using AI and preparing for its growing role in daily life and business.
The report highlights Saudi Arabia as one of the countries making strong progress.
A major part of this work is being led by the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority, better known as SDAIA. The organisation is helping government departments use and share data in a safer and more organised way.
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According to the World Bank, SDAIA connects data across more than 60 government entities. Importantly, each organisation can keep its information within its own system while still making it possible for different government bodies to work together.
In simple terms, government departments can connect and use information without having to keep all the data in one place.
The World Bank pointed to this system as an example of how countries can safely use data to support AI and improve digital services.
Saudi Arabia is also attracting people with specialist AI skills.
The report says the Kingdom was among the economies with some of the highest numbers of AI professionals moving into the country in 2025, based on LinkedIn data.
This is important because building a strong AI industry is not only about spending money or buying new technology. Countries also need skilled people who know how to build, manage and improve these systems.
Saudi Arabia AI investment is part of the country’s wider Vision 2030 plans. The Kingdom wants to grow new industries, create jobs and reduce its reliance on traditional sources of income.
AI, technology and digital services are expected to play an important role in that change.
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Saudi Arabia has also named 2026 the “Year of Artificial Intelligence”, showing how strongly the technology features in its future plans.
For ordinary people, these investments could eventually mean quicker government services, easier online processes and more services powered by AI.
Businesses could also benefit as more technology companies, investors and skilled workers enter the Saudi market.
Saudi Arabia AI investment is therefore about much more than securing a place in a global top 10. The bigger goal is to turn that investment into useful services, new businesses, jobs and technology that can support the country’s future growth.
Impact to expect
Saudi Arabia’s growing focus on AI could bring more technology companies, investment and skilled workers into the Kingdom. It could also make government services easier and create new jobs and business opportunities.
