Riyadh, April 17, 2024, Saudi Arabia has earned a prominent position in the global arena for its strides in developing a robust national strategy on Artificial Intelligence (AI), as revealed by the recently released Stanford University International AI Index for 2024. This recognition underscores the Kingdom's steadfast commitment to harnessing the potential of data and AI technologies under the guidance of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince, Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) board of directors.
The Stanford University International AI Index is a highly regarded resource that provides valuable insights into the current status and future trajectory of AI development worldwide, making it an essential tool for policymakers, researchers, and industry experts alike. Saudi Arabia's inclusion among the leading nations in AI strategy highlights its dedication to leveraging these transformative technologies for the betterment of society while fostering international collaboration in the AI domain.
The Kingdom's strong position in AI and data sciences is a testament to the success of Vision 2030, a comprehensive national transformation plan where AI plays a pivotal role. Approximately 70% of Vision 2030's goals are directly or indirectly linked to AI, driving Saudi Arabia towards a prominent standing in global AI rankings.
Since its establishment in 2019, SDAIA has played a pivotal role as the national authority overseeing all matters related to data and AI, including big data. It serves as a centralized hub for organizing, developing, and implementing AI initiatives across various sectors.
Saudi Arabia's recent achievement in the AI realm builds upon its previous accolades, including securing the top position in the Government Strategy Index for AI in 2023, as assessed by Tortoise Intelligence's global AI classification. Additionally, Stanford University International AI Index 2023 ranked Saudi Arabia second globally in public awareness about AI.
SDAIA's comprehensive approach encompasses capacity building, policy formulation, investment promotion, innovation support, technical infrastructure enhancement, and the adoption of AI solutions in key priority areas aligned with national objectives. The authority's strategic goals focus on continuous modernization of the national data and AI agenda, ensuring successful implementation at the national level, and positioning Saudi Arabia as a frontrunner in the data and AI-driven economies of the future.
