Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, January 19, 2025 – Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Abdullah Alswaha, has reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s critical role in shaping the future of the global digital economy, advancing innovation, and harnessing the transformative power of artificial intelligence (AI) to benefit humanity and safeguard the planet. In a statement to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), Alswaha highlighted the Kingdom’s strategic position as a global leader in these areas, underscoring its dedication to being at the forefront of the ongoing technological revolution.
The minister attributed Saudi Arabia’s international prominence to the unwavering support and visionary leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister. This guidance, Alswaha noted, has empowered the Kingdom to play an influential role in the digital transformation occurring worldwide, positioning Saudi Arabia as a key player in the global dialogue on technology and sustainable development.
Saudi Arabia’s participation in the upcoming World Economic Forum (WEF) 2025, which will take place from January 20 to 24 in Davos, Switzerland, will serve as another pivotal moment for the Kingdom to reinforce its commitment to advancing the digital economy and AI-driven innovation. Alswaha explained that the meeting comes at a transformative juncture in global development, as the world transitions from the digital age to the AI age. This shift amplifies Saudi Arabia's responsibility in leading international efforts to maximize the potential of AI, not only as a technological tool but also as a force for good, to enhance the quality of life for people across the globe.
The WEF platform provides Saudi Arabia with a high-profile opportunity to showcase the country’s remarkable achievements in the fields of development, economics, and technology, all of which are aligned with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030. This ambitious roadmap for the Kingdom’s future, driven by the vision of its leadership, is already catalyzing groundbreaking progress in various sectors, from digital infrastructure to AI and beyond. Alswaha emphasized that these achievements are a direct result of the vision and backing of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, whose leadership has been instrumental in steering the Kingdom toward its status as a global hub for innovation and technological advancement.
Furthermore, Alswaha highlighted Saudi Arabia's ongoing efforts to collaborate with the international community in leveraging AI as a catalyst for sustainable development. By incorporating AI into sectors such as healthcare, education, energy, and the environment, the Kingdom is working to address pressing global challenges, such as climate change, resource management, and social inequality. The goal, he stated, is to create a sustainable future that benefits not only the people of Saudi Arabia but the global community as a whole.
In particular, Alswaha emphasized that the Kingdom’s focus on AI is not limited to its technological applications but extends to its role in fostering economic growth, job creation, and the improvement of everyday life. By embedding AI into the fabric of Saudi Arabia’s economy, the Kingdom is paving the way for new industries, creating high-quality employment opportunities, and ensuring that the benefits of technological progress are broadly shared. This, he noted, is essential to the achievement of the Kingdom’s long-term goals of prosperity, sustainability, and inclusivity.
As the world continues to navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by the digital and AI revolutions, Saudi Arabia’s leadership, underpinned by Vision 2030, is poised to play a central role in shaping a future that leverages the power of technology to serve humanity and protect the planet. Minister Alswaha’s statement reflects the Kingdom’s unwavering commitment to this vision, as it seeks to work in partnership with global leaders to create a better, more sustainable future for all.