Saudi Arabia Ranks 5th Globally in AI Growth on Global AI Index

Saudi Arabia has ranked fifth globally and first in the Arab world for artificial intelligence sector growth, according to the Global AI Index. The report placed the Kingdom among the world’s fastest-advancing markets for AI adoption, capability development, and regulatory readiness.

The Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) played a central role in national performance, with the index citing several initiatives as drivers of progress. Among them was the Rowad Package programme, designed to support entrepreneurs and startups by allowing customer-data verification through direct integration with the National Information Center. SDAIA’s AI Ethics Incentive Badges initiative was also highlighted, granting more than 50 accreditations to Saudi companies whose AI products comply with ethical and responsible-use standards.

The generative Gaia AI accelerator — backed by SDAIA, the National Technology Development Program, and New Native — was recognised as another contributor to sector momentum. The SDAIA Academy also featured prominently in the assessment, with advanced training initiatives launched alongside international institutions. Through its SAMAI initiative, over one million Saudi men and women have been trained in data and AI skills.