Saudi Arabia has reached a significant milestone in the field of artificial intelligence (AI). The achievement is highlighted in the AI Index Report 2025 by Stanford University’s Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence (HAI). The Kingdom’s achievements in AI reflect its growing influence and ambition to become a global leader in the sector. This success includes notable advancements in women’s empowerment, job growth, talent attraction, and the development of advanced AI models.
According to the AI Index, Saudi Arabia has ranked first globally in empowering women within the AI field. This showcases the success of its national policies and initiatives aimed at promoting gender equality in technology. This accomplishment aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, which seeks to enhance women’s participation in all sectors, including AI. The country’s commitment to women’s leadership in AI is supported by advanced training programs and professional development initiatives. These efforts have led to a greater presence of female talent in the Kingdom’s growing AI ecosystem.
Furthermore, Saudi Arabia ranked third globally in AI job growth for 2024. This underscores the Kingdom’s success in expanding employment opportunities in this emerging field. The country also ranked fourth in the number of leading AI models. It joins an elite group of nations such as the United States, China, France, Canada, and South Korea. This achievement places Saudi Arabia at the forefront of AI model development, further solidifying its role as a key player in the global AI landscape.
In terms of attracting AI talent, Saudi Arabia placed eighth globally. This reflects its growing appeal as a hub for AI innovation. The Kingdom has created a stable and supportive environment for research and development. It attracts global AI experts and fosters local talent. These efforts are part of Saudi Arabia’s broader strategy to position itself as a leader in AI, driven by the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA).
SDAIA has been at the heart of Saudi Arabia’s AI progress. It focuses on building national capabilities, advancing policy frameworks, promoting investment, and driving innovation. The authority’s efforts align with the goals of Vision 2030, which aims to transform Saudi Arabia into a knowledge-based economy. SDAIA’s focus on strengthening digital infrastructure and accelerating the adoption of AI technologies across key sectors is essential in fulfilling these goals.
One of the most notable initiatives by SDAIA is the “Elevate” program, developed in partnership with Google Cloud. This program is designed to empower over 25,000 women in technology and AI fields. This further advances women’s participation in this critical sector. In addition, SDAIA has launched specialized training camps and capacity-building programs. These efforts have positioned Saudi women to take leadership roles both locally and internationally in the AI industry.
These accomplishments reflect Saudi Arabia’s commitment to fostering innovation. They strengthen its position as a global leader in AI. The Kingdom’s rapid progress in AI is not only transforming its own economy but also contributing to the global advancement of AI technologies.
