Saudi Arabia Becomes a Global Center for Artificial Intelligence
Saudi Arabia is strengthening its position as a global leader in AI and digital infrastructure, becoming a reliable partner in the development of the digital economy and connecting East and West.
Digital Transformation of the Kingdom Over Eight Years
Over the past eight years, Saudi Arabia's digital economy has grown by 75 percent, reaching a volume of 139 billion dollars. The non-oil sector of the digital economy now accounts for 16 percent of the country's GDP—a significant progress in diversifying the economy. The operational capacity of data centers has reached 467 MW, which is equivalent to 47 percent of the total capacity of the Middle East and North Africa region. These figures reflect large-scale investments in modern infrastructure and technological development.
The East as a Global Center for Computing Power
The Eastern region represents an economy worth 34 trillion dollars—almost 30 percent of global GDP. The region's population is 3.7 billion people, or about 46 percent of the world's population. The region generates 82 percent of global patents in AI, controls 60 percent of the semiconductor market, and produces 90 percent of advanced chips in the world. This makes the East an undisputed leader in computing technologies and artificial intelligence.
Aspiring Infrastructure Development Plans by 2034
Saudi Arabia is developing a project to expand the capacity of data centers to 6.9 GW by 2034, including 3 GW by 2030. The Kingdom has available power supply capacity of 12.8 GW, allowing it to be among the fastest-growing countries in providing energy for computing and AI infrastructure projects. Such investments attract leading technology companies from around the world.
Women in Information Technology
The participation of women in the workforce of the information and communication technology sector has increased from 7 to 35 percent, exceeding the average figures of the European Union and Silicon Valley. Saudi women hold leading positions in global rankings for participation and empowerment in artificial intelligence. This reflects an inclusive approach to developing the digital economy and creating equal opportunities for all talents.
Three Pillars of the Age of Artificial Intelligence
According to the minister, Saudi Arabia possesses three necessary components for leadership in the age of AI: computing power (compute), consumers (customers), and capital (capital). Major technology companies from the East have already begun to invest and expand their operations in the Kingdom, confirming the country's attractiveness as a global technology center.
Frequently Asked Questions
How fast is Saudi Arabia's digital economy growing?
In eight years, the Kingdom's digital economy has grown by 75 percent, reaching a volume of 139 billion dollars. The non-oil sector now accounts for 16 percent of the country's GDP, demonstrating successful economic diversification.
What is the role of the East in the global AI economy?
The East generates 82 percent of global patents in AI, controls 60 percent of the semiconductor market, and produces 90 percent of the world's advanced chips. The region represents a 34 trillion dollar economy—30 percent of global GDP.
What are Saudi Arabia's plans for developing data centers?
The Kingdom plans to develop the capacity of data centers to 6.9 GW by 2034, including 3 GW by 2030. The available power capacity of 12.8 GW allows Saudi Arabia to rapidly expand its computing infrastructure.
