AI drives business growth and innovation in Saudi Arabia

The Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) has underscored the pivotal role of artificial intelligence (AI) in fostering business development and nurturing small and medium enterprises (SMEs) during the Kingdom’s Artificial Intelligence Week. This week-long event, organized by the General Authority for Small and Medium Enterprises (Monsha at) in collaboration with SDAIA from August 9 to 13, 2026, aimed to bridge the gap between technological advancements and practical business applications.

SDAIA highlighted that AI has emerged as a crucial catalyst for the growth of SMEs and entrepreneurs, enhancing their competitiveness in a rapidly digitizing economy. The authority emphasized that the applications of AI are expanding beyond the tech sector to various economic activities, improving operational efficiency and optimizing resource utilization. Such advancements enable entrepreneurs to transform innovative ideas into scalable business models.

Hisham Al-Shaddi, Director General of Investment at SDAIA, discussed in a panel discussion the significant impact of AI on the investment landscape and its capacity to facilitate the creation of flexible and scalable business models. He stressed that the benefits of AI technologies are no longer restricted to the tech industry but are increasingly being leveraged across diverse sectors to drive performance improvements and tailor solutions to market demands.

Throughout the week, SDAIA showcased a variety of digital tools and solutions, including the Ruwad Package, at its exhibition booth. These technologies were designed to support the development of products and services that meet contemporary market needs and adapt swiftly to evolving changes. This involvement aligns with SDAIA’s continuous commitment to bolstering the entrepreneurship ecosystem and equipping SMEs with practical solutions, in line with the objectives of the Artificial Intelligence Year 2026.