Saudi Arabia ranks among top 10 global AI investors: World Bank report

Saudi Arabia has been identified as one of the top 10 countries globally for AI investment, according to the World Bank Group's World Development Report 2026. This ranking underscores the Kingdom's significant progress under the Vision 2030 strategic plan, which has bolstered digital infrastructure and positioned Saudi Arabia as an attractive destination for AI talent.

The report, titled "The Promise of Artificial Intelligence," examines the opportunities and risks that AI presents for individuals, businesses, and governments across developing economies. Three main pillars are highlighted: expanding access to expertise and decision-making tools; the concentration of advanced AI infrastructure, data centers, and models in select countries and companies; and complementary factors like infrastructure, data, skills, and institutions.

Saudi Arabia's ranking as a top AI investor is attributed to robust government support, as seen through Vision 2030's strategy to build a data-driven, innovative economy. The report emphasizes that Saudi Arabia's success lies in its ability to integrate advanced AI technologies with comprehensive ecosystem development, including connectivity, computing, data, skills, and institutions.

This integration is crucial for realizing AI's potential to drive productivity, enhance public services, and spur economic growth. The Kingdom's digital infrastructure has been rapidly expanding, with data center capacity increasing from 68 megawatts in 2021 to 467 megawatts by the first quarter of 2026. Furthermore, 4G and 5G coverage now reach 99% of the population, with average internet speeds at 216 Mbps, facilitating the growth of cloud services and AI applications.

Saudi Arabia has also excelled in attracting specialized AI talent, ranking highly in net inflows of AI professionals. In 2025, Saudi Arabia's tech workforce grew to approximately 426,000 professionals, reflecting an impressive 186.6% increase since 2018. Additionally, female participation in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) professions has reached 35%, enhancing the diversity of the talent pool.

The Kingdom's efforts in building public data infrastructure, exemplified by the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), have set a global standard for data sharing and governance. Saudi Arabia’s commitment to AI is further demonstrated by its ranking second globally in the World Bank’s 2025 Digital Government Maturity Index.

The report's release comes as Saudi Arabia formally designated 2026 as the Year of Artificial Intelligence, reflecting the nation's dedication to advancing AI technologies and maintaining its leadership in the global digital economy amidst Vision 2030 goals.