Academic outlines four reasons for surge in AI adoption

Dr. Rania Abu Al-Ala, an associate professor of information systems at King Abdulaziz University, has provided insight into the rapid rise of artificial intelligence usage in Saudi Arabia. The associate professor discussed the reasons behind this surge during a televised interview on Al Ekhbariya.

One primary factor, according to Dr. Abu Al-Ala, is the ease of use and instant access to information that AI provides. This has made AI a more appealing alternative to traditional search engines like Google. Additionally, she noted that users' curiosity about AI and its benefits across various sectors, as well as its capacity to expedite information retrieval, are significant contributors to its growing popularity.

Both employees and students are now leveraging AI in ways that cater to their individual requirements. Dr. Abu Al-Ala's observations come in light of the International Monetary Fund's projection that AI could potentially boost Saudi Arabia's economy by 6% over the next decade. However, this economic growth is contingent upon the Kingdom's swift investment in AI technologies, the reduction of gaps in readiness with advanced economies, and an increase in AI service exports.