{
  "id": 716161,
  "title": "AI drives business growth and innovation in Saudi Arabia",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/12/ai-drives-business-growth-and-innovation-in-saudi-arabia",
  "topic": "ai",
  "section": "AI",
  "published": "2026-08-12T23:10:41.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Ajel English",
    "slug": "ajel-english",
    "url": "https://english.ajel.sa/saudi-arabia/abgby3h94"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "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.\n\nSDAIA 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.\n\nHisham 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.\n\nThroughout 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.",
  "summary": "SDAIA highlights AI as a key enabler for business development and SME growth at the Kingdom’s Artificial Intelligence Week.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Ajel English",
        "title": "Saudi Arabia ranks among top 10 global AI investors: World Bank report",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/12/saudi-arabia-ranks-among-top-10-global-ai-investors-world-bank-report",
        "published": "2026-08-12T17:48:38.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Arabian Post",
        "title": "Saudi Arabia enters global AI investment top tier",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/13/saudi-arabia-enters-global-ai-investment-top-tier",
        "published": "2026-08-13T04:36:52.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}