Saudi Arabia is preparing to launch three major technology strategies, a move set to solidify its position as a global tech powerhouse. The announcement was made by Abdullah Al-Swaha, the minister for the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, who revealed that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman will unveil the plans which include an ambitious goal to position the Kingdom among the world’s top five hubs for artificial intelligence training.
Speaking during a panel at the Davos Forum, Al-Swaha highlighted the Kingdom’s rapid digital acceleration and its commitment to becoming a leader in advanced technologies.
A Quantum Leap in Digital Economy
The upcoming strategies build on a period of remarkable growth for Saudi Arabia’s tech sector. According to Al-Swaha, the Kingdom’s digital economy has expanded from SAR 75 billion to SAR 135 billion in less than nine years, demonstrating a sharp upward trajectory.
This economic expansion is supported by a burgeoning talent pool. The nation’s technology workforce is now comparable in size to the fifth-largest tech workforce in Europe, fostering a vibrant ecosystem that has seen a significant rise in the number of unicorn startups.
Championing Responsible AI
As it pushes the boundaries of innovation, Saudi Arabia is also emphasizing ethical development. Al-Swaha stated that the Kingdom aims to be a “conscious and responsible” global partner in technology.
Underscoring this commitment, he revealed a significant directive from the Crown Prince: the world’s second-largest endowment has allocated one-third of its funds to AI safety. This substantial investment signals the Kingdom’s dedication to ensuring the responsible and secure deployment of artificial intelligence.
Building a Hub for AI Engineering
A core component of the new vision is the establishment of a dedicated AI engineering hub. This initiative aims to leverage Saudi Arabia’s growing base of skilled tech professionals and further strengthen its global standing in advanced technologies. By creating a focal point for AI research, development, and engineering, the Kingdom is laying the groundwork to become a central player in the future of AI innovation.
About The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology
The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) is the Saudi government body responsible for developing the Kingdom’s digital infrastructure and fostering a thriving digital economy. MCIT leads the nation’s digital transformation journey in line with Saudi Vision 2030, aiming to build a digitally-enabled society and a competitive knowledge-based economy.
Source: meatechwatch
