Zain KSA, a leading digital services provider in Saudi Arabia, has launched its AI Center of Excellence (AI CoE). The new hub is designed to integrate Artificial Intelligence across its operations and develop AI-driven solutions for both consumer and enterprise clients throughout the Kingdom.
Quick Facts
- Launch of new AI Center of Excellence (CoE).
- Aims to embed AI across all business units.
- Supports Saudi Arabia’s ‘Year of AI’ in 2026.
Aligning with National AI Strategy
The launch marks a key step in Zain KSA’s shift towards an AI-first operating model, aligning directly with Saudi Arabia’s designation of 2026 as the ‘Year of AI’. This initiative is also part of Zain Group’s wider ‘4WARD-Progess with Purpose’ AI strategy, which utilizes shared platforms and partnerships to accelerate deployment and tailor solutions for the Saudi market.
The move reinforces Zain KSA’s role in supporting Saudi Vision 2030 by translating AI potential into measurable outcomes for the country’s digital ecosystem. The CoE will operate under a dedicated governance framework, ensuring its activities are in line with guidelines from the National Strategy for Data and Artificial Intelligence.
From Experimentation to Execution
The AI CoE aims to systematically adopt AI to improve operational efficiency, enhance customer experience, and enable data-driven decision-making in areas like customer care, network operations, and commercial management.
Eng. Saad bin Abdulrahman AlSadhan, CEO of Zain KSA, commented, “Innovation is fundamental to how we operate and how we create and deliver value. As Saudi Arabia’s digital economy accelerates, Zain KSA sees AI as a structural shift that must be embedded throughout our operations and extended through the broader ecosystem.”
Maha AlQernas, Executive VP of Information Technology and Head of the AI CoE, added, “The AI Center of Excellence gives us a robust structure to move from experimentation to disciplined execution. It focuses on the value AI creates for all stakeholders and unlocks its role in enabling new use cases across industries.”
A Three-Pronged Approach
The Center of Excellence will operate with three distinct but integrated functions. First, it will focus on embedding AI within Zain KSA’s own operations to improve performance.
Second, it will develop and provide scalable AI solutions to enterprises and government entities in key sectors.
Finally, the CoE will act as an orchestrator, bringing together global partners and local stakeholders to ensure a cohesive and effective deployment of AI technologies across the Kingdom.
About Zain KSA
Zain KSA is a leading digital services and telecommunications provider in Saudi Arabia. The company offers a range of services for individuals and businesses and is a key player in advancing the Kingdom’s digital transformation agenda under Saudi Vision 2030.
Source: Zawya
