Saudi Arabia ranks among the world’s top 10 countries for private artificial intelligence investment, according to the World Bank Group’s World Development Report 2026.
The report examines how AI could reshape developing economies and identifies computing infrastructure, data, skills and institutions as key factors in turning the technology into economic value. Saudi Arabia’s position reflects its expanding investment in data centers, digital connectivity and AI-related capabilities under its broader economic diversification strategy.
Data center capacity in the Kingdom rose from 68 MW in 2021 to 440 MW in 2025, reaching 467 MW in the first quarter of 2026. Meanwhile, 4G and 5G coverage reached 99% by the end of 2025, with average internet speeds of 216 Mbps.
Saudi Arabia also recorded one of the highest net inflows of AI professionals per 10,000 LinkedIn members in 2025, alongside Luxembourg, Australia and Switzerland. Its wider technology workforce has grown to around 426,000, up from 150,000 in 2018. Women now represent 35% of communications and information technology professionals.
The World Bank also highlighted a platform operated by the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority, which enables data integration across more than 60 government entities while keeping information within each entity’s systems.
Saudi Arabia’s digital economy contributes 16% of GDP, while its communications and information technology market reached SAR 199 billion in 2025. The findings come as the Kingdom expands AI adoption across the economy and public sector.
Source: Fast Company Middle East
