Riyadh – Sharikat Mubasher: Saudi Arabia secured fifth place worldwide and the top spot in the Arab region for artificial intelligence sector growth, according to the latest edition of the Global AI Index.

As per the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA)’s post on X.com, the ranking underscores how quickly the Kingdom is advancing in AI as national investments, programs, and talent-building efforts take root under Vision 2030.

A major driver of this momentum is attributed to SDAIA, which has rolled out multiple initiatives aimed at expanding the Kingdom’s AI ecosystem. Among these is the Rowad Package, a set of digital tools that help startups and entrepreneurs authenticate customer data through direct integration with the National Information Center.

SDAIA also introduced an AI ethics badge program to encourage responsible development practices. The initiative outlines clear ethical standards for organizations and has already awarded more than 50 certifications to local companies developing AI technologies for priority sectors.

The ecosystem received further support through the Gaia generative AI accelerator, run in partnership with the National Technology Development Program and New Native, which has helped emerging AI firms bring products to market more quickly.

In parallel, SDAIA Academy has intensified efforts to build local expertise. Its flagship SAMAI program has trained over one million Saudis in data and AI skills, making it one of the largest national training initiatives of its kind.

Together, these programs highlight Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in global AI and its ambitions to build a competitive, innovation-led digital economy.