Riyadh – Sharikat Mubasher: Saudi Arabia expects to unlock investment opportunities worth SAR 100 billion in artificial intelligence over the next five years, according to Minister of Communications and Information Technology Abdullah Al-Swaha.
Speaking at a meeting with business leaders in the headquarters of the Federation of Saudi Chambers of Commerce, Al-Swaha said the upcoming opportunities span AI systems, digital infrastructure, and advanced technology platforms, forming a key pillar of the Kingdom’s broader digital transformation push.
The Minister added that an additional SAR 51 billion in investment prospects exist across technology and innovation sectors, including tourism, advanced industries, healthcare, and education.
Digital infrastructure alone is projected to attract SAR 30 billion, covering next-generation telecom networks, Internet of Things applications, and the localization of digital content.
Al-Swaha highlighted that Saudi Arabia has already drawn more than $44 billion in technology investments over the past three years, supported by major tech conferences such as LEAP and the rising number of listed tech companies, which reached 25. The ministry has also launched the National Information Development Program with a budget of SAR 2.5 billion.
Al-Swaha noted that the number of Saudi tech companies valued above SAR 1 billion increased from two in 2020 to eight in 2025, while the digital economy grew 66%, reaching SAR 495 billion this year. Digital transformation efforts have supported over 3,000 startups, created 17,000 new jobs, and enabled widespread AI project funding by the private sector.
