SCAI Launches AI Operations to Compete with Global Technologies

SCAI’s operations will focus on delivering end-to-end cutting-edge AI solutions to prioritized sectors for the Kingdom such as energy and healthcare. (Reuters)
SCAI’s operations will focus on delivering end-to-end cutting-edge AI solutions to prioritized sectors for the Kingdom such as energy and healthcare. (Reuters)
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SCAI Launches AI Operations to Compete with Global Technologies

SCAI’s operations will focus on delivering end-to-end cutting-edge AI solutions to prioritized sectors for the Kingdom such as energy and healthcare. (Reuters)
SCAI’s operations will focus on delivering end-to-end cutting-edge AI solutions to prioritized sectors for the Kingdom such as energy and healthcare. (Reuters)

The Saudi Company for Artificial Intelligence (SCAI), a company wholly owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), launched operations to grow and develop artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies industries in the Kingdom.

The company’s operations will focus on delivering end-to-end cutting-edge AI solutions across various disciplines.

These will apply to a wide range of use cases for both businesses and consumers in prioritized sectors for the Kingdom such as energy and healthcare.

SCAI also aims to be the trusted AI provider for smart city practical solutions.

“As PIF’s arm in the AI and emerging technologies sector, the company will develop local capability, cutting edge technology, and strategic partnerships to support creating Saudi-owned solutions in the AI ecosystem,” said SCAI Chairman Dr. Abdullah bin Sharaf al-Ghamdi.

This comes in line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 objectives of diversifying and growing the economy and improving the quality of life for Saudi citizens, he added.

“SCAI will be a key enabler to promote the national AI objectives and accelerate technology adoption across various sectors in the Kingdom,” said Ayman Al-Rashid, CEO of SCAI.

“The world is embracing the era of data and information, and AI is rapidly changing the way we live.”

It is critical for Saudi Arabia to invest in the foundations of the sector to unlock long-term sustainable value for all stakeholders in the Kingdom and beyond, he stressed.

SCAI’s mandate comes in line with PIF’s strategy, which focuses on 13 priority sectors, including the technology sector.

Through its mandate, PIF is establishing national champions and enabling the development of new sectors in line with Vision 2030.



Saudi Arabia’s Mandatory List Boosts Local Companies in Government Procurement

A factory in Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)
A factory in Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Saudi Arabia’s Mandatory List Boosts Local Companies in Government Procurement

A factory in Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)
A factory in Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Saudi Arabia’s Mandatory List has emerged as a strategic lever to strengthen the role of local businesses in public sector procurement.

Designed to drive demand for Saudi-made products, the list not only expands market opportunities for domestic manufacturers but also ensures that government entities procure reliable goods that meet stringent quality standards.

Last year, government tenders that included items from the list surpassed 46,600, with a combined value of SAR67.6 billion ($18 billion).

The Local Content and Government Procurement Authority has been steadily updating the list, adding about 407 new products in 2024.

This week, officials announced a further expansion, introducing 105 additional products across seven key sectors: pharmaceuticals and medical supplies, construction, transportation and logistics, furniture, cybersecurity, and information technology.

Authorities say this effort underscores a broader commitment to make local content a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s future economy. By prioritizing Saudi products, the government aims to empower national industries, spur innovation, and increase job opportunities while reducing reliance on imports.

The latest update is also part of policies favoring small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and companies listed on the Saudi financial market.

The initiative seeks to strengthen local supply chains and raise the readiness of domestic factories to fulfill public sector demand.

According to the Authority, expected government spending on the newly added products exceeds SAR2.3 billion ($613 million). More than 100 Saudi factories are already equipped to meet this anticipated demand.

These measures form part of broader efforts to maximize the economic impact of public spending. In the second half of last year alone, a series of new policies, strategic agreements, and national programs contributed to economic gains exceeding SAR80 billion ($21.3 billion).

The Authority also integrated local content requirements into 54 privatization projects valued at SAR269 billion ($71.7 billion). Of these, 24 projects have already achieved their targets, representing overSAR 131 billion ($34.9 billion) in contracts aimed at boosting private sector participation and employment.