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Saudi Arabia, Major Tech Companies Discuss Expanding Future AI Partnerships

Eng. Abdullah Alswaha held meetings with leaders of leading global companies in Davos
Eng. Abdullah Alswaha held meetings with leaders of leading global companies in Davos
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Saudi Arabia, Major Tech Companies Discuss Expanding Future AI Partnerships

Eng. Abdullah Alswaha held meetings with leaders of leading global companies in Davos
Eng. Abdullah Alswaha held meetings with leaders of leading global companies in Davos

The Saudi Minister of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) Eng. Abdullah Alswaha has held meetings with leaders of leading global companies during his participation in the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos.

The meetings discussed prospects for strategic investments and expanding future partnerships in artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, and modern technologies, highlighting the Kingdom's position as a hub for technology and innovation in the region.

To enhance Amazon Web Services' investments in Saudi Arabia, Alswaha met with the CEO of Amazon Web Services (AWS), Matt Garman, to discuss enhancing the strategic partnership in cloud computing, AI, and AWS investments in the Kingdom. This will support the growth of the digital economy and affirm Saudi Arabia's regional position as a center for innovation and advanced technical solutions.

In the context of strengthening global partnerships in AI, Alswaha engaged in discussions with founder and CEO of Scale AI Alexandr Wang, focusing on enhancing AI and data solutions and developing the Kingdom's capabilities to achieve its aspirations and develop the digital economy.

Alswaha also discussed with IBM CEO Arvind Krishna opportunities for high-quality investments in Saudi Arabia, expanding IA and big data partnerships, and developing national capabilities in modern technologies.

He met with Sony's Chairman and CEO Kenichiro Yoshida to expand partnerships in technology and innovation, develop strategic partnerships, and exchange expertise to support the digital economy and develop capabilities in online gaming.

Additionally, MCIT Vice Minister Eng. Haitham AlOhali discussed with OpenAI's Chief Product Officer Kevin Weil ways to enhance partnerships in developing AI technologies and invest in their promising potential to drive the growth of the digital economy and achieve sustainable development.

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Saudi Vision Drives Digital Transformation, Boosts Knowledge Economy Progress

Digital City in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Digital City in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Saudi Vision Drives Digital Transformation, Boosts Knowledge Economy Progress

Digital City in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Digital City in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Saudi Arabia has cemented its position as one of the world’s leading emerging digital economies, driven by an ambitious strategic vision under its “Vision 2030” plan, which places digital transformation at the heart of sweeping economic and social reforms.

The Kingdom’s push has been underpinned by major investments in telecommunications and information technology infrastructure, helping to build the region’s largest and fastest-growing tech market.

The Saudi digital economy is now valued at 495 billion riyals ($132 billion), accounting for 15% of the Kingdom’s GDP, according to the 2024 Vision 2030 progress report, which highlighted significant growth in the country’s digital business environment, supported by modern regulations and legislation that boosted government efficiency and strengthened the appeal of the local market.

The launch of the Absher platform marked the first major milestone in Saudi Arabia’s digital shift, serving as a springboard for broader e-government services. It was followed by advanced platforms such as Tawakkalna and Nafath, which revolutionized the relationship between the state and its citizens through automated, high-efficiency services.

To drive its digital ambitions, the Kingdom established the Digital Government Authority and the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) to coordinate digitalization efforts and harness big data.

These moves accelerated the digital transformation and bolstered Saudi Arabia’s standing in global rankings.

The Kingdom climbed to sixth place globally in the United Nations E-Government Development Index for 2024, surpassing its timeline target and moving closer to its goal of ranking fifth by 2030. It also ranked first regionally, second among G20 countries, and fourth worldwide in the Digital Services Index.

Saudi Arabia continued to strengthen its global digital leadership in 2024, topping several international benchmarks, including first place worldwide in open government data and digital government skills, and seventh in the e-participation index, reflecting the maturity and integration of its digital ecosystem.

The Kingdom’s telecommunications and technology market is expanding rapidly, reaching 180 billion riyals ($48 billion) in 2024. Female participation in the tech sector surged from 7% in 2017 to 35% in 2024, while more than 381,000 specialized tech jobs have been created.

Saudi Arabia maintained its position as the world’s second-highest ranked country in the ICT Development Index for the second consecutive year. Internet penetration reached 99%, and over 3.9 million homes are now connected to fiber-optic networks.

In cybersecurity, the Kingdom secured first place globally in the 2024 Global Competitiveness Report’s cybersecurity index. Key initiatives included the launch of the national “Haseen” portal and the establishment of the National Cybersecurity Academy to secure the digital environment and bolster trust in electronic services.

Saudi Arabia’s cybersecurity market is estimated at 13.3 billion riyals ($3.5 billion), with private sector spending accounting for 69% and government spending for 31%. The sector employs more than 19,600 professionals across 355 companies offering advanced cybersecurity solutions.