Saudi Arabia Earns Top Marks in Global AI Index for National Strategy 

Established in 2019, SDAIA serves as the national authority for all matters related to data (including big data) and AI, providing a centralized hub for its organization, development, and implementation. 
Established in 2019, SDAIA serves as the national authority for all matters related to data (including big data) and AI, providing a centralized hub for its organization, development, and implementation. 
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Saudi Arabia Earns Top Marks in Global AI Index for National Strategy 

Established in 2019, SDAIA serves as the national authority for all matters related to data (including big data) and AI, providing a centralized hub for its organization, development, and implementation. 
Established in 2019, SDAIA serves as the national authority for all matters related to data (including big data) and AI, providing a centralized hub for its organization, development, and implementation. 

The Stanford University International AI Index for 2024 ranked Saudi Arabia among the leading nations globally for developing a national strategy on Artificial Intelligence (AI). This comprehensive resource, valuable for policymakers, researchers, and industry specialists, provides insights into the current state and future trajectory of AI, reported the Saudi Press Agency on Wednesday.

This recognition reflects the Kingdom's commitment to leveraging data and AI technologies. Under the guidance and support of Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince, Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) board of directors, the Kingdom is harnessing these powerful and transformative technologies for the betterment of humanity, while promoting a global framework for international cooperation in the field of AI.

Saudi Arabia's strong positioning in the AI and data domain underscores the success of Vision 2030, a national transformation plan where AI plays a pivotal role. Approximately 70% of the goals of Vision 2030 are directly or indirectly tied to AI, propelling the Kingdom toward a leading position in global AI rankings.

Established in 2019, SDAIA serves as the national authority for all matters related to data (including big data) and AI, providing a centralized hub for its organization, development, and implementation.

The latest accomplishment builds on Saudi Arabia's previous achievements in the AI realm. In 2023, the Kingdom secured the top spot in the Government Strategy Index for Artificial Intelligence, in the global AI classification issued by Tortoise Intelligence, which evaluates over 60 countries. Stanford University International AI Index 2023 ranked Saudi Arabia second globally in public awareness about AI.

These global accolades align with SDAIA's tireless efforts to solidify Saudi Arabia's position as a global leader in data and AI. Its multifaceted approach includes capacity building, policy development, fostering investment and innovation, strengthening technical infrastructure, and promoting the adoption of AI solutions in priority areas aligned with national objectives.

SDAIA is dedicated to achieving a set of strategic goals, including continuous modernization of the national data and AI agenda, and ensuring its successful implementation at the national level. Its steadfast commitment paves the way for Saudi Arabia to become a frontrunner in the information, data, and AI-driven economies of the future.



Japan's Nintendo Fans Test Switch 2 ahead of Launch amid Tariff Worries

An attendee plays Mario Kart World by Nintendo Switch 2 during the Nintendo Switch 2 Experience at the ExCeL London international exhibition and convention center in London, Britain, April 11, 2025. REUTERS/Isabel Infantes
An attendee plays Mario Kart World by Nintendo Switch 2 during the Nintendo Switch 2 Experience at the ExCeL London international exhibition and convention center in London, Britain, April 11, 2025. REUTERS/Isabel Infantes
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Japan's Nintendo Fans Test Switch 2 ahead of Launch amid Tariff Worries

An attendee plays Mario Kart World by Nintendo Switch 2 during the Nintendo Switch 2 Experience at the ExCeL London international exhibition and convention center in London, Britain, April 11, 2025. REUTERS/Isabel Infantes
An attendee plays Mario Kart World by Nintendo Switch 2 during the Nintendo Switch 2 Experience at the ExCeL London international exhibition and convention center in London, Britain, April 11, 2025. REUTERS/Isabel Infantes

Nintendo fans were given a chance to try out the company's new Switch 2 gaming device at an event near Tokyo on Saturday, ahead of a release that some worry could be overshadowed by tariffs driving up prices.
"Since Mr. Trump became president tariffs have gone up so I am concerned about a price hike not just for the game console but for accessories too," said Hidenori Tanaka, 55, a real estate company employee, who attended the event.
Consumers around the world could face higher prices for electronic devices as tariffs imposed by the US President Donald Trump's administration on trading partners including China raise costs for companies operating global supply chains. While Trump has rolled back some tariffs, the threat of a damaging trade war still looms, Reuters said.
Gamers at the pre-launch event began lining up outside the Makuhari Messe convention center near Tokyo from mid-morning to play Mario Kart World, Donkey Kong Bonanza, and other titles on the Switch 2.
Despite the possibility of higher prices, there are early indicators of robust consumer demand for the successor to the Switch, which has sold more than 150 million units since 2017 and transformed Nintendo's fortunes.
The Kyoto-based gaming company said on Wednesday it had received 2.2 million applications in the lottery for Switch 2 in Japan and could not fulfil all the demand.
"Honestly, I didn't think I had a shot. Everyone on social media was saying they missed out, so I figured I would too," said Hyuma Hashiguchi, 28, who won the lottery to be among the first to buy the Switch 2.
Nintendo is holding hands-on events around the world including in New York, Berlin and Hong Kong.
The Switch 2 will sell for 49,980 yen ($350) for a Japanese-language-only version. In the United States, Nintendo initially paused pre-orders due to tariff concerns but later said it would maintain pricing at $449.99.