Overcoming AI challenges for Saudi Vision 2030

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 agenda aims to diversify the economy and reduce oil dependency through transformative reforms, with artificial intelligence playing a central role. However, several challenges must first be overcome if Saudi Arabia hopes to become a regional technology hub.

One of the key steps for Saudi Arabia to maintain its control over strategic interests while enhancing its global AI leadership is to strengthen its National AI Strategy. It would also help the Kingdom to find the right balance between local industry development and international collaboration.

This involves forming strategic alliances with global AI leaders, nurturing local enterprises, and establishing AI research centers in partnership with international tech firms and universities. These efforts will facilitate knowledge transfer and promote indigenous innovation, creating a balanced AI ecosystem.

The Kingdom needs to establish robust AI governance frameworks that ensure AI’s ethical use and compliance with national regulations and cultural values. This could be achieved by setting up an independent regulatory body to define and enforce AI ethics and standards.

This body would coordinate closely with global entities to adopt best practices while customizing regulations to local contexts, including issues such as privacy, data security and the impact of AI on employment.

Overcoming technological challenges is a vital aspect that requires significant investment in AI research and infrastructure. Saudi Arabia should boost funding for university-based AI research and provide incentives for businesses developing AI technologies.

By addressing AI challenges in terms of strategic focus, governance, technological barriers, digital divide and sustainability challenges, Saudi Arabia can leverage AI to drive economic growth and innovation.

Abdulrazzak Hussain

Public-private partnerships will be crucial for building advanced computational infrastructures necessary for AI processing, thereby advancing sectors such as smart cities and health care.

Saudi Arabia’s commitment to ensuring equitable distribution of the benefits from AI technologies calls for accelerated efforts to promote AI literacy and accessibility across all regions.

National programs aimed at promoting AI education at various levels, coupled with the expansion of technology access throughout the Kingdom, will help to improve AI usage.

Mobile tech hubs and community training centers could become key resources for AI education and technology access, particularly in rural areas.

Integrating AI applications with sustainable practices is essential, especially given Saudi Arabia’s environmental commitments. The Kingdom should focus on developing energy-efficient AI systems and investing in renewable energy sources dedicated to powering AI infrastructure.

Collaborating with international green tech companies can bring advanced, energy-efficient technologies to the Saudi market, aligning AI development with environmental sustainability goals.

By addressing AI challenges in terms of strategic focus, governance, technological barriers, digital divide and sustainability challenges, Saudi Arabia can leverage AI to drive economic growth and innovation.

Effective management across these areas will not only support Saudi Arabia’s strategic interests but also position it as a global leader in AI technology, catalyzing its transformation into a diversified and sustainable economy.

• Abdulrazzak Hussain is vice president of ICT at Olayan Saudi Holding Company