RIYADH — Saudi Arabia has secured the top position in the Government Strategy Index for Artificial Intelligence, according to the latest report by Tortoise Intelligence.
The 2023 Global AI Index evaluated over 100 criteria across seven indicators, including government strategy, research and development, competencies, infrastructure, the operational environment, and trade. Germany claimed the second spot, while China ranked third in the global AI index.
Saudi Arabia’s impressive performance in the index was primarily attributed to its comprehensive National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence, approved and dedicated to the development of AI.
Additionally, the country boasts a government agency solely focused on AI, adequate funding and budget allocation, and the establishment and monitoring of national AI targets. These factors contributed to Saudi Arabia’s achievement of 100 percent in the index criteria.
The Saudi Authority for Data and Artificial Intelligence (SADAIA) serves as the leading authority in Saudi Arabia concerning data and AI. Equipped with extensive data resources, SADAIA acts as the national reference for all matters related to organization, development, and utilization of data and intelligence.
AI-based economy
With a focus on governance, innovation, and forward-looking capabilities, SADAIA strives to position Saudi Arabia as a global leader in data-driven and AI-based economies.
Furthermore, a recent opinion poll highlighted the high level of trust and confidence Saudi citizens have in AI products and services. Saudi Arabia secured the second rank worldwide in societal awareness of AI, according to the Artificial Intelligence Index Report 2023 by Stanford University.
Other GCC countries in the Tortoise Intelligence's 2023 Global AI Index The UAE ranked 10th in the Tortoise Intelligence's 2023 Global AI Index, up from 12th in the previous year. The UAE's strong showing in the ranking was attributed to its government's commitment to AI, as evidenced by its National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence, which was launched in 2017. Kuwait ranked 25th in the Tortoise Intelligence's 2023 Global AI Index, up from 27th in the previous year. Kuwait's government has also made a commitment to AI, launching its own National Artificial Intelligence Strategy in 2019. Bahrain ranked 33rd in the Tortoise Intelligence's 2023 Global AI Index, up from 37th in the previous year. Bahrain's government has also developed its own AI strategy, which was launched in 2018. Qatar ranked 38th in the Tortoise Intelligence's 2023 Global AI Index, up from 42nd in the previous year. Qatar's government has also developed its own AI strategy, which was launched in 2019. Oman ranked 50th in the Tortoise Intelligence's 2023 Global AI Index, up from 53rd in the previous year. Oman's government has also developed its own AI strategy, which was launched in 2020.
The poll assessed various criteria, with Saudi Arabia topping the list for “society’s knowledge of the benefits and value of AI products and services.” Respondents also expressed optimism about the positive impact AI will have on their lives in the next 3 to 5 years, placing Saudi Arabia on par with China and ahead of South Korea and the US.
GDP contribution
The Saudi Authority for Data and Artificial Intelligence revealed a significant projection for the global GDP’s contribution from AI by 2030. It is estimated that AI will contribute approximately SAR 58.8 trillion (US$15.68 trillion), equivalent to around 14 percent of the global GDP.
Additionally, global spending on AI is expected to reach SAR 412.5 billion by 2024, and it is projected that approximately 97 million new jobs will be created due to AI by 2025.
The GCC countries, including the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, and Oman, are also making substantial investments in AI and actively developing their AI capabilities.
The Tortoise Intelligence’s 2023 Global AI Index highlighted their improved rankings compared to the previous year, indicating their commitment to this transformative technology. These investments are anticipated to yield significant benefits as AI continues to revolutionize the global economy.