Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, led by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, is taking major strides to embrace artificial intelligence (AI) as governments and workers alike increasingly recognize its potential for economic and societal gains. According to a recent report by the Oliver Wyman Forum, 68% of Saudi workers use generative AI weekly, compared to 55% globally, while an overwhelming 93% consider it an essential tool at work, higher than the global average of 79%.
Saudi Arabia’s enthusiasm for AI is mirrored by the government’s ambitious investment strategy, which includes a plan to invest $40 billion in AI initiatives. The New York Times reported that representatives from Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) have discussed potential partnerships with leading Silicon Valley venture capital firms, aligning with the United States’ “Chip 4 Alliance” initiative to secure a sustainable semiconductor supply chain critical to AI technologies.
“The Middle East, and particularly the GCC, appears to be taking a confident stance in its embrace of AI, with governments committed to investing in, and deploying the technology,” said Jad Haddad, Global Head of Oliver Wyman Quotient, the firm’s AI offering.
The growing appetite for AI in the GCC is further evident in consumer trends. More than 80% of global respondents in the Oliver Wyman Forum’s survey expressed a desire to use AI for purposes such as healthcare, financial planning, and social connection, with Gen Z leading the charge. The survey also indicates that 63% of consumers expect autonomous buses and shuttles to be a reality within the next decade, and 66% foresee the advent of autonomous taxis in the same timeframe.
However, AI integration into workplaces presents challenges, with 47% of employees who use AI stating they would continue to do so even if their employers forbade it, highlighting the tension between workforce enthusiasm and the need for clear guidelines and ethical considerations.
“As AI continues to evolve, countries, companies, and consumers are realizing the technology’s dual nature as both a driver of innovation and a source of significant concern,” Haddad added. “We need balanced approaches that foster AI’s benefits while carefully managing its risks.”
With the GCC’s proactive stance and investments, the region is positioning itself as a global leader in the AI revolution, leveraging the technology for economic growth and societal development.