Saudi Arabia highlighted among world’s leading AI nations in global report
Microsoft and Accenture say Kingdom's sovereign AI strategy and technology partnerships are strengthening its position as a global artificial intelligence hub
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (MNTV) — Saudi Arabia has been recognized as one of the world’s leading countries in artificial intelligence in a new international report that highlights the Kingdom’s efforts to build sovereign AI capabilities through government investment, global partnerships and emerging technologies.
The report, Securing Nations in the Intelligent Economy: Turning AI and Quantum Disruption into Strategic Advantage, published jointly by Microsoft and Accenture, identifies Saudi Arabia as a prominent example of how governments are integrating artificial intelligence into national economic development and security strategies.
According to the report, the Kingdom has strengthened its AI ecosystem under the leadership of the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), which has spent the past six years building partnerships with major U.S. technology companies to accelerate AI development and innovation.
The report said SDAIA signed more than 29 agreements with leading American technology firms in 2024, followed by over 90 additional contracts in 2025 aimed at technology localization, workforce development and knowledge sharing.
It noted that these initiatives support Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 strategy to transform the country into a data-driven and AI-powered economy.
The findings come as Saudi Arabia continues to gain international recognition in artificial intelligence. The 2026 AI Index Report published by Stanford University ranked the Kingdom first globally in AI security, privacy and cryptography, as well as women’s empowerment in AI.
The Microsoft-Accenture report also highlighted Saudi Aramco’s partnership with French quantum computing company Pasqal to install a 200-qubit neutral-atom quantum computer in Saudi Arabia, describing the project as part of broader efforts to establish a national quantum computing and research ecosystem.
Beyond Saudi Arabia, the report pointed to Dubai as a regional example of successful AI adoption in government services. It said artificial intelligence has significantly reduced processing and response times for public services while improving productivity and citizen satisfaction.
The report urged governments to make AI security a central component of national defense planning, prepare for cybersecurity challenges posed by quantum computing, strengthen cyber resilience through greater cooperation and develop integrated governance frameworks covering artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and quantum technologies.
It concluded that countries investing early in sovereign AI capabilities, secure digital infrastructure and quantum readiness will be better positioned to enhance economic competitiveness while protecting national security.
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