Saudi Arabia leads MENA in government AI readiness
Kingdom tops Oxford Insights index as public-sector artificial intelligence adoption accelerates under Vision 2030 reforms
ALKHOBAR, Saudi Arabia (MNTV) — Saudi Arabia has ranked first in the Middle East and North Africa in the Oxford Insights Government AI Readiness Index 2025, reflecting rapid advances in deploying artificial intelligence across state institutions.
The global index evaluates 195 governments on their capacity to design, regulate, and implement AI in public policy, measuring performance across governance frameworks, digital infrastructure, and institutional preparedness.
Officials said the Kingdom’s position is the result of a coordinated national strategy rather than fragmented initiatives, driven by the National Strategy for Data and Artificial Intelligence and aligned with Vision 2030 objectives.
Saudi Arabia placed seventh worldwide in the governance category and ninth globally for AI adoption in public services, underscoring progress in both regulatory design and real-world implementation.
The Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority has played a central role in integrating policy, regulation, enablement, and execution across government bodies, while embedding ethical standards through the national AI Ethics Framework.
The index also highlighted advances in digital infrastructure, supported by national platforms such as HUMAIN, alongside flexible policy models aimed at accelerating innovation in public services.
Strong backing from Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who chairs SDAIA’s board, has reinforced the Kingdom’s push to use advanced technologies to improve government efficiency, enhance quality of life, and strengthen international leadership in responsible AI governance.
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