A strategic step towards a digital economy
In a move reflecting the growing importance of advanced technologies in shaping the future of the Saudi economy, the Shura Council called on the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) to develop a specialized national index to measure the contribution of artificial intelligence technologies to the Kingdom's GDP. This request was made during the Council's 30th regular session, while discussing SDAIA's annual report, underscoring the desire to translate the massive investments in this sector into tangible economic results and achievements.
General context: Artificial intelligence at the heart of Vision 2030
This demand is not arbitrary; it is an integral part of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s strategic direction within Vision 2030, which aims to diversify income sources and build a knowledge-based and innovation-driven economy. Since the establishment of the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) in 2019, the Kingdom has become a major player on the global stage in this field. SDAIA launched the National Data and Artificial Intelligence Strategy (NSDAI), which aspires to make the Kingdom a leading global model in this field by 2030, by attracting investments estimated at $20 billion and training more than 20,000 specialists.
The importance of the index and its expected impact
Creating a national index to measure the contribution of artificial intelligence to the economy is of paramount importance on several levels:
- At the local level, the index will provide decision-makers with accurate and transparent data on the return on investment in AI projects, helping to guide future policies and identify the sectors that will benefit most, such as healthcare, energy, logistics, and smart cities. It also promotes accountability and ensures that efforts achieve their intended economic goals.
- At the regional level, this step solidifies the Kingdom's position as a leader in digital transformation in the Middle East. While countries in the region are racing to adopt artificial intelligence technologies, the focus on systematically measuring economic impact gives Saudi Arabia a competitive edge and makes it a model to be emulated in governing and developing this vital sector.
- At the international level, a transparent and publicly available index enhances the confidence of international investors and major technology companies in the Saudi market. It provides tangible evidence of the maturity of the investment environment and the Kingdom's commitment to building a sustainable digital economy, thus encouraging further foreign direct investment and the transfer of global expertise.
Details of the discussion in the Shura Council
During the session, Council Member Professor Musleh Al-Harthi presented a recommendation urging the Saudi Data & Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) to coordinate with relevant entities to develop and publish this index periodically according to a clear methodology. The discussions also included valuable contributions from other members. Council Member Nasser Tayran suggested that SDAIA study launching a national initiative for governance and addressing data quality gaps, while His Royal Highness Prince Saud Al Saud emphasized the importance of streamlining and integrating government digital platforms to avoid fragmentation and facilitate beneficiaries' access to services.
In conclusion, the Shura Council’s demand represents an important turning point, shifting the focus from simply adopting technology to measuring its actual impact, a necessary step to ensure that artificial intelligence becomes a fundamental and sustainable pillar of the Kingdom’s thriving economy.
