In a move reflecting the depth of the strategic relationship between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United States, the partnership between the two countries is expanding beyond traditional areas of cooperation to encompass the advanced technology sector, particularly artificial intelligence and big data. This qualitative collaboration is a key pillar in achieving the goals of the Kingdom's Vision 2030, which aims to build a diversified and sustainable knowledge-based and innovation-driven economy.
General context: From oil to data
Historically, Saudi-American relations have been based on energy and security, but global economic shifts and the Kingdom's national ambitions have driven the expansion of this strategic alliance. With the launch of Vision 2030, the Kingdom set its sights on becoming a global investment powerhouse and a logistics hub connecting three continents. To achieve this, it has been essential to invest heavily in digital infrastructure and adopt emerging technologies, with artificial intelligence being the primary driver of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and the backbone of future economies.
SDAIA's pivotal role in leading the transformation
The Saudi Data & Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), chaired by the Crown Prince, is leading these ambitious national efforts. Since its establishment in 2019, SDAIA has worked to build a comprehensive national ecosystem for data and artificial intelligence, encompassing the development of legislation, the cultivation of human capital, and the provision of a secure and advanced digital infrastructure. In its pursuit of positioning the Kingdom as a global technology hub, SDAIA has forged strategic partnerships with leading global technology companies, particularly prominent American firms. These efforts resulted in the signing of more than 29 agreements with major US companies last year, and more than 90 new contracts are planned for 2025, with the aim of localizing technology, training national talent, and exchanging expertise and knowledge.
The importance and expected impact of the partnership
This collaboration has a profound impact on various levels:
- Locally, these partnerships will accelerate digital transformation in both the public and private sectors, create high-skilled, quality jobs for Saudi youth, and foster an environment of entrepreneurship and innovation. They will also directly support major projects like NEOM and the Red Sea Project, which rely heavily on advanced artificial intelligence applications.
- Regionally: These steps solidify the Kingdom's position as a leading regional hub for technology and data in the Middle East, attracting further investment and talent. The establishment of ultra-high-capacity data centers will also serve the needs of the entire region and enhance its digital integration.
- Internationally, Saudi-American cooperation stands out as a leading model of international partnership in advanced technologies. Through the Saudi Data & Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), the Kingdom actively participates in shaping global policies related to the responsible and safe use of artificial intelligence technologies, in line with the ethical principles adopted by international organizations such as UNESCO, thus reinforcing its role as an influential player on the global technology stage.
This strategic direction is not just about trade agreements, but a long-term investment in the future, aimed at ensuring the Kingdom's leadership in the new global economy based on data and artificial intelligence.
