In the heart of the Arabian Peninsula, Saudi Arabia is undergoing a transformation as ambitious as it is unprecedented. Central to this metamorphosis is the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), a pivotal entity driving the Kingdom’s Vision 2030—a strategic framework aimed at reducing dependence on oil, diversifying the economy, and developing public service sectors.
“SDAIA’s mission is clear,” says Majid AlShehry, general manager of studies. “We envision that data and AI will empower Vision 2030. This isn’t just an ambition—it’s embedded in everything we do.” With 66 of Vision 2030’s strategic goals directly tied to data and artificial intelligence, SDAIA has become the nerve center of Saudi Arabia’s digital transformation.
The authority’s focus spans a wide range of sectors, where its AI initiatives are making waves. In healthcare, SDAIA has developed a groundbreaking device called ‘Eyenai,’ which uses AI to detect diabetes by analyzing retinal images. “Saudi Arabia has one of the highest rates of diabetes globally,” Majid points out. “This device provides free, quick diagnoses and refers patients at risk to specialists, optimizing healthcare resources and saving lives.” This human-centric approach epitomizes how AI can transform lives.
Education is another frontier where SDAIA is leaving its mark. By establishing a Center of Excellence, the authority is integrating AI into personalized learning experiences for students across the Kingdom. “AI allows us to tailor education to individual needs,” Majid explains. “Whether it’s kindergarten or higher education, we are designing tools that enhance learning outcomes and align with the labor market.” This blend of innovation and purpose underpins much of SDAIA’s work.
The ambition doesn’t stop at national borders. SDAIA has forged partnerships with global technology giants, including Nvidia, IBM, Google, and Microsoft. “We’ve established Centers of Excellence with Nvidia for AI training and GPU utilization,” Majid reveals. “With IBM, we’ve integrated our large language models into their platforms, enabling global clients to access sophisticated Arabic AI solutions. This is how we share our innovations with the world.” These collaborations underscore Saudi Arabia’s commitment to becoming a global AI powerhouse.
At the heart of SDAIA’s strategy lies talent development, a cornerstone of Vision 2030. Through the SDAIA Academy, the organization has trained over 6,000 specialists in data and AI and engaged more than 620,000 individuals in awareness programs. “Our goal is to ensure that by 2030, 40% of the workforce in Saudi Arabia understands and embraces AI technologies,” Majid says. “This isn’t just about building expertise; it’s about creating a culture of innovation. AI isn’t limited to programmers or tech-savvy individuals. It’s for everyone—nurses, construction workers, teachers. It’s a tool to enhance what they do.”
One of SDAIA’s most significant achievements is the creation of the National Data Bank, a centralized repository for government data. The project wasn’t without challenges. “Initially, the data was fragmented—different formats, incomplete datasets,” Majid recalls. “We implemented a three-year data quality program to standardize and unify everything. Now, we not only use this data internally but also share open datasets with researchers and companies worldwide. This is how we ensure AI has a solid, accurate foundation to build upon.”
“AI isn’t just about technology—it’s about improving lives and shaping a brighter future.”
Majid AlShehry, studies general manager & spokesperson, SDAIA
SDAIA’s global ambitions are evident in its hosting of the Global AI Summit (GAIN). “The summit is a platform where thought leaders from industry, academia, and government collaborate to harness AI for humanity,” Majid explains. “At our most recent event, we welcomed over 30,000 attendees in person and millions online. Our message is simple: we’re here to shape the future of AI responsibly.”
Despite the rapid pace of innovation, SDAIA remains committed to ethical AI. “Technology is incredible, but it must serve humanity,” Majid asserts. “Our governance models prioritize privacy and ethics, ensuring that AI is used responsibly. We’ve developed policies that balance innovation with the protection of individual rights. This isn’t just about compliance; it’s about trust.”
What drives SDAIA’s team is the tangible impact of their work. “Today, you can renew your passport while waiting at a traffic light or access over 315 government services through our national super app, Tawakkalna,” Majid says with a smile. “These are the innovations that make life easier, more connected, and more fulfilling. This is what motivates us every day—to know that our work is making a difference in the lives of our families, friends, and fellow citizens.”
At its heart, SDAIA is more than a vehicle for technological progress—it is a reflection of Saudi Arabia’s bold vision for a future defined by opportunity and innovation. It is not AI that shapes the destiny of the Kingdom, but the spirit of its people and their unwavering determination to achieve the transformative goals of Vision 2030. Like the desert winds that carry whispers of possibility, SDAIA is part of a much larger story, one of a nation writing its next chapter with purpose, pride, and boundless ambition.
