Key Takeaways:
- Vision 2030 Driving Digitalization: Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 continues to fuel the Kingdom’s digital transformation, leading to significant advancements in AI, data management, and smart city development.
- Key 2024 Achievements: Notable achievements include the consolidation of government data, the launch of the Arabic AI model ALLaM, and the successful integration of AI in Hajj management.
- Ambitious 2025 Roadmap: Saudi Arabia plans to further expand its digital initiatives in 2025, focusing on AI adoption, smart city development, space exploration, and economic growth in the ICT sector.
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – Saudi Arabia made significant strides in its digital transformation journey in 2024, solidifying its position as a global leader in technology and innovation. Guided by Vision 2030, the Kingdom implemented various initiatives across different sectors, laying the foundation for further advancements in 2025.
One of the key achievements in 2024 was the consolidation of government data through a centralized data lake, enhancing data sharing and collaboration across government entities. The launch of ALLaM, a generative AI model specifically designed for the Arabic language, further demonstrated Saudi Arabia’s commitment to both technological advancement and cultural preservation.
“Saudi Arabia’s digital transformation initiatives, driven by Vision 2030, have created a strong foundation for the Kingdom to emerge as a global leader in technology and innovation,” said Louise Bou Rached, sales director for the Middle East, North Africa, and Turkiye region at Milestone Systems.
The integration of AI in managing the Hajj season, with smart platforms like Basier and Sawaher, showcased the potential of AI in large-scale event management and public safety.
“Technology also played a critical role during the Hajj season, with advanced AI solutions ensuring the safety and well-being of millions of pilgrims,” highlighted the report, emphasizing the practical application of AI in addressing real-world challenges.
Saudi Arabia also hosted the third Global AI Summit, reinforcing its commitment to becoming a global hub for AI innovation and ethical discussions surrounding the technology.
Other notable achievements included the launch of the Open Access National Gateway, providing researchers with access to advanced laboratories, and the establishment of the National Semiconductor Hub, promoting technological independence and local expertise in semiconductor technology.
Looking ahead to 2025, Saudi Arabia plans to build on these achievements with ambitious initiatives focused on expanding the National Data Bank, increasing AI adoption across government entities, and further developing smart cities with an emphasis on sustainability and citizen engagement.
“Saudi Arabia’s roadmap for 2025 builds on the transformative momentum of 2024, with ambitious plans designed to further elevate the Kingdom’s global standing in technology and innovation,” states the report, highlighting the Kingdom’s forward-looking approach.
In the space sector, Saudi Arabia plans to manufacture and launch a satellite dedicated to space weather research. The Kingdom also aims to strengthen its ICT sector’s contribution to GDP and enhance its digital infrastructure through initiatives like the Cloud First Policy and the expansion of 5G networks.
With LEAP 2025, the Kingdom’s premier tech conference, scheduled for February, Saudi Arabia is poised to continue driving innovation and shaping the future of technology. By building on its 2024 successes and pursuing its ambitious roadmap, the Kingdom is well-positioned to achieve its Vision 2030 goals and solidify its role as a global leader in the digital era.
