Google has released its latest Economic Impact Report for Saudi Arabia, conducted by independent consultancy Public First, highlighting how Google’s products—including Search, Play, Maps, YouTube, and Google Ads—have significantly supported individuals, businesses, and communities throughout 2024. The report estimates that Google generated SAR31.2 billion ($8.3 billion) in economic activity across the Kingdom.
The research involved surveys of over 1,000 Saudi adults and 370 business leaders, conducted in English and Arabic in March 2025. Google’s Managing Director for the Middle East & North Africa, Anthony Nakache, emphasized the company’s role in accelerating Saudi Arabia’s digital transformation and AI-driven economic diversification.
Since 2018, Google’s “Maharat Min Google” initiative has trained over 590,000 Saudis in digital and AI skills. The Android and Google Play ecosystem alone supported 29,000 jobs in 2024, generating SAR20.7 million in revenue for Saudi developers. Google’s investments, including its cloud region in Dammam and global AI Hub, are projected to add $71 billion to the Kingdom’s GDP over the next eight years.
Key consumer insights reveal substantial reliance on Google’s AI assistant Gemini and other services:
- SAR564 average monthly consumer benefits from Google services
- 53% of adults used Gemini AI Assistant; 1 in 3 use it daily
- 86% found Gemini increased productivity; 78% say it’s easier to use in Arabic
- 54% regard Google Search as essential daily; 89% trust its results
- 88% use Google Maps/Waze to navigate; 70% use these apps monthly to find local businesses
- 86% check Google reviews before visiting venues
- 90% of public sector workers credit Google AI tools for improved work productivity
The report underscores Google’s pivotal role in enriching Saudi Arabia’s digital ecosystem and driving sustainable socio-economic growth aligned with the Kingdom’s National Vision 2030.
