Saudi Arabia’s Cabinet has officially approved the designation of 2026 as the Year of Artificial Intelligence, marking a significant step in the nation’s digital transformation strategy. The decision was made during a video conference session chaired by Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.

AI Adoption in the Public Sector

The move highlights Saudi Arabia’s growing leadership in artificial intelligence (AI) adoption, particularly in the public sector. According to the Public Sector AI Adoption Index 2026, released by Public First for the Center for Data Innovation with sponsorship from Google, the Kingdom ranked first globally in public sector AI adoption.

Approximately two-thirds of public sector workers in Saudi Arabia reported using AI tools on a daily basis. The report highlights that the country leads in several key areas, including clear policies, integrated workflows, and formal processes that support consistent AI adoption.

Public servants in Saudi Arabia are enthusiastic about AI, with most expressing optimism about its potential to transform their work. Nearly half of them have used AI tools for more than a year, according to the report.

Training and Implementation Challenges

While the enthusiasm for AI is high, the report also identifies challenges related to training and practical implementation. Around 84 percent of Saudi public servants received training on AI tools, but half of them noted that the training focused more on compliance than on practical skills.

The challenge for Saudi Arabia is not a lack of enthusiasm, but ensuring that public servants have the time and space to develop practical AI expertise. The report emphasizes that translating training into hands-on skills is essential to fully harness the innovative potential of a workforce eager to use AI.

According to the report, around 77 percent of public servants said their organizations have invested in AI, and over one in three reported that their organization played a primary role in teaching or supporting their AI use. This indicates a strong foundation for AI adoption across the public sector.

Continued Digital Transformation Momentum

Saudi Arabia’s digital transformation efforts have been ongoing, with the nation achieving a significant milestone in 2025 by ranking second worldwide in the 2025 GovTech Maturity Index (GTMI) released by the World Bank.

The GTMI findings showed that Saudi Arabia excelled across all the report’s indices, placing it in the ‘very advanced’ category with an overall score of 99.64 percent. This achievement highlights the nation’s rising trajectory in digital government since the launch of Vision 2030, which prioritizes the citizen in the digital transformation process by improving government service delivery, enhancing user experience, and boosting operational efficiency.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has emphasized the importance of digital transformation in his recent communications with leaders of several countries, as part of ongoing consultations on regional developments.

The Cabinet also discussed several reports on domestic affairs, including recommendations from the 33rd annual meeting of the governors of the regions. The meeting focused on supporting development opportunities, enhancing the capabilities of various sectors, and continuing to improve development services.

The designation of 2026 as the Year of Artificial Intelligence aligns with broader national goals to use emerging technologies and position Saudi Arabia as a global leader in AI and digital innovation. The move is expected to have far-reaching implications for the country’s economy, education, and public services.

With the continued focus on AI and digital transformation, Saudi Arabia is well-positioned to lead the region in adopting and integrating artificial intelligence into its governance and public services.