Saudi AI Adoption Hits 45.2%, Doubling Year-on-Year

Saudi Arabia’s artificial intelligence adoption rate has climbed to 45.2 percent, more than doubling year-on-year, according to the fifth edition of the Saudi Internet Report released by the Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST). The findings coincide with the Kingdom’s designation of 2026 as the “Year of Artificial Intelligence,” underscoring a national push to embed AI across daily life and the economy.

Context and Background

The Saudi Internet Report, published by the Communications, Space and Technology Commission, provides one of the most comprehensive portraits of digital behavior in the Kingdom. The latest edition shows that AI tools have moved from niche experimentation to mainstream use, with the overall adoption rate reaching 45.2 percent—a figure that has more than doubled compared with the previous year. This surge aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader digital transformation agenda, which seeks to diversify the economy and build a knowledge-driven society under Vision 2030.

The report also reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to global best practices in technology governance and infrastructure. In 2025, Saudi Arabia ranked first globally in the International Telecommunication Union’s Digital Readiness Index, a testament to sustained investment in connectivity, digital skills, and innovation. The designation of 2026 as the Year of Artificial Intelligence further signals that AI is now a central pillar of national development.

Key Details

Disaggregated data reveals notable demographic and regional patterns. Among women, AI usage stands at 52.8 percent, compared with 39.4 percent among men. The highest adoption is found among those aged 20 to 29 at 55.7 percent, followed closely by the 10 to 19 age group at 53.4 percent. Usage declines with age, dropping to 27.4 percent for the 50–59 cohort and 14.8 percent for those aged 60 to 74.

Regionally, Tabuk leads with 58.5 percent adoption, followed by the Eastern Province at 53.8 percent. Jazan recorded the lowest rate at 30.7 percent. In terms of applications, information search dominates at 80.8 percent, ahead of ideation (40.1 percent), education and learning (37.7 percent), generation of images, video and presentations (25.7 percent), translation (25.1 percent), and work-related tasks (17.3 percent).

Among AI applications, ChatGPT is the most widely used in Saudi Arabia, followed by Google Gemini and DeepSeek. The national platform HUMAIN also features among the most popular applications. Meanwhile, the digital divide among older adults is narrowing: internet usage in the 60–74 age group rose from 88.9 percent in 2024 to 92.8 percent in 2025.

Implications and Impact

The rapid uptake of AI tools carries significant implications for Saudi Arabia’s economy and society. Higher adoption rates can boost productivity, foster innovation, and enhance the delivery of public and private services. The strong showing among women and young people signals an inclusive digital ecosystem that is nurturing future talent. Regionally, the leadership of Tabuk and the Eastern Province may serve as models for other areas, while the lower rate in Jazan highlights opportunities for targeted digital literacy programs.

Globally, Saudi Arabia’s progress reinforces its position as a regional technology hub. The country’s top ranking in the ITU Digital Readiness Index and the prominence of national platforms like HUMAIN demonstrate a strategic focus on both adopting and developing AI technologies. This dual approach—embracing global tools while cultivating local innovation—supports the Kingdom’s ambition to be a leader in the digital economy.

Vision 2030 Alignment

The surge in AI adoption is directly aligned with Vision 2030, which seeks to diversify the economy, empower citizens, and create a vibrant society. By integrating AI across education, business, and government services, Saudi Arabia is building the foundations of a knowledge-based economy. The narrowing digital gap among older adults and the high engagement of youth and women reflect the Vision’s emphasis on inclusivity and quality of life. As the Kingdom celebrates 2026 as the Year of Artificial Intelligence, these trends position Saudi Arabia to harness AI for sustainable growth and global leadership in the decades ahead.

20 Questions

Q1. What is the AI adoption rate in Saudi Arabia according to the Saudi Internet Report?

A1. The adoption rate reached 45.2 percent, more than double the previous year’s figure, as reported by the Communications, Space and Technology Commission in the fifth edition of the Saudi Internet Report.

Q2. Which Saudi agency published the Saudi Internet Report?

A2. The report was released by the Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST), the Kingdom’s official regulator for the communications, space, and technology sectors.

Q3. What is the significance of 2026 for AI in Saudi Arabia?

A3. Saudi Arabia has designated 2026 as the “Year of Artificial Intelligence,” highlighting a national focus on AI development and adoption across all sectors.

Q4. How does AI usage differ between women and men in Saudi Arabia?

A4. AI usage among women stands at 52.8 percent, compared with 39.4 percent among men, indicating higher adoption among females.

Q5. Which age group has the highest AI usage in Saudi Arabia?

A5. The 20–29 age group leads with 55.7 percent adoption, followed by the 10–19 group at 53.4 percent, showing strong engagement among young people.

Q6. Which Saudi region has the highest AI adoption rate?

A6. Tabuk recorded the highest rate at 58.5 percent, followed by the Eastern Province at 53.8 percent, reflecting regional leadership in digital uptake.

Q7. Which region has the lowest AI usage?

A7. Jazan reported the lowest AI usage at 30.7 percent, suggesting opportunities for enhanced digital awareness and training in that area.

Q8. What is the most common use of AI tools in Saudi Arabia?

A8. Information search is the top application at 80.8 percent, followed by ideation (40.1 percent) and education and learning (37.7 percent).

Q9. Which AI application is most popular in Saudi Arabia?

A9. ChatGPT is the most widely used AI application, followed by Google Gemini and DeepSeek. The national platform HUMAIN also ranks among the most used.

Q10. What is HUMAIN and why is it important?

A10. HUMAIN is a Saudi national AI platform that features among the most popular applications, showcasing the Kingdom’s commitment to developing local AI solutions.

Q11. How has internet usage among older adults changed?

A11. Internet usage in the 60–74 age group increased from 88.9 percent in 2024 to 92.8 percent in 2025, indicating a narrowing digital divide.

Q12. What does the report say about the digital divide?

A12. The report shows that the digital divide among older adults is decreasing, as more seniors adopt internet and AI tools, contributing to a more inclusive digital society.

Q13. How does AI usage vary by age in Saudi Arabia?

A13. Usage is highest among those aged 20–29 at 55.7 percent and declines with age, reaching 27.4 percent for ages 50–59 and 14.8 percent for ages 60–74.

Q14. What percentage of Saudis use AI for translation?

A14. About 25.1 percent of users employ AI for translation, reflecting the tool’s utility in a multilingual society and for international communication.

Q15. What percentage use AI for work-related tasks?

A15. Some 17.3 percent of users apply AI for work-related tasks, indicating growing integration of AI into professional environments across the Kingdom.

Q16. How does Saudi Arabia rank in the ITU Digital Readiness Index?

A16. Saudi Arabia ranked first globally in the 2025 ITU Digital Readiness Index, underscoring its advanced digital infrastructure and strategic vision.

Q17. What role does AI play in Saudi Vision 2030?

A17. AI is a key enabler of Vision 2030, driving economic diversification, enhancing public services, and fostering a knowledge-based economy through innovation and digital transformation.

Q18. Why is the high adoption rate among youth significant?

A18. High adoption among youth signals a tech-savvy generation that will drive future innovation and economic growth, aligning with Vision 2030’s human capital development goals.

Q19. What are the implications of increased AI use for Saudi businesses?

A19. Increased AI use can boost productivity, streamline operations, and open new opportunities for innovation, helping Saudi businesses compete globally in the digital economy.

Q20. How does Saudi Arabia’s AI progress compare regionally?

A20. Saudi Arabia leads the region in digital readiness and AI adoption, setting a benchmark for other countries and reinforcing its position as a technology hub in the Middle East.

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