Saudi Arabia has officially designated 2026 as the "Year of Artificial Intelligence," marking a major step in the kingdom’s effort to strengthen its emerging data economy and expand its role in advanced global technologies.

The decision was approved by the Saudi Cabinet under the leadership of Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, who also chairs the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority.

The initiative forms part of the country’s wider Vision 2030 transformation strategy, which seeks to diversify the economy beyond oil by building strong technology and knowledge-based industries.

Officials said the designation reflects the growing importance of artificial intelligence in Saudi Arabia’s economic planning and digital transformation.

The move is intended to mobilize government institutions, private companies and research bodies around new programs, investments and innovation initiatives focused on AI development.

Saudi authorities have increasingly prioritized the data economy as a new engine of growth.

Investments in the artificial intelligence sector have already reached approximately nine point one billion dollars, while government spending on emerging technologies has increased significantly in recent years as the kingdom accelerates digital infrastructure development.

The Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority has played a central role in implementing the national strategy for AI since its establishment in two thousand nineteen.

The strategy focuses on policy development, talent training, investment, innovation and the expansion of a national technology ecosystem.

Saudi Arabia has steadily advanced its global standing in artificial intelligence.

The country ranks among the leading nations in the Arab world for the development of advanced AI capabilities and continues to expand research partnerships and technological infrastructure.

Large-scale infrastructure projects are supporting the strategy, including powerful supercomputing systems, major data centers and a national data platform connecting hundreds of government systems to enable advanced analytics and machine learning.

Human capital development remains another major priority.

Authorities say thousands of specialists have already been trained in artificial intelligence-related fields, while national education and training initiatives continue to introduce wider segments of society to digital skills and emerging technologies.

Officials say the "Year of Artificial Intelligence" will serve as a national platform for conferences, research programs, technological partnerships and public initiatives throughout the year, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s ambition to become a global hub for advanced technologies and data-driven economic growth.