Saudi Arabia has achieved a notable second-place ranking globally in companies’ awareness of AI-related cybersecurity risks, according to the IMD World Digital and AI Ranking 2026. This report, released by the International Institute for Management Development (IMD), evaluates 70 countries and highlights the Kingdom’s commitment to enhancing data protection within corporate AI systems.
In addition to its strong performance in cybersecurity awareness, Saudi Arabia secured fourth place worldwide in three critical areas: the implementation of its national AI strategy, corporate adoption of AI technologies, and public access to AI resources. The Kingdom also ranked fifth in overall AI adoption and in public trust in AI, regulatory frameworks, and corporate investment in AI.
Saudi Arabia’s AI Progress
Saudi Arabia’s advancements extend to several other indicators, including a seventh-place ranking in AI skills and the use of AI by cities to improve service quality. The Kingdom also placed eighth in AI readiness and ninth in private-sector AI investment. These results reflect a comprehensive effort to develop a robust data and AI ecosystem, which is essential for the country’s broader economic goals.
Supporting Saudi Vision 2030
The findings from the IMD report underscore Saudi Arabia’s strategic initiatives to bolster its global competitiveness and align with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030. The Kingdom’s focus on enhancing national capabilities, attracting investments, and strengthening regulatory frameworks for AI applications is pivotal for its future growth.
Globally, the United States emerged as the leading AI-ready economy, with companies like Nvidia, Alphabet, and Microsoft dominating the AI landscape. Following the U.S. are Singapore and the Netherlands, which round out the top three in the IMD rankings.
According to the IMD report, the assessment utilized 88 criteria, including hard statistics and measures from the IMD Executive Opinion Survey, grouped into five factors: Governance, Technology & Infrastructure, Efficiency, Workforce Development, and Values. This comprehensive evaluation provides insights into the strengths and weaknesses of various economies in the rapidly evolving AI sector.
For further details on the rankings and methodologies, refer to the full report by the IMD.
As Saudi Arabia continues to enhance its AI capabilities, the implications for regional and global markets are significant, positioning the Kingdom as a key player in the future of AI technology.
For more on technology developments in the region, visit DN247’s technology section.
According to Economy Middle East, these advancements are crucial for the Kingdom’s aspirations to lead in the AI domain.
