Saudi Arabia ranks among top nations in IMD 2026 AI index

Saudi Arabia has achieved top global rankings in the 2026 Digital Competitiveness and Artificial Intelligence Index, published by the International Institute for Management Development (IMD), with 70 countries participating.

The Kingdom ranked second worldwide for corporate awareness of cybersecurity risks related to artificial intelligence and for protecting sensitive data in AI systems within companies.

Saudi Arabia also placed fourth globally for implementing its national AI strategy, corporate adoption of AI, and making AI technologies accessible to the public.

The Kingdom secured fifth place internationally for overall AI adoption, as well as for public trust in AI, regulatory frameworks addressing AI issues, and corporate investment in the field.

Saudi Arabia ranked seventh globally for AI skills, the use of AI by cities to enhance service quality, and how companies address algorithmic bias.

In AI readiness, the Kingdom was ranked eighth worldwide, ninth for private sector investment, and eleventh for overall investment and capital in artificial intelligence.

These results reflect Saudi Arabia’s progress in developing its AI ecosystem, strengthening readiness, and expanding adoption across sectors, supporting the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.