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With the power to transform economies, redefine national security and reshape how societies function, artificial intelligence is the defining technology of the 21st century. Investing in AI is not simply about keeping pace with technological progress, it is about establishing long-term competitiveness in a world where digital infrastructure will increasingly determine economic and political power. Nations that commit to AI at scale today are investing in the backbone of their future prosperity, building the tools and capabilities that will define the decades ahead.

AI is no longer a luxury or an experimental endeavor — it has become the foundation upon which the next industrial revolution is being built. Those who take the lead in developing AI will not only enjoy enormous domestic advantages but will also wield significant influence on the global stage, shaping how the technology is regulated, deployed and integrated into daily life.

This importance is magnified in the Middle East, where the adoption and development of AI carries unique strategic weight. The region is home to abundant energy resources, which are vital for running the data centers and supercomputers that power AI. It also sits at a geographical crossroads, connecting Asia, Africa and Europe through critical shipping routes and digital infrastructure, making it an ideal hub for global AI networks.

Moreover, the Middle East has one of the youngest populations in the world, with millions of digitally savvy young people eager to engage in technology and innovation. For countries in the region, AI represents a critical tool for diversifying economies long dependent on oil and gas revenues, creating new sectors and high-skilled jobs and ensuring long-term stability in a world transitioning away from fossil fuels.

Perhaps just as importantly, the development of Arabic-language AI systems offers the region a chance to bridge a cultural and technological gap, ensuring that its language, history and social dynamics are reflected in the digital future.

����ֱ�� has positioned itself as the region’s undisputed leader in AI and is now emerging as a global player

Dr. Majid Rafizadeh

At the heart of this transformation lies ����ֱ��, which has positioned itself as the region’s undisputed leader in AI and is now emerging as a global player in the field. The Kingdom’s approach has not been piecemeal, it has pursued a whole-of-government strategy that spans policy, regulation, capital, education and infrastructure.

����ֱ�� has one of the most comprehensive frameworks in the world to govern and expand the use of data and AI, creating laws that provide clarity for businesses while establishing safeguards for citizens. It has invested billions in infrastructure, from supercomputers to data centers, while ensuring it has a regulatory environment that supports innovation and attracts foreign partners. ����ֱ��’s ambition is clear: it does not seek to merely adopt AI technology developed elsewhere, it wants to become a center of AI development, training and innovation in its own right.

This ambition is inseparable from the leadership of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and his Vision 2030 program. Vision 2030 is the Kingdom’s blueprint for economic diversification, technological leadership and global influence. Under the crown prince’s direction, AI has become a central pillar of this vision and the government has mobilized resources accordingly. Instead of allowing investments to scatter across different initiatives, the leadership has concentrated its efforts on large-scale, visible projects that showcase ����ֱ��’s determination to be at the forefront of technological change.

Vision 2030 is not only a framework for reform but also a call to action that has galvanized ministries, universities and the private sector to align around national goals. The crown prince’s approach has been both bold and pragmatic, coupling ����ֱ��’s financial muscle and energy wealth with strategic partnerships that bring world-class expertise and technology to the Kingdom.

The results of this strategy are already visible. ����ֱ�� has the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority to serve as the central driver of AI governance and development. It has enacted the Personal Data Protection Law, modeled on global best practices, to provide confidence for international investors and businesses while ensuring responsible data use. On the infrastructure side, the Kingdom has heavily in computing power, exemplified by the Shaheen III supercomputer, one of the most advanced in the world, which is already being used for AI research and development.

It is showing that the region can leapfrog traditional stages of development and stake a claim in the industries of the future

Dr. Majid Rafizadeh

����ֱ�� has Humain, a state-owned AI company tasked with leading the Kingdom’s AI projects, building massive data centers, developing Arabic-language AI models and forging partnerships with global tech giants. Deals with companies like AMD, Qualcomm, Groq and Google Cloud how ����ֱ�� has become an indispensable partner for global firms seeking to expand their AI capabilities.

At international conferences such as LEAP in Riyadh, ����ֱ�� has investments worth tens of billions of dollars into AI, infrastructure and digital transformation. These events have become platforms for the country to showcase its leadership, demonstrating not only ambition but also concrete progress.

The Kingdom has also prioritized the creation of AI models designed specifically for the Arabic-speaking world, addressing a critical gap in global AI development and positioning itself as the leading voice for Arabic and regional technology. ����ֱ�� has simultaneously focused on training its population, offering scholarships, programs and incentives to build a domestic workforce capable of sustaining its AI ambitions. By combining regulatory clarity, financial power and a coordinated national strategy, the Kingdom has achieved in just a few years what many countries struggle to accomplish in decades.

����ֱ��’s progress carries enormous implications for the Middle East and beyond. By establishing itself as a leader in AI, the Kingdom is showing that the region can leapfrog traditional stages of development and stake a claim in the industries of the future. Its model demonstrates how energy wealth can be used to fuel a transition into a knowledge economy, how young populations can be channeled into high-tech industries, and how nations can shape global technological standards rather than simply adopting them. For its neighbors, ����ֱ��’s AI strategy is a reminder that success depends on vision, execution and a willingness to think on a grand scale.

In conclusion, ����ֱ�� has rapidly transformed itself into one of the most promising centers of AI in the world. Through Vision 2030, the crown prince has made AI a national priority, directing resources and attention toward building the infrastructure, partnerships and policies needed to lead globally. The Kingdom’s progress is not only impressive but also serves as a model for others in the region and beyond.

As of now, ����ֱ�� is well on its way to achieving AI supremacy and its trajectory suggests that it will continue to set the standard for how nations can harness artificial intelligence to secure their economic future and global influence. Other countries in the Middle East would be wise to follow this example, as the future will belong to those who lead in AI. ����ֱ�� is making sure it will be at the very front of that race.

• Dr. Majid Rafizadeh is a Harvard-educated Iranian American political scientist. X: @Dr_Rafizadeh