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The Emerging Technologies Adoption page explores how Saudi Arabia leverages cutting-edge technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Big Data, Blockchain, Internet of Things (IoT), 5G, Robotics, and Automation to drive its Vision 2030 digital transformation agenda. It highlights national strategies, regulatory frameworks, and pioneering initiatives that position the Kingdom as a leader in technological innovation and smart governance, with real-world success stories and future-focused programs like the GovTech Radar.
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Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming economies and societies around the world. By 2025, global revenues from AI are projected to reach $90 billion, with an average annual growth rate of 45%. Looking ahead, AI is expected to contribute an additional 14% to global GDP by 2030, an economic impact estimated at $15.7 trillion.
Recognizing AI as a significant driver of economic growth and innovation, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has prioritized AI as a central pillar of its Vision 2030 strategy. By harnessing the potential of AI and data, the Kingdom aims to diversify its economy, foster technological advancement, and position itself as a global leader in the data-driven economy.
In 2019, Saudi Arabia established the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA). As the national authority responsible for data and AI, SDAIA drives the Kingdom's efforts to unlock the full potential of these technologies in alignment with Vision 2030. Among its initiatives is the SDAIA Academy, which develops national competencies in data and AI through partnerships with leading local, regional, and global organizations.
To coordinate and advance AI initiatives, the Kingdom has established several key entities:
Saudi Arabia's National Strategy for Data and AI aims to establish the Kingdom as a global leader in these fields by 2030. Key objectives include:
The strategy emphasizes the development of welcoming, adaptive, and stable regulatory frameworks that encourage investment and talent acquisition. It also focuses on ethical AI governance, ensuring policies and standards guide stakeholders and foster confidence in data and AI practices.
Saudi Arabia has implemented a variety of initiatives under its AI strategy:
Saudi Arabia is pioneering the application of AI technologies in several key areas:
Big and open data are increasingly critical in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's digital transformation. Several government ministries, including the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Ministry of Finance, are generating and sharing extensive datasets through the national Open Data Portal. These datasets offer valuable opportunities for public and private sector stakeholders, enabling innovation in service delivery, enhancing research and development (R&D) capabilities, and promoting local manufacturing and economic growth through advanced data analytics.
Saudi Arabia's Smart Government Strategy identifies big data, machine learning, and predictive analytics as key technology enablers. These tools are recognized for their ability to support informed decision-making, improve public services, and predict and prevent potential issues such as non-compliance in areas like taxation.
The National Data Management Office (NDMO) serves as the national data regulator in the Kingdom. It is responsible for overseeing data governance, ensuring that data is managed, shared, and protected in alignment with national standards and regulations.
Saudi Arabia has introduced comprehensive regulations to ensure robust data management and governance, including:
Saudi Arabia has launched a range of initiatives to harness the power of big data and open data for national development:
Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as a pioneer in blockchain technology adoption and innovation. Government institutions and regulators have embraced blockchain as a transformative tool, exploring its potential across sectors such as finance, trade, healthcare, education, and the arts. In alignment with global best practices, Saudi Arabia provides a supportive environment for international firms to test, deploy, and scale blockchain-based solutions, further positioning itself as a global leader in digital innovation.
SAMA Regulatory Sandbox
The Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority (SAMA) has established a Regulatory Sandbox to support local and international firms in testing new digital solutions in a controlled, 'live' environment. The initiative aims to evaluate the impact of blockchain on Saudi Arabia's financial sector. By doing so, SAMA is helping to transform the Kingdom into a smart, competitive financial center.
CST's Role in Blockchain Technology
The Communications, Space & Technology Commission (CST) is vital in advancing blockchain technology in Saudi Arabia. As the regulator of the Kingdom's telecommunications and information technology sector, CST is responsible for developing policies, regulations, and programs to foster innovation in emerging technologies, including blockchain.
CST's efforts are designed to enable a fair and competitive environment, attract local and international investors, and localize blockchain services within the Kingdom. By supporting blockchain adoption, CST contributes to improving the performance, productivity, flexibility, and quality of services offered to all beneficiaries in Saudi Arabia.
In addition, CST has issued Guidelines for Blockchain Adoption to encourage best practices in blockchain implementation. These guidelines offer executive and technical recommendations for adopting blockchain solutions across industries. By providing a clear framework, CST helps organizations effectively leverage blockchain's potential to enhance operational efficiency, strengthen information security, and reduce costs.
CST's strategic initiatives are aligned with Saudi Arabia's vision of becoming a global leader in digital innovation. By promoting blockchain technology, CST empowers public and private sector stakeholders to harness its benefits, driving the Kingdom's digital transformation forward.
Blockchain in the Financial Sector
SAMA was one of the first central banks globally to pilot blockchain for financial operations. In June 2020, SAMA used blockchain technology to facilitate part of a SAR 50 billion ($13.3 billion) liquidity injection into the Kingdom's banking sector. The pilot project demonstrated blockchain's potential to enhance financial transactions' efficiency, transparency, and security while accelerating SAMA's exploration of the technology's broader impact on the financial system.
Fintech Saudi
Launched in April 2018 by SAMA in partnership with the Capital Market Authority, Fintech Saudi is a national initiative designed to catalyze the growth of Saudi Arabia's fintech industry. Its mission is to transform the Kingdom into an innovative and responsible fintech hub by:
Blockchain for Cross-Border Trade
The Saudi Customs Authority, in collaboration with IT partner Tabadul, is pioneering the use of blockchain to streamline cross-border trade. In December 2018, Saudi Customs integrated its national platform FASAH with TradeLens, a blockchain-enabled global shipping solution developed by Maersk and IBM. The pilot project aimed to enhance traceability, auditability, and compliance by reducing reconciliation and ensuring data immutability.
The first blockchain-based shipment was successfully processed from King Abdul Aziz Port in Dammam to Rotterdam on May 13, 2019. Through blockchain adoption, Saudi Customs seeks to position the Kingdom as a global logistics hub offering transparent and efficient customs services.
Healthcare Blockchain System
A decentralized, encrypted healthcare blockchain platform is being developed to improve digital health records' efficiency, security, and interoperability. This system ensures tamper-proof data exchange and allows secure sharing of patient information across healthcare providers, enhancing the quality of care and health data governance.
Blockchain in Education
Blockchain technology is being explored to facilitate the tracking and verification of educational records. By securely storing and sharing student transcripts and certificates, schools and universities can easily access verified academic records, enabling better monitoring of student progress and streamlining administrative processes.
Blockchain Notary Services
A Blockchain Notary service offers a secure, anonymous, and tamper-proof way to prove the existence, ownership, and transfer of documents. Using cryptographic digital fingerprints (hashes), documents are timestamped and verified without revealing content. Biometric identification (such as fingerprints) can be used as a digital signature to validate document ownership, ensuring integrity and authenticity.
Smart Contracts
Smart contracts are self-executing agreements coded on the blockchain. They automatically enforce the terms of an agreement between two or more parties without the need for intermediaries. Their transparency, security, and tamper-proof nature make them ideal for use in financial services, business operations, and legal transactions.
Blockchain and NFTs for Fine Art Authentication
The Kingdom is exploring the use of Blockchain and Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) to authenticate fine art. NFT-powered art galleries are emerging as tourist destinations, offering artists a direct channel to collectors while ensuring they are properly compensated. Blockchain technology secures the provenance and copyright of artworks, safeguarding authenticity and ownership in the creative sector.
As part of Saudi Arabia's strategy to adopt smart governance and advanced technologies for the benefit of its citizens, the country views the development and use of Internet of Things (IoT) applications as essential. The Kingdom's digital transformation efforts aim to position Saudi Arabia as a global leader in IoT. To support this goal, public consultations and expert input have guided the adoption of the IoT Regulatory Framework, which includes conditions for class licenses and technical specifications.
Globally, IoT spending has steadily increased by at least $40 billion yearly since 2018. In 2020, global IoT spending reached $749 billion and is projected to grow to $1.1 trillion by 2023. In Saudi Arabia, several industries are beginning to adopt IoT solutions, driven by technological advancements and government programs. Key initiatives include the National Industrial Development and Logistics Program (NIDLP), which focuses on Industry 4.0, Smart City projects as part of large-scale construction developments, and Smart Meter deployments by utility companies. Over the next few years, industrial use cases are expected to be the biggest driver of IoT growth in the Kingdom.
A recent survey shows that Saudi businesses understand IoT's operational and strategic benefits. By the end of 2022, 82% of medium and large organizations in Saudi Arabia are expected to adopt IoT solutions. The top three reasons businesses are investing in IoT are:
Customer focus and cost efficiency remain key priorities, with early adopters already in various stages of IoT implementation. The survey identified more than 32 use cases deployed across participating companies.
Early success stories have emerged in sectors such as education, energy, environmental management, healthcare, open data, smart cities, and smart manufacturing. Organizations that have adopted IoT have reported benefits such as:
The Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST) regulates the Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystem in Saudi Arabia. As part of its broader mandate to oversee the Kingdom's ICT sector, CST plays a key role in shaping policies, regulations, and programs that support the development and adoption of IoT and other emerging technologies.
CST's regulatory efforts aim to create a fair and competitive market environment, attract local and international investment, and localize IoT services within the Kingdom. By fostering innovation in the IoT sector, CST contributes to improving the performance, productivity, flexibility, and quality of services for all beneficiaries across Saudi Arabia.
Additionally, CST is responsible for developing and proposing new regulations and procedures related to IoT, ensuring their approval by competent authorities, and issuing the necessary licenses in accordance with established conditions and requirements. Through these initiatives, CST supports the Kingdom's vision of leveraging IoT technologies to drive digital transformation and improve the quality of life for its citizens.
The Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST) has developed a framework to regulate IoT services in Saudi Arabia. It covers requirements for providing IoT services, equipment certification, IoT identifiers (such as IP addresses), and data management. The framework also includes general regulations for service providers, including the need to communicate with users about network and data security and offer recommendations for data protection.
CST has also adopted Technical Specifications for IoT Devices and Guidelines for IoT Adoption and Implementation. For more information, please visit the CST website at the following link.
Regulatory Sandbox for Delivery Applications
CST has launched a Regulatory Sandbox specifically for delivery apps. This initiative aims to regulate and supervise the postal sector, including licensing delivery apps in Saudi Arabia. The sandbox is designed to encourage growth and innovation in the delivery ecosystem, benefiting consumers, producers, and drivers. It allows app developers to test new products and services in a controlled environment, accelerating time to market and potentially lowering delivery costs. CST also supports developers' easier access to financing.
Security & Surveillance Regulation
The Ministry of Interior requires all commercial establishments to install smart CCTV security and surveillance systems.
Riyadh Metro and Riyadh Rapid Bus Transit System
Saudi Arabia's new public transit systems include driverless train cars equipped with advanced technologies and WiFi. These systems offer citizens modern and efficient transportation, along with integrated solutions like car parking, a multi-line bus network, and state-of-the-art control centers for monitoring operations and security across stations and routes.
The Ministry of Transport is implementing smart transportation systems to improve road safety and traffic management. In 2011, it completed a national plan for expanding and integrating intelligent transport systems across the Kingdom's road network.
NEOM is an ambitious new city that aims to redefine sustainable living and innovation. It will host global businesses and startups, creating an environment where cutting-edge technologies, including IoT, can be researched, developed, and commercialized. NEOM will integrate commerce and industry into communities to enable efficient operations and supply chains.
Amaala
Amaala is being developed as an ultra-luxury destination on Saudi Arabia's northwestern coast. With investment from the Public Investment Fund (PIF) and private investors, Amaala will be completed in phases in alignment with Vision 2030.
Qiddiya aims to become a world-renowned destination for entertainment, sports, and the arts. It will offer experiences across five key areas: Sports & Wellness, Nature & Environment, Parks & Attractions, Motion & Mobility, and Arts & Culture.
Managed by the Red Sea Development Company (TRSDC), this luxury tourism project is fully owned by the PIF. It aims to offer an exclusive travel experience with sustainability and environmental stewardship at its core.
Saudi IoT is the country's flagship event dedicated to showcasing IoT development and innovation in the region. It aligns with Vision 2030, recognizing the role of emerging technologies in transforming business and boosting the national economy.
This competition encourages young people to design and develop video games. It promotes innovation, enhances skills, and raises awareness about issues like cyberbullying. The competition has attracted over 3,000 participants, offered 30+ training hours, and provided 60+ awards.
Video Game Development Bootcamp
This boot camp trains students, SMEs, and graduates in video game development. It includes 52 hours of direct training, 13 weeks of intensive study, and 56 learning resources, with around-the-clock support for its 1,000 participants.
"Promising Programmer"
Launched by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, Ministry of Education, and Tatweer Educational Technologies, this program engaged over 17,450 students, with 32 winners selected from 8 teams.
This program supports the development of the gaming sector in Saudi Arabia by providing resources and training to local developers.
Hope Hackathon
Organized virtually by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology with 25 local and international partners, this hackathon attracted over 15,000 participants from 79 countries. It produced over 4,900 ideas and awarded 15 winning teams.
IoT adoption in Saudi Arabia is growing rapidly. Industrial use cases, including manufacturing, freight and fleet management, production asset management, public safety, and emergency response, are expected to drive the largest increases in IoT deployment over the next five years.
National Spectrum Strategy 2025
One of the key pillars of Saudi Arabia's National Spectrum Strategy 2025 is to Foster Commercial and Innovative Uses (Drive 5G+). The goal is to accelerate 5G+ deployment and make Saudi Arabia a global leader in advanced 5G applications. The strategy focuses on ensuring timely and sufficient spectrum access for telecom operators so they can meet quality-of-service targets in terms of coverage, speed, and cost. It also aims to enable private 5G networks for different industry sectors, helping drive digital transformation and innovation in areas like manufacturing, logistics, and smart cities.
The Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST) published the 5G Spectrum Outlook for 2021–2023 to give spectrum users clarity and predictability. It outlines the available spectrum across different bands and the rules for accessing and using it. The goal is to encourage investment and innovation while ensuring fair access to this critical resource.
Some of the key regulatory changes proposed include:
Saudi Arabia has made significant progress in 5G and spectrum development:
The expansion of 5G mobile services plays a central role in Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 plan to modernize and digitize its economy. The advanced capabilities of 5G enable innovative and disruptive applications that weren't possible with earlier LTE technology.
Saudi Arabia became the first country in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East to make the entire 6 GHz frequency band available for WiFi use.
WiFi 6E is expected to support future applications such as:
WiFi 6E also improves the efficiency of wireless networks in sectors like education, healthcare, and entertainment. By integrating WiFi networks with fiber optics, it allows for faster data transmission. WiFi 6E lays the groundwork for WiFi 7, the next evolution in wireless networking.
For more details, please visit the CST website.
Remote Hospitals
5G enables real-time video communication, removing barriers of distance and time between patients and healthcare providers.
HyFlex Classrooms
HyFlex (Hybrid Flexible) Classrooms use collaborative teaching technologies to connect students both on-campus and online at the same time.
Robotics and automation are central components of Saudi Arabia's digital transformation agenda. These technologies are being advanced through a combination of national initiatives, dedicated institutions, and regulatory frameworks designed to accelerate their development and ensure responsible implementation.
The Kingdom has established key institutions to oversee this effort, including the Saudi Data & AI Authority (SDAIA), the National Center for Artificial Intelligence (NCAI), and the National Data Management Office (NDMO). These bodies provide strategic direction, policy oversight, and technical support for integrating robotics and automation across sectors. In parallel, regulatory frameworks such as the National Data Governance Interim Regulations and the Internet of Things (IoT) Regulatory Framework have been introduced to ensure governance, security, and ethical considerations are incorporated into the deployment of these technologies.
Saudi Arabia has launched several groundbreaking projects that highlight its leadership in robotics and automation:
In addition to high-profile projects, Saudi Arabia is advancing the use of other robotics and automation technologies across different sectors:
Saudi Arabia's push into robotics and automation reflects its broader Vision 2030 goals to diversify the economy and modernize public services. Through strategic investments, regulatory reforms, and innovative projects, the Kingdom is fostering an ecosystem where robotics and automation can thrive across industries, from healthcare and education to logistics and government services.
The GovTech Radar is an initiative aimed at empowering government resources to accelerate the adoption of emerging technologies and innovative solutions. Its primary objective is to help shape the future of governance by providing government entities with insights and research services that support future scoping exercises. Through this tool, entities can identify promising technologies for potential use cases and explore future-oriented solutions.
At the core of the GovTech Radar is a visualization tool that catalogs 106 technologies, each assessed based on NASA's Technology Readiness Level (TRL). This scale measures technological maturity, ranging from level 1 (the lowest level of technology development) to level 9 (where technologies are fully developed and integrated into operational systems). By applying this framework, the GovTech Radar offers a benchmark for evaluating technologies that may be integrated into future digital governance systems.
In addition to measuring readiness, the technologies featured in the GovTech Radar are analyzed through the lens of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This approach ensures a strong link between technological advancement and sustainable development priorities. Each technology is tagged according to its taxonomy, which includes categories such as software, hardware, systems, materials, business models, and policies.
These technologies are further organized into seven affinity groups. Each group is accompanied by analytical essays that explore the most significant impacts these technologies may have in key public sectors. The seven sectors addressed include:
By offering this comprehensive overview, the GovTech Radar serves as a strategic tool for governments seeking to stay ahead of technological trends and foster innovation in public services.
Several government entities have adopted Emerging Technologies as part of their digital transformation. Below is an overview of technology adoption cases across seven different government entities.
| Blockchain | Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority | Experimenting with blockchain in container tracking |
| Artificial Intelligence | Saudi Authority for Data and Artificial Intelligence | Tackling a global pandemic with contact-tracing |
| Advanced Analytics | Ministry of Health | Facing public health threats with prescriptive analytics |
| Artificial Intelligence | National Health Information Center | Patient readmission prediction |
| Artificial Intelligence | Education and Training Evaluation Commission | Monitoring remote tests |
| Artificial Intelligence | General Directorate of Passports | Automation of passenger entry and departure processes |
| IoT | Riyadh Municipality | Remote lighting control and monitoring system |
