Regional business AI adoption is highest in Saudi Arabia, says new report
Saudi businesses are at the forefront of regional AI adoption, with 81% of companies already implementing artificial intelligence solutions customized for their specific industries.
The figures come from a report released at the SAP NOW AI Tour Riyadh. The survey found that almost all Saudi companies (96%) plan to invest in data quality and consolidation in the next year, showing a strong focus on building reliable data infrastructures to support scalable AI applications.
According to the data, when it comes to success metrics, companies prioritize customer satisfaction (52%), followed by revenue growth (47%), cost reduction (48%), and improved decision-making (47%). More than half (51%) of respondents expect to see measurable returns on their AI investments within two years.
According to SAP, the survey results reaffirm Saudi Arabia’s leadership in AI adoption across the Middle East, underscoring its growing influence as a regional hub for digital innovation and advanced technology deployment.
The GCC region is currently experiencing a significant AI boom, with new regional companies and partnerships emerging. Particularly since May 2025, AI deal activity has been off the charts. HUMAIN, a company launched by the PIF, quickly rose to become a regional powerhouse with AI-focused infrastructure, software, and even hardware.
The UAE has also seen significant AI activity, with the launch of Stargate UAE and billions of dollars invested in data centers and AI infrastructure.
