JEDDAH — Global consulting powerhouse Accenture has recently unveiled a case study highlighting the remarkable strides made by the Saudi Data & AI Authority (SDAIA) in Saudi Arabia. The study sheds light on SDAIA's pivotal role in accelerating the adoption of innovative data and AI solutions, positioning Saudi Arabia as a global leader in responsible AI. Since the unveiling of Vision 2030 in 2016, the Saudi government has recognized digital transformation as a key enabler of its vision. Established in 2019, SDAIA has played a crucial role in building a world-class AI ecosystem, aligning government and private sector entities toward a common goal. SDAIA's journey has been marked by strategic collaborations, none more impactful than its partnership with Accenture. Together, they've laid the groundwork for a data- and AI-driven economy, implementing key strategies, regulatory frameworks, and a national digital infrastructure. Recognizing the importance of talent and capacity-building, SDAIA, in collaboration with leading international academic institutions, has initiated training programs and scholarships. Over 45,000 professionals have been trained to elevate their data and AI skills, with plans to train over 25,000 women in the next five years. In just five years, SDAIA has transformed Saudi Arabia into a globally competitive, data- and AI-driven economy. The National Data Bank, connected to over 200 key government systems, has catalyzed the establishment of Estishraf — an insights and analytics platform benefiting more than 85 government entities in 2023 alone, resulting in an estimated SR50 billion in value. Accenture CEO and Chairman, Julie Sweet, praised SDAIA's comprehensive approach, stating, "SDAIA's remarkable progress sets a great example for governments around the world." The success story underscores the importance of bold vision, strong leadership, and collaborative ecosystems in driving national transformation through data and AI.
