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Saudi AI Adoption Reaches 33% of Businesses in 2025, ICT Leads the Way
In 2025, 33.1 % of Saudi establishments reported using artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, according to a survey conducted by the General Authority for Statistics (GASTAT). The figure represents a 20 % increase from the 27.6 % adoption rate recorded in 2024, indicating a steady rise in AI integration across the private sector.
The GASTAT survey, which focused on information and communications technology (ICT) usage, identified the ICT sector as the most AI‑active, with a penetration rate of 61.1 %. Financial and insurance activities followed at 52.9 %, and education at 51.0 %. Other sectors reported lower rates, with the next highest at 44.4 % and a gradual decline to 26.7 % in the lowest‑reported category.
The 2025 data confirm a trend that began in 2024, when the same authority reported a 27.6 % AI adoption rate. The 20 % year‑over‑year jump places Saudi Arabia among the leading Middle Eastern economies in terms of enterprise AI penetration.
GASTAT’s methodology involved a nationwide survey of businesses across all sectors, asking respondents whether they employed AI tools for tasks such as data analysis, customer service automation, or operational optimization. The survey did not differentiate between generative AI, agentic AI, or other sub‑categories; it captured overall AI usage.
The high adoption rate in the ICT sector is consistent with the sector’s core focus on digital infrastructure and services. Companies in this field are naturally positioned to experiment with AI for network management, cybersecurity, and service delivery. The financial and insurance sectors’ 52.9 % adoption reflects the growing use of AI for risk assessment, fraud detection, and personalized product offerings.
Education’s 51.0 % penetration suggests that schools, universities, and training providers are increasingly leveraging AI for adaptive learning platforms, administrative automation, and data‑driven decision making.
The data were reported by Arab News on 14 June 2026, citing GASTAT’s official release. The news outlet noted that the 33.1 % figure represents a 20 % rise from the previous year, underscoring the momentum behind AI adoption.
While the survey does not provide granular details on the specific AI technologies deployed, the overall trend points to a broader digital transformation within Saudi businesses. The increase in AI usage aligns with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals, which emphasize technology‑driven economic diversification.
The rise in AI adoption also raises questions about workforce impacts, data governance, and cybersecurity. However, the GASTAT report does not address these issues directly. It focuses solely on the prevalence of AI usage across sectors.
The 2025 survey is part of an annual series that tracks ICT usage in Saudi establishments. Earlier editions of the series have highlighted similar growth patterns, with AI adoption consistently outpacing other digital technologies.
In summary, Saudi Arabia’s 2025 AI adoption rate of 33.1 % marks a significant milestone for the country’s private sector. The ICT sector leads with 61.1 % penetration, followed by finance and insurance at 52.9 % and education at 51.0 %. The 20 % year‑over‑year increase from 2024 demonstrates sustained momentum in AI integration, reflecting broader efforts to modernize the economy and align with Vision 2030 objectives.
The next steps for policymakers and industry leaders will likely involve addressing the challenges that accompany rapid AI deployment, such as ensuring data privacy, building skilled talent pipelines, and establishing robust cybersecurity frameworks. Further GASTAT releases will be needed to track how these factors evolve alongside AI adoption.
The GASTAT survey, which focused on information and communications technology (ICT) usage, identified the ICT sector as the most AI‑active, with a penetration rate of 61.1 %. Financial and insurance activities followed at 52.9 %, and education at 51.0 %. Other sectors reported lower rates, with the next highest at 44.4 % and a gradual decline to 26.7 % in the lowest‑reported category.
The 2025 data confirm a trend that began in 2024, when the same authority reported a 27.6 % AI adoption rate. The 20 % year‑over‑year jump places Saudi Arabia among the leading Middle Eastern economies in terms of enterprise AI penetration.
GASTAT’s methodology involved a nationwide survey of businesses across all sectors, asking respondents whether they employed AI tools for tasks such as data analysis, customer service automation, or operational optimization. The survey did not differentiate between generative AI, agentic AI, or other sub‑categories; it captured overall AI usage.
The high adoption rate in the ICT sector is consistent with the sector’s core focus on digital infrastructure and services. Companies in this field are naturally positioned to experiment with AI for network management, cybersecurity, and service delivery. The financial and insurance sectors’ 52.9 % adoption reflects the growing use of AI for risk assessment, fraud detection, and personalized product offerings.
Education’s 51.0 % penetration suggests that schools, universities, and training providers are increasingly leveraging AI for adaptive learning platforms, administrative automation, and data‑driven decision making.
The data were reported by Arab News on 14 June 2026, citing GASTAT’s official release. The news outlet noted that the 33.1 % figure represents a 20 % rise from the previous year, underscoring the momentum behind AI adoption.
While the survey does not provide granular details on the specific AI technologies deployed, the overall trend points to a broader digital transformation within Saudi businesses. The increase in AI usage aligns with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals, which emphasize technology‑driven economic diversification.
The rise in AI adoption also raises questions about workforce impacts, data governance, and cybersecurity. However, the GASTAT report does not address these issues directly. It focuses solely on the prevalence of AI usage across sectors.
The 2025 survey is part of an annual series that tracks ICT usage in Saudi establishments. Earlier editions of the series have highlighted similar growth patterns, with AI adoption consistently outpacing other digital technologies.
In summary, Saudi Arabia’s 2025 AI adoption rate of 33.1 % marks a significant milestone for the country’s private sector. The ICT sector leads with 61.1 % penetration, followed by finance and insurance at 52.9 % and education at 51.0 %. The 20 % year‑over‑year increase from 2024 demonstrates sustained momentum in AI integration, reflecting broader efforts to modernize the economy and align with Vision 2030 objectives.
The next steps for policymakers and industry leaders will likely involve addressing the challenges that accompany rapid AI deployment, such as ensuring data privacy, building skilled talent pipelines, and establishing robust cybersecurity frameworks. Further GASTAT releases will be needed to track how these factors evolve alongside AI adoption.
