Saudi Arabia is rapidly positioning itself as a global leader in artificial intelligence, according to executives from OpenText, one of the world’s largest enterprise information management firms.
OpenText’s senior vice president for international sales, Harald Adams, highlighted the Kingdom’s modernization efforts, saying Saudi Arabia is setting a global standard, not just leading the Middle East. “Saudi Arabia is leading the AI modernization globally,” Adams told Arab News, citing the country’s ambitious strategy, substantial financial backing, and rapid execution.
OpenText recently inaugurated its new regional headquarters in Riyadh’s King Abdullah Financial District, serving as a hub for customers and partners across the Middle East. George Schembri, vice president and general manager for the Middle East at OpenText, said the move reflects the Kingdom’s growing role as a hub for AI innovation. “Saudi Arabia’s AI vision is one of the most ambitious globally, and national-scale AI requires trusted, secure, and governed systems, this is where OpenText supports organizations to achieve Vision 2030″, Schembri said.
Saudi Arabia’s AI initiatives are expected to add $235.2 billion, or 12.4 percent, to GDP by 2030, according to PwC. The Saudi Data and AI Authority, established in 2019, drives the national AI strategy, while partnerships with global tech firms, including a $5 billion deal with Amazon Web Services, are accelerating AI adoption and talent development.
The Kingdom ranks fifth globally and first in the Arab world for AI sector growth, and third worldwide in advanced AI model development, trailing only the US and China, according to the Stanford University AI Index 2025.
With OpenText’s regional presence and Saudi Arabia’s strategic investments, experts say the Kingdom is poised to translate its AI ambitions into measurable global influence, combining local insight with cutting-edge technology to compete on the world stage.
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