Saudi Arabia has ranked first globally in artificial intelligence (AI) security, privacy, and cryptography, as well as in women’s representation in the field, according to the 2026 AI Index Report by Stanford University’s Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence, released on Tuesday 14 April.
The report places the Kingdom at the top globally for its share of AI specialists working in security, privacy, and cryptography, as well as for female participation in AI-related research and innovation.
Women make up around 32.3 percent of AI inventors and authors in Saudi Arabia, one of the highest rates globally, amid a field that continues to face a gender gap worldwide.
The findings also highlight rapid growth in Saudi Arabia’s AI sector, with the country recording one of the fastest increases in AI talent globally between 2019 and 2025.
More than 80 percent of employees in Saudi Arabia reported regularly using AI tools in the workplace, significantly higher than levels reported in North America and Europe, according to the report.
University students in the Kingdom also showed high adoption of generative AI technologies, with usage rates among the highest globally.
The report attributes this growth in part to ongoing national initiatives aimed at expanding AI infrastructure and skills, as well as increasing private sector investment in the field.
Saudi Arabia has in recent years positioned artificial intelligence as a key pillar of its economic diversification plans under Vision 2030, with efforts focused on attracting talent, supporting research, and expanding digital infrastructure.
The report’s findings come as countries globally increase investment in AI technologies, amid growing competition to develop secure and scalable systems while addressing concerns around data privacy and regulation.
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