Artificial Intelligence Opportunity in Saudi Arabia and the UAE
According to a report by research agency Public First, generative AI is expected to boost Saudi Arabia’s economy by SAR 727 billion by 2030 , and the UAE’s economy by AED 298 billion , equivalent to 19% of their respective gross value added (GVA).
At Google, we’re constantly working to prepare everyone for the jobs of the future, especially since 57% of adults in Saudi Arabia and 78% in the UAE agree that they aren’t currently using AI tools to their full potential, according to the report. This clearly demonstrates a desire and need for more skills training across the Kingdom. Businesses are also recognizing the importance of AI to their economies, with 88% of businesses in Saudi Arabia and 87% in the UAE agreeing that AI represents a significant opportunity for their economies.
Google’s Economic Impact and Helping Mission
We are excited to see our local products and programs boost economic activity and benefit individuals, businesses, and communities in both countries.
Google products create a vibrant ecosystem of opportunity and innovation, helping everyone thrive, from individuals and small businesses to large corporations. A Public First report revealed that in 2024, our products—Google Search, Google Play, YouTube, Google Cloud, and Google Ads—generated SAR 31.2 billion in economic activity for Saudi businesses, nonprofits, publishers, content creators, and developers. In the UAE, Google products generated AED 21.8 billion in economic activity.
Our Maharat Min Google digital skills training program has trained more than 590,000 individuals in Saudi Arabia and more than 430,000 individuals in the UAE since 2018, directly equipping them with essential digital and AI skills for the jobs of the future.
We also work to empower communities and help them access AI-powered technology, tools, and programs. Google’s mobile platforms, Google Play and Android, help local app developers, digital startups, and exporters build, innovate, and grow. In 2024, our app ecosystem supported the creation of 29,000 jobs in Saudi Arabia and 30,000 jobs in the UAE.
A common future
The 2024 Economic Impact Reports for Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates show that these countries are leading the way toward an AI-powered future. At Google, we’re thrilled to see our products and programs making a real, positive impact on the daily lives of individuals, businesses, and communities.