Saudi Arabia and the UAE have secured positions among the world’s top 10 most competitive nations in AI for finance, according to the Global AI for Finance Competitiveness Index (GAICI) released today by Deep Knowledge Group, with the Hong Kong Financial Services Development Council (FSDC) observing the study. Saudi Arabia ranked 7th globally, while the UAE followed closely at 9th, marking a significant milestone in the Gulf’s emergence as a global hub for AI-driven financial innovation.
The GAICI evaluates national and city-level AI maturity in the financial sector, ranking 20 countries and 15 global finance hubs based on AI adoption, infrastructure quality, institutional readiness, and deployment capability.
Saudi Arabia: The Gulf’s Fastest-Scaling AI-in-Finance Powerhouse
Saudi Arabia has rapidly advanced to become the region’s fastest-scaling contender in AI-enabled finance. Its 7th-place global ranking reflects strong government support, accelerated financial modernization, and strategic investment in AI infrastructure. While the Kingdom is still evolving as a global financial hub, its speed of institutional execution and capital-backed AI programs position it as a rising force shaping the future of finance in the Middle East.
“The Gulf is emerging as a serious AI-powerhouse for next‑generation financial systems.”
— Dmitry Kaminskiy, Deep Knowledge Group
“Saudi Arabia’s rapid scaling in AI-driven finance is a testament to its strategic vision and ability to turn ambition into action,” said Dmitry Kaminskiy, General Partner, Deep Knowledge Group.
UAE: The Gulf’s Most Deployable AI Finance Hub
Ranked 9th, the UAE stands out for its ability to convert AI potential into real-world deployment within regulated financial systems. Its globally connected financial ecosystem, forward‑leaning regulatory frameworks, and fast-track AI execution make it a testbed for production-grade AI in finance.
“The UAE’s unique position…highlights its ability to deploy AI systems that meet the rigorous demands of regulated financial markets,” Kaminskiy added.
Global Leaders and Hub Rankings
The index is led by the United States, China, United Kingdom, Switzerland, and Singapore, which stand out for combining large-scale AI capability with strong governance, market readiness, and robust financial infrastructure.
At the city level, New York, London, and Hong Kong dominate due to institutional concentration, capital connectivity, and scalable AI deployment pathways.
