Aligning with the show’s theme of ‘Global Collaboration to Forge a Future AI Economy’ Riverbed’s research delivers key perspective into the country, which in planning a US$40 billion AI fund, and ways to realise the full potential of AI
As per Riverbed Global AI & Digital Experience Survey, while 95% say AI is a top C-Suite priority and 92% agree it provides a competitive advantage, only 31% are fully prepared to implement AI projects now, as Saudi organisations address challenges ranging from data quality to scalability that are impacting their ability to realise the full benefits of AI*.
Saudi Arabia is an especially critical AI market, as developments in the country are likely to shape AI adoption in the region and beyond. Earlier this year, the country signaled its intention to create a US$40 billion fund to invest in artificial intelligence. “We anticipate the next three years to be a period of rapid expansion as enterprises seek practical AI approaches and solutions. Our research shows that by 2027, 82% of leaders in the Kingdom expect their organisation to be fully prepared to implement their AI strategy and projects,” said Moueen Zahreddine, Regional Director – Strategic Business, EMEA Emerging at Riverbed.
“We anticipate the next three years to be a period of rapid expansion as enterprises seek practical AI approaches and solutions. Our research shows that by 2027, 82% of leaders in the Kingdom expect their organisation to be fully prepared to implement their AI strategy and projects.” Moueen Zahreddine, Regional Director – Strategic Business, EMEA Emerging at Riverbed.
“With its theme ‘Global Collaboration to Forge a Future AI Economy’, GITEX is the ideal platform for us to showcase our latest AI research. This insight can help guide key stakeholders in the industry at a time when Saudi Arabia, the UAE and other forward-focused nations are actively seeking to shape the future of AI,” said Zahreddine. At GITEX, the company will showcase its solutions for AI Observability, AIOps and Application Acceleration at Stand 18 on Concourse 2.
Today, 59% of Saudi leaders say the primary reason for using AI is to drive operational efficiencies over growth (41%), those numbers flip in 2027, with 62% of organisations saying AI will primarily be a growth driver versus driving efficiencies (38%). Trust in AI is also growing – leaders say they would rather use AI to automate a major IT upgrade (59%), than sit in the back seat of a driverless car in the city (41%).
AI Optimism is High Among Saudi C-Suite and Younger Generation Employees
With AI set to transform organisations worldwide, the survey found enthusiasm for AI is high among the Kingdom’s C-Suite, younger generation employees and organisations as a whole.
- Today, 64% of leaders say AI is a key strategic priority for their organisation, and another 36% say it’s at least moderately important.
- 95% agree AI will help them deliver a better digital experience for end users.
- 68% say AI sentiment in their organisation is positive, with 32% at neutral.
- When asked which generation is most comfortable with AI in the workplace, leaders said Gen Z (61%), followed by Millennials (34%), and Gen X (5%).
The research also found that most organisations have moved past the stages of assessing and experimenting with AI—and today, 73% are accelerating their AI strategies with growing investment in infrastructure and talent; and another 21% are in the final transformative stage where AI is fully integrated into their business processes.
