The UK government is stepping up its efforts to build bridges with Saudi Arabia in the world of artificial intelligence. A call for expert organisations has been issued to map out the Kingdom's AI landscape, a move that could unlock new opportunities for collaboration and strengthen bilateral ties. The ambitious project will involve a detailed analysis of the policy environment, research ecosystem, and commercial sector – all areas where the UK wants to make its mark.
The research aims to provide critical intelligence for the UK government on how best to engage with Saudi Arabia's rapidly evolving AI sector. This is particularly timely given the Kingdom's ambitious plans to position itself as a global leader in artificial intelligence under its Vision 2030 reform agenda. The project's insights will help guide future diplomatic, commercial, and programmatic engagement between the two countries.
Artificial intelligence is at the heart of Saudi Arabia's vision for a post-oil economy, with the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) driving this agenda forward. By supporting UK-Saudi collaboration on AI, the UK government hopes to strengthen its position as a trusted partner in this transformative journey.
Eligible organisations include non-profit groups, think tanks, research institutions, and private companies – both from the UK and Saudi Arabia. Those with prior experience in mapping AI landscapes within the Gulf region will be given preference. The chosen partner will have until November 2026 to complete the project, which will involve desk research, stakeholder consultations, and analytical synthesis.
The scope of work goes beyond merely describing the AI landscape, aiming instead to identify strategic opportunities for UK-Saudi collaboration and provide actionable recommendations to inform future policy decisions. This 'whole-of-ecosystem' approach will help the UK navigate and contribute to Saudi Arabia's rapidly evolving AI sector in a more informed way.