Saudi Arabia ranks second globally in IMD AI cybersecurity index
IMD's 2026 World Digital and AI Ranking assessed 70 countries across multiple artificial intelligence indicators.
Saudi Arabia placed second globally in companies' awareness of AI-related cybersecurity risks and in the protection of sensitive data within corporate AI systems, according to the IMD World Digital and AI Ranking 2026 published November 12, 2026. The International Institute for Management Development assessed 70 countries across multiple artificial intelligence indicators in the ranking.
Fourth-place positions across three indicators#
The country ranked fourth globally in three separate categories: implementation of the national AI strategy, corporate adoption of AI, and public access to AI technologies. The IMD ranking measured these indicators as part of its assessment of digital and AI readiness across the 70 participating countries. Each indicator was assessed independently within the overall ranking framework.
Fifth and seventh-place rankings recorded#
Saudi Arabia placed fifth globally in overall AI adoption. The country also ranked fifth in three sub-indicators: public trust in artificial intelligence, regulatory frameworks addressing AI-related issues, and corporate investment in AI. The ranking placed Saudi Arabia seventh globally in AI skills, in cities' use of artificial intelligence to improve service quality, and in companies' efforts to address bias within AI algorithms.
Additional positions in investment and readiness categories#
The country ranked eighth in AI readiness, ninth in private-sector AI investment, and 11th in AI and capital investment, according to the published ranking. The IMD World Digital and AI Ranking 2026 was released by the International Institute for Management Development on November 12, 2026. The assessment covered 70 countries across the digital and artificial intelligence indicators.
National capabilities and regulatory frameworks assessed#
The IMD ranking assessed efforts to develop national capabilities, stimulate investment, and improve regulatory frameworks. The published results covered Saudi Arabia's data and AI ecosystem development, readiness indicators, and AI adoption across sectors. The assessment measured these elements as part of the overall ranking methodology applied to all 70 participating countries.
Sources1 source across 1 domain
- saudigazette.com.saSaudi GazetteSaudi Arabia ranked second globally in companies' awareness of AI-related cybersecurity risks and protection of sensitive data, fourth in national AI strategy implementation, corporate AI adoption and public AI access, fifth in AI adoption and regulatory frameworks, seventh in AI skills and bias mit
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