Artificial intelligence adoption among businesses in Saudi Arabia reached 27.6% in 2024, indicating continued growth in the use of advanced digital technologies across the Kingdom’s private sector, according to official data.

The information and communications sector reported the highest level of AI adoption at 52.8%, followed by finance and insurance at 44.7% and education at 42.1%, the General Authority for Statistics said in its Establishments’ ICT Access and Usage Statistics 2024 report.

The findings point to rising digital maturity within the private sector, with adoption levels varying significantly by industry. Professional services recorded an AI uptake of 39.2%, while real estate stood at 28.2%. Wholesale and retail trade reported a 25% adoption rate, and manufacturing reached 26%.

Lower levels of AI integration were observed in construction at 25.8%, human health and social work at 29.9%, and arts, entertainment and recreation at 20.1%, highlighting disparities in technology adoption across the economy.

Other sectors showing moderate AI usage included transportation and storage at 38.3%, as well as mining and quarrying at 32.4%. Administrative and support services, at 25.2%, and electricity and gas supply, at 25.7%, also reported relatively limited uptake compared with more digitally advanced sectors.

The report showed that internet access among establishments rose to 98% in 2024, up 0.3 percentage points from the previous year. Social media platforms were used by 63% of businesses, while 76.3% relied on internet services to conduct electronic banking transactions.

Cloud computing adoption also increased, with 46.8% of establishments reporting the use of cloud services. The most common applications included ready-made office software at 53.5%, email services at 50.3% and file storage at 41.1%.

Internet of Things technologies were most widely used for building security, reported by 68.4% of establishments, followed by energy management at 36.5% and maintenance activities at 21.1%.

GASTAT said the Establishments’ ICT Access and Usage Survey is conducted in line with international methodologies and adheres to the Statistical Business Process Guide and standards set by the UN Conference on Trade and Development.