The digital landscape in Saudi Arabia is witnessing an unprecedented transformation. Artificial intelligence is no longer a technological luxury or a limited experience, but has become an essential part of the lives of millions. This is what was revealed by the Deloitte Digital Consumer Trends 2026 (Deloitte Digital Consumer Trends 2026 – KSA Edition) report, which showed a huge leap in the use of generative artificial intelligence among Saudis.
What does the report say?
The report was based on a national survey that included 1,000 consumers in Saudi Arabia, aged between 18 and 50 years. The results were clear:
- 66% of Saudis regularly use generative artificial intelligence tools — an increase of 17 percentage points from last year (49%)
- 45% use artificial intelligence in daily work tasks
- 51% use it to search for information
- 44% to generate ideas and creativity
- 42% for language translation
The most important indicator: what was once considered a technical curiosity a year ago has now become a daily habit. Artificial intelligence is no longer an experimental tool — but has become the starting point for research, thinking, and production.
How is this applied in Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia is the first country in the world to declare 2026 the “Year of Artificial Intelligence”, as part of a strategic direction aimed at enhancing its position as a global center for advanced technologies. This massive investment (over $91 billion in the digital sector) is directly reflected on the ordinary consumer:
- In work: Employees use ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, and Google Gemini to write reports and analyze data
- In education: Students rely on smart assistants for research, translation, and review
- In daily life: From searching for food recipes to planning trips — AI has become the first assistant
- In content: Saudi content creators have become pioneers in using visual and text generation tools
Important points from the report
- The gap between use and organization: Although 66% use AI, most rely on free tools without clear institutional support
- Privacy protection: 41% of Saudis believe that access to social media should be restricted to those over 16 years old
- Digital bundling: 65% of consumers bundle services with broadband subscription
- Mature use: Advanced use cases such as programming and content creation have stabilized, indicating a trend towards practical applications
- 70% of the young generation (Gen Z): support the imposition of stricter controls on digital content
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Who needs generative artificial intelligence?
Everyone — from employees and students to entrepreneurs and content creators. Anyone who needs to search, write, translate, design, or analyze data can benefit.
Where can artificial intelligence be used in Saudi Arabia?
Everywhere: at work through Microsoft Copilot, in study through chatbots, at home for daily assistance, and in business projects to analyze markets and customers.
How much do AI tools cost?
Free options are widely available — ChatGPT is free, Microsoft Copilot is integrated with Office, and Google Gemini is free. Paid versions start from $20 per month (≈75 SAR) for professional subscriptions.
How long does it take to learn how to use AI?
Just minutes for basic use. Advanced learning (prompt engineering) may take weeks. However, 95% of users notice an improvement in their productivity within the first week.
How do I get started with AI?
Open your browser now — go to ChatGPT.com, Google Gemini, or Claude.ai and start by asking simple questions. Try writing an email, translating text, or requesting an explanation of a complex concept. Most importantly, don’t be afraid to experiment!
