Saudi AI Ambitions Raise Rights Concerns

Saudi Arabia’s AI Vision

Saudi Arabia has set its sights on becoming a global leader in artificial intelligence by 2030, investing heavily in AI research, infrastructure, and partnerships. The nation sees AI as a critical driver for economic diversification beyond oil.

Human Rights at Risk

However, critics argue that the same technologies powering growth could also empower authoritarian surveillance. With a history of monitoring dissent and restricting freedoms, AI may be used to suppress civil liberties further, raising ethical and human rights concerns internationally.