Interview: Yaser Al Onaizan, CEO, National Centre for Artificial Intelligence
In what ways can artificial intelligence (AI) and big data contribute to the objectives of Vision 2030?
YASER AL ONAIZAN: Both AI and big data are central pillars of Saudi Arabia’s digital transformation. AI is critical to enhancing service delivery, particularly in health care and education. For example, AI can facilitate early detection of diseases such as cancer and diabetes, helping to ensure timely intervention and improve treatment outcomes. This serves to boost health care quality, reduce costs and enhance efficiency – critical aspects of Vision 2030’s focus on improving public services and the overall quality of life. Beyond health care, AI is being integrated into education through personalised learning programmes, widening access to digital resources and enhancing the quality of education.
What strategies do you recommend for businesses aiming to incorporate AI into their operations?
AL ONAIZAN: Developing AI technology is expensive and time-consuming. The government is already investing in the foundational elements of AI, enabling companies to leverage new technologies to create tailored solutions specific to their needs. Companies can make the most of AI without incurring prohibitive costs by focusing on the application layer, where 80% of the value is extracted. This is akin to the government building highways and businesses setting up gas stations. There is no need for every company to build the road itself; they should instead focus on how to best use the infrastructure to meet their goals.
Which regulatory approaches do you suggest for ensuring the ethical use of AI and big data?
AL ONAIZAN: In order to balance innovation with ethical responsibility, Saudi Arabia is developing frameworks that ensure transparency, fairness and accountability in AI systems. Entities such as the International Centre for Artificial Intelligence Research and Ethics encourage the responsible use of data – particularly in areas such as privacy and security – while enabling innovation. A flexible and adaptive regulatory environment is vital to accommodating rapid technological changes without stifling growth and ensures these systems are inclusive, especially when processing data related to citizens.
How can Saudi Arabia foster and develop a local talent pool to drive advancements in AI?
AL ONAIZAN: Fostering AI talent requires a shift in how education and industry interact, creating an educational model that feeds directly into real-world applications. The integration of internships and work experiences directly into academic programmes can help foster greater human capital, especially because much of AI’s development is happening in industry, not academia. Additionally, schools should work to keep pace with technological advancements. Students can learn skills like coding from an early age. Meanwhile, on an international level Saudi Arabia can establish partnerships with global leaders in AI technology to transfer industrial know-how to the local talent pool.
Where do you anticipate AI and big data impacting corporate innovation and competitiveness?
AL ONAIZAN: These new technologies will drive innovation across many sectors in Saudi Arabia, particularly in health care, education and commerce. AI will enable enhanced decision-making, operational efficiency and personalised services. However, the skills gap remains a key challenge. Without enough qualified local talent, businesses may struggle to leverage AI fully. Additionally, many sectors in Saudi Arabia have been slow to adopt advanced technologies, and overcoming resistance to change will be essential. Issues like data privacy and security are another priority, especially as consumers become more aware of how their data is used. Agile regulatory frameworks can keep pace with technological advancements, ensuring that innovation continues without compromising ethical standards.
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