Artificial Intelligence, Neom and Saudi Arabia's Economic Diversification from Oil and Gas

In: The political quarterly, Band 91, Heft 1, S. 222-227

Abstract

AbstractSaudi Arabia is diversifying its economy by becoming a global technological hub. Driven by its 'Vision 2030' initiative, it has embarked on the most ambitious and far‐reaching transformation plan in the Kingdom's history. At the core of this transformation are the investment and development of artificial intelligence (AI) and its integration into a new mega‐city, Neom. Currently under construction, Neom is seeking to integrate robotics and AI seamlessly into every aspect of citizens' lives in a bid to generate revenues from key economic sectors for the future. This transition from an economy based on hydrocarbons to AI is, however, more than economic. It is a bid to secure the survival of the House of Saud and meet the growing challenges of constructing a state around oil. Nevertheless, what happens in Neom may provide insights into how AI will impact the world beyond a cross‐roads built on sand.