Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity Challenges in Saudi Arabia’s Digital Economy

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 emphasizes digital transformation as a key driver for diversifying its economy away from oil dependency. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is central to this vision, with strategic adoption in areas such as smart healthcare, financial technologies, education, and e-government services. By 2030, Saudi Arabia aims to position itself as a global leader in AI, supported by the creation of SDAIA and significant investments in research, infrastructure, and capacity development.Yet, while AI promises transformative benefits, it simultaneously introduces cybersecurity challenges that could destabilize progress if not addressed proactively. AI systems rely heavily on vast amounts of data, complex algorithms, and automated decision-making processes. This makes them both powerful tools for defending against cyber threats and attractive targets for exploitation by malicious actors. Examples of such risks include adversarial attacks that manipulate machine learning models, deepfakes that threaten social and financial trust, and vulnerabilities in AI-powered critical infrastructure.This paper aims to analyze these dynamics by focusing on the Saudi Arabian context. Specifically, it explores how AI is being integrated into the Kingdom’s digital economy, the cybersecurity threats arising from its adoption, and the governance mechanisms that can strengthen resilience. The study also highlights the importance of ethical AI principles, robust data governance, and cross-sector collaboration in building a secure digital future.