Social aspects of artificial intelligence (AI)-driven sustainability in Saudi Arabia: A systematic review with insights on labor market transformations

This study examines the role of AI in addressing labor-market challenges, fostering occupational diversification, and advancing workforce development in Saudi Arabia within the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The critical analysis is presented through a structured narrative that highlights AI's versatility in analyzing complex patterns, optimizing resources, and creating innovative job opportunities. It further underscores how AI can inspire youth to pursue emerging global trends rather than rely solely on traditional career pathways. Several AI models and applications are explored, including Generative AI, Computer Vision, Natural Language Processing (NLP), Big Data Analytics, Large Language Models (LLM), Predictive Analytics, Forecasting, and Optimization. These tools can help address workforce challenges in Saudi Arabia, including gender inequality, skills mismatches, occupational diversification, and the demands of a growing youth population. The integration of AI across sectors—from smart infrastructure and renewable energy optimization to healthcare innovations, robotic surgeries, and e-commerce—demonstrates its broad transformative potential. As a leading country in the Muslim world, Saudi Arabia can enhance its economic strength by leveraging AI in alignment with the Sdgs and visaion 2030, with a particular focus on empowering its young workforce to play an active role in the global economy. This study summarizes the Ethical, Legal, and Social Implications (ELSI) of AI Adoption, along with a mapping model of AI-labor market challenges. The study concludes by presenting a policy roadmap for future directions and outlining the limitations of the proposed framework. • This narrative review examines AI’s role in workforce development and job diversification in Saudi Arabia, aligned with SDGs. • It reviews AI models such as Generative AI, NLP, Computer Vision, and Predictive Analytics to address inequality, youth jobs, skills gaps. • A policy roadmap integrates ethical, legal, and social implications to guide AI labor reforms and empower Saudi youth.