How is artificial intelligence and robotics discussed socially, economically and ethically in Saudi Arabia?

Saudi Arabia has become one of the most ambitious countries in the field of artificial intelligence and robotics, but this transformation raises complex social, economic and ethical issues that are the subject of intense debate in the Kingdom.

Economic dimensions of the AI revolution

Massive investments and growth forecasts

Saudi Arabia has 100 billion US dollars invested in AI development through Project Transcendence, which aims to establish the Kingdom as a global tech hub^1. The economic projections are impressive: by 2030, AI is expected to Contribute 135.2 billion US dollars to Saudi GDP and thus account for 12.4% of total economic output^2.

The World Bank forecasts that 20.5% of jobs in Saudi Arabia could be replaced by AIbut at the same time 23% new jobs created. This would result in a net increase of 2.5% of available jobs by 2030 lead^4.

The robotics industry alone is USD 478.8 million in 2024 to a forecast USD 2.094 billion in 2033 which corresponds to an annual growth rate of 15.9%^5.

Sector-specific effects

AI will have the greatest impact on Manufacturing (USD 37 billion), public services (USD 67 billion) and professional services (USD 26 billion) have. Even labor-intensive sectors such as construction and utilities will see growth of 6 and 8 billion US dollars respectively list^6.

McKinsey estimates that 41% of all work activities in the Kingdom could be automatedwhich creates both opportunities and challenges for the workforce^7.

Social perception and acceptance

Positive attitude despite worries

A recent survey by the Saudi Center for Public Opinion Polling shows a remarkably positive attitude: 49% of Saudi Arabian society already using AI technologieswith ChatGPT leading the way with 41%. Even more important: 94% of users see positive impact of AI on their lives^8.

A KPMG study from 2025 provides further details: 84% of respondents are in favor of AIwhile 62% are ready to trust AI. 89% expect concrete benefits of AI technologies, with 91% of respondents, the improved efficiency as the main advantage^10.

Job fears and optimism

Despite the positive basic attitude, there are Significant concerns about jobs: 48% of Saudi Arabian workers fear losing their jobs to robots. At the same time, however 52% of respondents perceived the advantagethat robots free people from physically demanding or dangerous work^11.

79% of Saudi Arabian employees believe that AI will have a significant impact on their work within the next year, resulting in a 24%arget annual growth in AI talent hiring reflects^12.

Generational differences

The perception differs significantly between the generations. Young adults between the ages of 20 and 25 show the highest acceptance values with a perception score of 38.9, compared to other age groups. Men show a slightly more positive attitude (38.4) than women (37.7), although the difference is not statistically significant^13.

Ethical discourse and religious concerns

AI ethical principles under Islamic values

Saudi Arabia has 2022 AI ethics principles which were further developed into "AI Ethics Principles 2.0" in 2023. These are based on seven basic principlesFairness, privacy & security, humanity, social & environmental benefits, reliability & safety, transparency & explainability and accountability & responsibility^15.

These principles are deliberately adapted to Islamic values and differ from the Western approach by emphasizing the Compliance with Sharia teachings. The Islamic concept of privacy emphasizes the Dignity of the individual, personal boundaries and moral behavior^17.

Robots under Sharia law

A fascinating example of adaptation to cultural norms is the Development of gender-specific robots. The female robot "Sara" is programmed in such a way that she does not discuss sex and politicsas it corresponds to the social norms and Sharia interpretations in Saudi Arabia. She wears traditional Abaya and hijab and embodies "appropriate" behaviors^18.

This programming reflects the Balance between technological progress and social conservatismwhich is characteristic of Saudi Arabia's modernization approach.

Controversies and contradictions

The Granting of citizenship to the robot Sophia 2017 sparked international controversy because the robot seemed to have more rights than millions of women and foreigners in the kingdom. Sophia appeared without a hijab or male guardian, which contradicted the strict laws for women^20.

Another incident occurred during the presentation of the male robot "Muhammad", who is said to be inappropriate physical contact with a female reporter had. The manufacturer attributed this to a "programming error", which sparked a debate about AI ethics and gender dynamics in the conservative society^21.

Human rights and surveillance concerns

AI as an instrument of repression

Human rights organizations warn that Saudi Arabia AI for the persecution of human rights defenders could be used. The kingdom has already Various software programs for monitoring activists and AI could significantly enhance these capabilities^22.

The Arab Organization for Human Rights and Democracy criticizes the fact that Saudi Arabia has "business-friendly" approach to AI regulation pursued, in which only Guidelines without legally binding regulations exist. This could violate international human rights laws on privacywithout breaking its own laws^23.

Digital infringements

Saudi Arabia already uses Digital technologies for the surveillance of dissidents and their families abroad and to the Infiltrating Twitterto identify government opponents with anonymous accounts. AI could make this Systematic monitoring capacities significantly expand^23.

Religious integration of AI technologies

AI robots in the Great Mosque

Saudi Arabia has AI-powered robots in the Great Mosque in Mecca introduced. These robots, called "Manara" and "Manara 2", answer the following questions Religious questions on Islamic Sharia laws in several languages and can establish direct video links to Islamic scholars for more complex questions^25.

Islamic legal personality of AI

Islamic legal scholars discuss the Legal capacity (al-Ahliyyah) of AI from an Islamic legal perspective. While KI does not have the complete characteristics for a natural legal personality owns, it could be a artificial personality which is justified under Islamic law^26.

One particularly innovative discussion concerns the "Zakatability" of AI - whether AI systems and their outputs should be considered as assets subject to zakat. Islamic jurisprudence shows Theoretical flexibility through mechanisms such as Qiyās (analogical thinking)^27.

Education and skills development

Massive further training initiatives

Saudi Arabia plans, 1 million AI specialists by 2030 through SDIA's "One Million Saudis Initiative". This initiative aims to both Develop local talent as well as create opportunities for experienced international professionals^28.

86% of the Saudi Arabian universities now offer AI-focused Bachelor's degree programs, 56% have master programs and 9% offer promotion opportunities[^29].

International partnerships

The kingdom has Strategic educational partnerships with global technology companies. VEX Robotics and the Robotics Education & Competition Foundation have signed a Partnership with the Saudi Federation of Robotics signed to promote STEM education through robotics^30.

Works in a similar way SAAB Research & Development together with King Abdulaziz University in order to ultra-modern robotics laboratories which include drones, four-legged robots and computer vision hardware^31.

Industrial applications and innovation

Robotics in key sectors

The Robotics industry transforms several key sectors: In Healthcare surgical robots and automated diagnostic systems are used. The Manufacturing industry uses smart factories with robotic arms, AI-driven quality control and automated packaging systems^32.

The Logistics sector integrated Warehouse automation, robotic delivery systems and drone technology. Megaprojects such as NEOM and The Line are heavily focused on robotics for Infrastructure development and sustainability instructed^32.

Export capabilities

Already in May 2025 Saudi Arabia began the Export of industrial robots manufactured in Riyadh. These robots can perform production tasks three to five times faster as human workers and will exported worldwide^33.

Alat, a company supported by the Public Investment Fund, is investing in a Fully automated production and technology center for the production of ultra-modern industrial robots^33.

Future prospects and challenges

Regulatory developments

Saudi Arabia has a Risk-based categorization system for AI introduced, similar to the EU AI Act, but supplemented by Local cultural and religious guidelines. AI systems with little or no risk do not have to fully comply with ethical principles^34.

International influence

The Kingdom uses international forums to Normalization of its AI agenda. The controversial organization of the UN Internet Governance Forum 2024 in Riyadh, despite the Suppression of digital rights, shows how Saudi Arabia is using international platforms to promote its technology vision^22.

Social transformation

68% the Saudi Arabian are unsure whether online content is trustworthy as it may be AI-generated. At the same time 87% Laws and measures to combat AI-generated disinformation^10.

It is interesting to note that only 21% believe that the risks of AI outweigh the benefitswhich is a remarkable Willingness to take risks of Saudi Arabian society shows^10.

Conclusion

Saudi Arabia finds itself in a unique position in the integration of AI and robotics into a traditional, religious society. The discussions show both Impressive technological ambitions as well as Complex ethical and social challenges.

The Positive social acceptance of 84% stands in contrast to legitimate human rights concerns. The Integration of Islamic values in AI ethics is innovative, but raises questions about Cultural programming of technology on.

In economic terms, AI could help Saudi Arabia to improve its Reduce dependence on oilbut the social effects remain uncertain. The balance between technological progress and cultural preservation will remain the central topic in the Saudi Arabian AI discussion.

The kingdom shows that AI development not culturally neutral is, but local values and norms This is an insight that is of considerable importance for global AI governance.

Supplementary assessment from a Gradido perspective

This all-round view of the topic of AI and robotics in Saudi Arabia opens up many opportunities for the Gradido country project, but also very clearly identifies the ethical, social and cultural areas of tension.

Summary of the most important aspects:

Economic and social dynamics

• Enormous investment and political priority:
  Saudi Arabia is resolutely positioning itself as a regional (and global) AI leader. Projects such as "Project Transcendence" and enormous growth in the robotics sector are actively dedicated to digital transformation and are making the country a hotspot for high-tech innovation.

• New worlds of work - opportunities and fears:
  AI and robotics will change millions of jobs, but also create new, value-adding activities. Acceptance among the population is high, but around half of employees fear job losses, particularly among young people and less well qualified workers.

• Young generation as "tech drivers":
  Young adults in particular are very open to AI and technology and see it as an opportunity for efficiency and national development.

Social and ethical debates

• AI ethics and Islamic values:
  Saudi Arabia is developing its own ethical guidelines for AI - not only based on international standards, but explicitly adapted to Islamic values: privacy, personal dignity, social acceptance and Sharia conformity form a culturally anchored framework.

• Cultural adaptation of robots:
  Even robots like "Sara" reflect local norms (e.g. behavior, clothing, topics of conversation). The discussion about the robot citizenship of "Sophia" also highlighted the social contradictions (robots with more rights than many women and migrants).

• Risk of monitoring:
  Technology is not only used for innovation, but also for control: AI-supported surveillance and digital repression exacerbate the existential fears of activists and regime critics.

Cultural change & religious integration

• Religious discussions:
  AI robots are also being used in religion - for example to answer Islamic questions in the Great Mosque. Even issues such as the "zakat obligation" for AI systems are being discussed. This demonstrates the remarkable flexibility and openness of Islamic law.

• Innovative educational initiatives:
  Nationwide upskilling program ("One Million Saudis Initiative"), comprehensive embedding of AI and robotics in STEM education (from bachelor to doctorate), cooperation with technology companies and universities: Saudi Arabia is investing heavily in talent and technical expertise.

Challenges & future outlook

• Human rights and freedom:
  AI and data ethics, data protection, surveillance and influence on society are being passionately discussed, but many regulations are not yet legally binding - and human rights remain an open construction site.

• Balance between progress and preservation:
  Society is caught between tradition (Sharia law, social norms) and globalized digitalization. This balance will shape Saudi Arabia's technology path - but will also lead to international discussions.

• Global perspective:
  Saudi Arabia knows how to normalize its agenda through international forums and influence the global technology scene, despite critical voices on the state of human rights and digital freedom.

Impulses for the Gradido project

• Economic participation and securing the future:
  Gradido can help to make the opportunities of digital transformation (fair access, equitable distribution of profits, social security in the event of job loss) tangible for everyone and strengthen social cohesion in an era of technological upheaval.

• Ethics and universal values:
  The integration of ethical principles, which can be applied both locally and globally, builds a valuable bridge between innovation, the common good and individual dignity.

• Accompanying research and dialog:
  Gradido can create a framework for reflecting on the impact of AI on society, work and coexistence together with all those involved and making it people-friendly from the outset.