Samer Choucair: Responsible AI Is the Biggest Investment Opportunity in Saudi Arabia*
Samer Choucair, investment entrepreneur, affirmed that the growing global warnings about what's described as the "AI backlash" don't diminish this sector's importance, but strengthen the need for more responsible, sustainable investment models, noting that Saudi Arabia has succeeded in building an integrated ecosystem making it one of the most prominent global destinations for AI investment under Vision 2030's targets.
Choucair's remarks came following the analysis The Economist published in its issue covering June 27 to July 3, 2026, which addressed the challenges facing the AI sector globally, warning of growing concerns tied to bots' impact on elections, the spread of misinformation, job losses, and rising spending on technical infrastructure without achieving immediate returns proportionate to investment scale.
He explained that these concerns represent a genuine challenge for global markets, but they simultaneously highlight the importance of having investment environments with clear regulatory frameworks and long-term strategies, which Saudi Arabia provides through Vision 2030.
He noted that the Kingdom has managed to turn global challenges into considered economic opportunities, backed by investments exceeding 14.9 billion dollars in AI projects during 2025, alongside continued development of digital infrastructure and legislation strengthening investor confidence.
He added that the world is seeing accelerating growth in AI spending, with global spending expected to surpass two trillion dollars during 2026, driven by massive investments in data centers, electronic chips, and computing infrastructure, but this growth is also accompanied by rising concerns related to investment returns and the pressures technology companies may face as a result of rising capital expenditures.
He explained that these developments could lead to volatility in global capital markets, particularly in the technology sector, making adopting balanced investment strategies more important in the period ahead.
*Saudi Arabia's Approach to Responsible AI*
He affirmed that Saudi Arabia offers a different model for dealing with artificial intelligence, based on combining innovation with responsible regulation, ensuring sustainable economic value.
He noted that the Kingdom has worked to develop an integrated ecosystem led by both the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority and HUMAIN, alongside investing in data centers, high-performance computing, developing Arabic language models, and establishing strategic partnerships with major global technology companies, in addition to developing regulatory frameworks related to data protection and supporting investments through the Public Investment Fund.
He explained that these initiatives target cementing the Kingdom's position among the world's best countries in artificial intelligence by 2030, with investment in developing national talent and strengthening local innovation.
Choucair said: "Despite global warnings of an AI backlash, the Kingdom possesses a genuine competitive advantage represented by institutional government support, available energy, and focus on ethical, regulated artificial intelligence. This approach turns global risks into considered, sustainable investment opportunities."
He added: "In capital markets, we may see short-term corrections due to pressure on global capital spending, but the real opportunities lie in investing in infrastructure and local solutions backed by Vision 2030, particularly data centers, Arabic language models, and applications in energy, tourism, and financial services sectors."
*Where the Opportunities Lie*
He noted that investors should focus on companies with strong governance and high transparency, alongside investing in building human capabilities, given that these elements represent the genuine foundation for achieving sustainable growth and reducing risks tied to global technical developments, saying: "Investors should focus on companies with strong governance and transparency, and invest in building human capabilities. This approach reduces backlash risks and ensures broader benefit for the economy and society."
He explained that the current stage offers major investment opportunities across four main paths: investing in responsible AI projects aligned with national regulatory frameworks, investing in digital infrastructure, data centers, and cloud computing, supporting the development of Arabic language models and local applications, in addition to building diverse investment portfolios combining AI sectors with traditional economic sectors backed by Vision 2030.
He affirmed that this approach helps investors achieve long-term returns, while limiting the impact of short-term volatility global markets may experience.
He concluded his remarks by affirming that artificial intelligence will remain one of the most important drivers of economic growth in the coming years, and that Saudi Arabia possesses all the fundamentals qualifying it to benefit from this global shift thanks to its ambitious economic vision and major investments in infrastructure and innovation.
Samer Choucair said in concluding his remarks: "The future will belong to investors who combine innovation with investment discipline. Saudi Arabia today offers a balanced model combining technical development with governance, making it one of the most capable markets for turning global shifts into sustainable investment opportunities under Vision 2030."
He affirmed that successful investing in the period ahead won't depend on keeping pace with modern technologies alone, but on choosing markets with a clear vision, a stable regulatory environment, and a long-term strategy, fundamentals the Kingdom has increasingly come to provide for local and international investors.