63% of Saudi Organizations Set to Launch Automation Strategies Within a Year, Signaling Strong Progress in AI Adoption
Organizations across Saudi Arabia are rapidly approaching an exciting inflection point in their adoption of AI and automation, with 63% planning to implement a formal automation strategy within the next 7–12 months. According to new research* from Nintex, the global leader in agentic business orchestration, this momentum reflects the Kingdom’s continued progress toward the digital transformation ambitions outlined in Vision 2030.
The findings, drawn from a survey of more than 500 Saudi organizations with over 250 employees, show widespread enthusiasm for harnessing AI and automation. While many organizations are still in the early stages of their journey, 28% remain in the exploratory stage, others (26%) have already automated processes across multiple business areas, demonstrating meaningful progress and a strong foundation for future growth.
“Saudi businesses clearly recognize the value of AI and automation, and the level of ambition across the Kingdom is impressive,” said Samir Akel, Regional Vice President at Nintex. “The appetite is there, the commitment is there, and the progress is real. The next step is ensuring the right conditions, skills, talent, time, and robust process foundations are in place to maintain this upward momentum and unlock even greater impact at scale.”
Half of respondents reported that AI and automation are now being designed together from the outset, signaling growing strategic maturity. While 29% say AI has already transformed key workflows and 26% report early-stage gains, this variation highlights the different stages of readiness as organizations build the structures needed to scale AI effectively.
The top motivations for adopting automation in Saudi Arabia focus on enhancing quality, performance, and resilience. Efficiency leads the agenda, with more than half of those surveyed (53%) seeking to reduce manual work. Nearly half (47%) prioritize improved process visibility and reporting, and the same proportion highlight cost optimization as a strategic benefit that complements broader operational improvements.
Saudi organizations also recognize the importance of sequencing and structure in digital transformation. A significant majority (86%) believe automation is an essential first step before applying AI to business processes, and more than six in 10 (62%) say that combining AI and automation delivers the strongest business outcomes. This reinforces the value of building solid process foundations to fully realize the benefits of advanced AI.
“Organizations in Saudi Arabia are not looking for quick wins,” Akel added. “They are pursuing sustainable, enterprise-wide transformation aligned with Vision 2030. Achieving this requires a structured approach, strong internal alignment, and the right partners to help scale responsibly and confidently.”
