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Saudi Arabia leads AI global index for strategy as Israel tops Mideast rankings

Saudi Arabia topped the global chart for AI government strategy, which measures the depth of national spending commitments and strategies, while other Middle East and North Africa (MENA) states lagged further behind, beginning in 23rd place.

This illustration photograph taken in Helsinki on June 12, 2023, shows an AI (Artificial Intelligence) logo blended with four fake Twitter accounts bearing profile pictures apparently generated by Artificial Intelligence software. Researchers call them the "American blondes" bright-eyed environment-lovers tweeting passionately in support of the UAE and its handling of the forthcoming COP28 climate summit. The only problem? They are not real. Ben, Brianna, Emma, Caitlin and Chloe exude optimism about the rol
This illustration photograph taken in Helsinki on June 12, 2023, shows an AI (Artificial Intelligence) logo blended with four fake Twitter accounts bearing profile pictures apparently generated by Artificial Intelligence software. — LIVIER MORIN/AFP via Getty Images

DUBAI — Saudi Arabia took the lead in the category of government strategy according to a global artificial intelligence (AI) study released last week by Tortoise Media. The United States snagged the top position for the best total score over all categories, ahead of China and Singapore.

Israel was the only country in the region to make the global top-10 list in 7th place for the overall AI index, while Saudi Arabia landed in 31st position. The United Arab Emirates, which has an AI minister, was the highest-ranking Arab country in 28th position for the overall index.

They are among a list of 62 countries measured using more than 100 indicators to measure AI levels in a variety of categories including talent, infrastructure, research and development and commercial activity in addition to government strategy.

Saudi Arabia topped the global chart for AI government strategy, which measures the depth of national spending commitments and strategies, while other MENA states lagged further behind, beginning in 23rd place. 

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