Cisco Reveals Saudi AI Adoption Insights Ahead of LEAP 2025

Ahead of the highly anticipated LEAP 2025 conference in Riyadh, Cisco has unveiled the findings from its latest AI Readiness Index. The report reveals that 72% of organizations in Saudi Arabia (KSA) have developed a strategy to deploy AI-powered solutions, underscoring the growing importance of AI in business transformation. However, despite the rising urgency, businesses in KSA face challenges in adopting and fully leveraging AI amid rapid market changes and its anticipated impact on operations.

The AI Readiness Index is based on a comprehensive survey of 7,985 senior business leaders from organizations with 500 or more employees across 30 global markets, including KSA. The survey assesses AI readiness across six key pillars: strategy, infrastructure, data, governance, talent, and culture.

Key Findings from Cisco’s AI Readiness Index:

• Urgency in AI Adoption
  AI has become a critical element of business strategy, with 98% of companies in KSA reporting an increased urgency to deploy AI in the past year. CEOs and leadership teams are driving the push, and 86% of organizations believe they have only 18 months to demonstrate AI’s impact, with 60% giving themselves just 12 months.
• Growing Investment in AI
  AI investments have surged in Saudi Arabia, with 50% of companies allocating 10-30% of their IT budgets to AI initiatives. These investments focus primarily on IT infrastructure (51%), cybersecurity (40%), and data management (38%). Companies aim to enhance system efficiency, drive innovation, and improve customer experiences. Notably, 45% of organizations plan to increase their AI investment to more than 40% of their IT budgets over the next four to five years.
• Infrastructure Gaps in AI Deployment
  While AI adoption accelerates, many organizations struggle with infrastructure preparedness. Only 31% have the necessary GPUs to meet current and future AI demands, and just 34% have the capabilities to secure AI models with comprehensive encryption and continuous monitoring. Improving IT infrastructure scalability, flexibility, and manageability ranks as the top priority for 62% of organizations in Saudi Arabia.
• Talent Shortages for AI Success
  The shortage of skilled talent remains a major obstacle. Only 46% of KSA organizations feel their workforce is fully ready to capitalize on AI’s potential. Additionally, 39% report lacking the in-house expertise required for successful AI deployment.

Salman Faqeeh, Managing Director of Cisco Saudi Arabia, commented: “Saudi Arabia is leading the way in embracing AI as a key driver of digital transformation. The findings from Cisco’s AI Readiness Index highlight the significant strides organizations in the Kingdom are making in AI strategy and investment. Cisco remains committed to helping organizations harness the full potential of AI through innovative solutions and expert guidance.” He also emphasized Cisco’s involvement at LEAP 2025, under the theme “Cisco Connects and Protects the AI Era,” aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals.

Cisco’s participation at LEAP 2025 will showcase AI-driven innovations, including solutions designed to modernize data centers, enhance workplace collaboration, and bolster digital resilience. Visitors can engage with Cisco’s experts at Stand H1.F30 in the Big Tech Hall, where they will also have access to interactive demos, panel discussions, and strategic briefings.