How Artefact Wins Contracts with Key Saudi Entities

Discover more about Artefact's expansion journey in Saudi Arabia and how it is leading data and AI solutions for major Saudi entities, including giga projects.

With the potential to contribute $135 billion to the economy by 2030, AI is not just shaping the Saudi sectors; it's significantly boosting the Kingdom’s economic output. The launch of HUMAIN, a major initiative by the PIF aimed at creating localized AI models, further cements the Kingdom's vision to lead the AI evolution both regionally and globally.

These changing market dynamics are also making the country a magnet for talent, investments, and global businesses.

This immense potential has made Saudi Arabia a key focus for global AI consultancies like Artefact, which has officially entered the Kingdom through AstroLabs, the Gulf's leading business expansion platform.

Artefact's expansion is a direct response to the Kingdom's growing AI market and the increasing demand for advanced AI solutions across various industries.

Saudi’s Rising AI Opportunity Fuels Artefact’s Footprint Expansion

For Rahul Arya, CEO and managing partner of Artefact MENA, entering Saudi Arabia was a "natural progression" in their expansion strategy, describing the Kingdom as the "land of opportunities."

This momentum is largely tied to Saudi's Vision 2030, which has created ideal conditions for boosting the digital economy and fostering an AI-driven ecosystem.

Under the government's National Strategy for Data and Artificial Intelligence, Saudi Arabia aims for $20 billion in investments by 2030 and a 2.4% contribution to GDP from digitalization.

"The market strongly demands advanced technological solutions across finance, telecom, utilities, real estate, and retail," Arya explained.

The Kingdom's supportive government policies and infrastructure investments created the perfect environment for establishing Artefact's presence and contributing meaningfully to Saudi businesses' digital evolution.

A key partner in Artefact's Saudi expansion is AstroLabs. Their on-the-ground team, comprising over 100 members, assisted Artefact with various aspects related to the business setup process, including office spaces, licensing, regulatory navigation, and talent acquisition. This partnership has allowed Artefact to quickly focus on growing its operations and securing high-profile contracts across multiple industries.

"AstroLabs played a pivotal role in building our Saudi team," Arya confirmed. "From sourcing talent to facilitating hiring, they assembled a skilled workforce aligned with our culture and goals."

Artefact's High-Impact AI Projects and Workforce Development Initiatives

Artefact's portfolio already includes collaborations with leading private and public entities in Saudi Arabia. This includes a partnership with the Royal Commission for AlUla, where the company is implementing a comprehensive data and AI transformation program. The goal is to enhance AI-powered operations, improve decision-making, and develop advanced visitor and community services.

Additionally, Artefacts is involved with projects with the Saudi Electricity Company (SEC), helping modernize the company's IT infrastructure through a "Digital Transformation Strategy."

It has recently partnered with a new airline to develop a data analytics platform and use AI solutions to enhance guest experiences.

"These projects exemplify our company's commitment to driving innovation, fostering digital transformation, and delivering tangible value to our partners and stakeholders in Saudi Arabia," Arya added.

Aligning with Saudi's efforts to strengthen its AI talent pool, Artefact is also working to enable AI fluency across its workforce. The company plans to introduce a new initiative similar to its successful School of Data in Paris. The soon-to-be-launched School of Data in Riyadh aims to "democratize access to data and train 1,000 individuals on digital skills over the next three years," according to Arya.

Notably, Artefact has forged a strategic partnership with the Misk Foundation, providing intern placements and allowing local talent to gain practical experience on cutting-edge AI projects.

"Our primary aim is to foster innovation and empower individuals by emphasizing our dedication to local talent, especially women," Arya shared. "We strive to promote diversity and support professional growth in the tech sector through job opportunities and a welcoming work environment."

This commitment to workforce development complements Artefact's broader strategy. With 1,500 employees across 23 countries, the company effectively combines global expertise with localized execution to drive success in new high-growth markets like Saudi.