Standard Chartered: “Saudi Arabia Ranked Among the Top Global Markets for Digital Trade Readiness”

Standard Chartered announced today the findings of its latest ‘Future of Trade: Digitisation’ report, which identifies the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia among the top global markets for digital trade readiness. The report highlights the Kingdom’s accelerating progress in building a modern, technology driven economy underpinned by strong digital foundations and rising corporate capability.

The study, which surveyed 1,200 multinational corporations from seventeen (17) key markets worldwide , reveals that Cloud Computing is a central pillar of Saudi Arabia’s digital transformation, with ninety-two per cent (92%) of corporates identifying it as a top driver of progress. This places the Kingdom among the global leaders in cloud adoption and reflects significant investment in data infrastructure, cybersecurity and enterprise modernisation across key sectors.

Artificial intelligence is another defining area of strength. Sixty per cent (60%) of Saudi corporates cite AI as a core enabler of future efficiency and competitiveness, one of the highest levels recorded globally. This aligns with the Kingdom’s national strategy to embed AI across government, industry and trade processes, while unlocking new opportunities for automation, advanced analytics and cross border interoperability.

Digital asset adoption is also gaining momentum in Saudi Arabia. Sixty-two per cent (62%) of corporates highlight the role of tokenised instruments, digital settlement mechanisms and blockchain based supply chain platforms in improving transparency, reducing friction and strengthening resilience in trade flows.

Commenting on the findings, Mazen Bunyan, Chief Executive Officer and Head of Coverage, Standard Chartered Saudi Arabia, said: “Saudi Arabia is rapidly emerging as one of the world’s most dynamic digital economies, with corporates demonstrating both ambition and significant capability. The Kingdom’s momentum reflects a clear vision for transformation and an environment that empowers businesses to adopt advanced technologies at scale. This combination is positioning Saudi Arabia as a major contributor to the future of global digital trade.”

KSA Digital Indicators

The study points to strong alignment with international digital frameworks. Ninety-four per cent (94%) of Saudi corporates support the expansion of Digital Economy Agreements that harmonise standards and enable cross border use of digital trade documentation. This is complemented by high levels of internal capability, with many companies building and managing their own digital programmes to ensure speed, control and compliance.

With a growing base of digital talent, expanding infrastructure and substantial momentum across cloud, AI and digital assets, Saudi Arabia continues to reinforce its position as a regional and global hub for technology enabled commerce. The Kingdom’s trajectory reflects a strategic commitment to building a diversified, innovation led economy that is integrated into the future architecture of global trade.