Artificial intelligence is shaping a new reality for Saudi Arabia’s workforce a reality that, in the view of Fadle Saad, reflects a nation moving with confidence toward the future of work.Saad views AI not as a technology to be wary of but as a practical tool that is already transforming daily productivity, collaboration, and decision-making throughout the Kingdom.This transformation is taking place at a time when the global relationship with work is strained. According to HP’s 2025 Work Relationship Index (WRI), many workers around the world are experiencing rising pressure, declining fulfilment, and uncertainty about their professional future. However, Saad notes that Saudi Arabia deviates from this worldwide trend.The Index reveals that one in three knowledge workers in the Kingdom report having a healthy relationship with work, far above the global average of 20%. It is seen as a reflection of the country’s unique momentum driven by Vision 2030, rapid digitalization, and a workforce that perceives transformation not as a disruption, but as an opportunity.Technology is a central part of that story.Four out of ten Saudi workers use artificial intelligence (AI) daily, which is much higher than in many other markets. Saudi employees embrace innovation across generations. Unlike countries where AI adoption is concentrated among the youngest employees, Saad emphasizes that Gen X and Boomers in Saudi Arabia are also active users, indicating a national readiness to integrate AI into everyday work.One of the most significant findings in the WRI is the connection between AI usage and workplace fulfilment. Among Saudis who report a healthy work relationship, 34% use AI tools provided by their employer every day. According to Saad, when people have access to tools that simplify tasks and reduce cognitive load, they gain the space to focus on more meaningful, strategic work. Which creates not only higher productivity but also deeper engagement and satisfaction.Leadership confidence is another defining feature of the Kingdom’s results. Saad points out that IT decision makers in Saudi Arabia score 23 points higher than their global peers in their relationship with work. This difference illustrates trust in the direction businesses are taking and belief in the digital strategies being implemented. Such trust is essential in periods of transformation and sets Saudi Arabia apart as one of the world’s most digitally optimistic workforces.However, it is also evident that the future of work is not shaped by technology alone. The WRI found that seven in ten workers in Saudi Arabia experienced significant workplace changes in the past year from shifting expectations to evolving work models. Moments like these, place a heightened responsibility on organizations. The Index shows that 85% of the drivers of fulfilment are within a company’s control, reminding leaders that culture, communication, and access to tools are fundamental to the employee experience.Generational shifts are amplifying this evolution. Saad stresses that Gen Z will represent 28% of the Saudi workforce by the end of 2025, surpassing global averages. This generation brings new expectations: purpose, flexibility, continuous learning, and the courage to require them. According to the WRI, eight out of ten Gen Z employees in the Kingdom would give up part of their salary for greater autonomy and better technology and training. This is an indication of a workforce prepared to define a more human-centred definition of success. These observations reveal a nation that is actively redefining the global future of work rather than merely adjusting to it. The Kingdom’s combination of digital fluency, leadership confidence, and workforce optimism represents a powerful advantage as Saudi Arabia continues its transformation under Vision 2030.As part of this progress, HP remains committed to supporting organizations with secure AI-powered devices, hybrid-work solutions, and digital experience platforms. Saad believes that when technology enables people rather than overwhelms them, it becomes a catalyst for growth, collaboration, and fulfilment.In his words, “Saudi Arabia is not waiting for the future of work it is shaping it. And what we see through the WRI is a workforce whose confidence and ambition are helping define what work can look like when innovation and human potential move forward together.” By Fadle Saad, Managing Director, HP MENA Regional HeadquartersArtificial intelligence is shaping a new reality for Saudi Arabia’s workforce a reality that, in the view of Fadle Saad, reflects a nation moving with confidence toward the future of work.Saad views AI not as a technology to be wary of but as a practical tool that is already transforming daily productivity, collaboration, and decision-making throughout the Kingdom.This transformation is taking place at a time when the global relationship with work is strained. According to HP’s 2025 Work Relationship Index (WRI), many workers around the world are experiencing rising pressure, declining fulfilment, and uncertainty about their professional future. However, Saad notes that Saudi Arabia deviates from this worldwide trend.The Index reveals that one in three knowledge workers in the Kingdom report having a healthy relationship with work, far above the global average of 20%. It is seen as a reflection of the country’s unique momentum driven by Vision 2030, rapid digitalization, and a workforce that perceives transformation not as a disruption, but as an opportunity.Technology is a central part of that story.Four out of ten Saudi workers use artificial intelligence (AI) daily, which is much higher than in many other markets. Saudi employees embrace innovation across generations. Unlike countries where AI adoption is concentrated among the youngest employees, Saad emphasizes that Gen X and Boomers in Saudi Arabia are also active users, indicating a national readiness to integrate AI into everyday work.One of the most significant findings in the WRI is the connection between AI usage and workplace fulfilment. Among Saudis who report a healthy work relationship, 34% use AI tools provided by their employer every day. According to Saad, when people have access to tools that simplify tasks and reduce cognitive load, they gain the space to focus on more meaningful, strategic work. Which creates not only higher productivity but also deeper engagement and satisfaction.Leadership confidence is another defining feature of the Kingdom’s results. Saad points out that IT decision makers in Saudi Arabia score 23 points higher than their global peers in their relationship with work. This difference illustrates trust in the direction businesses are taking and belief in the digital strategies being implemented. Such trust is essential in periods of transformation and sets Saudi Arabia apart as one of the world’s most digitally optimistic workforces.However, it is also evident that the future of work is not shaped by technology alone. The WRI found that seven in ten workers in Saudi Arabia experienced significant workplace changes in the past year from shifting expectations to evolving work models. Moments like these, place a heightened responsibility on organizations. The Index shows that 85% of the drivers of fulfilment are within a company’s control, reminding leaders that culture, communication, and access to tools are fundamental to the employee experience.Generational shifts are amplifying this evolution. Saad stresses that Gen Z will represent 28% of the Saudi workforce by the end of 2025, surpassing global averages. This generation brings new expectations: purpose, flexibility, continuous learning, and the courage to require them. According to the WRI, eight out of ten Gen Z employees in the Kingdom would give up part of their salary for greater autonomy and better technology and training. This is an indication of a workforce prepared to define a more human-centred definition of success. These observations reveal a nation that is actively redefining the global future of work rather than merely adjusting to it. The Kingdom’s combination of digital fluency, leadership confidence, and workforce optimism represents a powerful advantage as Saudi Arabia continues its transformation under Vision 2030.As part of this progress, HP remains committed to supporting organizations with secure AI-powered devices, hybrid-work solutions, and digital experience platforms. Saad believes that when technology enables people rather than overwhelms them, it becomes a catalyst for growth, collaboration, and fulfilment.In his words, “Saudi Arabia is not waiting for the future of work it is shaping it. And what we see through the WRI is a workforce whose confidence and ambition are helping define what work can look like when innovation and human potential move forward together.” By Fadle Saad, Managing Director, HP MENA Regional Headquarters
Saudi workforce confidence redefines the future of work
