Riyadh, July 02, 2026, SPA — The World Bank has documented Saudi Arabia’s experience in utilizing AI in learning, affirming that the AI Sandbox for Digital Learning (AISB) initiative represents a pioneering national model for countries seeking to advance responsible innovation and improve the quality of digital learning.
This came in a study published by the World Bank titled: ‘AI Sandbox for Digital Learning in Saudi Arabia: Driving Socio-Economic Impact through AI Innovation in Digital Learning.’ The study reviewed the Saudi experience as an integrated model that combines practical experimentation, capacity building, governance, and the orchestration of an innovation ecosystem within a single national platform led by the National eLearning Centre (NeLC).
The study highlighted that the initiative actively contributes to enhancing digital learning quality, developing human capabilities, and boosting national workforce readiness. Furthermore, it enabled institutions and innovators to develop and test AI solutions within real-world, secure learning environments, directly aligning with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 and maximizing the socio-economic impact of innovation in learning.
The study also noted that the Saudi experience transcends the mere testing of technologies; it provides an environment that fosters the generation of evidence-based knowledge, strengthens partnerships, and accelerates the adoption of responsible innovation. Consequently, this helps build a sustainable ecosystem for AI in digital learning. The World Bank concluded that the Saudi experience has laid a solid foundation to build upon, positioning Saudi Arabia to serve as a regional and international reference point for responsible, evidence-informed innovation.
The AISB, led by NeLC, is implemented within an integrated national ecosystem in partnership with several government institutions. Most notably, these include:the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, the Ministry of Investment, the Research, Development, and Innovation Authority (RDIA), the Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA), and the Digital Government Authority (DGA). This collaborative integration has successfully aligned the initiative with national priorities across learning, skills, innovation, and digital transformation. It empowered both institutions and innovators to develop and test AI solutions in secure, real-world learning contexts, further cementing Saudi’s position as an international model for responsible innovation in digital learning.