Saudi AI business registrations rise 31% in Year of AI.
Ministry of Commerce data shows AI commercial registrations reached 24,552, up 31%, with creative, arts and entertainment registrations up 25%. The growth comes as the Kingdom marks 2026 as its Year of Artificial Intelligence.
Why it matters
A fast-growing local AI vendor base means more Saudi partners and competitors for agencies.
Related trends.
AIUAE shoppers want AI to find deals, not to check out
YouGov says 59% of UAE adults plan to shop Dubai Shopping Festival 2026. Three in four likely shoppers will use AI, mostly for prices and reviews, but only about one in five would let it fill baskets or pay.
Why it mattersAI shopping assistants win research moments first; trust for agent checkout still has to be earned.
AIOpenAI seeks an agency lead to make ChatGPT ads a regular buy
OpenAI is recruiting an Agency Partner in New York to build joint business plans with holding companies and independents. It wants ChatGPT ads to move past pilots; the company said in August they had hit a $1B annualised run rate.
Why it mattersExpect agency deals and spend commitments for ChatGPT ads, the way search and social are bought today.
AIOpenAI leans on field marketing to sell ChatGPT to companies
OpenAI's EMEA B2B marketing head says in-person field marketing is currently its strongest channel for enterprise sales. The company pairs events with creators, a fixed webinar calendar and local market teams, slotting launches into that rhythm instead of building new campaigns.
Why it mattersEven AI's biggest brand finds enterprise deals still close face to face.
