AI Usage in Saudi Holidays: 87% Plan to Use Tech for Planning

Riyadh – A significant shift in digital behavior is underway this season, as AI usage in Saudi holidays moves beyond simple novelty to become a core part of festive planning. According to recent research by cybersecurity firm Kaspersky, 87% of users in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia plan to incorporate artificial intelligence into their holiday activities for the 2025/2026 season.

Key Takeaways

High Adoption: 87% of survey participants in KSA intend to use AI tools during the holidays.
Youth Drive: 86% of respondents aged 18-34 expressed intentions to use AI.
Top Uses: Finding restaurants/accommodation (63%) and searching for recipes (56%) are the primary drivers.
Emotional Support: 42% of users turn to AI for conversation when feeling unhappy during the holidays.

The AI Digital Companion

The survey highlights that AI has evolved from a functional tool into a multifaceted digital companion. While logistical planning is dominant—with 55% using AI as a shopping assistant to analyze reviews and find deals —the technology is also being used for creative inspiration.

Approximately 47% of users in KSA seek AI assistance for brainstorming gift ideas and decoration tips, while 57% trust AI to generate ideas on how to spend their free time.

Interestingly, the technology is assuming a psychological role. The data shows that 42% of those using AI during the holidays consider talking to it when they feel unhappy, a trend particularly pronounced among Zoomers and Millennials.

Security Warnings and Privacy Risks

Despite the convenience, experts warn that placing excessive trust in chatbots can threaten data security.

“As LLM models rapidly evolve, their potential for engaging in meaningful dialogue with users grows as well. However, it’s important to bear in mind that they learn to answer from data, most of which is sourced from the Internet, meaning they are prone to regurgitate the error and biases from the text used for training,” said Vladislav Tushkanov, Group Manager at Kaspersky AI Technology Research Center.

Tushkanov further advises users to approach AI suggestions with skepticism and avoid oversharing personal data.

How to Stay Safe

To mitigate risks such as phishing or data harvesting, cybersecurity experts recommend the following:

Verify Links: Always check links provided by AI before clicking, as they may lead to malicious content.
Limit Data Sharing: Avoid sharing financial information or deeply personal details with chatbots.
Check Privacy Policies: Before starting a conversation, review if the tool allows you to opt out of data training.
Use Trusted Providers: Stick to AI services from reputable companies with known security track records.

For more information on digital security, visit Kaspersky.