Redefining the future of marketing in the Kingdom and beyond with AI-Driven Automation
Across the Middle East, marketing leaders are navigating an era of unprecedented change. As digital channels proliferate and consumer expectations rise, the pressure to deliver measurable results has never been greater. Globally, 87% of senior marketing executives report campaign performance challenges in the past year, with nearly half forced to stop programs early due to poor results. In this state of disruption, one solution emerges as a strategic imperative: automation driven by artificial intelligence.
This change is not just a theory. According to a recent study by NewtonX, surveying more than 1,200 managers and marketing staff in nine countries, confidence in AI is particularly strong in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. A staggering 93% of Saudi executives believe that AI-powered automation will be fundamental to future business growth, while 96% of marketers agree that it will reshape the way organizations innovate and compete.
It unlocks value through intelligent automation
The business case for AI adoption is compelling. Nearly two-thirds (62%) of respondents across the region expect AI-driven automation to deliver up to 50% cost savings to their marketing departments. Meanwhile, 84% of executives expect a tangible return on AI investment within the first year, underscoring the urgency with which organizations embrace this technology.
However, as with all changes, challenges remain. On a global level, 40% of marketers point to a lack of skilled talent as the main obstacle, while 45% cite data privacy and compliance concerns. Despite this, the mood in the region remains optimistic. Saudi marketers and marketers overwhelmingly agree that automated AI will greatly improve efficiency, as 96% of managers are confident that predictive AI will improve their professional performance, especially in areas such as media optimization and sales forecasting.
Social networks as catalysts for AI innovation
As marketing strategies evolve, social media is increasingly at the forefront of AI innovation. TikTok, in particular, has emerged as the benchmark for AI capabilities in social and video marketing, with 79% of marketers globally identifying it as the platform they most associate with advanced AI functionality.
In Saudi Arabia, this idea resonates even more. Another 83% of marketers believe that TikTok is leading the AI-driven innovation market, while between 77% and 93% agree that its powerful AI tools enable products to work with greater speed and accuracy. Globally, 63% of marketers rate TikTok’s AI capabilities as better than those of competing platforms, with more than half prioritizing automated marketing.
Key to this leadership is TikTok’s growing program of AI solutions. The tools are the same The Symphonya productive AI offering designed to improve video production, scripting and creative optimization, and Smart+AI-powered advertising solution that automates campaign management to improve performance and return on investment, are increasingly considered valuable assets. With 78% of Saudi companies planning to increase their investment in AI automation, TikTok offers an integrated ecosystem where intelligence, guidance and efficiency come together seamlessly.
Chart the next chapter of digital marketing
Looking ahead, TikTok continues to differentiate itself as a long-term partner in the AI-driven revolution. Globally, 78% of marketers and executives agree that the platform continues to innovate in this space, while 96% believe its AI tools match or exceed those of its competitors.
Momentum is set to accelerate even more. More than three-quarters of marketers worldwide expect to expand their use of TikTok’s existing AI solutions within the next six months, and seven out of ten expressed strong enthusiasm for future AI functionality. Innovations like Smart+, real-time interaction improvements and advanced market analytics are poised to help brands keep up with fast-changing consumer behavior.
In an era defined by complexity and competition, TikTok’s approach represents more than responding to market pressures, it is an active effort to shape the future of marketing. Using AI-driven automation, the platform enables brands across Saudi Arabia and the wider region to innovate with confidence, develop with precision and grow continuously.
The message from industry leaders is unmistakable: TikTok is no longer just a platform. It is a strategic partner in the pursuit of sales success. For organizations ready to embrace the next frontier of digital growth, the future isn’t just around the corner – it’s already here.
