How Saudi Arabia’s mission to become a global AI hub sparked a race for tech talent

Special How Saudi Arabia’s mission to become a global AI hub sparked a race for tech talent
Established in 2019, the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority aims to train 20,000 specialists to ensure that Saudis can fill highly skilled AI roles by 2030. (SPA)
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Updated 07 March 2025
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How Saudi Arabia’s mission to become a global AI hub sparked a race for tech talent

How Saudi Arabia’s mission to become a global AI hub sparked a race for tech talent
  • Investment, education, and innovation are closing the skills gap and creating a globally competitive workforce
  • Graduates and job postings in AI fields have boomed, highlighting surging demand for skilled professionals

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s multibillion-dollar investment in artificial intelligence, which is central to its Vision 2030 economic transformation, faces a significant hurdle: a shortage of skilled professionals to drive the nation’s high-tech ambitions.

From cognitive cities such as NEOM to AI-driven healthcare innovations, the Kingdom’s future depends on bridging this skills gap through the implementation of three key strategies: government-led policies, private-sector innovation, and expanded academic opportunities.

A report titled “The State of AI in Saudi Arabia,” published ahead of the 2024 GAIN Summit in Riyadh, highlighted the surging demand for expertise in the field, with AI-related job postings increasing by nearly 54 percent annually between 2018 and 2022.

In 2019, the government established the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority to oversee the National Strategy for Data and AI, with the aim of training 20,000 specialists to ensure that Saudis can fill highly skilled AI roles by 2030.

The Kingdom is already leading the region in AI strategy development, ranking first in the Arab world and 14th globally, according to a 2024 report by UNESCO.

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This confidence has translated into considerable investments. Saudi Arabia secured $1.79 billion in AI-focused funding at the 2025 LEAP tech conference last month, for example, reinforcing the country’s status as a growing hub for innovation.

The 2024 GAIN Summit report also revealed a 42 percent increase in the number of graduates in AI-related subjects between 2022 and 2023, reflecting the Kingdom’s focus on the development of homegrown tech talent.

At the academic level, 86 percent of Saudi universities now offer AI-focused undergraduate degrees, 56 percent have master’s programs, and 9 percent provide opportunities to study for a doctorate.




Central to the Saudi Arabia’s strategy is a reimagining of educational systems to cultivate AI technicians, blending technical rigor with real-world problem-solving to support the digital economy. (Supplied)

Central to the Kingdom’s strategy is a reimagining of educational systems to cultivate AI technicians, blending technical rigor with real-world problem-solving to support the digital economy.

Omar Alolayan, co-founder of Almutanabi FinTech, believes AI professionals must strengthen their skills in terms of business acumen, machine-learning operations, cross-functional collaboration, and data engineering.

“Training should focus on industry-specific AI, hands-on deployment, and cross-disciplinary learning to bridge these gaps,” he told Arab News, adding that scalable, accessible AI education is key to closing the talent divide.

“Strategies like online-learning platforms, AI hubs in rural areas, scholarships and mentorship programs can expand access. No-code AI tools also democratize learning for diverse groups, and inclusivity will be critical to sustaining the Kingdom’s AI momentum.”




The SDAIA funds nationwide boot camps for all skill levels. (SDAIA photo)

Efforts to align education with workforce needs are already in motion.

“Schools like King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals have introduced flexible AI and data-science master’s tracks, while government entities like SDAIA are funding nationwide boot camps for all skill levels,” Alolayan said.

He stressed that collaboration is essential and added: “Schools must update curricula, governments should incentivize training, and companies need to offer mentorship and reskilling opportunities.”

The GAIN Summit report also noted that between 2019 and 2023, more than 38,000 students graduated with AI-related degrees, including computer science and engineering, 6,500 of whom studied abroad.




Saudi youth attending a forum during the 2024 GAIN Summit in Riyadh. (SDAIA photo)

Sultan Albarakati, executive director of the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology Academy, told Arab News: “KAUST is progressively taking a more proactive role in workforce development in the Kingdom.

“It leverages massive open online courses and cloud resources to deliver practical, hands-on AI training at scale across the Kingdom.”

KAUST partners with the public and private sectors to create tailored upskilling programs for Saudi professionals, he added.

“These training programs aim to democratize AI education and are run in partnership with national entities like NTDP (the National Technology Development Program),” Albarakati said.




KAUST partners with the public and private sectors to create tailored upskilling programs for Saudi professionals. (KAUST photo)

KAUST also helps connects top graduates with employers through annual showcases, and supports student-led startups through incubators.

Bernard Ghanem, a professor of electrical and computer engineering and director of KAUST’s Center of Excellence on Generative AI, described how the institution translates its cutting-edge research into tools that benefit key sectors in Saudi Arabia.

“Much of KAUST’s AI research is open source, with tools and models made available to the public,” he told Arab News.

“Leveraging the world-class AI research at KAUST, the center aims to develop an easy-to-use, no-code platform for non-experts to use our open-source models.”

Private enterprises are also accelerating the Kingdom’s AI capabilities, through strategic investments and infrastructure projects. Alibaba Cloud, for example, has partnered with Tuwaiq Academy and STC to launch AI-training labs at Saudi universities. Databricks has pledged $300 million over the next five years to support AI and data adoption in the country.




Bootcamp at Tuwaiq Academy in Riyadh. (X: @TuwaiqAcademy)

In 2023, SDAIA partnered with Google Cloud to launch the Elevate Program, a five-year initiative designed to train 1,000 women from 28 countries in machine learning, with plans to upskill more than 25,000 by 2028.

Fadi Kanafani, general manager for the Middle East region at SoftServe, emphasized the important role such partnerships play in striking a balance between the retention of local talent and the utilization of international expertise.

“Retaining top AI talent while attracting global expertise requires a multifaceted approach that combines research incentives, industry collaboration and career-development opportunities,” he told Arab News.




A joint undertaking of the SDAIA and Google Cloud, the Elevate Program aims to train over 25,000 women from various nations in advanced technical domains in five years. (SPA/file)

He also noted that initiatives such as grants and fellowships for AI research could incentivize Saudi professionals to lead groundbreaking projects while attracting international experts.

“Establishing AI hubs within giga-projects like NEOM can foster collaboration between local and global talent, creating an ecosystem where innovation thrives,” Kanafani said.

Career-acceleration programs, developed with partners such as Aramco and the Ministry of Investment, are also vital for efforts to provide Saudis with world-class domestic opportunities, he added.
 

 


Thousands worldwide benefit from KSrelief medical programs

Thousands worldwide benefit from KSrelief medical programs
Updated 11 min 31 sec ago
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Thousands worldwide benefit from KSrelief medical programs

Thousands worldwide benefit from KSrelief medical programs
  • On Saturday, the organization also concluded its volunteer open-heart surgery and catheterization project in Dushanbe, Tajikistan

RIYADH: The Saudi aid agency KSrelief completed medical programs in Tajikistan, Turkiye, and Tanzania, in line with the organization’s aim to support injured people worldwide.

The Saudi Noor Campaign, which will conclude on May 6, is tackling blindness in Zanzibar, Tanzania.

The medical team examined 1,731 cases, assigned 198 prescription glasses, performed 60 operations and provided medication to 857 patients.

In Reyhanli district, Türkiye, KSrelief carried out a prosthetics and rehabilitation program.

With a team of 13 specialists, they fitted 36 individuals with prosthetics and 40 orthopedic splints.

On Saturday, the organization also concluded its volunteer open-heart surgery and catheterization project in Dushanbe, Tajikistan.

The team performed 133 open-heart catheterizations and 15 open-heart operations.

 


KSrelief continues humanitarian initiatives in Yemen and Syria

KSrelief continues humanitarian initiatives in Yemen and Syria
Updated 30 min 28 sec ago
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KSrelief continues humanitarian initiatives in Yemen and Syria

KSrelief continues humanitarian initiatives in Yemen and Syria

RIYADH: The Saudi aid agency KSrelief continues to launch volunteer programs throughout the Arab world to address humanitarian crises and improve the health of Yemeni and Syrian people.

In Damascus, the team completed three volunteer initiatives that supported hundreds with disaster response, administrative training, and psychosocial support for women and children. The program ran from April 26 to May 3.

In Yemen, meanwhile, KSrelief completed the first phase of an outreach vaccination campaign in the Aden governorate in collaboration with Yemen’s Minister of Public Health and Population Qasem Buhaibeh.

On Friday, the organization launched vocational training courses in Wadi Hadhramaut, Yemen, to improve the livelihood of locals and boost economic development.

The project targeted 1,500 people and focused on home appliance maintenance, carpentry, vehicle repair, men’s tailoring, beekeeping, plumbing, photography, and electricity and energy.

 


Saudi fashion event highlights retail trends, youth culture, and digital innovation

Saudi fashion event highlights retail trends, youth culture, and digital innovation
Updated 04 May 2025
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Saudi fashion event highlights retail trends, youth culture, and digital innovation

Saudi fashion event highlights retail trends, youth culture, and digital innovation
  • Speakers noted that the increase in entertainment activities such as concerts and dining in the Kingdom in recent years has led to higher demand for fashion products because people are looking for ways to express themselves

RIYADH: A Riyadh fashion seminar on Sunday brought together industry leaders and creatives to explore the future of Saudi Arabia’s fashion economy.

Hosted by Chalhoub Group at Lakum Art Space, the event featured keynote presentations, panel discussions, and displays by 10 emerging Saudi designers from The Fashion Lab Cohort 2.

Rafi Dikranian and Mohammed Bajbaa speak on “From Drops to Drives: Connecting with Communities,” exploring how culture, streetwear, and grassroots branding are reshaping consumer engagement. (AN photo by Waad Hussain)

The agenda focused on three main themes: the evolution of fashion retail in the Kingdom; the role of cultural identity in building brands; and the rising importance of digital fashion and collaboration.

An awards ceremony honored the standout talents of this year’s cohort: APOA, Awaken, Bucketbox, Mona Al-Shebil, Noble & Fresh, Nora Al-Shaikh, Rebirth, Samar Nasraldin, The Untitled Project and USCITA.

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Hosted by Chalhoub Group at Lakum Art Space, the event featured keynote presentations, panel discussions, and displays by 10 emerging Saudi designers from The Fashion Lab Cohort 2.

One discussion explored consumer behavior in Saudi Arabia, revealing that the local market continues to grow despite global slowdowns.

Saudi brands that blend cultural heritage with bold innovation, as featured in the latest Fashion Lab showcase. (AN photo by Waad Hussain)

Speakers noted that the increase in entertainment activities such as concerts and dining in the Kingdom in recent years has led to higher demand for fashion products because people are looking for ways to express themselves.

Retail experiences — both physical and digital — were emphasized as key to engaging Saudi consumers.

Michael Chalhoub, CEO of Chalhoub Group, delivers the opening keynote at The Fashion Seminar 2025, highlighting the importance of creativity and cross-sector collaboration in shaping the future of Saudi fashion. (AN photo by Waad Hussain)

Youth culture, streetwear and sports are shaping brand narratives, a panel heard. Speakers discussed how fashion is being used as a tool for cultural storytelling, with an emphasis on grassroots creativity and community building.

Another topic highlighted the power of collaboration between local and international brands. Panelists discussed the importance of long-term partnerships, manufacturing localization, and mentorship to bridge gaps in knowledge and infrastructure.

Speakers also addressed the future of digital fashion, including virtual design, retail innovation, and new marketing strategies targeting Gen Z.

Saudi Arabia’s growing role in shaping the regional and global fashion economy was a prominent theme of the discussions.

 

 


First Saudi-Maldives forum to tackle transparency, governance in tourism

First Saudi-Maldives forum to tackle transparency, governance in tourism
Updated 04 May 2025
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First Saudi-Maldives forum to tackle transparency, governance in tourism

First Saudi-Maldives forum to tackle transparency, governance in tourism
  • Discussions aim to support sustainable development, promote safe tourism environment

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia — in partnership with the Maldives — is organizing the tourism sector’s inaugural Saudi-Maldives International Forum on Integrity, which is set to take place in the Maldives from May 6 to 7.

The forum is jointly organized by Saudi Arabia’s Oversight and Anti-Corruption Authority, and the Maldives’ Anti-Corruption Commission, in cooperation with the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.

It will cover key topics such as enhancing transparency and governance in the tourism sector, combating corruption, and boosting international partnerships and expertise exchange among member states and regional and international organizations.

The discussions aim to support sustainable development and promote a trustworthy and safe tourism environment, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The forum is expected to attract international participation from more than 40 countries and 10 regional and international organizations.

Attendees will include ministers, heads, and representatives of anti-corruption bodies from OIC member states, as well as key international organizations like the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, Interpol, the Global Operational Network of Anti-Corruption Law Enforcement Authorities, and the UN Development Programme. Local and international experts will also take part.

Organizing the forum reflects Saudi Arabia’s commitment to global efforts promoting transparency and accountability in tourism, according to the SPA.

The event highlights Saudi Arabia’s recognition of tourism as a key driver of sustainable development, in line with Vision 2030. It aims to build a thriving tourism sector, diversify national income sources, and stimulate economic growth.

 


Saudi deputy minister receives Pakistan’s ambassador

Waleed Elkhereiji (R) holds talks with Ahmed Farooq in Riyadh. (Supplied)
Waleed Elkhereiji (R) holds talks with Ahmed Farooq in Riyadh. (Supplied)
Updated 04 May 2025
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Saudi deputy minister receives Pakistan’s ambassador

Waleed Elkhereiji (R) holds talks with Ahmed Farooq in Riyadh. (Supplied)
  • They discussed bilateral relations as well as prominent developments in regional and international arenas

RIYADH: Saudi Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs Waleed Elkhereiji received Pakistan’s Ambassador to the Kingdom Ahmed Farooq in Riyadh on Sunday.

During the meeting, they discussed bilateral relations as well as prominent developments in regional and international arenas, the Foreign Ministry wrote on X.

Meanwhile, Saudi Deputy Minister for International Multilateral Affairs Abdulrahman Al-Rassi received EU Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Christophe Varno in Riyadh.