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.
 

 


Japanese nanotube pioneer inspires Saudi youth at Riyadh science oasis

Japanese nanotube pioneer inspires Saudi youth at Riyadh science oasis
Updated 19 April 2025
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Japanese nanotube pioneer inspires Saudi youth at Riyadh science oasis

Japanese nanotube pioneer inspires Saudi youth at Riyadh science oasis
  • The session included participation from several high school students
  • Known as the father of carbon nanotubes, his 1991 discovery revolutionized the field of nanotechnology

RIYADH: King Salman Science Oasis in Riyadh hosted a scientific discussion featuring Japanese professor Sumio Iijima, the discoverer of carbon nanotubes and recipient of the 2025 King Faisal Prize in Science.
The session included participation from several high school students, along with various scientists and specialists, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The event was part of the center’s initiatives aimed at enhancing communication between scientists and younger generations, and inspiring students to engage in scientific research and innovation.
During the session, Iijima shared his academic journey and the early challenges he faced, discussing the motivations that led him to discover carbon nanotubes using an electron microscope.
Known as the father of carbon nanotubes, his 1991 discovery revolutionized the field of nanotechnology. His efforts established a new field in solid-state physics and materials science.
The discussion also addressed the importance of nanomaterials for future applications and their use in diverse fields such as electronics, energy storage and biomedicine. His discovery laid the foundation for countless technological innovations in the 21st century.
Iijima answered numerous questions related to scientific research and offered advice and encouragement to those interested in science and technology.
King Salman Science Oasis is a leading national initiative dedicated to promoting scientific culture and stimulating creativity and innovation across all segments of society.


Saudi university prepares talent for AI hackathon

Saudi university prepares talent for AI hackathon
Updated 19 April 2025
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Saudi university prepares talent for AI hackathon

Saudi university prepares talent for AI hackathon
  • The three-day program equips participants with essential skills
  • Participants will learn to develop innovative, functional prototypes

JEDDAH: In partnership with the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority, King Saud University has launched a training program for the upcoming Transformation Hackathon.
The three-day program equips participants with essential skills to thrive in high-performing hackathon teams. It focuses on building technical abilities and hands-on experience with AI tools.
Participants will learn to develop innovative, functional prototypes that address key challenges during the hackathon, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The training is a key step ahead of the main event, set for April 24–27.
The Transformation Hackathon is a strategic initiative to enhance education at King Saud University, support national talent in data and AI, and advance Saudi Vision 2030 through innovation and future-ready skills.


Kingdom arrests 20,688 illegals in one week

Kingdom arrests 20,688 illegals in one week
Updated 19 April 2025
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Kingdom arrests 20,688 illegals in one week

Kingdom arrests 20,688 illegals in one week

Riyadh: Saudi authorities arrested 20,688 people in one week for breaching residency, work and border security regulations, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Saturday.

A total of 12,372 people were arrested for violations of residency laws, while 4,750 were held over illegal border crossing attempts, and a further 3,566 for labor-related issues.

The report showed that among the 1,264 people arrested for trying to enter the Kingdom illegally, 61 percent were Ethiopian, 36 percent Yemeni, and 3 percent were of other nationalities.

A further 93 people were caught trying to cross into neighboring countries, and 27 were held for involvement in transporting and harboring violators, the SPA reported.

The Ministry of Interior said that anyone found to be facilitating illegal entry to the Kingdom, including providing transportation and shelter, could face imprisonment for a maximum of 15 years, a fine of up to SR1 million ($260,000), as well as confiscation of vehicles and property.

Suspected violations can be reported on the toll-free number 911 in the Makkah and Riyadh regions, and 999 or 996 in other regions of the Kingdom.


Strict Hajj rules for pilgrims’ safety says ministry

Strict Hajj rules for pilgrims’ safety says ministry
Updated 19 April 2025
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Strict Hajj rules for pilgrims’ safety says ministry

Strict Hajj rules for pilgrims’ safety says ministry
  • Ministry warns against scams on social media

RIYADH: The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has stressed that individuals intending to perform Hajj this year must obtain a permit through the Nusuk platform, which is integrated with the unified Tasreeh system for issuing official permits.

It also said that no type of visa grants the right to perform Hajj, and that full compliance with regulations is essential to ensure the safety of pilgrims and a smooth Hajj experience, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The ministry warned against fraudulent activities and deceptive Hajj campaign advertisements on social media that falsely promise accommodation and transportation within the holy sites.

The ministry urges the public to report suspicious activities by calling 911 in Makkah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province, or 999 in other areas of the Kingdom. Misleading ads should also be reported to relevant authorities in all countries.

The ministry has announced that April 29 is the final departure date for Umrah visa holders, in preparation for the Hajj season, the SPA reported.

The General Directorate of Public Security has said that Hajj regulations will begin on April 23. All residents intending to enter Makkah must obtain a valid entry permit from the relevant authorities. Those without a permit will be denied entry at security checkpoints, the SPA added.

The directorate emphasized that Hajj procedures will be strictly enforced. Vehicles and residents without a work entry permit, a Makkah resident ID or an official Hajj permit will be turned back.

It further clarified that entry permits for residents working during Hajj are issued electronically via the Absher Individuals platform and the Muqeem portal, through integration with the unified digital Hajj permit platform.


KSA showcases literary, religious heritage in Rabat

KSA showcases literary, religious heritage in Rabat
Updated 19 April 2025
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KSA showcases literary, religious heritage in Rabat

KSA showcases literary, religious heritage in Rabat

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Islamic Affairs is taking part in the 30th Rabat International Book and Publishing Fair, running until April 27 in the Moroccan capital.

It reflects the ministry’s efforts to promote the Kingdom’s message of moderation and tolerance, and its commitment to printing, publishing and teaching the Holy Qur’an, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The ministry’s pavilion features a section from the King Fahd Complex for the Printing of the Holy Qur’an in Madinah, showcasing a wide range of printed Qur’ans and translations in various languages.

Another section highlights the Makkah Library, displaying rare and historical Islamic manuscripts from renowned writers, linguists and scholars.

Represented by the General Secretariat for Exhibitions and Conferences, the ministry is also presenting a range of digital applications and programs for fair visitors.

The Kingdom’s Literature, Publishing and Translation Commission is also taking part, showcasing initiatives aimed at advancing the publishing industry and enriching cultural activities.

These include supporting Saudi publishers and literary agents globally, presenting the Kingdom’s intellectual heritage, highlighting its cultural traditions and promoting local literary output.