Saudi Arabia is offering one million university students free access to Google AI Plus for one year as the Kingdom expands efforts to build digital and AI skills among its future workforce.
- Who is eligible for free Google AI in Saudi Arabia?
- What does Google AI Plus include for Saudi students?
- Saudi Arabia links AI access to future workforce skills
- MCIT: AI access can support Saudi talent
- Saudi students can also get Google AI Pro discounts
- Why the initiative matters for Saudi Arabia’s talent strategy
The initiative, announced by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) and Google during LEAP 2026, gives eligible students access to Gemini, NotebookLM, media generation tools and 400 GB of storage.
Students aged 18 and above at Saudi universities can register for the programme. Registration is open until December 31, 2026, subject to verification of university status.
Who is eligible for free Google AI in Saudi Arabia?
The programme is open to university students in Saudi Arabia who are aged 18 or above.
Students must verify their university status before receiving the one-year Google AI Plus subscription. Registration will remain open until December 31, 2026.
The initiative aims to reach up to one million students across Saudi universities.
What does Google AI Plus include for Saudi students?
Eligible students will receive access to several Google AI tools as part of the free subscription.
Gemini provides access to advanced AI models for research, information analysis, problem-solving and academic work.
NotebookLM can help students organise sources, summarise study material and create audio overviews from their reference material.
The package also includes media generation tools for creating images and videos. Students will also receive 400 GB of storage for academic files, references and other study materials.
Together, these tools are intended to support learning, research, productivity and creative projects.
Saudi Arabia links AI access to future workforce skills
The initiative comes as Saudi Arabia continues to invest in digital capabilities and future skills.
Google said its previous programmes in the Kingdom have trained more than 600,000 people in AI and digital marketing skills, including through the Maharat min Google programme.
The latest partnership extends that focus to university students. It also includes training programmes that MCIT and Google will deliver throughout the year.
These programmes will focus on helping students use AI tools efficiently and responsibly during their education.
MCIT: AI access can support Saudi talent
Mohammed Alrubayan, Deputy Minister for Future Skills and Jobs at MCIT, said the partnership is part of Saudi Arabia’s effort to prepare its workforce for the digital economy.
“Providing one million university students with access to AI technologies goes beyond expanding access to advanced tools.”
Alrubayan said the programme is intended to integrate AI into the learning journey, improve productivity and innovation, and align education outcomes with future skills and jobs.
He added that the initiative would help national talent move from using technology to developing applications and creating meaningful impact.
Saudi students can also get Google AI Pro discounts
Google is also offering additional discounts for students who want access to higher-tier AI services.
Students can receive discounts of up to 75% on Google AI Pro. The higher-tier service includes advanced tools and models aimed at areas such as programming and design.
A separate offer provides discounts of up to 70% on Google AI Pro and YouTube Premium.
Why the initiative matters for Saudi Arabia’s talent strategy
The programme places AI tools directly in the hands of a large student population.
For students, the initiative can provide access to tools for research, learning, content creation and productivity without the cost of a standard subscription for the first year.
For Saudi Arabia, the programme also supports a broader focus on developing digital capabilities and preparing national talent for future jobs.
The government and Google will therefore combine access to AI tools with training during the programme period. This approach is designed to encourage students to use AI effectively and responsibly as part of their education.
