Saudi Arabia has expanded its artificial intelligence training drive, with more than 1.56 million people benefiting from programmes led by the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA).
The figure includes more than 14,495 specialists and experts in data and AI, according to SDAIA data released in June. The latest figure is above the 1.2 million milestone cited in the authority’s national update.
The training drive forms part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and National Strategy for Data and Artificial Intelligence. SDAIA’s work spans workforce development, digital infrastructure, policy, regulation and AI adoption across government and business.
Saudi Arabia focuses on AI skills development
Human capital development is a central part of Saudi Arabia’s AI agenda. SDAIA’s Year of AI framework includes national capability building among its objectives.
The framework focuses on equipping Saudi talent with skills needed for future demand in data and AI. Programmes cover the wider population as well as students, researchers, technology professionals and other specialists.
In July, SDAIA announced 18 specialised training bootcamps. The programmes cover generative programming, AI agent systems, data engineering, computer vision, prompt engineering and responsible AI use.
Meanwhile, SDAIA data shows that 84 per cent of the Saudi public was familiar with the concept of AI in 2025. A further 73 per cent reported awareness of real world AI applications.
Saudi Arabia also recorded more than 80,300 graduates in technology related disciplines between 2020 and 2025. SDAIA reported a 13.1 per cent compound annual growth rate in AI talent concentration in the Saudi job market between 2020 and 2024.
Year of AI expands focus on national capability
Saudi Arabia formally designated 2026 as the Year of Artificial Intelligence in March. The initiative aims to increase AI adoption across sectors and strengthen national capabilities.
It also focuses on encouraging innovation and investment in advanced technologies.
The skills push therefore sits alongside wider efforts to expand practical AI use across the Saudi economy. SDAIA has developed programmes for both broad based training and specialised capability development.
AI adoption grows across government and business
Saudi Arabia’s AI agenda extends beyond workforce training. The International Monetary Fund’s 2026 Article IV assessment said AI use in the Kingdom was expanding across government services, healthcare, education and financial technology.
The IMF also said Saudi Arabia ranks highly in global AI adoption. According to the assessment, most of the Kingdom’s interim 2025 targets for AI workforce development and investment had already been surpassed.
SDAIA has introduced initiatives such as the Rowad Package and AI Ethics Incentive Badges to support corporate AI adoption.
The authority’s wider mandate includes policymaking, infrastructure, capability building and technology enablement for government and private sector organisations.
However, the IMF noted that AI adoption could bring productivity gains while also creating transitional labour market pressures. The assessment highlighted the need to address barriers to adoption and manage related risks.
AI governance develops alongside adoption
Saudi Arabia is also developing frameworks for responsible and ethical AI use as adoption expands.
SDAIA’s AI Ethics Principles focus on supporting innovation, enabling responsible adoption and governing AI models to reduce risks. The principles also address data privacy and individual rights.
Saudi Arabia has increased its involvement in international AI governance. SDAIA says the Kingdom became the first Arab country to join the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence.
The authority has also contributed to international discussions on responsible and reliable AI. Saudi Arabia has engaged with organisations including UNESCO and the OECD on AI governance, responsible technology and capability development.
In 2026, Saudi Arabia hosted the UNESCO Global Forum on the Ethics of AI in Riyadh. The Kingdom also hosted the fourth Global AI Summit.
Saudi Arabia links AI skills with wider adoption
Saudi Arabia’s AI agenda now covers three connected areas. The first is expanding AI adoption across the economy. The second is developing a larger national talent pool.
The third is building governance frameworks for wider AI use.
As the Year of AI continues, SDAIA’s training programmes remain a central part of Saudi Arabia’s effort to build national capabilities in data and artificial intelligence.
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