National accreditation initiative introduces AI Engineer and Data Scientist certifications to strengthen Saudi Arabia’s AI workforce
Saudi Arabia’s Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) has opened registration for its Artificial Intelligence Professional Badges programme. The initiative introduces a national accreditation framework designed to certify AI and data professionals across the Kingdom.
- National accreditation initiative introduces AI Engineer and Data Scientist certifications to strengthen Saudi Arabia’s AI workforce
- Programme uses independent assessment framework
- Partnership supports national AI capability development
- Initiative builds on wider AI education strategy
- Why the programme matters
The first phase covers two specialisations: AI Engineer and Data Scientist. The AI Engineer track focuses on developing AI models and intelligent systems. Meanwhile, the Data Scientist track evaluates expertise in algorithm development, data analysis and extracting insights from complex datasets.
The programme supports Saudi Arabia’s broader ambition to build a highly skilled domestic AI workforce and establish consistent professional standards across the sector.
Programme uses independent assessment framework
Applicants will complete a standardised three-level assessment process. An independent scientific committee made up of researchers, academics and industry experts from both the public and private sectors will oversee the evaluations.
The framework measures scientific knowledge, analytical capability and practical skills. As a result, employers will have a reliable benchmark when assessing AI and data professionals.
Moreover, the badges aim to establish a unified national framework that aligns AI and data competencies with internationally recognised standards.
Partnership supports national AI capability development
SDAIA is delivering the programme in partnership with elm, King Saud University and the Human Capability Development Program.
The authority first announced the initiative during the International Conference on Data and AI Capacity Building (ICAN 2026) in January 2026.
At the event, SDAIA unveiled a broader certification structure covering AI Researchers, AI Engineers and Data Scientists. Each pathway includes three proficiency levels: Assistant, Associate and Expert.
Initiative builds on wider AI education strategy
The AI Professional Badges programme forms part of SDAIA’s wider effort to expand AI education and workforce readiness across Saudi Arabia.
Alongside the certification initiative, SDAIA introduced a National Cross-Disciplinary Curriculum for University Students in Data and AI. The curriculum aims to improve AI literacy beyond traditional computer science programmes.
Furthermore, SDAIA signed memoranda of understanding with 14 public and private universities, including King Saud University, King Abdulaziz University and Alfaisal University, to strengthen AI education and research.
In June 2026, SDAIA also announced that it had started training 215 students from 28 Saudi universities, further supporting the country’s long-term AI talent pipeline.
Why the programme matters
Demand for AI professionals continues to rise across Saudi Arabia. However, employers often face challenges when comparing candidates because job titles and skill requirements vary between organisations.
The new AI Professional Badges programme addresses that challenge by providing government-backed certifications based on independent assessments. Consequently, organisations can identify qualified professionals more easily, while AI specialists gain recognised credentials that validate their expertise
