TLDR: The Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA), in collaboration with NVIDIA, has launched a Professional Training Program in Generative AI. This initiative, part of the Generative AI Academy, aims to train 4,000 Saudi citizens in advanced AI skills, including large language models and multimodal models, to bolster national capabilities and support Saudi Vision 2030. The first phase of the program commenced with registration in December 2024, with training set to begin on December 29, 2024.
The Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA), in a strategic collaboration with global AI leader NVIDIA, has officially launched a comprehensive Professional Training Program in Generative Artificial Intelligence. This ambitious initiative, offered through the Generative AI Academy, is designed to significantly enhance Saudi Arabia’s national capabilities in the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence.
The program’s primary objective is to train an impressive 4,000 Saudi citizens, equipping them with cutting-edge expertise in generative AI. The initial phase of this program was launched at the King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals in Dhahran. Further training opportunities will be available in-person in Riyadh and through remote learning options.
Announced on December 16, 2024, by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the program’s registration for the Dhahran cohort opened on Sunday, December 15, and concluded on December 19, 2024. The intensive one-month training is scheduled to commence on December 29, 2024. Details regarding registration for the Riyadh-based and remote programs are expected to be announced at a later date.
The curriculum is meticulously crafted to cover a wide array of advanced AI topics. Participants will gain proficiency in building and customizing generative AI models, leveraging parallel computing to accelerate the development and training of large language models (LLMs), designing sophisticated applications based on these models, and deploying them efficiently in production environments while ensuring sustainable performance. The program also delves into multimodal models and examines the profound influence of LLMs on shaping future predictions.
Eligibility for the program is stringent, targeting individuals with a robust foundation in computer science or related disciplines, as well as academic professionals and practitioners in the field. Prospective applicants must hold a PhD or master’s degree in deep learning, or a bachelor’s degree in AI, or a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or Software Engineering with a specialized focus on AI, including relevant coursework in deep learning.
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Upon successful completion, participants will receive professional certifications accredited by NVIDIA, recognized globally as a benchmark for expertise in generative AI. This program underscores SDAIA’s commitment to fostering innovation and developing local talent, aligning directly with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 to build a sustainable future driven by technology and innovation.


