TLDR: The Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) has announced that over 424,000 Saudis have enrolled in AI training programs, marking a significant step in the Kingdom’s national transformation efforts. This initiative, part of the ‘One Million Saudis in AI’ program, aims to equip citizens with essential AI skills, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030 to position the nation as a global leader in technology and innovation.
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is making substantial strides in its digital transformation journey, with the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) reporting a remarkable enrollment of over 424,000 Saudi citizens in various artificial intelligence (AI) training programs. This significant milestone underscores the nation’s commitment to fostering a skilled workforce in advanced technological fields, a core objective of Saudi Vision 2030.
The ‘One Million Saudis in AI’ (SAMAI) initiative, launched in September 2024 in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, is at the forefront of this national upskilling drive. The program aims to empower citizens across all age groups and professional backgrounds with critical knowledge and practical skills in data and AI technologies, their applications, and ethical considerations. This comprehensive training is designed to facilitate the integration of AI into both business and daily life.
SDAIA President Abdullah Alghamdi, speaking at the Non-Profit Sector Forum in Education and Training 2025, highlighted the substantial progress made. While earlier reports in July 2025 indicated 334,000 Saudis had completed AI training, the latest figures demonstrate a continued surge in participation, reaching over 424,000 enrollments. Alghamdi emphasized the crucial role of inter-agency cooperation in enhancing Saudi Arabia’s global standing in AI empowerment, particularly in promoting women’s participation and raising community awareness.
Key initiatives under the SAMAI program include the ‘Road to ATHKA,’ which has trained over 570,000 students in foundational AI concepts, and the ‘Future Intelligence Programmers’ program, which has equipped more than 10,000 educators with AI instruction skills. Furthermore, the National Olympiad for Programming and Artificial Intelligence (ATHKA) saw the participation of over 260,000 intermediate and secondary school students, with 10,000 advancing to the final stages of the competition. To solidify AI integration into the educational system, SDAIA and the Ministry of Education have jointly established the Centre for Excellence in Education, focused on institutionalizing AI-based technological integration and sustaining future-oriented initiatives.
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The overarching goal of these initiatives is to fulfill the leadership’s vision of positioning Saudi Arabia as a global leader in technology and innovation, ensuring a future where human capabilities are enhanced through AI. The continuous growth in enrollment figures reflects the strong national embrace of AI education and the Kingdom’s dedication to building a robust, AI-ready workforce.
