The Ministry of Education and the Saudi Data & Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) are launching 40 artificial intelligence programs in universities
In a strategic move aimed at strengthening the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's position as a global hub for technology and innovation, the Minister of Education and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of King Saud University, Professor Yousef bin Abdullah Al-Bunyan, and the President of the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), Dr. Abdullah bin Sharaf Al-Ghamdi, launched a comprehensive package of specialized academic programs. This package includes 40 high-quality academic programs covering various levels of higher education in the fields of data science and artificial intelligence, in collaboration with 14 public and private universities across the Kingdom.
The context of digital transformation and Vision 2030
This significant announcement comes at a time when the Kingdom is witnessing unprecedented technological advancements, aligned with the goals of Vision 2030, which prioritizes digital transformation and building a knowledge-based economy. This step is a direct response to the urgent need to localize advanced technologies, as artificial intelligence is no longer a technological luxury but a fundamental driver of modern economies. Through these initiatives, the Kingdom seeks to bridge the gap between higher education outputs and the demands of the rapidly evolving labor market, ensuring the availability of qualified national talent to lead the future technological landscape.
Launch details at ICAN 2026
The announcement of these programs came during the first day of the International Conference on Building Capabilities in Data and Artificial Intelligence (ICAN 2026), organized by the Saudi Data & Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA). The conference enjoys a distinguished academic partnership with King Saud University, a knowledge partnership with the Human Capability Development Program, and a strategic partnership with Elm Company. The event is witnessing broad participation from over 50 local and international entities, reflecting the growing international interest in the Kingdom's experience in this field.
The diversity of programs and academic tracks
The 40 programs launched are diverse and comprehensive, ranging from master's and bachelor's degrees to specialized sub-disciplines and advanced professional diplomas. These educational pathways have been meticulously designed to combine a solid theoretical foundation with intensive practical application. This approach aims to equip graduates with the skills necessary to compete not only locally but also globally, thereby enhancing their career prospects in the biotechnology sector.
Expected economic and social impact
These programs are expected to revolutionize the Saudi labor market, providing the public and private sectors with qualified Saudi nationals capable of handling big data and artificial intelligence technologies. This approach directly supports the national data and AI strategy, which aims to position the Kingdom as a global leader in this field, positively impacting the diversification of national income sources and creating new, high-value job opportunities.
Universities participating in the initiative
The list of universities hosting these programs includes a selection of prestigious educational institutions: King Saud University, Imam Muhammad ibn Saud Islamic University, King Abdulaziz University, Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, Imam Abdulrahman bin Faisal University, Prince Muqrin bin Abdulaziz University, Alfaisal University, Prince Sultan University, Effat University, Jeddah University, Dar Al-Hekma University, Al-Maarefa University, University of Business and Technology, and Al-Baha University. All programs adhere to accredited academic frameworks that ensure the quality of graduates and their alignment with international standards.
