Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Education launches an Artificial Intelligence Department as part of its new structure
In a strategic move reflecting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's commitment to keeping pace with the global technological revolution, the Ministry of Education has established a specialized Artificial Intelligence Department within its new organizational structure. This department has been included in the updated version of the organizational manual, "Guide to Objectives and Tasks," in a step aimed at institutionalizing the use of advanced technologies within the Ministry and its affiliated educational institutions.
A supportive national context: Vision 2030 and artificial intelligence
This decision is not isolated from broader national priorities; the Kingdom's Vision 2030 places digital transformation and artificial intelligence at the heart of its agenda. Through the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) and various government entities, the Kingdom seeks to build a data-driven and knowledge-based economy. The education sector is the cornerstone for developing a workforce capable of working with these technologies, making the establishment of this department a necessary step to align educational outcomes with the demands of the future labor market, which is increasingly reliant on automation and smart solutions.
New management goals and tasks
The establishment of the Artificial Intelligence Department is part of a comprehensive development framework aimed at enhancing institutional performance. The department's primary objective is to support the use of intelligent solutions in analyzing big data, thereby contributing to improved strategic planning and evidence-based decision-making. The department will also focus on fostering technological innovation and adopting the latest global best practices, ensuring the achievement of the national vision's objectives in the fields of data and artificial intelligence.
Enhancing data governance and digital services
The updated organizational guide also included strengthening the role of the Data Management Office and closely linking it to the digital transformation ecosystem. This step aims to ensure the governance of educational data and improve its quality of use, as well as achieve seamless integration between different digital systems and platforms. The guide highlighted the integration of digital transformation units by clarifying the organizational relationship between e-learning channels, distance learning, and cybersecurity, thus creating a clearer organizational framework aimed at improving the quality of digital services provided to beneficiaries.
Expected impact: A qualitative leap in education
Integrating artificial intelligence into the ministry's organizational structure is expected to revolutionize teaching and management methods. Educationally, AI technologies can provide personalized learning experiences tailored to each student's abilities, identify gifted students, and address learning gaps with high precision. Administratively, this will automate routine processes and enhance operational efficiency, allowing staff to focus on creative and developmental tasks.
The issuance of the updated organizational guide, while maintaining the stability of the ministry’s overall structure and the distribution of basic powers, confirms the Ministry of Education’s commitment to enhancing institutional readiness and creating a flexible organizational environment capable of accommodating rapid technological changes and future requirements.
