Saudi Arabia Prepares for the AI Age by Building National Talent

Saudi Arabia is accelerating preparations for an artificial intelligence era by combining digital infrastructure expansion with a nationwide drive to cultivate AI talent. Recent indicators show AI tool usage among internet users jumped to 45.2 percent from 21.5 percent in a single year, an increase of more than 110 percent, while more than 6 million students now benefit from AI curricula in general education. Universities have moved rapidly: 79 percent have introduced AI courses and over 30 institutions have made AI instruction mandatory for all students. The Human Capability Development Program has supported 80 digital startups and 60 university-based startups, connecting them with more than 84 investment opportunities and funding entities.

"We are transitioning from an economy that consumes technology to one that creates it," said Dr. Majed Al-Qathami, Professor of Computer and Information Systems at Umm Al-Qura University and former adviser to the Digital Government Authority. He argued that when students develop solutions for local challenges, the country generates real economic value, attracts investment, and builds national technology companies.

Leaders in the technology and education sectors point to a multi-pronged environment enabling this shift: rising internet penetration, richer digital infrastructure, widespread adoption of AI tools, and focused human-capital development. More than 13,000 teachers have received training in AI applications, supporting classroom delivery and practical implementation. The digital ecosystem is also expanding—Saudi domain registrations rose 18 percent to nearly 84,000 domains, with the private sector accounting for 96 percent of registrations. Average monthly mobile data consumption has climbed to 53 gigabytes per person, roughly three times the global average, underscoring increased reliance on online services and AI-powered applications.

Mohammed Al-Bogami, CEO of EjadTech, described national talent investment as foundational to long-term economic value: "Investment in national talent represents a step toward becoming not just a user of technology but also a developer, producer, and global partner in the field." He emphasized that viewing AI education as an investment in human capital yields cascading benefits—improving educational quality, boosting workforce skills, raising organizational productivity, and supporting startup growth, applied research and patent generation.

Concrete impacts and operational gains

• Education reach: over 6 million students in AI curricula; 79% of universities include AI courses; more than 30 universities mandate them.
• Teacher training: 13,000+ educators trained in AI applications.
• Startup support: 80 digital startups and 60 university-based ventures connected to 84+ funding opportunities.
• Digital indicators: ~84,000 Saudi domain registrations (up 18%); private sector holds 96% of domains; average monthly mobile data usage 53 GB/person.

Experts caution that while adoption and capacity-building metrics are strong, the next phase will hinge on translating talent and infrastructure investments into measurable economic outcomes. Dr. Al-Qathami noted that investing in local capabilities reduces reliance on external consultants, lowers recruitment and training costs, and helps retain expertise within organizations—key factors for implementation efficiency and sustainability of digital transformation projects.

Looking ahead, observers say success will be judged by increased sector productivity, a growing roster of national technology companies, higher innovation output and improved competitiveness. If current trends continue—combining broad AI literacy, targeted teacher training, and active startup financing—Saudi Arabia aims to convert its rapid AI uptake into durable gains for the non-oil economy and a more exportable knowledge industry.