Saudi Arabia Launches Landmark AI Upskilling Program to Certify 100,000 Citizens

Riyadh – Saudi Arabia is taking a bold step toward cementing its position as a global leader in artificial intelligence and data-driven innovation.

The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) has unveiled a national program to certify 100,000 Saudis in AI and data skills, part of a wider initiative aiming to train 1 million citizens in AI as outlined by the Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA).

The program, launched in partnership with software development company Incorta, is one of the largest and most ambitious AI upskilling efforts in the region, reinforcing the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals of building a sustainable, knowledge-based economy.

The program, revealed at Incorta’s No Limits 2025 event in Riyadh, is designed to prepare students, professionals, and executives with applied AI and data skills that are immediately applicable across industries.

Participants will gain hands-on experience, bridging the gap between academic knowledge and real-world AI applications, thereby building a pipeline of work-ready professionals.

Osama El-Kady, CEO and Co-Founder of Incorta, emphasized the forward-looking nature of the program:

“While the new generation is already highly adept with current AI technology, our program is designed to prepare participants for what lies ahead. We focus on practical AI applications, enabling employees across ministries, government entities, and private companies to harness data effectively and make informed, data-driven decisions that contribute to the Kingdom’s growth and Vision 2030.”

The program will be delivered through the National eLearning Center and will adopt a phased rollout to ensure maximum impact. The first cohort, launching in early 2026, will include 50 to 75 top-performing university students and early-career professionals. These participants will engage in projects sourced directly from Incorta and industry partners, earning certifications, internships, and even potential full-time roles.

Safa Al-Rashed, Acting Deputy Minister for Capabilities and Future Work at MCIT, highlighted the broader significance of the initiative:

“Equipping our citizens, especially youth and women, with future-ready AI and data skills is crucial. By certifying 100,000 individuals, we are upskilling our workforce, building a new foundation for sustainable growth, and reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s position as a global leader in AI.”

The program emphasizes three key areas: future talent development, workforce skills and career readiness, and executive leadership. University pilots and live industry challenges will begin in late 2025, followed by internships and hackathons in early 2026, enabling participants to tackle national priorities such as renewable energy optimization, trade resilience, and industrial efficiency.

Over five years, 100 students will receive summer internships at Incorta’s U.S. offices, gaining exposure to applied AI projects and global best practices.

In addition to student and professional training, the program offers executive development through multi-day leadership programs and roundtables with global partners like Gartner, Wipro, and Google, scheduled to begin mid-2026.

These initiatives are designed to equip senior leaders with frameworks to translate AI strategies into measurable business outcomes.

Noha Rizk, Chief Marketing Officer at Incorta, emphasized the global significance of the program:

“This program will serve as a model for how nations can proactively build a people-centered, AI-powered future.”

The Saudi initiative reflects a broader regional trend in the Gulf, where digital transformation strategies are increasingly centered on human capital rather than technology alone.

Surveys indicate that over 80 percent of employees in Saudi Arabia and the UAE view AI with optimism, reflecting a workforce ready to embrace innovation.

With this initiative, Saudi Arabia is not only preparing its citizens for the AI-driven economy of tomorrow but also setting an example for other nations. The program reinforces the Kingdom’s commitment to inclusive growth, innovation leadership, and the creation of a future-ready workforce that can thrive in a data-powered world.