Scheduled to run from January 11 to January 15, the intensive program will offer five hours of structured training each day, targeting professionals and specialists from computer science and related technical disciplines.

The initiative is organized by the Saudi Data and AI Authority in collaboration with King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, reflecting a strategic partnership between government-led digital initiatives and academic excellence.

The boot camp aims to provide participants with a solid foundational understanding of quantum computing, an emerging field expected to redefine how complex problems are solved across industries.

Quantum computing represents a fundamental shift from classical computing, relying on the principles of quantum mechanics rather than traditional binary logic to process information in entirely new ways.

Although still in its early stages of global adoption, quantum technology is widely anticipated to play a major role in fields such as cybersecurity, advanced simulation, optimization, and data-intensive scientific research.

The program will introduce participants to the physical and mathematical principles that underpin quantum systems, including concepts such as qubits, superposition, and quantum entanglement.

By exploring how quantum architectures differ from conventional computing systems, the training will help learners understand where and how quantum approaches may offer unique advantages.

In addition to theoretical instruction, the boot camp places strong emphasis on practical application, ensuring that participants gain exposure to real-world quantum computing workflows.

Hands-on sessions will allow trainees to design and execute quantum algorithms using industry-recognized platforms such as Qiskit and CUDA-Q, tools currently used in global research and development environments.

Organizers say this applied focus is intended to bridge the gap between academic concepts and practical implementation, preparing participants to engage meaningfully with emerging quantum projects.

The program is structured to build early-stage technical readiness among Saudi professionals, as international interest and investment in quantum technologies continue to accelerate.

Collaboration with King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals underscores the importance of aligning national digital transformation efforts with academic research and technical talent development.

The university has long played a key role in producing expertise in engineering, computing, and applied sciences, all of which are closely linked to future quantum research initiatives.

The SDAIA has increasingly prioritized capability-building programs as part of Saudi Arabia’s broader data and artificial intelligence strategy.

Training initiatives in advanced computing, analytics, and emerging technologies are viewed as essential to reducing reliance on external expertise and strengthening domestic innovation ecosystems.

Officials emphasize that quantum computing skills, while still niche, are expected to become strategically important over the next decade as global technology competition intensifies.

The boot camp also supports the goals of Vision 2030, particularly those related to human capital development and the transition toward a knowledge-based economy.

By investing early in specialized technical education, Saudi Arabia aims to position itself as a competitive player in high-value technology sectors with long-term economic impact.

Registration for the quantum computing boot camp remains open until January 6, with interested applicants encouraged to apply through the SDAIA’s official training platform.

The forum brought together students, entrepreneurs, technologists and young leaders from around the world, creating an environment where inspiration, practical learning and global networking came together under one roof.

Among the standout speakers was 14-year-old Aaryan Nitin Shukla, an Indian mental calculation prodigy, who gained global recognition after winning the 2022 Mental Calculation World Cup at age 12 and later earning six Guinness World Records.

Shukla described the experience of presenting his skills on the Misk stage as both exciting and rewarding, noting that demonstrating mental calculation live to a global audience encouraged him to push his abilities even further.

He said his goal now is to promote mental calculation as a sport for young people worldwide, emphasizing that programs engaging youth in cognitive development contribute to building a knowledge-driven generation for the future.

Shukla expressed appreciation to the forum organizers for creating a platform where expertise can be shared openly, adding that he had the opportunity to learn from seasoned speakers, educators and innovators throughout the event.

He said visiting Saudi Arabia offered a fresh perspective on how youth empowerment initiatives are being shaped, and he expressed eagerness to return and contribute to activities that support long-term educational and creative growth.

Another young voice who captured attention was 13-year-old Linda Al-Faisal, host of a podcast highlighting youth empowerment and the transformative opportunities emerging across the Kingdom.

Al-Faisal said participating in the forum felt deeply inspirational, as it allowed her to meet people with diverse ideas and offered a space that encouraged curiosity, ambition and creative thinking.

She highlighted the increasing availability of platforms designed to help young people explore leadership pathways, stating that such opportunities allow youth to take ownership of their future and build confidence in their skills.

Reflecting on the environment of innovation currently expanding across the Kingdom, she said the momentum of ongoing development encourages young people to turn ideas into meaningful action.

She emphasized that while opportunities continue to grow, young individuals must work diligently to transform these openings into long-term achievements that contribute to national development.

The forum welcomed participation from major global companies, including leading digital platforms such as Snapchat, whose representatives hosted sessions introducing attendees to digital marketing trends and emerging communication tools.

These sessions aimed to equip young participants with practical knowledge applicable to a rapidly evolving digital landscape, bridging the gap between creativity, technology and personal brand development in an increasingly interconnected world.

For many attendees, the forum’s theme, “Created by the Youth,” resonated strongly, reflecting the shift toward empowering young minds to shape the strategies and solutions of tomorrow.

Twenty-three-year-old student Rym Al-Hammawi described the gathering as a place of growth and exploration, saying that the environment encouraged both self-development and community-building among emerging leaders.

She noted that exposure to workshops, panels and interactive discussions broadened her understanding of global challenges, while also reinforcing the importance of collaboration and learning within diverse youth communities.

Participants across the forum echoed a sense of optimism, expressing that events like these reinforce the belief that young people can influence progress when given tools, recognition and responsibility.

The 2025 edition of the Misk Global Forum concluded with strong engagement from local and international youth, highlighting the power of collective ambition and creative energy in shaping future economic, educational and social landscapes.

As this year’s gathering closed, conversations continued about innovation, community leadership and collaborative problem-solving, signaling continued enthusiasm for youth-driven initiatives and the expanding opportunities that lie ahead.

The delegation’s mission is to foster collaboration with US government officials and leaders from leading technology and AI companies, focusing on developing advanced digital infrastructure and empowering innovators, developers, and startups within Saudi Arabia’s growing innovation ecosystem.

The initiative highlights the Kingdom’s commitment to Vision 2030, which emphasizes a sustainable, knowledge-based digital economy and global technological leadership.

“Saudi Arabia has rapidly emerged as a global leader in AI and data-driven innovation,” said the Saudi Press Agency, noting the transformation led by the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) since its establishment in 2019.

The authority has developed a comprehensive strategic roadmap to enhance Saudi Arabia’s global competitiveness, leveraging AI and data to drive economic growth, improve public services, and expand human capabilities.

A key pillar of this strategy is the ethical and responsible use of AI, with SDAIA establishing regulatory frameworks aligned with the Personal Data Protection Law, ensuring both privacy and compliance. These efforts reflect a broader national commitment to fostering innovation while maintaining international standards in technology governance.

Professor Muhammad Khurram Khan, a cybersecurity expert at King Saud University, commented:

“Saudi Arabia’s AI journey is a direct reflection of visionary leadership, strategic foresight, and an unwavering national commitment to technological sovereignty. The Kingdom is setting new benchmarks in responsible AI adoption and innovation leadership.”

Saudi Arabia’s AI ecosystem has been further strengthened through initiatives backed by the Public Investment Fund, including the Human platform, which supports large-scale AI projects, and the Saudi AI Qualifications Framework, which standardizes AI skill development nationwide.

A national curriculum integrating AI concepts has already reached over six million students, preparing the next generation of Saudi innovators for the challenges and opportunities of a digital future.

One of the standout programs driving AI talent development is “One Million Saudis in AI,” launched in September 2024 in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development.

Within its first year, the initiative has already empowered 334,000 citizens with essential AI skills, ranging from coding and machine learning to applied AI in industry sectors such as healthcare, finance, and technology.

The delegation’s engagement with the US comes at a pivotal moment, positioning Saudi Arabia as a global AI hub while reinforcing its strategic partnership with the United States in science, technology, and innovation.

The collaborative discussions are expected to expand opportunities for knowledge sharing, research partnerships, and technology transfer, particularly in AI, data analytics, and digital infrastructure.

Minister Al-Swaha emphasized the delegation’s goals:

“This visit highlights the Kingdom’s commitment to building global alliances in technology and AI. By collaborating with leading US experts and organizations, we aim to strengthen Saudi Arabia’s innovation ecosystem, empower our talent, and accelerate the growth of our knowledge-based economy.”

With a visionary strategy, robust national initiatives, and global partnerships, Saudi Arabia is demonstrating that it is not only keeping pace with global AI advancements but also shaping the future of digital innovation.

The delegation’s US engagement marks another milestone in the Kingdom’s journey to becoming a world-class hub for AI, advanced technology, and innovation, reinforcing its commitment to building a prosperous and digitally empowered society.