The session emphasized the Kingdom’s support for the Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council’s proposal to hold a comprehensive dialogue conference in Riyadh for all southern factions.

The proposed conference seeks to create a roadmap for just solutions addressing the southern issue while respecting the legitimate aspirations of the southern population.

Cabinet members also reviewed Saudi Arabia’s humanitarian contributions to the Gaza Strip, including intensified air, sea, and land relief operations under the guidance of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

The Kingdom’s efforts are focused on delivering essential aid and improving living conditions for Palestinian communities affected by ongoing conflict and instability.

Officials highlighted recent diplomatic communications with global leaders, including Turkey’s President Erdogan, Syrian President Ahmad Al-Sharaa, Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, and Pakistani Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif.

These discussions encompassed bilateral relations, regional developments, and international cooperation aimed at promoting peace, security, and stability across the Middle East.

Cabinet discussions reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s commitment to advancing technology and building a robust digital ecosystem to enhance national economic competitiveness and attract investment.

The Cabinet highlighted the launch of the Hexagon project in Riyadh, the world’s largest government data center, which represents a major strategic advancement in digital infrastructure and data management.

Hexagon is designed to ensure data sovereignty, strengthen cybersecurity, and provide a platform for innovation, positioning Saudi Arabia as a global hub in digital technology.

The Cabinet noted that strengthening digital capabilities is central to supporting economic diversification and enhancing the Kingdom’s competitiveness in the global technology landscape.

Leaders emphasized the importance of integrating advanced technologies across government and private sectors to drive innovation, efficiency, and economic growth.

Saudi Arabia’s efforts in Yemen are part of a broader regional strategy to stabilize neighboring countries and create conditions for sustainable development and conflict resolution.

By hosting inclusive dialogue conferences, the Kingdom aims to facilitate negotiation processes and promote mutual understanding among Yemeni factions, fostering long-term peace.

Humanitarian initiatives in Gaza complement Saudi Arabia’s broader regional engagement, combining relief operations with strategic diplomacy to address urgent needs and promote stability.

The Cabinet also underscored the importance of international cooperation in addressing regional crises, highlighting Saudi Arabia’s proactive role in mediation, aid delivery, and infrastructure development.

Investment in digital infrastructure and technology projects such as Hexagon reflects the Kingdom’s strategic vision to lead in data security, innovation, and technological expertise globally.

Cabinet members reaffirmed that these initiatives align with the broader goals of Vision 2030, aimed at economic diversification, sustainable development, and global leadership in advanced technologies.

Saudi Arabia’s coordinated approach integrates humanitarian support, regional diplomacy, and digital transformation to strengthen security, stability, and economic resilience.

The discussions highlighted the Kingdom’s ongoing efforts to foster partnerships, enhance technological capabilities, and maintain a proactive role in regional and international affairs.

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 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.

Organized by the Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA), the bootcamp marked a unique opportunity for emerging AI professionals to gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge technologies in collaboration with one of the world’s leading academic institutions, the University of Oxford.

The intensive three-week program in London focused on equipping bachelor’s and master’s graduates in AI, computer science, and related disciplines with the skills necessary to design, implement, and optimize AI solutions across various sectors.

Under the guidance of international experts, participants explored deep learning, computer vision, natural language processing, and generative models, giving them a practical edge in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.

Throughout the bootcamp, students received direct experience with industry-standard frameworks such as TensorFlow and PyTorch, while exploring computer vision tools like YOLO and leveraging generative AI models through platforms like Hugging Face.

This hands-on approach ensured that participants not only understood theoretical concepts but could also apply them in real-world scenarios, fostering problem-solving skills that are essential for today’s technology-driven economy.

The London bootcamp emphasized collaborative learning, encouraging students to work on projects that reflected real-world challenges. From designing AI-driven solutions for business operations to exploring applications in healthcare, education, and energy, the participants developed a portfolio of practical experience that will serve as a strong foundation for their professional careers. Their achievements underscore the growing competence of Saudi youth in cutting-edge technology and their readiness to contribute to global AI advancements.

Speaking about the initiative, representatives from SDAIA highlighted that the bootcamp is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader strategy to cultivate national expertise in AI, supporting the goals outlined in Saudi Vision 2030.

By providing advanced training opportunities in collaboration with world-class institutions, the program aims to build a knowledge-based society where young professionals are empowered to drive innovation, competitiveness, and sustainable development in the Kingdom.

The program also strengthened international partnerships, allowing Saudi students to network with peers, researchers, and industry leaders from around the world.

These connections are expected to foster long-term collaborations and cross-border knowledge exchange, further enhancing Saudi Arabia’s position in the global AI community.

For many participants, the London bootcamp was a transformative experience. Beyond acquiring technical skills, students gained confidence in their ability to innovate and lead projects that address complex challenges. They returned home equipped not just with knowledge, but with a vision for how AI can contribute to economic growth, social development, and technological leadership in Saudi Arabia.

This initiative reflects the Kingdom’s forward-looking approach to human capital development, ensuring that the next generation of Saudi professionals is prepared to meet the demands of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

By combining high-quality education, international collaboration, and practical training, programs like the London AI bootcamp are laying the groundwork for a thriving innovation ecosystem in the Kingdom.

As Saudi Arabia continues to invest in digital transformation, the graduates of this London-based bootcamp are expected to play a key role in shaping the country’s AI landscape, leading projects that enhance productivity, efficiency, and technological excellence.

Their achievements are a testament to the vision, talent, and ambition of Saudi youth, who are poised to become leaders in the global AI arena.

With the successful completion of the AI Application Engineering Bootcamp in London, Saudi Arabia has once again demonstrated its commitment to fostering innovation, building expertise, and empowering its citizens to make a meaningful impact on the world stage.

The program stands as a shining example of how targeted education and international collaboration can accelerate progress toward a knowledge-driven, technologically advanced future.

The announcement was made during the IASP General Assembly in Beijing, with the Kingdom prevailing over competing bids from Norrköping in Sweden and Chiang Mai in Thailand.

The conference will reinforce Saudi Arabia’s role as a global hub for innovation and highlight its growing strengths in energy, sustainability, and future technologies. It also underscores the Kingdom’s supportive environment for innovation and investment, with the event expected to attract more than 1,000 participants, including academics, investors, and entrepreneurs.

Dhahran Techno Valley secured 87 out of 118 votes from participating members, surpassing the 59 votes needed to win in the final round.

The 2026 IASP World Conference will take place in Sophia Antipolis, France, before the international spotlight shifts to Dhahran in 2027.