Saudi Arabia and UAE rank among top 20 AI talent hubs globally
Global AI Competitiveness Index
, published by the International Finance Forum and Deep Knowledge Group, Saudi Arabia holds 0.7% of the global AI talent pool, while the UAE holds 0.4%, ahead of advanced economies such as Russia and Italy.
This recognition comes as both nations accelerate investments in AI education, research, and workforce development. In Saudi Arabia, national strategies under Vision 2030 are fuelling a transformation that aims to create 200,000 high-tech jobs, generate $235.2 billion in AI-driven GDP impact by 2030, and position the Kingdom among the top 10 countries globally in AI research and implementation.
To build local talent, initiatives like the 10,000 Coders programme are providing young Saudis with advanced AI skills, while partnerships with global institutions, including Stanford University, have helped
King Abdullah University of Science and Technology
(KAUST) become the highest-ranking Middle Eastern university in AI talent production, now among the global top 150.
The UAE, meanwhile, is consolidating its role in AI governance and regulation while nurturing a robust innovation ecosystem. Both nations are supported by sovereign funds and fast-track approvals, with Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund recently launching a $1.5 billion AI-focused fund. Strategic projects like Neom, where over 30% of the $500 billion budget is allocated to AI infrastructure, are also reshaping the regional AI job market.
Together, Saudi Arabia and the UAE are redefining the regional AI workforce landscape, combining investment, education, and strategic vision to cultivate globally competitive AI talent ecosystems.
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