Latest news with #IFF
Al Etihad
2 hours ago
- Business
- Al Etihad
UAE ranks first for AI talent density in Middle East: Report
30 July 2025 00:52 MAYS IBRAHIM (ABU DHABI)The UAE has been ranked as the top country in the Middle East and 16th worldwide for AI talent density, according to the Global AI Competitiveness Index Report issued by the International Finance Forum (IFF).The report identified the UAE and Saudi Arabia (19th) as the primary drivers of AI development in the Middle East with global AI talent shares of 0.7% and 0.4%, world currently has about three million AI talents – of which technical research and development experts account for 32.6%, according to the one-third of global AI talents are in the US, while China ranks second with a proportion of 24.4%.The report predicted that the world would see a growth of over 2.8 million people in global AI talent by 2030, marking a 100% increase in just five years.'AI talent may grow even faster in the coming years due to the high demand for talent by companies and research institutes,' it report also revealed that the industry has extremely high academic requirements, as over 88% of global AI talents hold a master's degree or 18.1% of individuals in the industry hold a doctoral degree; 1.4% have postdoctoral work experience; and 10.3% have a bachelor's than 34% of AI talents majored in computer science, and over 10% of them graduated in information technology, electrical engineering, computer engineering, and information to Coursera's 2025 Global Skills Report, issued in June, the UAE is positioning itself for a tech-driven future, with 87% of employers prioritising technological literacy, AI, and big report also revealed that 13% of the UAE's labour force is actively training on Coursera, with GenAI enrolments surging 344% year over year, outpacing regional UAE's leadership is investing heavily in AI human capital as a cornerstone of its future knowledge-based this year, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, announced that AI would be introduced as a subject across all stages of government education in the UAE, starting the next academic 2024, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, launched the 'One Million Prompters' initiative, aiming to upskill one million people in prompt engineering over the next three institutions like the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence and the Technology Innovation Institute (TII) are also playing pivotal roles in cultivating the next generation of AI talent. According to PwC, AI is expected to add $15.7 trillion to the global economy by 2030, with $96 billion of that impact in the UAE alone. Source: Aletihad - Abu Dhabi
Tahawul Tech
14 hours ago
- Business
- Tahawul Tech
Saudi, UAE in top 20 nations for AI talent density: Global AI Competitiveness Index
Beijing — Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have ranked among the world's top 20 nations for AI talent density, surpassing countries such as Italy and Russia, according to the latest Global AI Competitiveness Index. The UAE and KSA hold 0.7% and 0.4% of the global AI talent pool, respectively, marking their emergence as rising powerhouses in AI innovation. The study is a collaborative effort between the International Finance Forum (IFF) and Deep Knowledge Group (DKG). The IFF is a non-profit, non-governmental organisation founded in October 2003 by G20 countries and international organisations, including the United Nations, the World Bank, and the International Monetary Fund. DKG is a leading global think tank specialising in AI research and innovation, focusing on fostering advancements in technology, healthcare, and other strategic industries. In a groundbreaking achievement, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) has entered the top 150 universities globally for producing AI talent, becoming the highest-ranked university in the Middle East. This success is a direct reflection of Saudi Arabia's aggressive push towards establishing itself as a global leader in artificial intelligence. Saudi Arabia has invested $20 billion in partnerships with top universities like Stanford University to build KAUST, which houses one of the world's leading AI research labs. In addition, programs such as 10,000 Coders aim to train young Saudis, equipping them with cutting-edge AI skills. 'This report is the third in a series of reports on the Global Competitiveness Index for AI, published by the IFF. Since November, we have issued reports focusing on the development of global AI institutions, as well as AI research and innovation. Building upon the insights from the first two reports, this edition highlights talent as a key driver of algorithmic products and scientific research patents. Talent is also crucial in balancing the technological benefits and risks of AI. Our aim is to create a comprehensive understanding of the global flow of AI talent and conduct case studies on countries where AI talent is concentrated, providing valuable insights for all stakeholders in the AI industry. In future reports, we plan to explore the development of global AI markets and policy oversight, and we look forward to further in-depth analysis,' said Chu Jian, Data Expert at the IFF Research Institute. Under Saudi Vision 2030, AI has been identified as one of the seven pillars of the Kingdom's economic transformation. The goal is for Saudi Arabia to rank among the top 10 countries in AI research and application by 2030, attracting $20 billion in AI investments and creating 200,000 high-tech jobs. Saudi Arabia has established the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) to drive the national AI strategy. Major AI projects benefit from an expedited approval process, with decisions typically made within 30 days. 'AI talent, in terms of human capital, is the most precious asset for all future economies, which will inevitably intensively depend on AI technology,' said Dmitry Kaminskiy, General Partner at Deep Knowledge Group. 'Saudi Arabia and the UAE's strategic focus on AI, their significant investments in education, infrastructure, and innovation, and their ability to attract top talent and investments are setting the stage for a new era of growth in the region. Both nations are making substantial strides toward becoming global AI leaders, with the UAE positioning itself as a major player in AI governance and technology, while Saudi Arabia is building a robust ecosystem for AI talent and applications,' added Kaminskiy. Sovereign funds are fuelling growth in AI, with the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) launching a $1.5 billion AI investment fund. The Kingdom is also investing heavily in projects like NEOM, where AI infrastructure accounts for over 30% of the $500 billion budget, setting a new standard for smart city development. Saudi Arabia offers AI talent some of the highest salaries globally, with top scientists earning a median annual salary of $420,000, tax-free. NEOM also offers up to $5 million in signing bonuses for AI leaders, alongside full subsidies for their children's education. Saudi Arabia has introduced special residency schemes and relaxed cultural restrictions in zones like NEOM, enabling foreign experts to live and work under conditions that blend their lifestyle with the Kingdom's cultural fabric. NEOM's The Line city will be the world's first AI-controlled city, with services like transportation and energy managed entirely by AI. The city's vast data collection and biometric monitoring will provide unparalleled opportunities for real-world AI development. 'Nations that invest in AI talent today are not just shaping their digital future; they're securing their global competitiveness for decades to come', concluded Professor Patrick Glauner, Coordinator of the IFF AI Committee. Saudi Arabia's efforts to bridge the gap between the East and West have positioned it as a 'neutral zone' for global AI innovation. The country's relationships with both China and the United States make it an attractive destination for technology companies and talent seeking a politically neutral environment.
Gulf Business
14 hours ago
- Business
- Gulf Business
AI talent race: Where do Saudi and UAE stand in global top 20?
Image credit: Getty Images Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have secured spots among the world's top 20 nations for artificial intelligence (AI) talent density, surpassing established players such as Italy and Russia, according to the latest edition of the Global AI Competitiveness Index. Read: The IFF, a non-profit organisation founded by G20 member states and institutions including the United Nations and the World Bank, partnered with DKG, a leading AI think tank, to assess global AI progress across research, innovation, and human capital development. KAUST joins global elite for AI talent A key highlight from the report is King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), which now ranks among the top 150 universities worldwide for producing AI talent. The university is the highest-ranked institution in the Middle East for AI, underscoring Saudi Arabia's growing academic and institutional capabilities in the sector. This achievement reflects the country's aggressive national strategy, which includes a $20bn investment in partnerships with leading global institutions such as Stanford University. The funding has helped KAUST develop one of the most advanced AI research laboratories in the region. Beyond infrastructure, Saudi Arabia is nurturing its domestic talent pipeline through initiatives like the '10,000 Coders' program, aimed at training young Saudis in advanced programming and machine learning skills. 'This report is the third in a series focused on global AI competitiveness,' said Chu Jian, a data expert at the IFF Research Institute. 'In this edition, we highlight talent as a critical driver of AI product development, research output, and the balance between technological benefits and risks. We aim to provide stakeholders a clear picture of the global AI talent flow and spotlight countries making notable strides.' AI strategy drives investment and infrastructure Saudi Arabia and the UAE are deploying national strategies centered around AI to fuel future economic growth. Under its Vision 2030 plan, the Kingdom has designated AI as one of seven core pillars of economic transformation, aiming to become one of the top 10 countries globally in AI by the end of the decade. To support this vision, Saudi Arabia has established the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), which accelerates the approval process for AI projects, often within 30 days, and coordinates national efforts across research, governance, and implementation. Sovereign wealth funds are also playing a key role. The Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) has launched a $1.5bn AI-focused investment fund. Meanwhile, AI infrastructure accounts for over 30 per cent of the $500bn budget for the NEOM smart city, a flagship Vision 2030 megaproject that aims to set new benchmarks for AI integration in urban planning. The UAE is also taking bold steps, positioning itself as a leader in AI governance and policy. In 2017, the country appointed the world's first Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence and has since introduced national AI strategies, R&D hubs, and incentives to attract global talent and tech firms. 'AI talent, in terms of human capital, is the most precious asset for all future economies,' said Dmitry Kaminskiy, General Partner at Deep Knowledge Group. 'Saudi Arabia and the UAE are making bold moves to become AI leaders through strong education systems, regulatory support, and investment in infrastructure.' World-leading incentives and neutrality in global tech To compete for elite AI talent, Saudi Arabia is offering compensation packages among the highest in the world. Top AI scientists can earn median annual salaries of $420,000, tax-free, while executives recruited to NEOM may receive signing bonuses of up to $5m. The benefits also include subsidized education for their children and fast-track residency options. In zones like NEOM, cultural regulations have been relaxed to better accommodate the lifestyles of foreign workers. These changes are designed to attract high-caliber professionals who might otherwise relocate to Silicon Valley, London, or Singapore. NEOM's crown jewel, The Line, is set to be the world's first AI-controlled city, where critical services such as transport and energy will be run by autonomous systems. The city's advanced biometric and data monitoring systems are expected to enable real-world testing and deployment of next-generation AI technologies. 'Nations that invest in AI talent today are not just shaping their digital future; they're securing their global competitiveness for decades to come,' said Professor Patrick Glauner, Coordinator of the IFF AI Committee. Strategically, Saudi Arabia's diplomatic positioning as a bridge between East and West adds further appeal. With active partnerships in both China and the United States, the Kingdom presents itself as a politically neutral ground for tech development and multinational AI collaboration. A region on the rise With AI now viewed as central to future economic and scientific competitiveness, the rise of Saudi Arabia and the UAE as AI talent hubs signals a broader shift in global tech leadership. Their ability to pair ambitious vision with financial muscle and policy coordination offers a potential roadmap for other nations seeking to compete in the next technological frontier. As the global race for AI dominance intensifies, the Middle East's growing influence may no longer be an outlier, it may be the beginning of a new AI order.
South China Morning Post
14 hours ago
- Business
- South China Morning Post
Hong Kong's ‘superconnector' status highlighted in US-China AI talent flow
More than half of the world's artificial intelligence talent comes from the US and China, according to new research, which also highlighted Hong Kong's role as a 'superconnector'. The US and China accounted for 32.6 per cent and 22.4 per cent of global AI talent, respectively, according to the latest International Finance Forum (IFF) Global Artificial Intelligence Competitiveness Index Report. King Lun Au, executive director of the Hong Kong Financial Services Development Council, which partnered with IFF on the report, said Hong Kong's unique status – linking mainland China to the rest of the world – meant it was 'definitely the best place to launch this report'. The Greater Bay Area scheme solved two major strategic infrastructure issues that Hong Kong used to have, namely limited land supply and limited talent pool, Au told a media briefing on Monday. Speakers at a forum titled 'Unleashing Hong Kong's technological innovation potential and empowering the AI+ initiative', held at Cyberport in Pok Fu Lam, July 19, 2025. Photo: Nora Tam 'We have the international market that conforms with the best practices in the world, and we are a 'superconnector', and we now have the talent pool just next door,' Au said.
Zawya
16 hours ago
- Business
- Zawya
Saudi Arabia and UAE among top 20 nations globally for AI talent density, Global AI Competitiveness Index
With the goal of becoming one of the world's top 10 countries in AI research and application by 2030, Saudi government aims to attract USD 20 billion in AI investments while creating 200,000 high-tech jobs Saudi Arabia offers some of the most competitive compensation packages for AI talent globally, with top scientists earning a median annual salary of USD 420,000, tax-free Beijing, China: Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have ranked among the world's top 20 nations for AI talent density, surpassing countries such as Italy and Russia, according to the latest Global AI Competitiveness Index. The UAE and KSA hold 0.7% and 0.4% of the global AI talent pool respectively, marking their emergence as rising powerhouses in AI innovation. The report is available for viewing at The study is a collaborative effort between the International Finance Forum (IFF) and Deep Knowledge Group (DKG). The IFF is a non-profit, non-governmental organization founded in October 2003 by G20 countries and international organizations including the United Nations, the World Bank, and the International Monetary Fund. DKG is a leading global think tank specializing in AI research and innovation, focusing on fostering advancements in technology, healthcare, and other strategic industries. In a groundbreaking achievement, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) has entered the top 150 universities globally for producing AI talent, becoming the highest-ranked university in the Middle East. This success is a direct reflection of Saudi Arabia's aggressive push towards establishing itself as a global leader in artificial intelligence. Saudi Arabia has invested USD 20 billion in partnerships with top universities like Stanford University to build KAUST, which houses one of the world's leading AI research labs. In addition, programs such as 10,000 Coders aim to train young Saudis, equipping them with cutting-edge AI skills. "This report is the third in a series of reports on the Global Competitiveness Index for AI, published by the IFF. Since November, we have issued reports focusing on the development of global AI institutions, as well as AI research and innovation. Building upon the insights from the first two reports, this edition highlights talent as a key driver of algorithmic products and scientific research patents. Talent is also crucial in balancing the technological benefits and risks of AI. Our aim is to create a comprehensive understanding of the global flow of AI talent and conduct case studies on countries where AI talent is concentrated, providing valuable insights for all stakeholders in the AI industry. In future reports, we plan to explore the development of global AI markets and policy oversight, and we look forward to further in-depth analysis." said Chu Jian, Data Expert at the IFF Research Institute. 'AI talent, in terms of human capital, is the most precious asset for all future economies, which will inevitably intensively depend on AI technology', commented Dmitry Kaminskiy, General Partner at Deep Knowledge Group. 'Saudi Arabia and the UAE's strategic focus on AI, their significant investments in education, infrastructure, and innovation, and their ability to attract top talent and investments are setting the stage for a new era of growth in the region. Both nations are making substantial strides toward becoming global AI leaders, with the UAE positioning itself as a major player in AI governance and technology, while Saudi Arabia is building a robust ecosystem for AI talent and applications,' added Kaminskiy. Under Saudi Vision 2030, AI has been identified as one of the seven pillars of the Kingdom's economic transformation. The goal is for Saudi Arabia to rank among the top 10 countries in AI research and application by 2030, attracting USD 20 billion in AI investments and creating 200,000 high-tech jobs. Saudi Arabia has established the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) to drive the national AI strategy. Major AI projects benefit from an expedited approval process, with decisions typically made within 30 days. Sovereign funds are fueling growth in AI, with the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) launching a USD 1.5 billion AI investment fund. The Kingdom is also investing heavily in projects like NEOM, where AI infrastructure accounts for over 30% of the USD 500 billion budget, setting a new standard for smart city development. Saudi Arabia offers AI talent some of the highest salaries globally, with top scientists earning a median annual salary of USD 420,000, tax-free. NEOM also offers up to USD 5 million in signing bonuses for AI leaders, alongside full subsidies for their children's education. As part of its effort to attract the best AI minds, Saudi Arabia has introduced special residency schemes and relaxed cultural restrictions in zones like NEOM, enabling foreign experts to live and work under conditions that blend their lifestyle with the Kingdom's cultural fabric. NEOM's The Line city will be the world's first AI-controlled city, with services like transportation and energy managed entirely by AI. The city's vast data collection and biometric monitoring will provide unparalleled opportunities for real-world AI development. 'Nations that invest in AI talent today are not just shaping their digital future; they're securing their global competitiveness for decades to come', concluded Professor Patrick Glauner, Coordinator of the IFF AI Committee. Saudi Arabia's efforts to bridge the gap between the East and West have positioned it as a 'neutral zone' for global AI innovation. The country's relationships with both China and the United States make it an attractive destination for technology companies and talent seeking a politically neutral environment.
