The initiative aims to empower national talent with world-class expertise in generative artificial intelligence, strengthening the country’s position in the global AI landscape.

The program is designed to give participants a deep understanding of how modern language models are built, trained, and refined.

Through hands-on sessions, trainees learn to develop advanced AI applications that can support innovation in various sectors, from business and education to healthcare and digital services.

This initiative reflects a growing national commitment to nurturing specialized skills that align with global technological trends.

By offering intensive training in cutting-edge AI techniques, the academy is helping create a new generation of professionals capable of driving the Kingdom’s digital transformation.

The training also supports participants in advancing their professional careers by preparing them for internationally recognized certifications.

A key component of the program is its preparation for the NVIDIA-Certified Associate: Generative AI LLMs exam, which signals high-level competence in the field of generative AI.

With a duration of four weeks, the program is tailored for professionals eager to upskill, as well as individuals aspiring to enter the AI sector.

It offers a comprehensive learning experience that combines theoretical foundations with real-world application.

Participants gain practical knowledge that enables them to build and customize language models, an essential ability as generative AI continues to reshape global industries.

This hands-on approach ensures that trainees not only learn concepts but also apply them to develop robust, impactful solutions.

The academy emphasized its ongoing dedication to providing high-quality education in emerging technologies.

This commitment aligns with the Kingdom’s broader vision of establishing a strong and sustainable AI ecosystem that supports long-term national development.

In addition to technical instruction, the program fosters a culture of creativity and critical thinking.

Trainees are encouraged to explore new ideas, experiment with advanced tools, and create applications that contribute to the country’s expanding digital economy.

As generative AI becomes a significant driver of global innovation, this program provides national talent with the skills needed to compete on an international level.

It positions participants to take on specialized roles in research, development, and AI-driven industries.

The initiative also serves as a catalyst for strengthening the Kingdom’s knowledge economy.

By developing homegrown expertise, it reduces reliance on external resources and builds a strong foundation for technological self-sufficiency.

The SDAIA Academy continues to demonstrate leadership in equipping the nation with future-ready capabilities.

Its programs are structured to meet global standards while remaining aligned with national priorities and industry needs.

Registration for the program is open to individuals with a strong interest in generative AI and a desire to contribute to the Kingdom’s AI ecosystem.

The academy encourages applicants from diverse professional backgrounds to participate and take advantage of this unique opportunity.

Through such forward-looking initiatives, the Kingdom continues to enhance its role as a regional and global hub for artificial intelligence.

This program marks another step toward fostering a skilled workforce capable of creating meaningful, transformative AI solutions.

As the demand for advanced AI skills rises worldwide, the launch of this training program highlights the Kingdom’s proactive investment in human capital.

It strengthens the foundations of innovation and supports the nation’s vision for a technologically empowered future.

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.