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.

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.