Saudi Arabia Launches “SAMAI” Initiative to Train One Million in AI
Saudi Arabia has taken a significant stride in artificial intelligence education with the launch of the “SAMAI” initiative. The ambitious program, unveiled at the third Global Artificial Intelligence Summit (GAIN) in Riyadh, aims to train one million Saudi citizens in data and AI technologies.
Spearheaded by the Ministry of Education, the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), and the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, SAMAI positions Saudi Arabia as a global leader in AI. The initiative equips the nation’s workforce with the skills needed to thrive in an AI-driven world.
A Nation-Wide AI Push
Spearheaded by the Ministry of Education, SDAIA, and the Ministry of Human Resources, SAMAI establishes Saudi Arabia’s AI leadership. The initiative equips the nation’s workforce with essential skills needed to succeed in an increasingly AI-driven world.
“SAMAI is not just a training program; it strategically empowers citizens to shape our nation’s future,” said Al-Ghamdi. “By offering accessible AI education, we are nurturing a generation of innovators capable of leveraging technology for societal benefit.” Dr. Abdullah bin Sharaf Al-Ghamdi emphasized the importance of AI in driving future national progress.
Strategic Step Toward Human Capital Development
The initiative represents a strategic move to develop Saudi Arabia’s human capital and support the leadership’s ambitious vision. It aims to position the country as a global leader in technology and innovation through focused efforts. The initiative increases AI knowledge, deepens understanding, and highlights AI’s crucial role in national development progress. Additionally, it raises awareness about AI’s importance in achieving Saudi Arabia’s future development goals across various sectors. It also promotes continuous learning opportunities in AI, targeting diverse segments within society for broader educational access.
Access to AI Learning Platform
As part of the launch, the initiative introduced a learning platform that offers AI-related training content in partnership with major tech companies. The platform is accessible online for anyone ready to start their AI learning journey.
SDAIA’s Ongoing AI Initiatives
Over the past four years, SDAIA has implemented initiatives focused on raising AI awareness and building national capabilities. These efforts aim to enable digital transformation leadership across multiple sectors within Saudi Arabia, supporting technological growth.
Through global partnerships and agreements with specialized institutions, SDAIA enhances its ability to provide valuable training opportunities. The organization equips citizens with essential AI knowledge and skills, preparing them to meet the ever-evolving demands of the labor market. SDAIA is committed to closing the skills gap in qualified AI professionals to support the country’s ambitious technological goals.
