Training program for 334,000 Saudi residents concluded, focusing on Artificial Intelligence
In September 2024, Saudi Arabia launched the "One Million Saudis in AI" (SAMAI) program, a significant initiative aimed at upskilling one million citizens in artificial intelligence (AI). The program, launched at the Global AI Summit, is part of the country's broader digital transformation strategy to prepare its workforce for future challenges.
The SAMAI program, a partnership between the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), the Ministry of Education, and the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, aims to equip citizens across all age groups and professional backgrounds with AI skills, aligning workforce capabilities with AI-driven labor market demands.
One of the key initiatives under SAMAI is the "Road to ATHKA," which has trained over 570,000 students in foundational AI concepts. SAMAI provides customized AI learning paths for a diverse audience, promoting inter-agency cooperation to enhance Saudi Arabia's global position in AI empowerment.
As of July 2025, 334,000 Saudi citizens have completed AI training under the SAMAI initiative, marking one-third of its goal to upskill one million people. The program focuses on raising AI awareness, aligning education with future workforce demands, and supporting lifelong learning across all professions and age groups.
The SAMAI program has led to several national initiatives, including the National Olympiad for Programming and Artificial Intelligence, or ATHKA Competition. The "Future Intelligence Programmers" initiative trained over 10,000 teachers, further strengthening the program's reach.
The partnerships forged by the authority have positioned the Kingdom globally in empowering women in AI and community awareness. The program has benefitted 334,000 Saudi Arabia citizens as of the latest data, with more than 260,000 male and female students from intermediate and secondary schools participating in the program.
The Center for Excellence in Education, established by the SDAIA and the Education Ministry, was designed to institutionalize technological integration within the education sector. The SDAIA chief, Abdullah Alghamdi, reported that the program has forged partnerships with other government agencies.
Saudi Arabia is investing heavily in AI, with plans to become among the top 15 AI nations globally by 2030. AI is expected to contribute over $230 billion to the country's GDP by that year. The program is crucial for Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, aiming to create 20,000 AI specialists by 2030.
The program's social impact extends beyond economic growth. It promotes women's participation and community awareness, enhancing Saudi Arabia's position in AI while respecting cultural values. The initiative is a significant step towards Saudi Arabia's goal of becoming a global leader in AI and digital transformation.
- The SAMAI program, a significant initiative in Saudi Arabia, is not only focused on upskilling citizens in artificial intelligence (AI) but also aims to align education with future workforce demands, as shown by the "Road to ATHKA" initiative that has trained over 570,000 students.
- The One Million Saudis in AI (SAMAI) program, a partnership between various ministries and the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), has led to the establishment of the Center for Excellence in Education, which is designed to institutionalize technological integration within the education sector.
- Towards Saudi Arabia's goal of becoming a global leader in AI and digital transformation, the SAMAI program has forged partnerships with other government agencies and was launched at the Global AI Summit, with a focus on promoting women's participation and community awareness, as part of the country's broader digital transformation strategy.
