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.
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.
“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.
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.
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.
