The Ministry of Education and the Saudi Data & Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) are launching 40 artificial intelligence programs in universities

In a strategic move aimed at strengthening Saudi Arabia's position as a global hub for technology and innovation, the Minister of Education and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of King Saud University, Yousef bin Abdullah Al-Bunyan, and the President of the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), Dr. Abdullah bin Sharaf Al-Ghamdi, launched 40 specialized academic programs in the fields of data and artificial intelligence. This launch, in collaboration with 14 public and private universities, represents a significant leap forward for higher education in the Kingdom.

Event context: Vision 2030 and digital transformation

This announcement was made on the first day of the International Conference on Building Capacity in Data and Artificial Intelligence (ICAN 2026), organized by the Saudi Data & Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA). This event is not merely a passing initiative, but an integral part of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 objectives, which prioritize digital transformation and building a knowledge-based economy. Since its inception, SDAIA has been leading the national data agenda, and this partnership with the Ministry of Education aims to bridge the gap between academic outputs and the actual needs of the rapidly evolving labor market.

Details of programs and partner universities

The new programs are characterized by their diversity and comprehensiveness, covering various academic degrees including master's degrees, bachelor's degrees, minors, and advanced professional diplomas. These programs have been designed according to the latest international standards, combining theoretical foundation with practical application, through a strategic partnership with Elm Company and a knowledge-based partnership with the Human Capacity Development Program.

The list of participating universities includes an elite group of educational institutions in the Kingdom, namely: King Saud University, Imam Muhammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, King Abdulaziz University, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Imam Abdulrahman Al Faisal University, Prince Muqrin Bin Abdulaziz University, Alfaisal University, Prince Sultan University, Effat University, Jeddah University, Dar Al-Hekma University, Al-Maarefa University, University of Business and Technology, and Al-Baha University.

Economic and strategic importance

This event is of paramount importance both locally and regionally; with the increasing global reliance on artificial intelligence technologies, investing in human capital has become a necessity, not a luxury. These programs contribute to:

• Technology localization: Reducing reliance on foreign expertise by building qualified national cadres capable of leading the technology landscape.
• Enhancing competitiveness: Raising the Kingdom's readiness to compete in the global digital economy.
• Aligning with the labor market: Ensuring that graduates acquire skills that are relevant to the future jobs that will be created by the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

A promising future for national talents

All programs offered adhere to rigorous and accredited academic frameworks in the fields of data and artificial intelligence, ensuring high-quality outcomes. Graduates of these programs are expected to contribute to innovation in vital sectors such as healthcare, energy, and smart cities, thereby enhancing quality of life and driving sustainable development in the Kingdom.