Microsoft Expands AI Skills Drive in Saudi Arabia with Target to Train Three Million by 2030
Technology giant deepens partnership with Kingdom to boost artificial intelligence capabilities under Vision 2030
Microsoft has announced an expanded artificial intelligence skills initiative in Saudi Arabia, pledging to help three million people in the Kingdom acquire AI-related capabilities by 2030 as part of a broader digital transformation push.
The programme, unveiled in coordination with Saudi authorities and local partners, aims to equip students, professionals and entrepreneurs with practical knowledge of artificial intelligence tools, data analytics and cloud technologies.
The initiative builds on existing collaboration between Microsoft and the Saudi government under Vision 2030, the Kingdom’s economic diversification strategy, which places technology and innovation at its core.
Under the expanded plan, Microsoft will roll out training modules across schools, universities and vocational institutions, alongside specialised programmes for government employees and private-sector workers.
The company said the curriculum will range from foundational AI literacy to advanced technical certifications, including machine learning and generative AI applications.
Saudi officials have highlighted artificial intelligence as a central pillar of the country’s ambition to become a regional and global technology hub.
Recent years have seen significant investment in digital infrastructure, data centres and start-up ecosystems, with the aim of fostering a knowledge-based economy and creating high-skilled employment opportunities.
Microsoft executives said the three-million target reflects both the scale of Saudi Arabia’s young population and the pace of technological change reshaping global industries.
They emphasised that AI skilling is not limited to technical specialists but increasingly essential across sectors such as healthcare, finance, energy and public administration.
The announcement comes amid intensifying global competition over AI leadership, with governments and corporations racing to develop domestic talent pipelines.
By aligning training programmes with national priorities, Microsoft and Saudi stakeholders aim to accelerate workforce readiness and support local innovation.
As implementation begins, further partnerships with educational institutions and industry groups are expected, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s drive to embed advanced digital skills throughout its economy and society.
The programme, unveiled in coordination with Saudi authorities and local partners, aims to equip students, professionals and entrepreneurs with practical knowledge of artificial intelligence tools, data analytics and cloud technologies.
The initiative builds on existing collaboration between Microsoft and the Saudi government under Vision 2030, the Kingdom’s economic diversification strategy, which places technology and innovation at its core.
Under the expanded plan, Microsoft will roll out training modules across schools, universities and vocational institutions, alongside specialised programmes for government employees and private-sector workers.
The company said the curriculum will range from foundational AI literacy to advanced technical certifications, including machine learning and generative AI applications.
Saudi officials have highlighted artificial intelligence as a central pillar of the country’s ambition to become a regional and global technology hub.
Recent years have seen significant investment in digital infrastructure, data centres and start-up ecosystems, with the aim of fostering a knowledge-based economy and creating high-skilled employment opportunities.
Microsoft executives said the three-million target reflects both the scale of Saudi Arabia’s young population and the pace of technological change reshaping global industries.
They emphasised that AI skilling is not limited to technical specialists but increasingly essential across sectors such as healthcare, finance, energy and public administration.
The announcement comes amid intensifying global competition over AI leadership, with governments and corporations racing to develop domestic talent pipelines.
By aligning training programmes with national priorities, Microsoft and Saudi stakeholders aim to accelerate workforce readiness and support local innovation.
As implementation begins, further partnerships with educational institutions and industry groups are expected, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s drive to embed advanced digital skills throughout its economy and society.
