Saudi Arabia’s SAMAI Initiative Surpasses One-Million-Citizen Milestone in National AI Upskilling Drive
Over one million training certifications issued under SAMAI as Riyadh accelerates Vision 2030 push to build AI-ready workforce
Saudi Arabia’s national AI-training programme, SAMAI (One Million Saudis in AI), has officially trained and certified over one million citizens, the government announced this week.
The accomplishment marks a major milestone in the Kingdom’s efforts to build a broadly capable, AI-literate workforce.
Launched by the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) in partnership with the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, SAMAI was created under the national transformation blueprint Vision 2030. The programme aims to empower Saudi citizens with knowledge and practical understanding of artificial intelligence, helping to anchor the Kingdom’s long-term shift toward a knowledge-based economy.
([SDAIA][1])
Officials report that of the certified participants, 52 percent are women and 48 percent are men.
Among them, roughly 70 percent are employed individuals and 30 percent are students.
([Saudi Press Agency][2])
SDAIA’s Capacity Building Sector confirmed that the one-million milestone has been reached ahead of schedule, attributing the success to wide nationwide participation and strong institutional collaboration.
The training—offered in Arabic and accessible remotely—covers foundational AI concepts, practical applications and ethical considerations, making it broad enough to appeal to a diverse population including students, working professionals and job-seekers.
([SDAIA][1])
Government and education officials say the achievement demonstrates Saudi Arabia’s growing readiness to integrate AI into the public sector, private industry and everyday life.
It also reflects the Kingdom’s broader ambition to build human capital capable of supporting emerging sectors such as technology, data analytics, and digital services, reinforcing its trajectory under Vision 2030. ([Ministry of Education][3])
Looking ahead, SDAIA has signalled that additional phases of the SAMAI initiative are planned.
These will target more advanced training for specialists, researchers and professionals in emerging AI fields — including more complex and “agentic” AI technologies.
Officials say future programmes will aim to deepen the pool of expert talent as Saudi Arabia accelerates its digital transformation.
([Saudi Press Agency][2])
The successful rollout of SAMAI underlines how concerted national policy, institutional coordination and inclusive access can rapidly elevate a country’s digital literacy.
As the Kingdom moves toward ambitious economic diversification, this milestone may prove a foundational step in establishing Saudi Arabia as a regional hub for AI innovation and capability.
The accomplishment marks a major milestone in the Kingdom’s efforts to build a broadly capable, AI-literate workforce.
Launched by the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) in partnership with the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, SAMAI was created under the national transformation blueprint Vision 2030. The programme aims to empower Saudi citizens with knowledge and practical understanding of artificial intelligence, helping to anchor the Kingdom’s long-term shift toward a knowledge-based economy.
([SDAIA][1])
Officials report that of the certified participants, 52 percent are women and 48 percent are men.
Among them, roughly 70 percent are employed individuals and 30 percent are students.
([Saudi Press Agency][2])
SDAIA’s Capacity Building Sector confirmed that the one-million milestone has been reached ahead of schedule, attributing the success to wide nationwide participation and strong institutional collaboration.
The training—offered in Arabic and accessible remotely—covers foundational AI concepts, practical applications and ethical considerations, making it broad enough to appeal to a diverse population including students, working professionals and job-seekers.
([SDAIA][1])
Government and education officials say the achievement demonstrates Saudi Arabia’s growing readiness to integrate AI into the public sector, private industry and everyday life.
It also reflects the Kingdom’s broader ambition to build human capital capable of supporting emerging sectors such as technology, data analytics, and digital services, reinforcing its trajectory under Vision 2030. ([Ministry of Education][3])
Looking ahead, SDAIA has signalled that additional phases of the SAMAI initiative are planned.
These will target more advanced training for specialists, researchers and professionals in emerging AI fields — including more complex and “agentic” AI technologies.
Officials say future programmes will aim to deepen the pool of expert talent as Saudi Arabia accelerates its digital transformation.
([Saudi Press Agency][2])
The successful rollout of SAMAI underlines how concerted national policy, institutional coordination and inclusive access can rapidly elevate a country’s digital literacy.
As the Kingdom moves toward ambitious economic diversification, this milestone may prove a foundational step in establishing Saudi Arabia as a regional hub for AI innovation and capability.