Saudi Arabia And UAE Rank High In Global AI Talent Density, New Report States

Saudi Arabia's ambitious Saudi Vision 2030 has designated AI as a crucial element in transforming the nation's economy, aiming to propel the Kingdom into the top 10 countries for AI research and application by the end of the decade. This vision includes attracting $20 billion in AI investments and generating 200,000 high-tech jobs, reflecting the country's commitment to becoming a global leader in the field of artificial intelligence.

This strategy underlines the importance of AI in shaping future economies and emphasises the nation's resolve to advance in this cutting-edge technology.The Global AI Competitiveness Index has recently spotlighted Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates for their dense concentration of AI talent, positioning them above countries like Italy and Russia.

With the UAE and Saudi Arabia holding 0.7% and 0.4% of the global AI talent pool respectively, these nations are emerging as influential hubs in the realm of AI innovation. This recognition underscores their strategic efforts in nurturing AI expertise and infrastructure.

The International Finance Forum (IFF) and Deep Knowledge Group (DKG) collaborated on this study, highlighting the strategic advancements and investments by these countries in AI. The IFF, established by G20 countries along with international entities such as the United Nations and the World Bank, partnered with DKG, a leading global think tank focused on AI, to provide insights into the global AI landscape. This partnership offers a comprehensive look at how countries are positioning themselves within the global AI industry.

In a significant milestone for the region, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Saudi Arabia has been ranked among the top 150 universities worldwide for AI talent production. This achievement reflects the nation's aggressive efforts to establish itself as a leader in AI, showcasing the effectiveness of its investments in education and research.

KAUST, developed with a USD 20 billion investment and partnerships with premier institutions like Stanford University, houses one of the leading AI labs globally and is part of broader initiatives like the 10,000 Coders program to equip young Saudis with advanced AI skills.

Saudi Arabia's and the UAE's strategic focus on AI extends beyond education and talent development. Their efforts include significant investments in AI governance, technology, and infrastructure. Dmitry Kaminskiy of Deep Knowledge Group praised their achievements, stating, "Saudi Arabia and the UAE's strategic focus on AI, their significant investments in education, infrastructure, and innovation, and their ability to attract top talent and investments are setting the stage for a new era of growth in the region."

The Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) spearheads the national AI strategy under Saudi Vision 2030. The Kingdom has streamlined its approach to major AI projects, promising decision-making processes within 30 days to expedite development. This proactive approach is complemented by substantial financial backing, including a $1.5 billion AI investment fund by the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) and significant allocations for AI in projects like NEOM, where AI infrastructure represents over 30% of its $500 billion budget.

Saudi Arabia is also making strides in making the Kingdom an attractive place for AI professionals. It boasts some of the world's highest salaries for AI talent, with top scientists earning a median annual salary of USD 420,000, tax-free. Additional incentives include signing bonuses of up to $5 million for AI leaders in NEOM and full subsidies for their children's education. Furthermore, special residency schemes and relaxed cultural restrictions in areas like NEOM aim to create an environment that attracts global AI experts by blending their lifestyles with the Kingdom's cultural values.

NEOM's The Line, envisioned as the world's first AI-controlled city, represents the pinnacle of Saudi Arabia's AI ambitions. This futuristic city plans to have all its services, including transportation and energy, managed entirely by AI, offering a unique laboratory for AI development through extensive data collection and biometric monitoring.

In closing, Professor Patrick Glauner from the IFF AI Committee emphasised the global significance of investing in AI talent, stating, "Nations that invest in AI talent today are not just shaping their digital future; they're securing their global competitiveness for decades to come."

Saudi Arabia's strategic positioning as a "neutral zone" for global AI innovation, coupled with its relationships with major powers like China and the United States, uniquely positions it as a key player in bridging the gap between Eastern and Western technology landscapes.