Artificial intelligence (AI) technology is a key part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 ambitions – a point evidenced by the government’s multibillion-dollar investment in the sector.
That investment has not gone to waste. The nation’s investment in technology has helped develop smart cities such as NEOM and provided AI-powered healthcare solutions.
While Saudi Arabia does not lack the finances to become a global AI hub, a shortage of skilled professionals needed to sustain the nation’s high-tech ambitions is an issue.
According to a recent report – The State of AI in Saudi Arabia – job opportunities in the sector increased by nearly 54 percent annually between 2018 and 2022.
The Saudi government has since moved quickly to close the gap between job opportunities and available personnel.
Through the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), the government orchestrated an initiative to train 20,000 specialists by 2030, paving the way for Saudi citizens to take those jobs. It is a move that could be a game-changer for the nation and its economy.
Saudi Arabia’s investment has cemented the nation’s position as a regional leader in AI. According to a 2024 UNESCO report, the Kingdom ranks first in the Arab world and 14th globally.
The Saudis’ push for global domination has drawn the attention from across the globe, with the Kingdom securing $1.79 billion in AI-focused funding at the 2025 LEAP tech conference.
How the iGaming industry has leveraged AI to improve operations
The shortage of skilled professionals to drive the nation’s high-tech ambitions has opened the door for discussions on how other industries could contribute to Saudi Arabia’s AI goals.
This is not a topic the nation has previously been receptive to, but it could take inspiration from the iGaming industry, which has successfully leveraged AI to improve operations.
Saudi Arabia currently enforces strict rules against gambling, but they may need to revisit their regulations, considering the iGaming industry has the expertise to help the nation achieve its goals.
Operators in the industry have used advanced machine learning algorithms to fortify their security systems, improve user experience and prevent fraud.
The iGaming industry also boasts front-row seats to AI innovations such as predictive analysis and automated customer service, which are key to Saudi Arabia’s AI development goals.
However, if the government were to collaborate, it would need to let the brakes off gambling and create a formal regulatory body to oversee the sector.
Thousands of Arab players love to visit an online casino in Saudi Arabia, which highlights the popularity of a practice that has traditionally been frowned upon.
If the Saudi government established an organisation to oversee the industry, it could benefit from the taxation revenues generated. They could also use the industry’s knowledge of AI to bolster their Vision 2030 ambitions.
Saudi Arabia’s Efforts to Bridge the Skills Gap
Saudi Arabia’s educational sector is also playing a key role in narrowing the gap between available jobs and qualified personnel.
The number of graduates in AI-related subjects increased by 42% between 2022 and 2023. More than 38,000 students graduated with AI-related degrees between 2019 and 2023.
In a bid to further develop homegrown tech talent, universities in Saudi Arabia have increased the number of AI-related courses and undergraduate degrees by 86%. An impressive 56% offer master’s programs, while 9% have introduced them at PhD level.
The Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals has introduced flexible AI and data science master’s tracks. The King Abdullah University of Science and Technology also plays a key role in workforce development through online courses and hands-on AI training.
Alibaba Cloud, STC and Databricks have collaborated with educational institutions to bolster AI training. The latter has pledged $300 million over the next five years to support AI and data adoption in the country, while the SDAIA partnered with Google Cloud to launch the Elevate Program in 2013.
The five-year initiative was designed to train 1,000 women from 28 nations in machine learning, but there is a plan to upskill more than 25,000 by 2028.
While Saudi’s efforts have been lauded by many people, industry leaders have called for AI training to also include business acumen, machine-learning operations and data engineering.
That way, learners are equipped with the skills and business knowledge to thrive in the highly competitive sector or launch start-ups that will contribute to the growth of the nation’s economy.
The government has also been urged to make AI education more accessible by launching scholarship and mentorship programs, AI hubs in rural areas and tools that don’t require coding.
