# Saudi Arabia Scales AI Workforce Development

In 2026, designated Saudi Arabia’s Year of Artificial Intelligence, the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) reports that more than 1.5 million citizens have received data and AI training. The initiative combines workforce development with broader AI adoption across sectors and governance frameworks for responsible use, signaling a national effort to build the skills and institutional capacity that may support future public-sector AI activity.

- Companies pursuing AI-related work in Saudi Arabia should assess how their offerings support SDAIA’s stated priorities: workforce capability, cross-sector adoption, and responsible AI governance.
- The scale of training indicates a growing domestic AI skills base, which may shape staffing, delivery, and local capability considerations for government contractors.
- The signal describes a national development agenda, not a specific solicitation, contract award, funding amount, or procurement deadline.

**Jurisdictions:** international
**Industries:** Information Technology
**Topics:** Artificial Intelligence
**Published:** September 23, 2026

### Government Entities
- Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA)

### Sources
- [Saudi Arabia expands AI push as training reaches more than 1.5 million citizens](https://me.peoplemattersglobal.com/amp/news/economy-policy/saudi-arabia-expands-ai-push-as-training-reaches-more-than-15-million-citizens-52251) - People Matters Global