Saudi Arabia trains 1 million citizens in AI through SAMAI initiative

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, and the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) recently celebrated the “One Million Saudis in AI SAMAI” initiative as it surpassed one million citizens trained and certified in AI, an unprecedented milestone reflecting public awareness and coordinated government efforts under Saudi Vision 2030.

The initiative drew nationwide participation, with more than one million registrants, 52 percent female and 48 percent male, while employees accounted for 70 percent of participants and students 30 percent. The milestone underscores the joint investment of the three entities in people as the engine of national development, reinforcing the Kingdom’s role by building citizens’ capabilities and advancing their digital skills.

9 percent of participants are working-age Saudis

Of the 1 million Saudi citizens, 9 percent are working-age Saudis earning AI skills certificates. The One Million Saudis in AI (SAMAI) Initiative is described as one of the largest AI training initiatives globally, offering simplified Arabic-language content that outperforms many regional and international programs in accessibility and reach.

International comparisons of AI training initiatives highlight SAMAI’s distinctive strengths, including ease of access, comprehensive training and a flexible national approach tailored to Saudi society’s needs while keeping pace with global trends. The initiative’s free access and official certification from the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) also provide significant academic and market value, setting it apart from programs offering non-accredited content.

SAMAI aims to empower Saudi citizens with AI skills and enhance their readiness for the digital future. The initiative supports the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which prioritizes technology and innovation as key pillars for sustainable development and the creation of a knowledge-based economy.

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SAMAI attracts more than 1.2 million participants

Open to all male and female citizens across Saudi Arabia, SAMAI attracted more than 1.2 million participants in less than a year, achieving a target originally set for three years at a record pace compared with global standards. This rapid uptake reflects the initiative’s effectiveness in building national human capacities in line with Saudi Vision 2030 objectives.

SAMAI has become a model initiative both locally and regionally, offering AI training designed according to global best practices. The program takes learners on an engaging educational journey, from the origins of AI technologies to their applications in daily life, including impacts on the workplace and potential future developments.

Using simple language and engaging visual explanations, the initiative has appealed to students, employees, job seekers and technology enthusiasts. Its remote format and flexible scheduling encouraged participants from across the Kingdom to register and take full advantage of the program’s offerings.

Through SAMAI, citizens across Saudi Arabia have gained knowledge of AI concepts, applications, ethics and practical tools, equipping them to integrate AI safely and effectively into work and daily life – a strategic step in developing the Kingdom’s human capital and advancing Saudi Arabia’s vision of becoming a global leader in technology and innovation, in line with the leadership ambitions.