The Rise of AI Recruitment in Saudi Arabia
Author Name: Akshat Malve
Have you ever wondered how Saudi Arabia is positioning itself to become a leader in Artificial Intelligence? The Kingdom is on a mission to harness the power of AI, which means there’s a soaring demand for AI talent.
Let’s take a look into the vibrant AI recruitment scene in KSA, uncover what fuels this market, and see how companies are searching worldwide for the brightest minds to spearhead their innovative initiatives.
KSA Vision 2030: A Blueprint for AI Leadership
Vision 2030 is Saudi Arabia’s ambitious plan to diversify its economy and reduce its dependence on oil. A critical component of this vision is fostering innovation and adopting cutting-edge technologies like AI. The AI market in Saudi Arabia is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 35% from 2020 to 2025, reaching a market size of $15 billion. The government’s proactive approach includes investing in education, infrastructure, and fostering a business environment that attracts global talent.
Saudi Arabia has allocated $20 billion for AI development over the next decade, making it one of the largest AI investments globally educational institutions across Saudi Arabia are expanding their AI programs, partnering with global universities to ensure that the workforce is equipped with the latest skills. This focus on education is crucial for creating a homegrown talent pool that can drive the nation’s AI ambitions.
Meet the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA)
The Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) is the government agency driving Saudi Arabia’s national agenda for data and AI. Established by a royal decree in 2019, SDAIA aims to position Saudi Arabia as a global leader in the data-driven economy.
SDAIA consists of three main bodies:
- The National Centre for Artificial Intelligence (NCAI): Focuses on AI research, development, and implementation across government sectors.
- The National Data Management Office: Oversees data management and policy.
- The National Information Centre: Supports SDAIA’s objectives.
SDAIA’s key objectives include:
- Innovative AI Solutions: Creating sustainable and ethical AI applications tailored to Saudi Arabia’s unique needs and culture.
- AI Ecosystem: Building a welcoming environment with top-notch infrastructure, testing spaces, data governance, and incentives to boost AI adoption.
- Government Support: Assisting government bodies in implementing the National Strategy for Data & AI endorsed by the King in 2020.
Embracing the Power of Artificial Intelligence
The Saudi workforce is embracing digital skills at an impressive pace, especially in AI, to drive the country’s economic transformation under Vision 2030. In the past year alone, Saudi Arabia has climbed five spots to rank 30th globally in AI skills penetration. This leap is driven by a 24% year-over-year increase in the hiring ratio of AI talent relative to overall hiring.
Among the fastest-growing AI skills in Saudi Arabia are:
- Reinforcement Learning
- Pattern Recognition
- Predictive Modelling
- Supervised Learning
- PyTorch
These AI skills are crucial for developing generative AI, with 79% of Saudi employees believing it will significantly change their work next year. AI is highly sought after as the country aims to lead in emerging technologies and digital transformation. This rapid growth in AI talent and skills aligns perfectly with the ambitious Vision 2030 goals.
Private Sectors involvement in AI
The private sector in Saudi Arabia is equally enthusiastic about AI, with numerous companies investing heavily in AI technologies to gain a competitive edge. Industries such as healthcare, finance, and retail are leading the way, implementing AI solutions to enhance efficiency, improve customer experience, and drive innovation.
- Healthcare: AI is predicted to contribute $150 billion to the healthcare sector by 2026, with AI-driven diagnostics improving patient outcomes by 30%.
- Finance: AI implementation in finance is expected to reduce operational costs by 22%, saving the industry up to $1 trillion annually by 2030.
- Retail: AI-powered personalization is projected to boost retail sales by 15%, adding $150 billion to the sector by 2025.
Major tech companies are establishing research centres in Saudi Arabia, contributing to a vibrant ecosystem where AI innovation can thrive. This collaboration between the public and private sectors is essential for achieving the goals outlined in Vision 2030.
The Global Talent Hunt
To support its AI ambitions, Saudi Arabia is not only developing local talent but also attracting experts from around the world. The Kingdom is offering competitive packages and an appealing quality of life to lure top-tier professionals in AI. This international recruitment drive ensures that Saudi Arabia benefits from the global expertise necessary to accelerate its AI initiatives.
- Global Recruitment: Saudi Arabia has seen a 35% increase in international AI talent hires over the past two years.
- Competitive Packages: AI specialists in Saudi Arabia are offered salaries 20% higher than the global average, with additional benefits including housing and education allowances.
Steering Saudi Arabia’s AI Revolution with AIQU
Saudi Arabia’s commitment to becoming a leader in Artificial Intelligence is evident through its strategic initiatives, investments in education, and global talent acquisition. The Kingdom is creating an environment where AI can flourish, supporting its broader goals of economic diversification and innovation.
In this era of digital transformation, AIQU stands out as a leader in Artificial Intelligence recruitment. With over 16 years of experience in the MENA region, we specialize in connecting forward-thinking organizations with top AI talent through our AI-powered recruitment tools. Our expertise and state-of-the-art systems ensure that your recruitment process is not only efficient but also highly effective.
As both businesses and candidates adapt to these evolving trends, AIQU serves as your trusted partner in cultivating meaningful employment relationships within the Artificial Intelligence realm.
Get in touch with our tech recruitment experts.
