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Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have both earned a place among the top 20 countries in the world for AI talent density, outpacing established nations such as Italy and Russia, as highlighted in the most recent Global AI Competitiveness Index.
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The report, produced by the International Finance Forum (IFF) in partnership with Deep Knowledge Group (DKG), indicates that the UAE represents 0.7 percent and Saudi Arabia 0.4 percent of the global AI talent pool. These rankings signify a significant achievement for both Gulf countries in their goals to become worldwide leaders in AI.
The IFF, a non-profit entity established by G20 nations and organizations such as the United Nations and the World Bank, collaborated with DKG, a prominent think tank in AI, to evaluate advancements in AI across research, innovation, and workforce development.
KAUST earns elite status for AI talent
A notable takeaway from the report is that King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) has entered the ranks of the top 150 universities globally recognized for generating AI talent. KAUST stands as the highest-ranked university in the Middle East in this field, reflecting the rising academic and institutional strengths of Saudi Arabia in AI.
This accomplishment is a testament to the country’s ambitious national strategy, which includes a $20 billion investment in collaborations with esteemed global educational institutions like Stanford University. These funds have enabled KAUST to establish one of the region’s most sophisticated AI research labs.
In addition to infrastructure development, Saudi Arabia is also fostering its local talent through programs such as “10,000 Coders,” aimed at equipping young Saudis with advanced programming and machine learning skills.
“This report is the third installment in a series examining global AI competitiveness,” noted Chu Jian, a data specialist at the IFF Research Institute. “In this edition, we emphasize talent as a key factor in AI product development, research outcomes, and the balance between technological innovations and their associated risks. Our goal is to furnish stakeholders with a clear understanding of the worldwide flow of AI talent while spotlighting nations making significant progress.”
AI strategy propels investment and infrastructure development
Saudi Arabia and the UAE are implementing national AI strategies aimed at driving future economic growth. As part of its Vision 2030 initiative, Saudi Arabia has identified AI as one of seven fundamental components of economic transformation, aspiring to become one of the top 10 countries in AI by the decade’s end.
To realize this vision, Saudi Arabia has established the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) to expedite the approval of AI projects, often within just 30 days, while also orchestrating national efforts in research, governance, and implementation.
Sovereign wealth funds are playing a crucial role in these initiatives. The Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) has launched a $1.5 billion fund specifically focused on AI investment. Additionally, AI infrastructure represents over 30 percent of the $500 billion budget allocated for NEOM, a flagship project under Vision 2030 aimed at redefining urban planning through advanced AI integration.
The UAE is also making significant strides, striving to be at the forefront of AI governance and policy. In 2017, the UAE appointed the world’s first Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, subsequently launching national AI strategies, research hubs, and incentives to draw in global talent and technology companies.
“The talent in AI, as a form of human capital, is the most valuable asset for future economies,” stated Dmitry Kaminskiy, General Partner at Deep Knowledge Group. “Saudi Arabia and the UAE are taking substantial steps to emerge as leaders in AI by reinforcing education systems, providing regulatory support, and investing in necessary infrastructure.”
Competitive incentives and neutrality in global tech
To attract top-tier AI talent, Saudi Arabia is offering some of the most lucrative compensation packages worldwide. Leading AI professionals can earn median annual salaries of $420,000, tax-free, while executives recruited for NEOM might receive signing bonuses of up to $5 million. Additional benefits include subsidized education for their children and expedited residency options.
In areas like NEOM, cultural regulations have been eased to better suit the lifestyles of expatriate workers. These adjustments aim to entice high-skilled professionals who might otherwise choose to relocate to tech hubs such as Silicon Valley, London, or Singapore.
NEOM’s flagship venture, The Line, is planned to be the world’s first city fully managed by AI, where vital services like transportation and energy will be governed by autonomous systems. This city is set to feature cutting-edge biometric and data monitoring systems, facilitating the real-world testing of next-gen AI technologies.
“Countries investing in AI talent today are not merely shaping their digital futures; they are also ensuring their global competitiveness for years to come,” remarked Professor Patrick Glauner, Coordinator of the IFF AI Committee.
Geopolitically, Saudi Arabia’s role as a connector between East and West enhances its appeal. With active partnerships with both China and the United States, the Kingdom is positioned as a politically neutral space for technology development and multinational AI collaboration.
A region poised for growth
As AI increasingly becomes essential for economic and scientific leadership, the emergence of Saudi Arabia and the UAE as hubs for AI talent points to a wider change in global tech dynamics. Their ability to effectively combine aspirational visions with significant financial investment and cohesive policy efforts marks a potential blueprint for other nations aiming to compete in this new technological age.
With the global competition for AI leadership escalating, the Middle East’s rising prominence may be more than just a trend; it could signify the dawn of a new AI paradigm.