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Artificial intelligence (AI) prowess of Saudi Arabia and the UAE propels them both into the top 20 nations with the highest AI talent density, underscoring their relentless drive to dominate the global AI landscape.

Saudi Arabia's determined effort to assert its dominance on the worldwide artificial intelligence stage has resulted in this impressive achievement.

Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have climbed up the ranks, now among the top 20...
Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have climbed up the ranks, now among the top 20 nations with the highest density of AI talent globally. This impressive achievement is indicative of Saudi Arabia's relentless pursuit of global dominance in the realm of artificial intelligence.

Artificial intelligence (AI) prowess of Saudi Arabia and the UAE propels them both into the top 20 nations with the highest AI talent density, underscoring their relentless drive to dominate the global AI landscape.

Saudi Arabia and UAE Shine in Global AI Talent Rankings

In a recent report by the Global AI Competitiveness Index, Saudi Arabia and the UAE have made a significant leap, securing positions among the top 20 countries for AI talent density[1]. This places them ahead of established AI hubs such as Italy and Russia.

The UAE holds approximately 0.7% of the global AI talent pool, ranking 16th globally and first in the Arab world. Saudi Arabia, on the other hand, has about 0.4%, ranking 19th globally and second regionally[2].

These figures are a testament to the strategic focus and commitment of both countries to become major players in AI innovation and technological development.

The King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) in Saudi Arabia is a key contributor to this growth. Ranked as the highest-ranked university in the Middle East for producing AI talent, KAUST finds itself in the top 150 globally[2].

Saudi Arabia's efforts to bridge the gap between the East and West have made it an attractive destination for technology companies and talent seeking a politically neutral environment. The country's strategic investments in AI projects and initiatives have further solidified its position as a "neutral zone" for global AI innovation[2].

The UAE, too, is making significant strides in AI. Programs like 10,000 Coders aim to train young Saudis with cutting-edge AI skills, ensuring a steady pipeline of talent for the future[2].

Major AI projects in Saudi Arabia benefit from an expedited approval process, with decisions typically made within 30 days[2]. This streamlined process is a testament to the government's commitment to fostering a conducive environment for AI innovation.

The Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) and the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF)'s US$1.5 billion AI investment fund are further examples of the government's strategic efforts to drive the national AI strategy[2].

Saudi Arabia's ambitious goal is to rank among the top 10 countries in AI research and application by 2030. This ambitious target aims to attract US$ 20 billion in AI investments and create 200,000 high-tech jobs[2].

The future of AI in Saudi Arabia and the UAE looks promising, with talent being recognised as the most precious asset for future economies[3]. This emphasis on talent is reflected in the high salaries offered to top AI scientists, with a median annual salary of US$420,000, tax-free, and AI leaders in NEOM receiving up to US$5 million in signing bonuses and full subsidies for their children's education[2].

The Global AI Competitiveness Index, a collaborative effort between the International Finance Forum (IFF) and Deep Knowledge Group (DKG), has been instrumental in highlighting these developments[1]. This report is the third in a series of reports on the Global Competitiveness Index for AI, published by the IFF[1].

In conclusion, talent capacity is a foundational element propelling Saudi Arabia and the UAE’s emergence as influential AI players, supported by strategic government policies, investments in education and research, and efforts to attract global AI experts.

[1] - https://www.iff.org.cn/en/news/2021-05-21/483069.html [2] - https://www.arabnews.com/node/1852921/business-economy [3] - https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2021/03/15/ai-talent-is-the-most-precious-asset-for-future-economies/?sh=78c07e564a45

  1. The strategic focus and commitment of Saudi Arabia and UAE towards becoming major players in AI innovation and technological development have led to growth in their AI talent density.
  2. The King Abdullah University of Science and Technology in Saudi Arabia and programs like 10,000 Coders in the UAE are key contributors to the growth of their respective AI talent pools.
  3. Major AI projects in both countries benefit from expedited approvals, a testament to the governments' commitment to fostering a conducive environment for AI innovation.
  4. Saudi Arabia aims to rank among the top 10 countries in AI research and application by 2030, attracting $20 billion in AI investments and creating 200,000 high-tech jobs.
  5. Talent capacity, supported by strategic government policies, investments in education and research, and efforts to attract global AI experts, is a foundational element propelling Saudi Arabia and the UAE’s emergence as influential AI players.

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