The Saudi Data & Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Scholarship Program, announced the launch of the third cohort of its ambitious scholarship program for studying artificial intelligence and data science. This announcement opens the door for talented young Saudis to join elite international universities, a strategic step aimed at building a generation of leaders and innovators capable of driving the Kingdom's digital transformation.
Strategic context: Artificial intelligence at the heart of Vision 2030
This program is a cornerstone of achieving the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which prioritizes the transformation into a knowledge-based and innovation-driven economy. Since its establishment in 2019 by royal decree, the Saudi Data & Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) has placed paramount importance on the data and artificial intelligence sector, recognizing its pivotal role in developing vital sectors such as energy, healthcare, logistics, and smart cities. Investing in human capital through specialized scholarship programs is a practical manifestation of this vision, as the Kingdom seeks to localize technology and build globally competitive national capabilities.
The importance of the program and its expected impact
The importance of the program is not limited to providing a unique educational opportunity for students, but extends to include broad strategic, economic and social dimensions.
At the local level, the program aims to bridge the skills gap in the Saudi labor market and provide major national projects, such as NEOM and the Red Sea Project, with the qualified personnel they need. Graduates of this program are expected to contribute to accelerating innovation, developing smart solutions to local challenges, improving the efficiency of public and private services, and supporting the growth of technology startups.
At the regional and international levels, this program reinforces Saudi Arabia's position as a leading regional hub for artificial intelligence. By graduating world-class experts, the Kingdom contributes to enriching the global scientific research community and becomes an influential player in shaping the future of these technologies. The program also opens up opportunities for academic and research collaboration between Saudi universities and prestigious international educational institutions.
Future-oriented specializations
The program covers 12 carefully selected specializations to meet current and future market needs, including:
- Artificial Intelligence
- Data Science
- Machine Learning
- Deep Learning
- Robotics
- Computer Vision
- Natural Language Processing
- Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI)
- Big Data
- Information security in artificial intelligence (AI Security)
- Computer Science
- Smart Cities
Application details
SDAIA invites those interested in this opportunity to submit their applications through the program's dedicated portal. Registration is open from February 1st to February 28th. For more information and to apply, please visit the program's official website : https://sdaia.gov.sa/ar/Sectors/BuildingCapacity/Pages/ScholarshipProgram.aspx
