Saudi Arabia and the UAE have entered the global top 20 for AI talent, reflecting major investments in education, innovation, and infrastructure. Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 drives its AI strategy, with projects like NEOM and partnerships with top universities, while the UAE focuses on AI governance, making both nations key global AI players.
Saudi Arabia and the UAE have officially joined the ranks of the world’s top 20 nations for artificial intelligence (AI) talent, according to the latest Global AI Competitiveness Index released by the International Finance Forum (IFF) and Deep Knowledge Group (DKG). With 0.7% and 0.4% of the global AI talent pool respectively, the Gulf nations have surpassed countries like Italy and Russia, solidifying their rising influence in the AI space.
This milestone reflects Saudi Arabia’s ambitious national AI strategy under Vision 2030. AI has been identified as one of the Kingdom’s seven economic transformation pillars, with goals to become a top 10 global player in AI research and application by 2030. The government is investing $20 billion in AI development, including partnerships with leading institutions such as Stanford University and the growth of King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), now ranked among the top 150 global universities for AI talent production.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia has introduced initiatives like the 10,000 Coders program to nurture domestic talent and fill the pipeline of future AI experts. The country’s sovereign wealth fund, PIF, has also launched a $1.5 billion AI investment fund, and major projects like NEOM are allocating over 30% of their $500 billion budget to AI-driven infrastructure.
Saudi Arabia’s incentives to attract global AI experts are also notable. With tax-free median salaries of $420,000 for top AI scientists and signing bonuses reaching $5 million at NEOM, the Kingdom is fast becoming a magnet for world-class talent. Relaxed cultural restrictions and special residency schemes in innovation zones further enhance the appeal.
The UAE, meanwhile, is positioning itself as a global hub for AI governance and policy innovation. Its proactive strategy has drawn international investment and partnerships, helping secure its spot in the top 20 for AI talent. Both nations are also leveraging their geopolitical neutrality to serve as a bridge between major tech powers like the U.S. and China.
Dmitry Kaminskiy, General Partner at Deep Knowledge Group, noted, “AI talent is the most precious resource for future economies. The UAE and Saudi Arabia are setting the stage for long-term growth through strategic investment in education, infrastructure, and innovation.”
NEOM’s flagship city, The Line, is set to become the world’s first AI-controlled urban environment, with all services—transport, energy, and administration—managed by artificial intelligence and powered by real-time biometric data collection.
According to Professor Patrick Glauner of the IFF AI Committee, “Nations that invest in AI talent today are securing their competitiveness for decades to come.” The Gulf’s fast-track strategies and growing ecosystems are now models for emerging AI economies worldwide.
As Saudi Arabia and the UAE continue to scale their AI ambitions, their rise signals a broader power shift in the global technology landscape—one centered increasingly in the Middle East.
