Saudi Arabia has launched an AI academy in collaboration with the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority and NVIDIA in a move towards digital transformation of the Kingdom.
The establishment of the Industrial Artificial Intelligence Academy highlights the nation’s commitment to fostering qualified national talents capable of competing globally and achieving ambitious objectives. According to reports from the Saudi Press Agency, the academy aims to equip a new generation with the skills to harness industrial AI for innovation in smart spaces and operations, while also promoting collaboration with leading technical organizations to advance technology.
Saudi has signaled its intention to diversify investments beyond oil, with a focus on entertainment, particularly the music industry. The Kingdom has been investing heavily in initiatives like HyperSpace, a startup creating digital theme parks within shopping centers, supported by the Riyadh Season initiative and aiming to attract over 100 million visitors annually by 2030.
The Saudi Music Commission has been formed to unlock the creative and commercial potential of music within the country, with CEO Paul Pacifico leading the initiative. Following the success of events like the Soundstorm Music Festival, which attracted major international acts like DJ Khaled, Bruno Mars, and Post Malone, Saudi Arabia has seen over $64 billion in entertainment investments.
Other Soundstorm festival events have featured headliners such as Pharrell, J-Balvin, and David Guetta. This shift towards AI and entertainment also presents opportunities for Saudi artists and the global music industry, with major companies investing in Saudi’s potential to become a global gaming hub.
HyperSpace, the digital entertainment startup, is a key player in this diversification strategy, blending physical and digital entertainment to create immersive experiences. Backed by investments from Riyadh Season and Galaxy Interactive, HyperSpace plans to expand its operations both domestically and internationally, with upcoming launches in Riyadh and Dubai.
The latest initiative is also expected to play a crucial role in advancing industrial artificial intelligence technologies within Saudi Arabia. Launched during the Global Smart City Forum, the academy aligns with the Kingdom’s goal of becoming a prominent global participant and leveraging AI for the betterment of humanity.
The academy’s launch is part of ongoing efforts by the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), the national authority for data and artificial intelligence in the Kingdom. It emphasizes the importance of nurturing skilled national talents and enhancing global competitiveness through the integration of AI in smart cities. The initiative aims to position Saudi Arabia as a leading hub for the latest technologies and advancements in AI.
The Global Smart City Forum aims to shape the future of cities through smart solutions, establish principles for sustainable urban development, and improve the quality of life while supporting urban development plans.
Saudi Arabia’s digital economy is expected to experience further growth following discussions between Minister of Communications and Information Technology Abdullah Al-Swaha and Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang. The meeting focused on strengthening their strategic partnership to support and bolster the region’s digital economy, particularly in Saudi Arabia, recognized as the largest market for technical innovation in the Middle East and North Africa.
The discussions also explored the potential of generative artificial intelligence in supporting digital innovation and investment opportunities. Key topics included fostering innovation in deep technologies, maximizing the social and economic benefits of implementing generative AI techniques, and capitalizing on numerous opportunities in the digital sector.
