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ALKHOBAR: A Saudi Ministry of Communications and Information Technology national program to certify 100,000 citizens in artificial intelligence and data skills is “crucial” in reinforcing the country’s position as a leader in AI, said a ministry official.

Run in partnership with the software development company Incorta, it is one of the largest training efforts of its kind in the region and a major step toward the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals.

A wider aim of the Kingdom’s upskilling strategy is to train 1 million Saudis in AI, a goal outlined by the Saudi Data and AI Authority in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development.

The MCIT also launched the Mostaqbali program to train an additional 50,000 Saudis in AI, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Friday.

Speaking to Arab News, Osama El-Kady, CEO and co-founder of Incorta, said the initiative is focused on preparing Saudis for the future.

“We are grateful for the immense support from the MCIT on this initiative. While the new generation is highly adept with current AI technology, our program is designed to look beyond what is already happening in the industry,” El-Kady said.

“We will focus on preparing participants for what lies ahead by providing them with practical applications of AI.

“Our goal is to empower employees across ministries, government entities, and private companies to harness data effectively, and make informed, data-driven decisions to ultimately contribute to the growth of the Kingdom and Vision 2030,” he added.

The program, unveiled at Incorta’s No Limits 2025 event in Riyadh, will be delivered through the National eLearning Center. It is designed to prepare students, professionals, and executives with applied AI and data skills that strengthen the Kingdom’s competitiveness across critical sectors.

Safa Al-Rashed, acting deputy minister for capabilities and future work at MCIT, said in a statement that the program reflects a long-term commitment to inclusive growth.

“Equipping our citizens, especially our youth and women, with future-ready AI and data skills is crucial.

“By certifying 100,000 individuals, we are upskilling a workforce, building a new foundation for sustainable growth and reinforcing ��������’s position as a global leader in AI.”

New details shared exclusively with Arab News reveal that the program will not only certify tens of thousands of Saudis but also build a pipeline of work-ready professionals through a phased rollout.

The first official cohort is set to launch in early 2026, bringing together a select group of 50 to 75 participants.

These will include top-performing university students and early-career professionals, each gaining hands-on experience through projects drawn directly from Incorta and industry partners.

Standout participants will earn certifications, internships, and even potential full-time roles.

“This approach ensures that the program is not just theoretical, but that it is shaping a new generation of work-ready AI and data professionals,” El-Kady said.

According to the company, the rollout covers three areas: future talent, workforce skills and career development, and executive readiness.

University pilots and live industry challenges will begin as early as the fourth quarter of 2025, laying the groundwork for the first cohort in 2026.

Summer internships will provide 100 placements over five years at Incorta’s US offices, giving Saudi students direct exposure to applied AI and data projects.

At the same time, Vision 2030 Hackathons will launch in early 2026, enabling participants to tackle national priorities such as renewable energy optimization, trade resilience and industrial efficiency.

Workforce upskilling is already underway nationwide through online certifications, with tracks such as Foundations of Data for AI, Champions of Data, and the AI Masterclass. These will expand steadily through 2026.

For executives, multi-day leadership programs and roundtables delivered in partnership with global names such as Gartner, Wipro and Google are scheduled to begin mid-2026, giving senior leaders frameworks to translate AI strategies into measurable business outcomes.

Incorta confirmed that several milestones have already been reached.

Noha Rizk, chief marketing officer at Incorta, described the importance of the program: “This program will serve as a global model for how nations can proactively build a people-centered, AI-powered future.”

Her remarks reflect a wider Gulf trend where digital transformation strategies are being framed around people rather than technology alone.

Surveys show more than 80 percent of employees in �������� and the UAE view AI with optimism, compared to skepticism in many Western economies.

RIYADH: The King Salman bin Abdulaziz Royal Reserve is one of the Kingdom’s most significant natural reserves, known for its remarkable diversity of birds during seasonal migrations, according to a Saudi Press Agency report.

In observance of World Migratory Bird Day, the reserve’s Development Authority used its social media platforms to highlight the importance of migratory birds, their habitats, and conservation efforts.

It also drew attention to the threats these birds face and emphasized their vital role in maintaining ecological balance, the SPA added.

The reserve lies along several key migratory routes across the Arabian Peninsula and includes diverse environments, including mountains, valleys, mudflats and water bodies, which provide ideal habitats for resting, feeding and temporary breeding for hundreds of bird species.

The authority reaffirmed its commitment to protecting migratory birds and enhancing environmental monitoring, in line with national and international biodiversity conservation strategies.

These efforts strengthen the Kingdom’s global leadership in safeguarding birds and their habitats, according to the SPA report.

World Migratory Bird Day, celebrated annually on Oct. 11, coincides with peak migration periods worldwide and serves as a reminder of the urgent need to protect migratory birds and their natural environments.