The Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) has trained over one million Saudi citizens in artificial intelligence skills through its national SAMAI initiative — marking a major milestone in advancing digital literacy and AI readiness across the Kingdom.

The achievement, announced by SDAIA spokesperson Dr. Majed Al-Shehri, represents around nine percent of Saudi Arabia’s working-age population. The initiative, run in partnership with the Ministries of Education and Human Resources, aims to empower citizens with foundational AI knowledge and promote innovation in line with Saudi Vision 2030.

Of the one million participants, 52% were women and 48% men, with employees making up 70% and students 30%. The training focused on AI fundamentals and practical applications in both professional and academic contexts.

Dr. Al-Shehri said the initiative’s success was made possible through close collaboration with national institutions, enabling wide participation from schools, universities, and educators. He also announced plans for new programs targeting specialists, researchers, and professionals in emerging AI fields, including advanced training on agentic AI technologies.

Minister of Education Yousef Al-Bunyan described the milestone as a model of national integration, underscoring Saudi Arabia’s commitment to developing human capital and positioning technology as a driver of sustainable growth.

Dr. Ahmed Al-Ghamdi, CEO of SDAIA’s Capacity Building Sector, said surpassing the one-million target reflects the Kingdom’s progress toward becoming a knowledge-based economy built on innovation and digital capability.