Saudi Arabia and the UAE have cemented their positions among the world’s top 20 countries for artificial intelligence (AI) talent density, outpacing nations such as Italy and Russia, according to the latest Global AI Competitiveness Index.
The UAE holds 0.7 percent of the global AI talent pool, while Saudi Arabia accounts for 0.4 percent, signaling the two countries’ rapid ascent as influential players in global AI development. These rankings reflect the broader regional commitment to becoming global hubs for technological innovation.
The Global AI Competitiveness Index is a joint initiative by the International Finance Forum (IFF) and Deep Knowledge Group (DKG). The IFF, founded in 2003 by G20 nations and leading international institutions including the United Nations, the World Bank, and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), is a non-profit and non-governmental body.
DKG is a global think tank focused on AI, health tech, and advanced industry innovation.
KAUST: A world-class institution
One of Saudi Arabia’s standout achievements is the performance of King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), which has entered the global top 150 universities for AI talent production. It is now the highest-ranked AI university in the Middle East — a testament to Saudi Arabia’s focused investment in AI-driven education and research.
The kingdom has allocated $20 billion in partnerships with leading institutions such as Stanford University to build KAUST, home to one of the world’s foremost AI research labs. Initiatives like the 10,000 Coders program further demonstrate the country’s commitment to training the next generation of AI professionals.
Chu Jian, data expert at the IFF Research Institute said: “This report is the third in a series of reports on the Global Competitiveness Index for AI, published by the IFF. Since November, we have issued reports focusing on the development of global AI institutions, as well as AI research and innovation. Building upon the insights from the first two reports, this edition highlights talent as a key driver of algorithmic products and scientific research patents.
“Talent is also crucial in balancing the technological benefits and risks of AI. Our aim is to create a comprehensive understanding of the global flow of AI talent and conduct case studies on countries where AI talent is concentrated, providing valuable insights for all stakeholders in the AI industry. In future reports, we plan to explore the development of global AI markets and policy oversight, and we look forward to further in-depth analysis.”
Dmitry Kaminskiy, general partner at Deep Knowledge Group commented: “AI talent, in terms of human capital, is the most precious asset for all future economies, which will inevitably intensively depend on AI technology.”
“Saudi Arabia and the UAE’s strategic focus on AI, their significant investments in education, infrastructure, and innovation, and their ability to attract top talent and investments are setting the stage for a new era of growth in the region. Both nations are making substantial strides toward becoming global AI leaders, with the UAE positioning itself as a major player in AI governance and technology, while Saudi Arabia is building a robust ecosystem for AI talent and applications,” Kaminskiy added.
AI as a pillar of KSA’s economic diversification
Under its Vision 2030 roadmap, Saudi Arabia has made AI one of seven pillars of its economic diversification strategy. The national objective is to be among the world’s top 10 countries in AI research and application by 2030, attract $20 billion in AI-related investments, and generate 200,000 high-tech jobs.
To coordinate this effort, Saudi Arabia established the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), which oversees the national AI strategy. The government has streamlined approval processes for major AI projects, with decisions typically finalized within 30 days.
The Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) is also playing a critical role, launching a $1.5 billion AI investment fund to accelerate growth in the sector. Flagship projects like NEOM — a $500 billion futuristic city — allocate over 30 percent of their budget to AI infrastructure, setting new benchmarks for smart urban development.
“Nations that invest in AI talent today are not just shaping their digital future; they’re securing their global competitiveness for decades to come,” concluded professor Patrick Glauner, coordinator of the IFF AI Committee.
Attracting global AI talent
To attract elite AI talent, Saudi Arabia offers some of the highest compensation packages globally. Top-tier scientists in the kingdom earn a median annual salary of $420,000 —tax-free. At NEOM, signing bonuses for AI leaders can reach up to $5 million, along with full subsidies for children’s education.
The kingdom is also introducing special residency schemes and easing cultural restrictions in zones like NEOM to make them more attractive to global experts. These measures aim to balance international lifestyles with local cultural values.
NEOM’s flagship urban development, The Line, is set to become the world’s first city entirely managed by AI, with core services such as transportation and energy powered by intelligent systems. Advanced biometric monitoring and data collection will create unique, real-world testing environments for AI applications.
Saudi Arabia’s positioning as a bridge between East and West further enhances its appeal. By maintaining strong relationships with both China and the U.S., the kingdom offers a politically neutral platform for AI development and international collaboration.
These developments underscore Saudi Arabia and the UAE’s growing roles in the global AI ecosystem, reflecting strategic investment, talent development, and international partnerships that are reshaping the landscape of artificial intelligence.
