SDAIA empowers 600k young Saudis with global AI training initiatives

SDAIA’s efforts to enhance cognitive skills through short-term and long-term training camps and programs, established in collaboration with academic partners and global technical institutions, have reached over 590,000 beneficiaries. AFP/File
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Updated 24 March 2024
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SDAIA empowers 600k young Saudis with global AI training initiatives

RIYADH: The Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority is playing a key role in raising AI awareness through training programs with global partners, benefiting half a million young nationals. 

With a strong purpose and vision for the future, the authority, known as SDAIA, has charted a course toward progress, leveraging cutting-edge technologies to shape a brighter tomorrow for the Kingdom and its people. 

SDAIA’s efforts to enhance cognitive skills through short-term and long-term training camps and programs, established in collaboration with academic partners and global technical institutions, have reached over 590,000 beneficiaries. 

This has significantly raised awareness of AI in the country, while also helping teachers and the workforce optimize their use of data and technology to enhance professional performance. 

The body has affirmed its commitment to national service since its inception, aligning its focus on social responsibility as outlined in the objectives of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, according to the Saudi Press Agency. 

It has initiated impactful projects spanning diverse areas, such as enhancing the quality of life, environmental conservation, charitable efforts, and fostering awareness of data and AI technologies in society, according to SPA. 

Under the guidance of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who serves as the chairman of the board of directors of SDAIA, Saudi Arabia has secured the second position globally in AI societal understanding, according to the Stanford International AI Index 2023. This highlights the organization’s dedication to promoting awareness of data and AI technologies. 

Various projects have been implemented to support this vision, with a focus on increasing cognitive awareness and technological empowerment to align with Saudi Vision 2030’s goal of transitioning to a knowledge society. 

These initiatives aim to cultivate the skills of young nationals, nurture their creativity in AI fields, and equip students of all ages with the necessary competencies to thrive in a technology-driven world. 

The authority has worked to promote knowledge dissemination about generative AI by engaging with universities and organizing knowledge forums, which bring together professors and students to enhance their understanding of these developments. 

Additionally, SDAIA has prioritized empowering women. The organization launched the world’s first program, “Elevate,” in collaboration with Google Cloud, aiming to train more than 1,000 females from over 28 countries in its first phase. 


Diriyah Co. partners with Midad to develop Four Seasons hotel in Diriyah 

Updated 07 January 2026
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Diriyah Co. partners with Midad to develop Four Seasons hotel in Diriyah 

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund-backed developer, Diriyah Co., has signed a joint development agreement with Midad Real Estate Investment and Development Co. to construct the Four Seasons Diriyah Hotel and private residences. 

The partnership will strengthen collaboration between the two companies through the development of the luxury Four Seasons Diriyah, which will feature 159 rooms, alongside private Four Seasons residences, spanning approximately 235,000 sq. meters within Diriyah’s master plan. 

The project’s total value is projected at SR3.1 billion (approximately $827 million), encompassing both land acquisition and construction expenses. 

Midad is one of the Kingdom’s leading real estate developers, expanding its portfolio of high-end projects and maintaining numerous strategic partnerships with prominent global brands, reinforcing its reputation as a trusted name in luxury residential and hospitality development across Saudi Arabia. 

This partnership marks the first major collaboration between Diriyah Co. and Midad, supporting Diriyah’s plans to develop 40 luxury hotels across its two main projects: the 14-sq.-km Diriyah Project and the 62-sq.-km Wadi Safar Project, a premium destination that blends lifestyle, culture, and entertainment. 

Commenting on the agreement, Minister of Tourism and Secretary-General of Diriyah Co., Ahmad Al-Khatib, said: “The Kingdom continues to set new standards in developing tourism destinations, with Diriyah at the forefront.” 

He added that such partnerships enhance the world-class experiences Saudi Arabia offers and strengthen the Kingdom’s position as a leading destination in this sector. 

Diriyah Co. CEO Jerry Inzerillo commented that the Four Seasons Diriyah Hotel and Residences will be one of the Kingdom’s largest luxury hotels. 

“We are proud to announce this joint development with Midad, one of Saudi Arabia’s top real estate developers. This agreement reflects our ongoing commitment to enabling Saudi partners to contribute to Diriyah’s transformative journey and confirms Midad’s confidence in the opportunities the project presents,” Inzerillo added. 

Midad CEO Abdelilah bin Mohammed Al-Aiban said: “This project is a pivotal milestone for our company, allowing us to bring the Four Seasons experience to one of the Kingdom’s most prominent heritage destinations.” 

He added: “We are excited to deliver a project that embodies design excellence, world-class service, and sustainable value, while contributing meaningfully to Saudi Arabia’s tourism, cultural, and economic ambitions.” 

The collaboration comes amid rapid progress on the SR236 billion Diriyah project, which has awarded construction contracts worth more than SR101.25 billion to date. 

Diriyah is expected to contribute approximately SR70 billion directly to the Kingdom’s gross domestic product, create more than 180,000 jobs, accommodate 100,000 residents, and host around 50 million annual visitors. 

The development will feature contemporary office spaces accommodating tens of thousands of professionals across technology, media, arts, and education, complemented by museums, retail destinations, a university, an opera house, and the Diriyah Arena.  

It will also offer a diverse selection of restaurants and cafes, alongside nearly 40 world-class resorts and hotels distributed across its two primary master plans.