New diploma in data science, AI to empower future tech leaders

Tuwaiq Academy in Riyadh, in partnership with Meta, has launched the first diploma in data science and artificial intelligence. (File/@TuwaiqAcademy)
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Updated 15 September 2024
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New diploma in data science, AI to empower future tech leaders

  • The program aims to equip students with the skills needed to excel in these growing fields
  • Diploma will start in December 2024 and run for nine months

JEDDAH: Tuwaiq Academy in Riyadh, in partnership with Meta, has launched the first diploma in data science and artificial intelligence.

The program aims to equip students with the skills needed to excel in these growing fields, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.

Accredited by the Technical and Vocational Training Corp., the diploma will start in December 2024 and run for nine months. It offers practical skills in a competitive learning environment tailored to market needs.

Participants will study machine learning, data analysis with Python and Tableau, AI system development, and big data management. These skills will help students create innovative tech solutions for various societal needs.

Jouelle Awad, head of public policy programs for Africa, the Middle East and Turkiye at Meta, praised the partnership with the academy. The collaboration aims to launch educational programs with professional certifications to enhance the skills of Saudi youth and foster innovation and creativity across sectors.

The academy has recently launched more than 160 camps and programs in various technical fields, underscoring its commitment to diverse educational opportunities.

Tuwaiq Academy CEO Abdulaziz Al-Hamadi said that the data science and AI diploma reinforces the academy’s leading role in providing educational pathways through boot camps and professional programs.

In August, the academy launched a machine-learning bootcamp in partnership with Stanford University, starting on Sept. 30 and running for two and a half months.

Held at the academy’s Riyadh campus, the bootcamp aims to enhance participants’ technical skills in machine-learning fundamentals.

The program includes stages focusing on large-scale graph analysis, graph data structures and applications, graph neural networks, and tools for graph-based machine learning.

Participants will solve real-world problems and top performers will have job placement opportunities.

Established in 2019, Tuwaiq Academy works with more than 1,000 in-person trainees daily and offers professional certifications in collaboration with global organizations such as Apple, Meta, Amazon, Alibaba, Dell, CompTIA, OffSec, IBM and Microsoft.

The academy is dedicated to developing skilled professionals, university students and graduates, with a focus on fostering technical creativity, even at high-school level.


Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz International Airport reaches record 50 million passengers in 2025

Updated 15 December 2025
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Jeddah’s King Abdulaziz International Airport reaches record 50 million passengers in 2025

  • New milestone marks the highest number ever recorded by a Saudi airport 
  • Lucky 50-millionth passenger was a French national arriving from Paris on a Saudia flight

JEDDAH: King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah recorded a new historic milestone on Sunday with the arrival of the 50-millionth passenger for year 2025.

The 50 million milestone marks the highest number ever recorded by a Saudi airport since the launch of civil aviation in the Kingdom, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported. 

It also placed KAIA among the world’s mega airports in terms of passenger numbers. The figure represents a 1.83 percent growth from 49.1 million passenger arrival recorded in 2024.

“This achievement reflects the qualitative transformation at KAIA and its growing status as a regional hub and national gateway connecting the Kingdom to the world,” the report said.

The lucky 50-millionth passenger was a French national arriving from Paris on a Saudia flight to participate in a sports tournament hosted in Jeddah. (SPA)

It also underscores the airport’s vital role in enhancing the Kingdom’s position as a global tourist destination and a gateway to the Two Holy Mosques by facilitating the movement of visitors, Umrah performers, and pilgrims.

KAIA serves as a gateway to the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah by facilitating the movement of visitors, Umrah performers, and pilgrims.

The lucky 50-millionth passenger was a French national arriving from Paris on a Saudia flight to participate in a sports tournament hosted in Jeddah.

She was welcomed by JEDCO’s leadership, who greeted her and presented a commemorative gift to mark the occasion.

JEDCO Chief Executive Officer Mazen Johar said that reaching 50 million passengers reflects the airport’s high operational readiness and marks a pivotal milestone in preparations to double this figure in the coming years.