RIYADH: On Tuesday, the third day of the LEAP Tech Conference, the Saudi Ministry of Communications and Information Technology announced that 685 technology researchers had been granted distinctive residency in Saudi Arabia.

Specialists in 5G technology topped the list with 16 percent, followed by cloud computing specialists with 15 percent. These fields are the cornerstone of digital infrastructure, positioning the Kingdom as a leading country in adopting modern technologies, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The distinctive residency was also granted to experts in artificial intelligence and machine learning, who constituted 12 percent.

These fields are a priority in the Kingdom due to their role in contributing to the development of many sectors such as healthcare, education and digital industries, according to SPA.

Also, experts in Big Data sets comprised 13 percent of those who received the distinguished residency.

The program also attracted professionals in smart technologies, financial technology, and advanced computing, fields essential in supporting the growth of the Kingdom’s digital economy.

Among the experts granted residency are researchers from the US, the UK, Australia, Germany, Brazil, India, Pakistan and Egypt.

The Kingdom’s residence visas allow skilled professionals in health and scientific competencies to apply for residency for up to five years depending on their monthly income.

Visa holders can reside in the Kingdom with their families, conduct business and own real estate properties, and cooperate with government agencies, among other advantages.