Latest news with #AbdullahAlghamdi
Time of India
04-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
334,000 Saudis trained in AI under national upskilling drive
More than 300,000 Saudis have been trained in AI concepts since 2024 under a national program/Representative Image A total of 334,000 Saudi citizens have now completed artificial intelligence (AI) training under a national initiative launched by the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development. The 'One Million Saudis in AI' program, launched in September 2024, aims to equip citizens across all age groups and professional backgrounds with essential AI knowledge and skills. The initiative is part of Saudi Arabia's broader digital transformation strategy to prepare its workforce for the future. Speaking during the Non-Profit Sector Forum in Education and Training 2025, held in Riyadh on July 2, SDAIA President Abdullah Alghamdi highlighted the major milestones achieved so far. He emphasised the significance of inter-agency cooperation in enhancing Saudi Arabia's global position in AI empowerment, particularly in promoting women's participation and raising community awareness. Among the key outcomes of the program is the SAMAI initiative, launched at the Global AI Summit, which provides customised AI learning paths for a diverse audience. SDAIA also introduced the 'Road to ATHKA' initiative, which trained more than 570,000 students on foundational AI concepts. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trending in in 2025: Local network access control [Click Here] Esseps Learn More Undo This was complemented by the 'Future Intelligence Programmers' program, which targeted educators, training over 10,000 teachers in AI instruction. Another major achievement was the National Olympiad for Programming and Artificial Intelligence (ATHKA), which saw the participation of more than 260,000 students from intermediate and secondary schools. Of those, 10,000 advanced to the final stage of the competition. To further strengthen AI integration into education, SDAIA and the Ministry of Education jointly established the Centre for Excellence in Education. The centre is focused on institutionalising AI-based learning, sustaining future-ready academic initiatives, and improving student outcomes through smart technologies. The program continues to serve as a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 objectives, aiming to boost digital literacy, foster innovation, and build a tech-enabled knowledge economy.
Arab News
04-07-2025
- Science
- Arab News
‘SAMAI' initiative has enabled over 330,000 Saudi citizens to use AI, says SDAIA chief
RIYADH: Some 334,000 Saudis have so far have benefitted from the government program aimed at empowering citizens with AI capabilities, according to the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority, or SDAIA. During the keynote session of the Non-Profit Sector Forum in Education and Training 2025 in Riyadh on July 2, SDAIA chief Abdullah Alghamdi also said that partnerships the authority had forged with other government agencies have positioned the Kingdom first globally in empowering women in AI and second globally in community awareness. Launched in September 2024 at the Global AI Summit (GAIN), the SAMAI initiative targets citizens across all age groups and professional backgrounds. The program is a joint undertaking of the SDAIA, the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, according to SPA. Alghamdi also cited several national initiatives that resulted from this collaboration, including the National Olympiad for Programming and Artificial Intelligence, 'ATHKA Competition.' More than 260,000 male and female students from intermediate and secondary schools participated, with 10,000 advancing to the final stage, he said. One key initiative cited by the SDAIA chief was the 'Road to ATHKA,' which trained more than 570,000 students on artificial intelligence concepts. Yet another initiative was the 'Future Intelligence Programmers' program, which has successfully trained over 10,000 teachers. The SDAIA and Education ministry had likewise jointly established the Center for Excellence in Education, "designed to institutionalize technological integration within the education sector, sustain future-oriented initiatives, and leverage AI to enhance learning outcomes."
Arab News
04-07-2025
- Science
- Arab News
‘SAMAI' initiative has enabled over 330,000 citizens to use AI, says SDAIA chief
RIYADH: Some 334,000 Saudis have so far have benefitted from the government program aimed at empowering citizens with AI capabilities, according to the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority, or SDAIA. During the keynote session of the Non-Profit Sector Forum in Education and Training 2025 in Riyadh on July 2, SDAIA chief Abdullah Alghamdi also said that partnerships the authority had forged with other government agencies have positioned the Kingdom first globally in empowering women in AI and second globally in community awareness. Launched in September 2024 at the Global AI Summit (GAIN), the SAMAI initiative targets citizens across all age groups and professional backgrounds. The program is a joint undertaking of the SDAIA, the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, according to SPA. Alghamdi also cited several national initiatives that resulted from this collaboration, including the National Olympiad for Programming and Artificial Intelligence, 'ATHKA Competition.' More than 260,000 male and female students from intermediate and secondary schools participated, with 10,000 advancing to the final stage, he said. One key initiative cited by the SDAIA chief was the 'Road to ATHKA,' which trained more than 570,000 students on artificial intelligence concepts. Yet another initiative was the 'Future Intelligence Programmers' program, which has successfully trained over 10,000 teachers. The SDAIA and Education ministry had likewise jointly established the Center for Excellence in Education, "designed to institutionalize technological integration within the education sector, sustain future-oriented initiatives, and leverage AI to enhance learning outcomes."
Leaders
03-07-2025
- Science
- Leaders
SDAIA President: Over 330,000 Saudis Empowered by AI Through 'SAMAI' Initiative
Dr. Abdullah Alghamdi, President of the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), highlighted that Saudi Arabia now ranks first globally in empowering women in artificial intelligence and second in community awareness, according to the Stanford Index. This achievement stems from SDAIA's extensive initiatives and collaborations with various government entities. Strategic Partnership with the Ministry of Education Dr. Alghamdi praised SDAIA's strategic collaboration with the Ministry of Education, which has helped build an AI-driven educational environment aimed at enhancing Saudi Arabia's global competitiveness in advanced technologies. He stressed the importance of proactively integrating AI into educational tools to prepare for future challenges. Dr. Alghamdi emphasized that SDAIA's initiatives are guided by the National Strategy for Data and Artificial Intelligence, launched in 2020 by His Royal Highness the Crown Prince. One standout collaboration with the Ministry of Education led to the launch of several national programs: National Olympiad for Programming and AI (ATHKA Competition): Over 260,000 students participated, with 10,000 reaching the final stage. Over 260,000 students participated, with 10,000 reaching the final stage. Road to ATHKA: Trained more than 570,000 students on foundational AI concepts. Trained more than 570,000 students on foundational AI concepts. Future Intelligence Programmers: Trained over 10,000 teachers to support adaptive and intelligent learning environments. 'SAMAI' Initiative A key achievement shared by Dr. Alghamdi was the progress of the 'SAMAI' initiative, launched in partnership with the Ministries of Education and Human Resources and Social Development. The initiative aims to equip one million Saudis with AI capabilities. To date, it has already trained 334,000 citizens. To institutionalize technological advancement in education, SDAIA and the Ministry of Education have established the Center for Excellence in Education. The center focuses on sustaining future-focused initiatives and optimizing learning outcomes through AI integration. Ehsan: Model for Tech-Driven Social Impact Dr. Alghamdi also spotlighted the role of technology in social development through the National Platform for Charitable Work, Ehsan . Over four years, Ehsan has raised more than SAR12 billion, channeling funds into impactful initiatives, including: Over 2,000 educational opportunities SAR450 million in projects supporting 955,000 students Provision of school equipment, university sponsorships, and career-aligned training The Ehsan Endowment Fund has attracted more than SAR370 million in donations. It supports scholarships and grants aligned with both Vision 2030 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), promoting equitable access to education. Building a Nonprofit AI Ecosystem SDAIA is also nurturing a nonprofit ecosystem centered on data and AI. It oversees nine nonprofit organizations dedicated to education, public awareness, capacity building, and AI literacy. These organizations have logged over 8,100 volunteer hours with participation from more than 300 Saudi volunteers. 'SDAIA is committed to shaping a future-ready knowledge society,' Dr. Alghamdi said. 'Through sustainable models and partnerships, we're ensuring that national development is inclusive, innovative, and aligned with Saudi Vision 2030.' Related Topics: OECD Delegation Commends Saudi Arabia's School Evaluation Advancements SDAIA President Reviews Smart Makkah Center Operations to Enhance Pilgrim Services SFDA, SDAIA Sign MoU to Boost Data, AI Collaboration Saudi Interior Min.: Tourism Companies Deceive Pilgrims, Encourage Hajj Violations Intensive Preparations for Smooth, Safe Hajj Season: Mecca Deputy Govern Short link : Post Views: 19
Leaders
05-06-2025
- Health
- Leaders
SDAIA President Reviews Smart Makkah Center Operations to Enhance Pilgrim Services
Dr. Abdullah Alghamdi, President of the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), conducted an inspection of the Smart Makkah Operations Center (SMART MOC) yesterday. The center is a vital component in enhancing the Hajj ecosystem and plays a key role in facilitating coordination among government agencies dedicated to serving pilgrims. It also significantly boosts crowd management and security operations across the holy sites. During his visit, Dr. Alghamdi reviewed the center's advanced operational systems, including the Baseer platform, a joint initiative between SDAIA and the Ministry of Interior. He also assessed its artificial intelligence capabilities and the efficiency of its real-time data analysis A of Interior. These systems provide intelligent analytics for surveillance camera feeds, enabling accurate, real-time field monitoring and large-scale data analysis to support timely decisions and improve overall security performance. Dr. Alghamdi commended the efforts of the SMART MOC teams and encouraged them to continue striving for excellence. He highlighted the critical role they play in delivering a world-class digital experience for pilgrims, aligning with the Kingdom's leadership vision to ensure that all pilgrims can perform their rituals safely, smoothly, and with the highest quality of service during the Hajj season. Related Topics: SFDA, SDAIA Sign MoU to Boost Data, AI Collaboration Saudi Interior Min.: Tourism Companies Deceive Pilgrims, Encourage Hajj Violations Riyadh Global Health Exhibition to Bring Together Int'nal Healthcare Experts Intensive Preparations for Smooth, Safe Hajj Season: Mecca Deputy Governor New Chapter Unfolded: Saudi Arabia Launches Electronic Intensive Care Unit Short link : Post Views: 13
