Riyadh, October 6, 2024 – The Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) is taking significant strides to enhance national competencies in data and artificial intelligence (AI) through the implementation of advanced training and development programs. These initiatives aim to raise awareness about these transformative technologies across various demographics while bolstering Saudi Arabia's competitiveness on the global stage. This strategic effort aligns closely with SDAIA's mandate to provide innovative data capabilities, fulfilling the objectives set forth by Saudi Vision 2030, which seeks to cultivate a skilled workforce to drive the Kingdom's future advancements.
On the occasion of World Teachers’ Day, SDAIA reaffirmed its commitment to supporting educators by offering a range of programs designed to deepen their understanding of data technologies and AI. These initiatives equip teachers with essential skills to effectively convey this knowledge to students across all levels of public education in the Kingdom. To date, over 11,000 teachers have participated in these programs, receiving a comprehensive suite of educational and developmental resources in data and artificial intelligence. This focus on teacher training is crucial in fostering a new generation capable of elevating Saudi Arabia's global standing and nurturing the industry of future intelligent leaders.
One of the flagship initiatives, the "Future Intelligence Programmers" program, was organized by SDAIA in collaboration with the Ministry of Education. This program targets computer science educators, providing them with in-depth training in principles of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and computer vision. Through this initiative, approximately 2,000 teachers have completed over 50,000 training hours, complemented by more than 10,000 hours of supervised practical experience provided by industry professionals. This comprehensive approach ensures that educators are well-equipped to impart critical knowledge to their students, thereby enhancing national competencies in the rapidly evolving tech landscape.
Additionally, the "Artificial Intelligence Hour," a program under the National Olympiad for Programming and Artificial Intelligence (ATHKA), highlights SDAIA’s commitment to student engagement. Organized in collaboration with the King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity (Mawhiba), this initiative aims to familiarize students with AI concepts and applications. The program has already reached 575,000 students and involved 9,700 teachers from various public and private schools across the Kingdom. By disseminating knowledge of artificial intelligence and its potential, SDAIA seeks to inspire the next generation to pursue careers in advanced technologies.
In support of these educational initiatives, SDAIA has also published a comprehensive report on generative artificial intelligence in education. This report serves as a valuable resource for teachers, guiding them on how to integrate AI technologies into their teaching practices. It addresses critical topics such as use cases, global experiences with generative AI in educational contexts, ethical considerations, challenges and risks, as well as future directions for leveraging generative AI to enhance learning outcomes.
Through these multifaceted programs and resources, SDAIA is not only enhancing educational practices but also contributing to the development of a robust talent pool that is essential for the Kingdom’s ambitious goals. By investing in the education sector and promoting the adoption of cutting-edge technologies, SDAIA is paving the way for a prosperous future where Saudi Arabia can thrive as a leader in data and artificial intelligence on the global stage.