In 2018, Saudi Arabia embarked on a formidable mission to redefine its national identity, with technology at the forefront of this metamorphosis. Crown Prince Mohamed bin Salman led this charge, engaging tech titans like Jeff Bezos, Sergey Brin, and Satya Nadella, signaling the Kingdom's commitment to becoming a technological powerhouse.
The Kingdom's strides in technology have been remarkable, securing a top-three global ranking in tech investment. Spearheaded by initiatives like Saudi Vision 2030, Governor Eng. Ahmed Mohammed al-Suwaiyan announced a staggering $24 billion in tech investment by 2025, the highest of its kind globally.
The Dawn of a Tech Revolution
Creating a robust tech ecosystem presents its unique challenges. Saudi Arabia, with a youth-dominated demographic, faces a critical shortage in skilled IT professionals. This gap is expected to widen as organizations increasingly seek technical expertise. The Kingdom, as the largest tech market in the region, is focusing on entities like Sigma IT and High Tech LLC to fuel this growth. Prioritizing skill development in young Saudis is paramount to sustain this tech-driven industry.
The Surge in Digital Careers
Strategic Gears founder, Hattan Saaty, highlights the escalating demand for digital professions, from big data analysts to AI experts. Vision 2030's commitment to upskilling in data and AI is evident, with Saudi Arabia ranking first in the Arab world and 26th globally in AI advancements.
By 2021, the government had launched programs to train 100,000 Saudi youths in AI, gaming, cybersecurity, and programming by 2030. Saudi Arabia's eSports Betting market is a testament to this digital revolution, with revenues hitting $7.02 million in 2022 and expected to rise further.
Saaty emphasizes the government's efforts to equip youth with digital competencies for AI and other technological sectors. Key industries like oil & gas, financial services, and government services, which constitute over half of the Saudi GDP, stand to gain significantly from AI and related technologies of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
Empowering Women in Tech
Addressing the gender gap in technology, Riyadh's first Apple Developer Academy focuses on equipping women with skills in design, coding, and entrepreneurship. Ohood Al-Nayel, the academy's director, aspires to make Saudi Arabia a hub for female iOS developers and entrepreneurs, integral to the country's digital transformation.
Women are increasingly encouraged to assume diverse roles in the tech workforce, a critical component in building a resilient and inclusive tech sector.
Conclusion
At this pivotal point in its transformation, Saudi Arabia's emphasis on digital literacy and technology is paramount. The crown prince's vision is supported by government-backed tech programs, focusing on leadership, sustainable strategies, and workforce upskilling. This approach is crucial for the Kingdom to navigate and lead in the rapidly evolving tech landscape.