Saudi Arabia Ranks First Globally in Women’s AI Empowerment
These achievements highlight the Kingdom's efforts to develop a skilled workforce capable of supporting its technological transformation and strengthening its international competitiveness.
Saudi Arabia has ranked first globally in women’s empowerment in artificial intelligence (AI), according to Stanford University’s 2026 AI Index, highlighting the Kingdom’s progress in developing female talent and expanding women’s participation in advanced technologies under Saudi Vision 2030.
According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), Saudi women are increasingly taking on important roles in data science, artificial intelligence, research, intelligent systems engineering and technology leadership, contributing to the Kingdom’s rapidly expanding digital economy.
The latest international indicators reflect Saudi Arabia’s growing investment in human capital, technological innovation and opportunities for women in emerging industries.
According to the reported Stanford AI Index findings, Saudi Arabia also ranked third globally in the proportion of AI talent and recorded the world’s highest growth rate in AI talent, exceeding 100% between 2019 and 2025.
These achievements highlight the Kingdom’s efforts to develop a skilled workforce capable of supporting its technological transformation and strengthening its international competitiveness.
Over One Million Saudis Benefit from AI Training Initiative
The Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) has played a central role in expanding AI education and developing specialised technical skills through national training programmes.
One of its major initiatives, SAMAI, had benefited more than one million Saudi citizens by November 2025.
Women accounted for 52% of total registrations, demonstrating their increasing interest in artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.
The initiative aims to improve AI literacy, develop technical expertise and prepare Saudi citizens for opportunities in the digital economy.
Beyond training, the Kingdom is working to establish sustainable career pathways that enable women to participate in AI research, develop intelligent applications, analyse complex data and lead technology-driven projects.
Saudi Women Take Greater Role in Digital Transformation
Women’s participation in Saudi Arabia’s technology sector has expanded beyond traditional technical roles to include innovation, research and leadership.
The growing presence of female professionals in AI development is also contributing to more inclusive technological solutions by bringing diverse perspectives and expertise into the industry.
These developments align with Saudi Vision 2030, which places human capital development, economic diversification and women’s empowerment among its priorities.
Saudi Arabia’s approach combines investment in education and specialised training with international partnerships and knowledge-sharing initiatives.
The Kingdom is also focusing on measuring the long-term impact of empowerment programmes, including women’s progression into specialised employment, research positions, leadership roles and technology entrepreneurship.
Saudi-Backed Initiative Aims to Empower 25,000 Women Worldwide
Saudi Arabia’s efforts to promote women’s participation in AI extend beyond its borders.
The International Center for AI Research and Ethics (ICAIRE) has launched the Elevate initiative, which aims to empower more than 25,000 women in emerging markets worldwide.
Through specialised training programmes, the initiative seeks to develop technical skills, expand professional opportunities and strengthen women’s participation in shaping the future of artificial intelligence.
The programme reflects the Kingdom’s broader commitment to international cooperation and reducing gender disparities in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
As Saudi Arabia continues to expand its AI capabilities, women’s participation is emerging as an important component of the country’s technological and economic transformation.
The Kingdom’s growing investment in female talent aims not only to increase women’s representation in the technology sector but also to prepare them as researchers, innovators, entrepreneurs and leaders in the global AI industry.
