SDAIA aims at early AI empowerment for Saudi workforce: Official

Dr. Ahmed Al-Ghamdi, General Supervisor of Capacity Building, SDAIA

Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) is committed to raising awareness about artificial intelligence (AI), enabling the Saudi workforce to thrive in an AI-driven world and ensuring a future where technology enhances human capabilities, said General Supervisor of Capacity Building Dr. Ahmed Al-Ghamdi.

In an interview with Argaam on the sidelines of the Global AI Summit (GAIN Summit), he explained that SDAIA will launch a series of programs and initiatives to prepare beneficiaries from various sectors to use the latest AI technology effectively. These initiatives focus on training individuals to apply AI correctly and efficiently.

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Al-Ghamdi highlighted the importance of individuals being aware of the ethics of AI, privacy risks, intellectual property rights and avoiding bias to ensure the optimal use of AI.

He stated that the National Occupational Standard Framework for Data and AI, launched by SDAIA last February, contributes to directing training and capacity-building processes towards professions and related skills, helping them follow best practices in the labor market.

This framework will help entities identify jobs and related tasks, the official said, adding that the framework represents a pioneering initiative from SDAIA to regulate AI jobs and related skills.

Al-Ghamdi explained that SDAIA launched the Saudi Academic Standards Framework to set a framework for national universities to build AI programs to target the labor market and bridge its gap. The framework was set according to the best practices followed in advanced universities in AI.

Despite concerns about the impact of AI on jobs, according to the World Economic Forum report, the technology will create 97 million new jobs. Other reports indicated that AI would transform the way tasks are performed, leading to the emergence of new markets and job opportunities.

This emphasizes raising awareness and enabling individuals to adopt AI early in their work, prepare for the expected changes and maximize their benefits, Al-Ghamdi said.