Saudi Arabia launches AI-powered National Skills Platform
Waad National Training Campaign to drive 3m training opportunities
#SaudiArabia #training – Saudi Arabia has launched a new AI-powered National Skills Platform to equip its workforce with future skills and address growing global demand for tech, digital, and AI-related expertise. The initiative, led by Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, aims to modernise workforce development through artificial intelligence, create tailored training pathways, and support strategic sectors including cybersecurity, healthcare and retail. Backed by initiatives like the Waad National Training Campaign and the Skills Accelerator Programme, the platform is part of a nationwide strategy to upskill over 3 million people and build a globally competitive workforce.
SO WHAT? – This could mark a significant pivot in how Saudi Arabia prepares for the future of work. Rather than relying solely on traditional education models, the Kingdom plans to use AI and market data to close skills gaps and develop a labour force that is agile and tech-savvy. The new National Skills Platform will provide personalised training plans for the Saudi workforce, aligned with the needs of local employers and in context of global labour trends.
Here are the details of today’s announcement:
The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development today launched a National Skills Platform, which uses AI to personalise training pathways, aligning individual learning with evolving job market demands across Saudi Arabia and beyond.
The initiative is part of a broader strategic shift to a demand-driven workforce model focused on future-proofing talent against automation and AI disruption.
Saudi Arabia already has a number of large scale education, training and workforce programmes including the Waad National Training Campaign, launched in 2023. Wad has delivered over 1 million training opportunities in its first phase and aims to reach 3 million in its second phase.
Meanwhile, the Skills Accelerator Programme has trained over 300,000 people in key sectors such as energy, finance, retail, and healthcare, using hybrid training models combining virtual and in-person learning.
Women’s employment programmes under the initiative exceeded targets by 22%, achieving a 92% retention rate among trainees.
In recognition of the fast-pace of change in labour demands, thirteen sector-specific skills councils involving over 240 public and private sector entities have been established to help define job roles and skills frameworks for strategic workforce planning.
The ministry’s Talent Enrichment Programme enables professionals in 160 countries to obtain globally recognised credentials, boosting global mobility and workforce competitiveness.
Saudi Arabia is also launching a new National Occupational Safety and Health Institute to train 35,000 professionals in safety and risk management over the next five years.
Global figures highlight the urgency: 92 million jobs are projected to become obsolete by 2030 due to AI and automation, while the cybersecurity sector alone faces a 3.4 million worker shortfall.
ZOOM OUT – As economies worldwide grapple with automation, digitalisation and AI-led disruption, Saudi Arabia is positioning itself among the leading nations taking proactive steps to prepare their populations for a transformed labour market. By integrating AI into national training strategies, the Kingdom is not only addressing domestic employment challenges today, but also positioning itself to become more agile and deal with future challenges more effectively. The government hopes that such strategies will not only play a role in future-proofing the country’s workforce, but also allow it to compete successfully in the global economy.
Source: Saudi national media
[Written and edited with the assistance of AI]