KAUST enters top 150 universities globally for producing AI talent
Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have ranked among the world’s top 20 nations for AI talent density, surpassing countries such as Italy and Russia, according to the latest Global AI Competitiveness Index. The UAE and KSA hold 0.7% and 0.4% of the global AI talent pool respectively, marking their emergence as rising powerhouses in AI innovation.
The study is a collaborative effort between the International Finance Forum (IFF) and Deep Knowledge Group (DKG). The IFF is a non-profit, non-governmental organization founded in October 2003 by G20 countries and international organizations including the United Nations, the World Bank, and the International Monetary Fund. DKG is a leading global think tank specializing in AI research and innovation.
In a groundbreaking achievement, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) has entered the top 150 universities globally for producing AI talent, becoming the highest-ranked university in the Middle East.
Global flow
“Our aim is to create a comprehensive understanding of the global flow of AI talent and conduct case studies on countries where AI talent is concentrated, providing valuable insights for all stakeholders in the AI industry,” stated Chu Jian, Data Expert, IFF Research Institute.
“AI talent, in terms of human capital, is the most precious asset for all future economies, which will inevitably intensively depend on AI technology”, commented Dmitry Kaminskiy, General Partner, Deep Knowledge Group.
Fueling growth
Sovereign funds are fueling growth in AI, with the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) launching a US$ 1.5bn AI investment fund. The Kingdom is also investing heavily in projects like NEOM, where AI infrastructure accounts for over 30% of the US$ 500bn budget, setting a new standard for smart city development.
Saudi Arabia offers AI talent some of the highest salaries globally, with top scientists earning a median annual salary of USD 420,000, tax-free. NEOM also offers up to US$ 5mn in signing bonuses for AI leaders, alongside full subsidies for their children’s education.
