UAE and Saudi Arabia crossed Italy and Russia, world news broke in global top 20 for AI talent
TL; Dr.
- The UAE and Saudi Arabia now rank in the top 20 countries for AI talent ahead of Italy and Russia.
- Saudi Arabia is constructing world-agron AI salary, long-term research encouragement and AI cities.
- The UAE is focusing on Fintech, smart governance and public services to develop its AI ecosystem.
Saudi Arabia and UAE have earned a place between the top 20 countries in the world for the Global AI Competitiveness Index, the AI talent density, a report by the International Finance Forum and Deep Knowledge Group.The UAE has 0.7% of the global AI talent, which ranks 16th worldwide. Saudi Arabia is at 0.4%, 19th ranking. While their shares may look short, these numbers put them ahead of countries like Italy and Russia, nations with a very long history in technological development.It is clear that both Gulf states are no longer only talking about digital changes, they are doing this by creating ecosystem that attracts, developing and maintaining top AI talent.
Saudi Arabia: Construction of AI Powerhouse with scratches
Saudi Arabia is moving fast. Through Vision 2030, the country aims to become a top -10 AI nation, with an investment of $ 20 billion and 200,000 high -tech jobs.Major tricks include:
- SDAIA, Creating a central AI agency that fast-track projects.
- 98% of AI initiative direct funding, rare in advanced economies.
- Offering of unmatched package: $ 420,000 average salary, $ 5 million bonus, and “platinum visa” for permanent residence.
In NEOM, the Kingdom’s $ 500 billion smart cities, special economic sectors relax cultural norms, allowing mixed-lingar workplaces, civil law systems, and even alcohol, which is otherwise restricted. This has helped to attract top global talents, especially from countries where these freedom is ideal. Today, Saudi’s 65% AI workforce is made up of foreign nationals.Saudi Arabia is also investing heavily in AI education. Its Kaust Research University has partnered with Stanford and allocated more than MIT, $ 800,000 per year. Programs such as “10,000 Koders” send the young Saudi to Silicon Valley for training on hands.Saudi Arabia’s ability to host both the US and Chinese technology players such as Microsoft’s Azure AI Center and Huawei Infrastructure, also holds it as a rare neutral region in the global AI race.
UAE: A centered, agile approach
The UAE has taken more measured but equally determined path. It now ranks 16th in AI talent stocks globally, with the world’s 0.7% AI workforce, the highest in the Arab world.This may not be in the headlines like Saudi’s Megaproosters, but the UAE AI strategy is woven tightly in its national goals. The talent density is the highest in the world, with over 2,100 AI professionals per million. It is not just impressive, it is deliberately.The country has focused on major areas where AI can rapidly run the actual value:
- Fintech
- Smart governance
- Blockchain
- public services
Instead of trying to do everything at one time, the UAE has developed a lean, targeted approach, partnership with startups, investing in education and developing AI-specific visas and work policies.While the UAE may not be the oil-funded war chest similar to Saudi Arabia, it deploys itself as an agile, business-friendly hub. Companies see it as a place where AI projects can be pilot quickly, with low regulatory obstacles and easy access to regional markets.Dubai and Abu Dhabi are already known for the use of AI in government services, whether it is facial recognition for airport protection or AI chatbot in customer service. And as digital identity, payment and logistics depend on the machine learning faster, the UAE is ready to further its footprint.
Why does this change matter
It is not just about the rights to begged. AI is expected to contribute more than $ 15 trillion to the global economy by 2030. Countries that fail to develop and attract the risk of AI talent, not only in technology, but also in healthcare, finance, agriculture and even diplomacy.UAE and Saudi Arabia understand this. Their efforts to climb on the AI talent rankings are not only about numbers, they are about shaping the future of their economies. By creating places where global talent wants to live and work, they are quietly becoming players in the next wave of global innovation.
Where other countries stand
The United States leads the global AI talent pool with 32.6%, followed by the mainland China 24.4%. India finishes third with 7%, while the United Kingdom comes at 5%. Other top countries include Canada (3.5%), Germany (3%), France (2.5%), and Israel (2.2%). Japan and South Korea are out of top 10 with 2% and 1.8% respectively. Also the top 20 are Singapore (1.5%), Australia (1.3%), Netherlands (1.2%), Switzerland (1.0%), and Sweden (0.8%). The UAE ranks 16th, Spain (0.6%), Brazil (0.5%), Saudi Arabia (0.4%), and 0.7%beyond Italy (0.4%).
