Saudi Arabia aims to be a leader in artificial intelligence (AI) as it gains recognition for technological progress and innovation.

According to the AI Index Report 2025 by Stanford University’s Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence, the kingdom ranks third worldwide in AI job growth for 2024 and fourth in the number of leading AI models, placing it alongside global tech powerhouses such as the United States, China, France, Canada, and South Korea.

But where Saudi Arabia unexpectedly excels the most is in female inclusion in AI. The report ranks the kingdom first globally for empowering women in the field, based on the female-to-male ratio, which is achieved through efforts that include advanced training programs and professional development opportunities in the tech sector.

Dr. Latifah Almuqren, AI Consultant at Apple Developer Academy and Assistant Professor at the Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, attributes the progress made to the kingdom’s Vision 2030, which placed a strong emphasis on building a knowledge-based economy and unleashing the full potential of all citizens, especially women.

“Initiatives from entities like SDAIA, the Ministry of Communications, and various academic institutions have created structured pathways for women to lead in AI. We are no longer just participating; we are designing solutions, leading research, and shaping policy.”

Almurqen shares her personal experience of being given opportunities to lead national AI initiatives and represent Saudi talent at global forums, “something unimaginable a decade ago. ” 

Derar Saifan, Technology Consulting Partner at PwC Middle East, highlights SDAIA’s Elevate program with Google Cloud as a key initiative to train 25,000 Saudi women in AI and cloud technologies and points to the role of institutions such as the Saudi Digital Academy and the Misk Foundation in creating robust talent pipelines and equipping women with skills for technical roles in data science, machine learning, and digital innovation.

“These are not just training programs. They are reshaping career pathways and workplace norms to enable women to contribute to national development. The result is clear: more women are not only entering AI but also publishing research, building products, and leading teams.” 

Generally, women have been less likely to pursue majors in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), often held back by social norms, biases and expectations that influence both the quality of education they receive and the subjects they choose to study.

According to UNESCO, women remain significantly underrepresented in STEM education, accounting for only 35% of STEM graduates—a figure that has remained unchanged for the past decade—and, as a result, are also underrepresented in STEM careers.

Saudi Arabia is actively working to reverse this trend. Kaida Ibrahim, Linguaskill Testing Center Manager at Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, says the kingdom has embraced a multi-pronged strategy to encourage female participation in STEM. “This includes scholarships, mentorship initiatives, and investments in startups, along with the creation of STEM-focused institutions and national competitions,” she explains.

International collaboration is also central to this strategy. “Partnering with tech giants, universities, and non-profits offers Saudi women access to world-class training, resources, and networks,” Ibrahim adds. 

Razan Almuqren, a technology mentor, points to national platforms such as the Saudi Digital Academy and Misk Foundation, which drive female inclusion through equal access to cutting-edge tools, certifications, and global partnerships.

“What sets Saudi apart is not just access, but targeted programs designed with female empowerment in mind, offering flexible formats, female instructors, and mentorship circles,” she says.

Dr. Luluh Aldhubayi, Director of King Saud University’s AI Center, says Saudi Arabia is advancing women’s participation in AI through efforts spanning education to employment. Today, 59% of computer science students in Saudi universities are female—among the highest rates globally. 

“These efforts are complemented by startup accelerators, hackathons, and global partnerships that expose Saudi women to entrepreneurship, product development, and AI research. It’s not just about getting women into STEM, but it’s about equipping them to thrive and lead.”

Almuqren has seen firsthand how these efforts are inspiring young women. “As someone who mentors young Saudi women, I’ve seen how these initiatives ignite passion and ambition. These steps are not just closing the gender gap but building a future where Saudi women lead innovation.”

Saifan notes the impact of initiatives like Saudi Codes, which have introduced digital skills on a large scale, including widespread participation from women. “In higher education, women now represent 38% of STEM graduates in the kingdom, ahead of the global average,” he says.

He points to the Apple Developer Academy in Riyadh, which has trained nearly 2,000 women in app development and entrepreneurship at Princess Nourah University. One standout project, My Child, created by Jawaher Al-Enezi, was named a top-three global entry in Apple’s Swift Student Challenge.

Supporting such progress are policy reforms that introduced gender-neutral laws, anti-discrimination protections, and flexible work models—opening more doors for women in tech leadership.

Meanwhile, Tuwaiq Academy has hosted over 160 boot camps in AI, cybersecurity, and data science, many with women-focused tracks. Nationally, SDAIA’s SAMAI initiative aims to train one million Saudis in AI, reinforcing the kingdom’s push for inclusive digital growth.

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