The Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) has officially launched the SDAIA Athka X Platform, marking a significant milestone in the Kingdom’s journey toward becoming a global leader in artificial intelligence and data sciences. The announcement was made during the International Conference on AI and Data Capacity Building (ICAN 2026), held in Riyadh with international participation from specialists across the globe.
The SDAIA Athka X Platform represents the first comprehensive national training platform dedicated to building capabilities in data and artificial intelligence fields. It aims to enhance the readiness of national talents for the job market in these critical sectors. The platform was unveiled during ICAN 2026, organized by SDAIA in academic partnership with King Saud University, knowledge partnership with the Human Capability Development Program, and strategic partnership with Elm Company.
Comprehensive Training Pathways and Global Partnerships
The platform offers training pathways aligned with data and AI-related professions, customized to match the skill requirements of trainees and labor market needs. Training programs will be delivered by major technology companies and international universities including Microsoft, IBM, Amazon AWS, and Oracle. The initiative targets students, graduates, professionals, specialists, and anyone seeking to develop their skills and advance in data and AI career paths.
Bridging the Skills Gap Through Personalized Learning
One of the platform’s key features is its ability to bridge the skills gap for beneficiaries. The SDAIA Athka X Platform compares users’ current skills with the requirements of data and AI jobs, then builds a customized training pathway that gradually covers gaps until professional readiness is achieved. This unified learning journey within a single platform follows a defined training path with clear, measurable outcomes, reducing the fragmentation of learning sources.
Flexible Learning Formats for Diverse Needs
The platform distinguishes itself through flexibility in learning formats, offering in-person, remote, blended, and self-paced training programs and bootcamps. This variety accommodates the needs of both individuals and organizations, enhancing capacity-building efficiency according to each career path’s requirements. The platform integrates with leading global training platforms to enhance training content quality and accelerate skill acquisition.
Supporting Vision 2030 and National Competitiveness
The platform contributes to enabling and building globally competitive national capabilities in data and artificial intelligence fields. It supports skill localization and reduces the skills gap in priority sectors. Additionally, it contributes to achieving Vision 2030 targets by strengthening the digital economy and innovation. The initiative provides access to various training programs and bootcamps through a unified digital experience and a national skills registry in the field, positioning Saudi Arabia as a regional hub for AI and data expertise.
