The SMAI2 Initiative was officially launched today by the Minister of Education and Chairman of the Board of Directors of King Saud University, Youssef bin Abdullah Al-Bunyan, alongside the President of the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), Dr. Abdullah bin Sharaf Al-Ghamdi. This groundbreaking initiative involves partnerships with 11 government ministries and was announced during the International Conference on Capacity Building in Data and Artificial Intelligence (ICAN2026) held at King Saud University in Riyadh.
During the launch ceremony, the Minister of Education and SDAIA President handed the SMAI2 charter to representatives from the Ministries of Health, Finance, Media, Justice, Industry and Mineral Resources, Transport and Logistic Services, Education, Human Resources and Social Development, Municipalities and Housing, Sports, and Energy. This collaborative effort marks a significant step forward in Saudi Arabia’s digital transformation journey.
Objectives of the SMAI2 Initiative
The SMAI2 Initiative aims to empower the workforce in targeted government sectors with practical and responsible use of artificial intelligence technologies. The program focuses on raising productivity levels and enhancing efficiency in work environments through specialized training and awareness programs. These initiatives contribute to building national capabilities and qualifying competencies to keep pace with rapid technological transformations and labor market requirements.
Building on Previous Success
The launch of the SMAI2 Initiative reflects SDAIA’s commitment and its government partners to continue investing in human capital as the fundamental pillar of development. The initiative builds upon the remarkable success of SMAI1, which enabled more than 1.1 million Saudi citizens in artificial intelligence. Participants received quality education in AI and obtained accredited certificates in an unprecedented national achievement accomplished in record time, confirming Saudi society’s awareness of the importance of learning these technologies.
Target Audience and Comprehensive Reach
The initiative targets multiple segments including school students, university students, job seekers, and experienced workforce across various sectors. This comprehensive approach reflects the initiative’s inclusiveness and the broad scope of its impact in supporting the human capacity development system and establishing a culture of AI adoption in work and educational environments.
Strategic Partnerships and Vision 2030 Alignment
The conference is organized by SDAIA with academic partnership from King Saud University, knowledge partnership with the Human Capability Development Program, and strategic partnership with Elm Company. This integration of government efforts in developing the capabilities of citizens achieves the targets of Saudi Vision 2030, positioning the Kingdom as a regional leader in artificial intelligence and data science innovation.
The initiative represents a crucial investment in preparing Saudi Arabia’s workforce for the future of work, ensuring that government employees across key ministries are equipped with the skills needed to leverage AI technologies effectively and responsibly in their daily operations.
