PwC Middle East in Saudi Arabia and Microsoft have unveiled a groundbreaking initiative with the launch of an artificial intelligence (AI) Centre of Excellence in Riyadh at LEAP 2024. This centre aims to elevate and empower Saudi engineers and researchers by upskilling and scaling their AI capabilities. This strategic move is in line with the Kingdom’s community development and nationalization agenda, aligning closely with Vision 2030.

Scheduled to run every two months, each programme cohort will welcome top-tier talent selected through partnerships with leading universities in Saudi Arabia. These talented Saudi professionals will undergo comprehensive training in cutting-edge AI skills and technologies, including Azure OpenAI and various open-source models and frameworks. The centre will serve as a hub for knowledge exchange and collaborative learning, engaging both local and global partners from the public and private sectors to expand expertise and perspectives.

Commenting on the announcement, Ali Hosseini, Chief Technology Officer, PwC Middle East, said: “Our commitment to Saudi Vision 2030 and our future in technology is unwavering. We’re focused on building unparalleled AI engineering capabilities within Saudi Arabia. By investing in local talent, PwC is set to pioneer a new era of technological excellence that will not only serve the Kingdom but also the wider region. In partnership with Microsoft, we are proud to launch a platform that nurtures and develops next-generation AI talent, carefully selected from the Kingdom’s premier universities. This effort to enhance the skills of our talent pool underscores our dedication to maximising the benefits of AI technologies for Saudi Arabia. Such initiatives are designed to drive economic growth in key sectors and position the nation as a leader in knowledge and technological innovation.”

Turki Badhris, President, of Microsoft Arabia, added: “Skilling the workforce to take advantage of cloud and AI technologies is crucial to unlocking the full potential of these transformative technologies, and we are proud to play a role in this important endeavour. Through our partnership with PwC Middle East and the launch of the AI Centre of Excellence in Riyadh, we aim to provide young Saudi engineers with the skills and tools they need to help drive innovation and economic growth in the Kingdom.”

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has outlined a clear vision for the development and implementation of AI-based technologies, embarking on large-scale national programs to digitally transform the country. PwC and Microsoft, with their longstanding alliance, are geared towards championing the next phase of digitally-focused talent development in the Kingdom, leveraging their best technology and resources worldwide.

The AI Centre of Excellence is poised to facilitate more innovative and sustained outcomes for clients across the region, supporting the digital transformation ambitions of governments and businesses alike. This initiative marks a significant step forward in nurturing local talent and positioning Saudi Arabia as a leader in AI innovation and technological advancement.