SDAIA Launches AI Badge Program to Build Saudi AI Talent
AI engineers and data scientists can now register for credentials aimed at creating a trusted standard for technical expertise.
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[Image: Nomita Samaiyar/MITSMR Middle East]
Saudi Arabia’s Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) has opened registrations for its Artificial Intelligence Professional Badges, a national initiative designed to benchmark AI talent and strengthen the Kingdom’s growing artificial intelligence workforce.
The program was announced earlier this year at the International Conference on Data and AI Capacity Building (ICAN 2026) as part of SDAIA’s broader efforts to build a globally competitive pool of AI professionals in line with Saudi Arabia’s digital transformation ambitions.
The first phase introduces two professional badges: AI Engineer and Data Scientist. The AI Engineer badge is aimed at professionals developing and deploying AI models and intelligent systems, while the Data Scientist badge focuses on advanced analytics, algorithm development, and data-driven problem-solving.
Applicants for either badge will undergo a standardized three-level assessment process overseen by an independent scientific committee comprising researchers, academics, and industry experts from the public and private sectors. According to SDAIA, the evaluation framework is designed to objectively assess scientific knowledge, analytical capabilities, and practical skills, ensuring certified professionals meet a consistent national benchmark.
SDAIA said the badges are intended to provide employers with a trusted standard for identifying qualified AI talent while enabling professionals to validate their expertise in an increasingly competitive job market. The authority added that the initiative supports the development of Saudi human capital by aligning workforce capabilities with the country’s rapidly expanding AI ecosystem.
The certification program forms part of SDAIA’s wider strategy to expand AI capabilities across the Kingdom under Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 agenda. The authority has led several national initiatives in recent years, including implementing the National Strategy for Data and AI, expanding AI training programs for students and professionals, and developing governance frameworks for the responsible use of artificial intelligence across government entities.
By introducing nationally recognized AI professional badges, SDAIA aims to create a structured pathway for developing AI talent while giving organizations a consistent benchmark for evaluating technical expertise. The authority expects the program to support both workforce development and the broader adoption of AI across the Kingdom’s public and private sectors.
