The Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA) announced on December 16, 2024, the launch of the Professional Training Program in Generative AI, offered through its Generative AI Academy in strategic collaboration with global technology leader NVIDIA. The initiative is designed to train specialists in the rapidly evolving field of generative artificial intelligence, enhancing their skills in large language models and multimodal models while improving their chances of earning coveted NVIDIA professional certifications. The program underscores Saudi Arabia’s commitment to building a skilled workforce capable of driving technological innovation and economic diversification under Vision 2030.
Context and Background
The launch of this professional training program comes as part of SDAIA’s broader efforts to strengthen national capabilities in generative AI, a field that is transforming industries worldwide. By partnering with NVIDIA, a world leader in accelerated computing and AI technologies, SDAIA aims to equip local talent with cutting-edge skills that align with global advancements in AI. The program is available in Riyadh and Dhahran in person, as well as remotely, ensuring accessibility for qualified participants across the Kingdom.
Key Details
The training program focuses on building practical expertise in several core areas, including building and customizing generative AI models, leveraging parallel computing to accelerate the development and training of large language models, designing advanced applications based on these models, and deploying them efficiently in production environments while ensuring sustainable performance. Registration for the Dhahran program opened on December 15, 2024, and will continue until December 19, 2024. The program itself is set to launch on December 29, 2024, and will run intensively for one month. Registration details for the Riyadh-based and remote programs will be announced at a later date.
Eligibility and Registration
To be eligible for the program, applicants must hold a PhD or master’s degree in deep learning, a bachelor’s degree in AI, or a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or Software Engineering with a focus on AI, including coursework in deep learning. This criterion ensures that participants have a strong foundational knowledge to build upon. Interested professionals and academics can register via the official SDAIA website, where further information is available.
Implications and Impact
The program has significant implications for Saudi Arabia’s knowledge economy and its ambition to become a global AI leader. By directly training specialists in generative AI—a field with transformative applications in healthcare, media, finance, and manufacturing—the initiative nurtures a pipeline of talent that will drive innovation, attract foreign investment, and support the creation of high-value jobs. The partnership with NVIDIA also positions Saudi professionals within a leading global ecosystem, enhancing their competitiveness on the international stage.
Vision 2030 Alignment
This professional training program directly aligns with Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia’s ambitious roadmap for economic and social transformation. By investing in advanced AI skills and international technology partnerships, the Kingdom is building a sustainable, innovation-driven future. SDAIA’s continued efforts to develop local talent in generative AI will empower Saudi citizens to lead the country’s digital transformation and contribute to a thriving, diversified economy for generations to come.
20 Questions
Q1. What is the new training program launched by SDAIA?
A1. The Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA) launched the Professional Training Program in Generative AI through its Generative AI Academy in collaboration with NVIDIA.
Q2. Who is the program offered in collaboration with?
A2. The program is offered in collaboration with NVIDIA, a global leader in accelerated computing and artificial intelligence technologies.
Q3. What is the main objective of this program?
A3. The program aims to train specialists in generative AI, enhancing their skills in large language models and multimodal models, and boosting their chances of earning NVIDIA professional certifications.
Q4. Where will the program be conducted in person?
A4. The in-person training will be conducted in Riyadh and Dhahran, with a remote option also available.
Q5. When did registration open for the Dhahran program?
A5. Registration for the Dhahran program opened on Sunday, December 15, 2024.
Q6. Until when is registration open for the Dhahran program?
A6. Registration for the Dhahran program will continue until December 19, 2024.
Q7. When does the training program launch?
A7. The program is set to launch on December 29, 2024, and will run for one month.
Q8. Who can apply for the program?
A8. Applicants must hold a PhD or master’s degree in deep learning, a bachelor’s degree in AI, or a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or Software Engineering with a focus on AI.
Q9. What skills will participants gain?
A9. Participants will learn to build and customize generative AI models, accelerate large language model training, design advanced applications, and deploy them efficiently in production environments.
Q10. How does this program support Saudi Vision 2030?
A10. The program contributes to Vision 2030 by building national capabilities in generative AI and fostering a sustainable, innovation-based future.
Q11. Is there a remote option for the training?
A11. Yes, a remote participation option is available, ensuring access for qualified applicants across the Kingdom.
Q12. What type of certification do participants pursue?
A12. Participants can improve their chances of earning professional certifications from NVIDIA in the field of generative AI.
Q13. Who is responsible for the program’s operation?
A13. The program is operated by SDAIA’s Generative AI Academy, an entity dedicated to building AI skills in Saudi Arabia.
Q14. What industries could benefit from this training?
A14. Industries such as healthcare, media, finance, and manufacturing will benefit from a skilled workforce in generative AI, driving innovation and efficiency.
Q15. Why is generative AI important?
A15. Generative AI is transformative, enabling the creation of new content and models that accelerate innovation in multiple sectors.
Q16. How does the program align with Saudi Arabia’s digital transformation?
A16. It directly supports digital transformation by equipping local talent with advanced AI skills, reducing reliance on foreign expertise, and enhancing knowledge sovereignty.
Q17. Are registration details for Riyadh available?
A17. Registration details for the Riyadh-based and remote programs will be announced at a later date by SDAIA.
Q18. What is the role of the Generative AI Academy?
A18. The Generative AI Academy is SDAIA’s dedicated initiative to provide professional-level training in generative AI and boost national competitiveness.
Q19. How does this help the Saudi workforce?
A19. The program helps the Saudi workforce acquire cutting-edge skills in AI, making them highly competitive in the global job market.
Q20. Where can interested people register?
A20. Interested individuals can register through the official SDAIA website, where the detailed application link is provided.
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