LinkedIn, the preeminent professional networking platform with an extensive global presence, has reported new insights on the evolving Saudi workforce, which showcases over 9 million members from the kingdom. The comprehensive data illustrates the country’s accelerated growth and adaption to the rising artificial intelligence (AI) sector, aligning with the ambitious goals of Saudi Vision 2030.
Saudi Arabia’s Position as a Regional Tech Hub
Recent findings from LinkedIn demonstrate how the kingdom’s workforce is rapidly integrating digital competencies that align with the country’s economic transformation. Noteworthy observations include:
- The kingdom stands at the forefront in the MENA region for various cutting-edge digital capabilities, such as Development Tools, Materials Sciences, and Nanotechnology.
- When it comes to digital skills on an aggregate level, the kingdom takes the second spot in the MENA region, with the United Arab Emirates leading.
- For applied digital skills like Animation and Computer Graphics, Saudi Arabia is ranked highly within MENA and surpasses the global average in Animation.
- In cybersecurity trends, Saudi Arabia’s figures are above the global mean, with a 3.1% rate in comparison to 2.5% internationally. The kingdom is also making strides in gender diversity within this sector.
Emerging Trends in AI and Talent Acquisition
Generative AI is gaining global momentum, and in Saudi Arabia, a significant 79% of employees anticipate that AI will alter their work within the next year. The kingdom has seen its AI expertise pool double from 2016 to 2023, with the hiring rate for AI talent expanding 24% annually.
The penetration of AI skills in Saudi Arabia has leaped forward, moving up to the 30th position globally. This surge is partly due to the influx of AI experts migrating to the nation, which now ranks 15th worldwide for attracting AI talent relative to its population, a climb from the 24th position the previous year.
The fastest-growing AI skills in the kingdom include Reinforcement Learning, Pattern Recognition, Predictive Modelling, Supervised Learning, and PyTorch, all of which bolster Generative AI development.
“The latest labor market trends underscore Saudi Arabia’s transformation into a top destination for professionals in the region as it advances towards Vision 2030. The insights affirm the kingdom’s commitment to becoming a leader in AI and data, signaling a tech industry that fosters a skilled and adaptable workforce,” commented Ali Matar, EMEA Growth Markets Leader and Head of LinkedIn MENA.