Saudi Arabia & Cisco Partner to Ignite AI Innovation & Skills for Vision 2030

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia – October 26, 2023 – In a strategic move to accelerate its digital transformation and achieve the goals outlined in Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia is deepening its technological partnership with Cisco. A new collaboration between King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) and Cisco will focus on advancing Artificial Intelligence (AI) research, developing local talent, and building a robust digital infrastructure.

This partnership goes beyond simply deploying technology; it's a holistic approach aimed at fostering a thriving AI ecosystem within the Kingdom. The initiative aims to address a critical need for skilled AI professionals and position Saudi Arabia as a regional leader in innovation.

Driving Vision 2030 Through AI

Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 is an ambitious plan to diversify the economy, reduce reliance on oil, and create a vibrant, knowledge-based society. AI is considered a cornerstone of this transformation, with applications spanning healthcare, education, energy, and smart cities. “The Kingdom recognizes that AI is no longer a futuristic concept, but a vital tool for achieving its economic and social goals,” said a source close to the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology. “This partnership with Cisco is a significant step towards realizing that vision.”

The collaboration will leverage KAUST’s world-class research capabilities and Cisco’s expertise in networking, security, and AI technologies. The initial focus will be on developing cutting-edge AI solutions for key industries, with a particular emphasis on areas where AI can deliver the most significant impact.

A Model for Global Tech Partnerships

This collaboration exemplifies a growing trend of partnerships between leading universities and technology companies in emerging markets. By combining academic research with industry expertise, these partnerships can accelerate innovation and drive economic growth. “The strength of this collaboration lies in the synergy between KAUST’s research prowess and Cisco’s practical experience in deploying and scaling technology solutions,” noted an industry analyst familiar with the partnership. “This model could be replicated in other emerging markets seeking to build their AI capabilities.”

KAUST has steadily established itself as a leading research institution in the region, attracting top talent and fostering a vibrant research environment. “KAUST is committed to fostering innovation and contributing to the Kingdom’s economic diversification,” said a university spokesperson. “This partnership with Cisco will allow us to accelerate our research efforts and develop AI solutions that address real-world challenges.”

Bridging the AI Skills Gap

One of the biggest challenges facing Saudi Arabia, and many other countries, is the shortage of skilled AI professionals. To address this, the partnership will include a comprehensive skills development program aimed at training the next generation of AI talent. This program will build upon Cisco’s existing Networking Academy, expanding its curriculum to include AI and machine learning courses.

Cisco has committed to upskilling 500,000 learners in Saudi Arabia as part of its Country Digital Acceleration (CDA) program. This initiative will provide individuals with the skills they need to succeed in the rapidly evolving digital economy. “Investing in skills development is critical for ensuring that Saudi Arabia can capitalize on the opportunities presented by AI,” stated a Cisco representative. “We are committed to working with KAUST to build a pipeline of skilled AI professionals.”

The program will target students, professionals, and entrepreneurs, providing them with the knowledge and skills they need to develop and deploy AI solutions. It will also focus on fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, encouraging individuals to start their own AI-powered businesses.

Beyond Technology: A Holistic Ecosystem

While technology is at the heart of this partnership, the collaboration extends beyond simply deploying AI solutions. The initiative also aims to build a holistic ecosystem that supports AI innovation, including access to data, funding, and regulatory frameworks. The Saudi Data & AI Authority (SDAIA) is playing a key role in this effort, working to establish data standards and policies that promote AI adoption.

“Creating a supportive ecosystem is essential for fostering AI innovation,” explained a source within SDAIA. “This requires collaboration between government, academia, and industry.”

The partnership with Cisco will also facilitate knowledge sharing and technology transfer, bringing best practices from around the world to Saudi Arabia. This will help accelerate the development of local AI capabilities and ensure that Saudi Arabia remains at the forefront of innovation.

Competition and Future Growth

Saudi Arabia’s AI market is becoming increasingly competitive, with several other technology companies and research institutions vying for a share of the growing demand. However, the partnership between KAUST and Cisco is well-positioned to succeed, thanks to its strong foundation in research, technology, and skills development. “This partnership has the potential to become a leading force in the Saudi Arabian AI market,” said an industry analyst. “By combining the strengths of KAUST and Cisco, they can deliver innovative solutions and drive significant economic impact.”

Looking ahead, the partnership plans to expand its scope to include other areas of AI, such as natural language processing, computer vision, and robotics. The goal is to create a comprehensive AI ecosystem that supports innovation across all sectors of the Saudi Arabian economy. “This is just the beginning,” said a Cisco representative. “We are committed to working with KAUST to build a brighter future for Saudi Arabia through the power of AI.”