Saudi Arabia’s digital workforce has grown to more than 389,000 professionals, according to Safa Al-Rashed, acting deputy minister for Future Skills and Capabilities at the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology. With women now making up 35 percent of the sector, the digital talent in Saudi Arabia is now the highest in the Middle East.
Speaking in Riyadh on Thursday during a panel titled “Empowering Tomorrow’s Workforce: Insights from Vision 2030,” Al-Rashed highlighted the country’s progress in digital skills development, noting that more than 200,000 people have so far taken part in awareness programmes. She also pointed to the introduction of artificial intelligence and technology courses across several universities.
The increase in female participation marks a sharp jump from just 7 percent in 2018, underlining the role of women in shaping the Kingdom’s expanding technology sector.
“Empowering national cadres with future-ready skills is the foundation for strengthening the Kingdom’s position as a global hub for innovation and human capital development,” Al-Rashed said.
She emphasised that building a diversified digital economy under Vision 2030 depends on investment in Saudi talent. “Our sons and daughters are the primary engine of the smart economy, equipped for continuous learning, adaptability and a culture of innovation,” she added.
Al-Rashed also underlined the importance of cooperation across government, private industry and universities, saying partnerships will be vital to maintaining progress in the sector.
