NEWS
Saudi universities step up AI readiness as investment grows
new study from Pearson and AWS has found that 88 %
A of higher education leaders in Saudi Arabia describe AI investment at their institution as significant or moderate, reflecting the Kingdom’ s focus on developing AI-ready talent in support of Vision 2030.
The report, AI Readiness: Building the Bridge from Higher Education to Work, draws on more than 2,700 responses from learners, higher education leaders and employers across six countries, including Saudi Arabia.
The research found that around 90 % of Saudi employers believe graduate workplace readiness is much or somewhat better than it was five years ago, significantly higher than the cross-market average of 60 %. Meanwhile, 43 % of Saudi learners consider themselves highly prepared for an AI-enabled workforce.
The study also revealed strong engagement between education providers and industry, with 94 % of Saudi higher education leaders reporting regular interaction with employers.
“ Saudi Arabia has created strong momentum for AI readiness by placing skills, education and workforce alignment at the centre of its national agenda. With AI talent development now a clear priority and large-scale capability-building already underway, the opportunity is to translate this ambition into practical, workplaceready graduate skills. Pearson and AWS are working together to bridge the gap between higher education and employers, supporting institutions with learning, assessment, and credentials that prepare Saudi talent for an AI-enabled economy,” said Tony Lteif, Global Revenue Officer, English Language Learning and Saudi Country Ambassador for Pearson.
Ericsson and Dubai Digital Authority sign MoU to explore digital initiatives
Ericsson and Dubai Digital Authority have signed a Memorandum of Understanding( MoU) to explore collaboration on digital initiatives that support Dubai’ s digital ambitions. The announcement was made during a strategic visit to Ericsson’ s Imagine Studio by a high-level UAE delegation representing government, healthcare, public safety, digital transformation, education, and community development entities.
Petra Schirren, President of Ericsson Gulf, and Matar Al Hemeiri, Chief Executive Officer, Digital Dubai Government Establishment, signed the collaboration in the presence of Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority.
The MoU creates a framework for Ericsson and Dubai Digital Authority to collaborate on next-generation initiatives that can enhance public services, drive innovation, and support Dubai’ s digital ambition. Building on discussions held during the delegation visit, the agreement translates shared priorities around advanced connectivity, AI-enabled city operations, and digital inclusion into a roadmap for future collaboration.
The collaboration will also examine programs that expand access to connectivity and digital services while supporting more efficient, resilient, and citizen-centric outcomes. By combining Dubai Digital Authority’ s leadership in advancing Dubai’ s digital agenda with Ericsson’ s global expertise in connectivity and digital infrastructure, the organizations will explore how advanced technologies can support smarter city operations, strengthen public services, and contribute to sustainability and quality of life. •
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