Dubai: Saudi Arabia has launched a new high school course titled “Introduction to Artificial Intelligence” as part of its efforts to localise AI education and build a digitally skilled generation.
The initiative was announced by the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) in partnership with the Ministry of Education during the Human Capability Initiative 2025 conference, a high-level forum that brought together more than 300 global leaders, policymakers, and experts across academia, the private sector, and non-profit organisations.
The course, targeting 12th-grade students in the general track, is being introduced as an elective and is designed to align with global technological trends while offering students foundational knowledge in AI and its real-world applications. More than 50,000 students across the Kingdom are expected to benefit from the first phase of the programme.
Delivered through a custom-built digital platform, the course offers an interactive learning experience that blends multimedia content, teacher supervision, and project-based assessments throughout the academic year. SDAIA said the platform reflects a modern teaching model that places equal emphasis on theoretical understanding and practical engagement.
“This initiative represents a key step toward empowering the next generation with the tools and skills they need to thrive in the data-driven economies of the future,” SDAIA said in a statement.
The curriculum also falls within Saudi Arabia’s vision to become a regional and global leader in data and AI, reinforcing the Kingdom’s shift toward knowledge-based and innovation-led growth. The course is one of several projects led by SDAIA to boost national capabilities, improve data infrastructure, and cultivate AI talent across various sectors.
