Empowering the Future: Saudi Arabia’s “Mostaqbali” Initiative to Train 50,000 Citizens in AI and Digital Skills
Saudi Arabia has taken another bold step toward building a knowledge-driven economy with the launch of the “Mostaqbali” program, a groundbreaking national initiative that aims to train 50,000 Saudi citizens in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other digital skills.
This visionary move strengthens the Kingdom’s pursuit of Vision 2030, placing innovation, digital transformation, and youth empowerment at the core of its economic development.
What Is the Mostaqbali Program?
The word Mostaqbali translates to “My Future”, reflecting the program’s mission to equip Saudi citizens with the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital world.
Developed by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) in collaboration with Oracle and the National eLearning Center (NeLC), the initiative leverages the FutureX platform to deliver specialized online learning experiences accessible across the Kingdom.
Program Highlights
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Target Group | University graduates, professionals, and women across all regions of Saudi Arabia |
| Training Capacity | 50,000 participants |
| Focus Areas | AI, cloud computing, data management, Oracle applications, and more |
| Learning Hours | 300 hours per participant |
| Certification | Accredited professional certificates upon successful completion |
| Platform | Delivered via FutureX, the national eLearning platform |
Why the Program Matters
- Bridging the Skills Gap
The initiative addresses the growing demand for tech and AI specialists, ensuring that Saudi citizens are prepared for the jobs of the future. - Supporting Vision 2030
By investing in digital education, the Kingdom moves closer to achieving its goal of becoming a regional hub for innovation and technology. - Encouraging Gender Inclusion
Women are strongly encouraged to participate, reflecting the government’s focus on empowerment and equal opportunity. - Building a Competitive Workforce
Upskilling the local population helps reduce reliance on foreign expertise and creates a self-sustaining digital ecosystem.
Strategic Impact
The Mostaqbali program represents more than just training — it’s a national transformation strategy.
By equipping tens of thousands of Saudis with AI and digital skills, the initiative will:
- Foster innovation and entrepreneurship across industries
- Boost employment opportunities in high-demand tech sectors
- Strengthen Saudi Arabia’s position as a leading digital economy in the Middle East
- Encourage global companies to invest in the Kingdom’s growing digital landscape
Challenges and the Road Ahead
While the potential is immense, successful execution will depend on:
- Ensuring equal access to participants in remote areas
- Maintaining high-quality instruction at a large scale
- Providing career pathways after certification
- Continuously updating curriculum to match evolving technology trends
The long-term success of Mostaqbali will be measured by how effectively these new skills translate into sustainable job growth and innovation-led industries.
The Bigger Picture
The Mostaqbali initiative perfectly embodies the spirit of Vision 2030 — a Saudi Arabia that is globally competitive, digitally empowered, and driven by the creativity and talent of its people.
By prioritizing digital literacy and AI education, the Kingdom is not just adapting to the future — it’s defining it.
Final Thoughts
Saudi Arabia’s launch of Mostaqbali is a powerful statement:
The future belongs to those who prepare for it today.
Through this initiative, the Kingdom is empowering its citizens with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to lead in the digital age — transforming both lives and the nation’s technological landscape.
