Data & AI Curriculum Launched for Saudi Universities

The Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority has launched a new National Cross-Disciplinary Curriculum in Data and Artificial Intelligence aimed at equipping university students with practical, foundational skills in data literacy and responsible AI use.

The programme is designed for undergraduate students across all academic disciplines, not just those specialising in computer science or engineering. It enables universities to introduce a mandatory data and AI course within all degree programmes, ensuring a shared baseline of knowledge that supports learning, professional development and informed decision-making.

The curriculum focuses on applied understanding rather than technical specialisation, giving non-specialist students exposure to AI tools, real-world applications and practical use cases relevant to their fields. By emphasising responsible use, it aims to help students integrate AI into academic work and future careers while understanding its limitations and ethical considerations.
Structured around labour market needs, the curriculum aligns learning outcomes with workplace realities across sectors. It is intended to prepare graduates to work confidently with data and AI technologies in roles ranging from business and healthcare to education and the creative industries, supporting broader national efforts to build digital and analytical capabilities across the workforce.

The initiative was unveiled during the International Conference on Data and AI Capacity Building in Riyadh, held from January 28th to 29th. The programme was developed in academic partnership with King Saud University, with knowledge support from the Human Capability Development Program and strategic collaboration with Elm.