A new global study shows that Saudi AI readiness ranks third across the Middle East and North Africa and 25th globally on Coursera’s AI-Human Skills Synergy Index. The index evaluates how learners in 98 countries combine artificial intelligence skills with human capabilities while assessing national infrastructure and adoption levels.
The findings form part of Coursera’s Global Skills Report 2026, which combines learning data from over 300 million learners across Coursera and Udemy with data from Oxford Insights. The data shows annual enrollments in artificial intelligence courses in Saudi Arabia grew 39% year over year.
Surging Technical Enrollments and Security Focus
Course enrollments in specific specialized technical domains expanded rapidly during the past year. Enrollments in generative AI increased by 76%, while agentic workflow courses grew by 182%. In addition, enrollments in AI cybersecurity registered a 224% increase.
The study also recorded notable growth in verified credentials across the country. Micro-credential enrollments increased 28% overall, while AI-related micro-credential registrations climbed 62% over the same period.
National Context and Saudi AI Readiness
The report highlights institutional backing as a driver of Saudi AI readiness, noting sustained public and private investment. Stanford’s 2026 AI Index Report previously recorded a 113% increase in AI talent concentration in Saudi Arabia between 2019 and 2025. In addition, the National Strategy for Data and AI targets the qualification of more than 20,000 data and AI specialists.
Workplace adoption data supports these findings. A study by PwC showed that 60% of surveyed respondents in Saudi Arabia reported large productivity improvements from AI, compared with a 46% global average. Furthermore, 69% of surveyed workers in the country confirmed using AI tools at work over the past 12 months.
Balancing Technical Capabilities with Human Skills
The index points out specific skill pairings where learners in Saudi Arabia outpace global averages. Local learners frequently pair generative AI with leadership skills, machine learning with emotional intelligence, and data analytics with strategic decision-making. However, enrollments in complex problem-solving fell 15%, critical thinking declined 24%, and innovation dropped 17%.
“Realizing Saudi Arabia’s AI ambitions will depend on equipping people across the workforce with the skills to put these technologies into practice. Technical knowledge needs to be combined with essential human skills such as critical thinking, complex problem-solving, and communication to use AI effectively.”
Kais Zribi, General Manager for the Middle East and Africa at Coursera
Future Outlook for Workforce Skills
Expanding structured digital education programs remains a key factor in translating technological investment into measurable career gains. By combining practical technical training with human judgment and governance skills, organizations can effectively support national transformation goals under Vision 2030.
