The ICAN 2026 Conference, organized by the Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA), is receiving significant knowledge support from the Human Capacity Development Program, one of the key initiatives driving Saudi Vision 2030. The international conference on capacity building in data and artificial intelligence is taking place from January 28-29, 2026, at King Saud University in Riyadh, bringing together elite experts, specialists, and academics from around the world.
The program’s participation comes as part of its contribution to supporting the knowledge content of the conference through organizing dialogue sessions and specialized workshops. This reflects its commitment to developing national capabilities in data and artificial intelligence fields, enabling national competencies to compete globally, and aligning skills with future labor market requirements.
Strategic Dialogue Sessions at ICAN 2026 Conference
The Human Capacity Development Program is organizing a dialogue session discussing the employment of big data and artificial intelligence technologies in supporting decision-making. The session will review the most prominent national strategies and initiatives aimed at developing human capacities and enhancing their competitiveness. Participants include Dr. Budour bint Mohammed Al-Rayes, Deputy CEO of the Human Capacity Development Program, Dr. Areej bint Abdullah Al-Owaisheq, Vice President of Artificial Intelligence Research at Humin Company, and Dr. Yogesh Dwivedi, Acting Director of the Multidisciplinary Research Center for Finance and Digital Economy at King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals.
Interactive Exhibition Showcasing National Initiatives
The program’s participation includes an interactive pavilion showcasing its most prominent initiatives and efforts in developing human capacities across various sectors. The exhibition introduces the program’s strategic pathways and future targets, while highlighting the Human Capacity Initiative Conference organized by the program as a global platform concerned with building human capacities and anticipating the future of work.
Building Competitive National Capabilities
This knowledge partnership embodies the role undertaken by the Human Capacity Development Program in developing national competencies, enhancing future readiness, improving skills and knowledge, and aligning education and training outputs with labor market needs. The initiative provides lifelong learning opportunities, contributing to building competitive national capabilities capable of keeping pace with accelerating technological transformations, achieving the targets of Saudi Vision 2030.
Future Outlook for AI Capacity Building
The conference represents a crucial step in Saudi Arabia’s journey toward becoming a global leader in artificial intelligence and data sciences. By fostering collaboration between government programs, academic institutions, and industry experts, the kingdom is positioning itself at the forefront of the AI revolution. The emphasis on human capacity development ensures that Saudi nationals will be equipped with the necessary skills to thrive in an increasingly digital economy, while maintaining the kingdom’s competitive edge in emerging technologies.
