Microsoft and PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) have joined forces to establish a centre of excellence dedicated to enhancing the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI). This initiative primarily focuses on empowering the local workforce with AI skills to meet the increasing demand for machine learning expertise. Situated in Riyadh, the centre will conduct regular training sessions for cohorts of engineers, with participants mainly sourced from top universities in the region.
Competition for enrollment in the bi-monthly training cohorts is fierce, highlighting the enthusiasm for AI education. However, the centre's scope extends beyond AI to encompass other emerging technologies like cloud computing, aligning with Saudi Arabia's broader digital transformation agenda.
Microsoft Arabia President, Turki Badhris, emphasizes the importance of upskilling the workforce in cloud and AI technologies to fully leverage their potential. The centre adopts a collaborative learning approach, involving contributions from both public and private sectors, to produce well-rounded professionals capable of meeting the demands of AI-driven industries.
The trained AI experts from the excellence centre will bolster Saudi Arabia's burgeoning AI ecosystem, supporting both local startups and global players venturing into the Middle East. PwC Middle East's Chief Technology Officer, Ali Hosseini, underscores the significance of investing in local talent to drive technological excellence in the Kingdom and the wider region. By partnering with Microsoft, PwC aims to create a platform for nurturing and developing next-generation AI talent drawn from the nation's premier universities.
In summary, the Microsoft-PwC partnership establishes a focal point for advancing AI adoption in Saudi Arabia. Through rigorous training programs and collaborative learning initiatives, the excellence centre aims to cultivate a skilled workforce capable of driving innovation and contributing to the region's technological advancement.
