IBM has marked a pivotal year in Saudi Arabia’s digital transformation journey, announcing major achievements across talent development, regional expansion, and AI-driven innovation in alignment with Vision 2030. Through its IBM SkillsBuild programme, delivered in partnership with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, IBM has empowered more than 500,000 Saudi nationals with skills in artificial intelligence, cloud, and data technologies, surpassing its original target and strengthening the Kingdom’s digital workforce.
The SkillsBuild initiative has been rolled out in collaboration with leading national institutions, including King Saud University, Princess Nourah University, the National eLearning Center, the Saudi Data and AI Authority, and the SAMAI initiative. The programme has expanded digital opportunities for Saudi women, introduced high-school students to emerging technologies, and upskilled more than 2,000 teachers in AI and computer science in partnership with the National Institute for Educational Professional Development.
IBM has also expanded its on-ground presence by launching IBM Consulting operations in the Al-Baha region, establishing a new Center of Excellence to bridge academic learning with industry-ready skills. The initiative follows the successful completion of training programmes by Al-Baha University students, creating pathways into employment within IBM and the wider digital economy. The collaboration has been further strengthened by Al-Baha University’s inclusion in the 2025 IBM Impact Accelerator cohort, where both parties are co-developing an AI framework, CH-MARL, to optimize logistics operations such as cargo fleet management using IBM watsonx.ai and IBM Cloud.
In aviation, IBM and Riyadh Air announced the launch of the world’s first AI-native airline, built entirely without legacy IT systems. Revealed at IBM Think Riyadh 2025, the airline’s digital foundation integrates AI across employee enablement, customer experience, and operational intelligence, supported by IBM Consulting Advantage and a global partner ecosystem. Riyadh Air is set to begin commercial operations in early 2026, showcasing how AI can redefine modern air travel and large-scale enterprise transformation in Saudi Arabia.
