Riyadh Conference Puts AI Skills at the Center of Education and Work
On Jan. 28-29, more than 50 international and local organizations will gather in Riyadh for the International Conference on Data and AI Capacity Building. The focus is clear: how AI is changing education and work, and what educators must do now to prepare learners for what's next.
Organized by the Saudi Data and AI Authority, the event zeroes in on practical solutions. Expect concrete discussions on integrating AI into curricula, aligning learning outcomes with in-demand skills, and equipping young people with the competencies employers already expect.
Why it matters for educators
AI is reshaping tasks across roles, from assessment and feedback to research, administration, and student support. The demand signal is shifting from degrees to demonstrable skills-data literacy, prompt fluency, ethical AI use, and the ability to work alongside intelligent systems.
This conference gives academics, AI and data professionals, policymakers, and students a shared space to compare what's working, what isn't, and what needs to change in programs, policy, and practice.
What to watch at the conference
- AI across the curriculum: practical models for core subjects, CTE, and higher education programs.
- Assessment in an AI era: authentic tasks, academic integrity, and feedback workflows.
- Faculty readiness: scalable training, micro-credentials, and communities of practice.
- Skills mapping: aligning course outcomes to market demand locally and globally.
- Work-based learning: internships, apprenticeships, and projects with real data and constraints.
- Equity and access: ensuring AI benefits reach all learners, not just the most resourced.
- Policy and governance: data privacy, model transparency, and responsible use standards.
Exhibition: solutions you can use
An accompanying exhibition will feature education and digital transformation solutions from public and private organizations. Attendees-especially students and early-career talent-will get direct access to learning pathways, training programs, career opportunities, and practical tools they can apply immediately.
Action steps for your institution before Jan. 28
- Run a quick audit: map current course outcomes to high-demand skills (data analysis, prompt engineering, AI-assisted research, ethics).
- Pilot 1-2 AI tools in coursework and student services; measure impact on learning time, quality, and equity.
- Stand up a faculty development plan: short workshops, office hours, and peer-led demos.
- Set clear AI use guidelines for students and staff-what's allowed, what must be cited, and how to verify work.
- Partner with employers to co-design capstones and projects using real datasets.
- Offer micro-credentials that prove skill, not just seat time-stackable and verifiable.
For event and program details, see the organizer's site: Saudi Data and AI Authority.
If you need ready-to-use learning paths and course options for staff or students, explore curated options by job role here: Complete AI Training: Courses by Job.
Your membership also unlocks:
