Saudi Tech Minister Urges China-Based Scholars to Drive AI Future
Saudi Minister of Communications and Information Technology Eng. Abdullah Alswaha has met with Saudi scholarship students in the People’s Republic of China, highlighting their role in advancing the Kingdom’s technology, artificial intelligence and innovation ambitions.
The meeting was attended by Abdulrahman Al-Harbi, Saudi Ambassador to China, and formed part of efforts to strengthen engagement with Saudi talent studying overseas and encourage students to contribute to the future of the Kingdom’s digital economy.
Alswaha said investment in people represents the cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s future, stressing that Saudi students enrolled at international universities have an important role to play in strengthening the Kingdom’s competitiveness and global position in technology, AI and technological innovation.
The minister linked the students’ future contribution to the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, which places talent development, economic diversification and technology-led growth among the Kingdom’s strategic priorities.
During an open dialogue, the male and female scholarship students discussed their academic and research experiences, as well as their professional ambitions and areas of specialization.
The discussions also addressed opportunities for students to contribute to transferring knowledge to Saudi Arabia, localizing advanced technologies and supporting the development of the Kingdom’s technology and innovation ecosystem.
Participants explored how their international education and research exposure could support technological innovation and technology entrepreneurship after returning to the Kingdom.
The meeting reflects Saudi Arabia’s broader emphasis on developing national capabilities alongside its investment in digital infrastructure, emerging technologies and artificial intelligence.
Saudi scholarship students studying in major global education and research centres can provide the Kingdom with access to international expertise, academic networks and emerging areas of scientific development.
By connecting students with national technology priorities, the government aims to create stronger pathways between overseas education, domestic research and development, and the needs of Saudi Arabia’s expanding digital economy.
The engagement also underlines the role of Saudi talent in localizing advanced technical knowledge rather than relying solely on imported technologies and expertise.
The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology is expected to continue engaging national talent and supporting pathways that enable Saudi graduates and researchers to contribute to innovation, entrepreneurship and the Kingdom’s long-term technology ambitions.
