Riyadh: The Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA) honored 52 recipients of professional badges in data and artificial intelligence (AI) today during the fourth edition of the UNESCO Global Forum on the Ethics of AI in Riyadh, in the presence of SDAIA Vice President Eng. Sami Moquim, senior officials, experts, and industry specialists.

According to Saudi Press Agency, Moquim presented the badges to the 52 specialists in recognition of their technical competencies, contributions to the data and AI ecosystem, and role in advancing the national sector. The initiative aims to spotlight specialized talent, develop national capabilities, and align professional skills with evolving labor market demands.

The credentials are benchmarked against international standards and awarded to candidates who pass rigorous examinations validating their practical experience, technical knowledge, and skills. The program features two primary professional tracks, Data Scientist and AI Engineer, each structured across three progressive proficiency levels: Assistant, Associate, and Expert.

The professional badges provide organizations with a certified mechanism to identify and deploy qualified data and AI talent, fostering ongoing professional development and enabling specialists to drive high-impact national initiatives.