PwC in the Middle East, a global consulting firm, has collaborated with Microsoft to launch its first AI Centre of Excellence (COE) in Riyadh.

The COE, centering on Microsoft's AI solutions including ML and gen-AI, will serve as the hub for Artificial Intelligence (AI) and digital transformation in Saudi Arabia. Its primary objective is to support and enhance the capabilities of engineering professionals based in Saudi Arabia, while also preparing young talent for successful careers in AI. This will be achieved through bi-monthly programmes featuring talents from top universities and providing training in advanced AI skills and technologies such as Azure OpenAI and open-source models.

Announcing the launch of COE during LEAP 2024, Ali Hosseini, Chief Technology Officer of PwC said, “Our commitment to Saudi Vision 2030 and our future in technology is unwavering. We’re focused on building unparalleled AI engineering capabilities within Saudi Arabia. By investing in local talent, PwC is set to pioneer a new era of technological excellence that will not only serve the Kingdom but also the wider region. In partnership with Microsoft, we are proud to launch a platform that nurtures and develops next-generation AI talent, carefully selected from the Kingdom's premier universities. The centre will serve as a unique platform for knowledge exchange and collaborative learning, engaging both local and global partners from public and private sectors to expand expertise and perspectives”.

Turki Badhris, President of Microsoft Arabia also commented, “Skilling the workforce to take advantage of cloud and AI technologies is crucial to unlocking the full potential of these transformative technologies, and we are proud to play a role in this important endeavour. Through the AI Centre of Excellence in Riyadh, we aim to provide young Saudi engineers with the skills and tools they need to help drive innovation and economic growth in the Kingdom.”