Saudi Arabia vs UAE: Workforce Expertise in Data Centers
Explore the contrasting workforce strategies of Saudi Arabia and the UAE in the evolving data center industry, highlighting skills, salaries, and training approaches.
Saudi Arabia and the UAE are leading the Middle East's data center growth, but their approaches to workforce development are distinct. Here's a quick look:
- Saudi Arabia: Driven by Vision 2030, the Kingdom focuses on industry-led training and local workforce development. Over 50% of its tech sector is staffed by nationals, with significant investments in AI and cloud computing training. Salaries for specialized roles are 10–15% higher than in the UAE.
- UAE: With a two-decade head start, the UAE relies heavily on expatriate talent (90% of its IT workforce). It emphasizes academic programs like MBZUAI and AI internships. Dubai leads in advanced technology adoption, supported by its smart city initiatives.
Key Comparison:
| Metric | Saudi Arabia | UAE |
|---|---|---|
| Local Workforce | >50% | ~10% |
| Training Approach | Industry-led partnerships | Academic-focused |
| Data Center Capacity (MW) | 123 (2025), 1,300 (2030 target) | 235 (2025), growing steadily |
| AI Contribution to Economy | AED 495.45B by 2030 | AED 352.32B by 2030 |
| Average Salaries (Specialized Roles) | 10–15% higher than UAE | Competitive but steady |
Both nations face a growing demand for skilled professionals, driven by AI and digital transformation. Saudi Arabia is catching up with rapid investments, while the UAE maintains its edge through advanced technology and global talent pools.
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Current Workforce Analysis
Saudi Arabia and the UAE have distinct approaches to building their data center workforces, each tackling unique challenges in talent acquisition and development. This overview highlights the workforce dynamics and skill trends shaping these two regions.
UAE: A Blend of Local and Expatriate Talent
In the UAE, particularly in Dubai, the data center workforce is predominantly expatriate, with nearly 90% of IT professionals being international workers. This global talent pool has been a key driver of the UAE's data center expansion. To address future needs, academic institutions are placing a stronger emphasis on STEM education, with 30% of students now pursuing STEM-related fields. However, the sector remains heavily reliant on expatriate professionals to sustain its growth.
Workforce Distribution Overview
The table below provides a snapshot of workforce distribution in the data center sectors of Saudi Arabia and the UAE:
| Workforce Metric | Saudi Arabia | UAE |
|---|---|---|
| Local Tech Workforce | >50% | ~10% |
| International IT Workers | <50% | ~90% |
| STEM Students | Increasing | 30% |
| Leadership Roles (Local) | Limited | Limited |
| Leadership Roles (Expatriate) | Dominant | Dominant |
Leadership roles in both countries show limited local representation. While there has been progress in placing nationals in managerial positions, strategic and senior technical roles remain predominantly occupied by expatriates. Changes in visa regulations, such as the shift from five-year to two-year renewal periods, could influence workforce stability and project timelines.
The region's high digital adoption rates further amplify the demand for skilled professionals. The GCC boasts an internet penetration rate of 98.21%, far exceeding the global average of 63%. Mobile usage is equally impressive, reaching 137.66% of the population compared to the global average of 55%. These factors underscore the growing need for a well-equipped workforce in the data center industry, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of skill requirements in the next section.
Skills Assessment
The data center markets in Saudi Arabia and the UAE reflect distinct strengths and challenges, shaped by their development strategies and workforce dynamics. As these sectors grow, the need for advanced technical skills becomes increasingly urgent.
Saudi Arabia: Data Center Operations Skills
Saudi Arabia's data center sector is accelerating, driven by Vision 2030 investments. With an installed capacity of around 300 MW expected to grow to 1,300 MW by 2030, the Kingdom faces a pressing need to expand its operational expertise. The government has outlined an $18 billion investment plan for hyperscale centers and renewable energy projects. This highlights the importance of expertise in areas like advanced cooling systems, renewable energy integration, network operations, and security systems.
UAE: Advanced Technology Implementation
The UAE is at the forefront of deploying cutting-edge data center technologies, supported by a massive AED 13 billion investment in AI infrastructure and smart city initiatives. These efforts have positioned Dubai among the world's top 20 smart cities. Younus Al Nasser, Chief Executive of the Dubai Data and Statistics Establishment, remarked:
"In Dubai, we have accumulated extensive experience in anticipating the future. This has been achieved through a prolonged journey of digital transformation, bringing us to the current stage where data has become an essential component in various economic activities and a global competitive standard."
The UAE's technical workforce excels in areas like AI and machine learning operations, advanced cooling systems, and sustainable energy management. The country's solar power costs, which are 50% lower than the global average, further enhance its technological edge.
NEOM and Dubai: Evolving Skills Requirements
In NEOM, a 12 MW data center is under development, with Oracle as its first tenant. This project highlights the growing need for expertise in automation, renewable energy integration, and innovative security solutions. Meanwhile, Dubai is striving to become an AI-native government by 2031, a move expected to contribute AED 14.3 billion in value. This ambition is driving demand for specialists in data analytics, machine learning, and automation.
While the UAE currently leads in advanced technology implementation, Saudi Arabia's large-scale investments and rapid advancements, such as its leadership in 5G deployment, are quickly narrowing the gap. Both nations face a shared challenge: ensuring their workforces are equipped with the skills needed to sustain this growth and innovation.
Training Programs
Both Saudi Arabia and the UAE are tackling skill gaps in their workforces with targeted training initiatives, each taking a distinct approach to prepare for the growing demands of the digital economy.
Saudi Arabia: Industry Partnerships
Saudi Arabia has embraced a strategy rooted in strong collaborations with industry leaders to develop its data center workforce.
In December 2024, Uptime Institute partnered with Tuwaiq Academy to launch the Uptime Institute Data Center Academy: Saudi Arabia. This programme blends classroom instruction with hands-on training, equipping graduates with industry-recognised credentials.
In addition, AWS is making a significant investment of over AED 18.35 billion in an "AI Zone" initiative. This programme aims to train 100,000 Saudi citizens in cloud computing and AI, with a special focus on empowering women - offering training for 4,000 women in cloud technologies.
Another key initiative is HUMAIN's partnership with NVIDIA, which involves deploying a cutting-edge 18,000-unit NVIDIA Grace Blackwell GB300 AI supercomputer. This collaboration ensures that advanced AI resources are widely accessible. As HUMAIN's CEO, Tareq Amin, puts it:
"We are democratizing AI at the compute level, ensuring that access to advanced AI is limited only by imagination, not by infrastructure".
This industry-driven model contrasts with the UAE's approach, which leans heavily on academic programmes, as detailed below.
UAE: Academic Programs
The UAE has taken a more academic route to strengthen its data center workforce. A landmark step was the establishment of the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) in 2019, solidifying the UAE's position as a regional leader in AI education.
Beyond academic rigor, the UAE complements its efforts with practical training opportunities. For example, Dubai's 2024 AI internship programme connects university students with real-world AI projects across government and private sectors, bridging the gap between theoretical learning and hands-on experience.
Both countries focus on distinct training priorities, as shown below:
| Training Focus Area | Saudi Arabia | UAE |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Approach | Industry-led partnerships | Academic institutions |
| Key Initiative | Uptime Institute Data Center Academy | Mohamed bin Zayed University of AI |
| Target Skills | Cloud computing, AI implementation | AI research, theoretical foundations |
| Industry Integration | Direct employment pathways | Internship programmes |
Training Methods Comparison
Saudi Arabia's industry-led approach has already shown tangible results. The Kingdom anticipates significant growth in key job sectors: a 40% increase in cloud computing roles, 35% in cybersecurity, and 30% in AI/ML positions. Women now make up 32% of the cybersecurity workforce, reflecting the country’s efforts to promote inclusion in tech.
One standout example of industry collaboration is Cisco’s partnership with KACST to offer CCIE certifications, focusing on practical, job-ready skills. Haytham Alohali, Vice Minister at the Saudi Ministry of Communications and IT, highlights the broader vision:
"Our partnership with Cisco highlights the Kingdom's commitment to accelerating its digital economy through innovation. These initiatives will enhance Saudi Arabia's competitiveness both regionally and internationally by promoting innovation and the adoption of AI and cloud computing technologies".
While Saudi Arabia focuses on rapidly building practical skills through industry alliances, the UAE’s academic model is cultivating a research-oriented talent base, aimed at fostering long-term innovation. Both approaches reflect their unique priorities and visions for the future.
Pay and Benefits
In Saudi Arabia, salaries are particularly attractive, especially for roles tied to Vision 2030 initiatives. For example, a Data Center Technician earns an average annual salary of SAR 131,115, with ranges between SAR 93,354 and SAR 158,387. The typical pay structure in the Kingdom allocates 60–70% to base salary, with the remaining 30–40% covering allowances. Common benefits include:
| Benefit Type | Adoption Rate |
|---|---|
| Housing Allowance | 95% |
| Transport Allowance | 82% |
| Mobile Phone Allowance | 77% |
| Education Allowance | 50% |
| Annual Home Flight Tickets | 68% |
Companies under the Public Investment Fund (PIF) are setting a new standard by offering some of the highest executive salaries globally, attracting top talent from around the world. This approach has resulted in salaries that are 10–15% higher than similar roles in the UAE.
UAE: Market Rates and Staff Turnover
In the UAE, salary growth remains steady. For instance, middle management roles had an average package of AED 639,180 (USD 174,000) in 2021. However, as noted by Oliver Browne, remuneration and policy surveys manager at ECA International:
"Pay and benefits packages for expatriate staff in the UAE fell for the third consecutive year in 2021".
Employee retention is a challenge in the UAE, with 73% of workers considering career moves to secure better health benefits and growth opportunities. To tackle this, companies are adopting creative retention strategies, such as:
- Shadow equity programmes introduced by mid-sized tech firms
- Enhanced health and wellness perks
- Sign-on and retention bonuses
- Flexible remote work arrangements
- Professional development initiatives
These efforts are particularly relevant as we compare role-specific salaries projected for 2025:
| Role | UAE 2025 (AED) | KSA 2025 (SAR) |
|---|---|---|
| AI/ML Engineer | 33,000–48,000 | 35,000–50,000 |
| Cyber Security Architect | 34,000–50,000 | 34,000–52,000 |
| Data Scientist | 30,000–45,000 | 30,000–48,000 |
The cost of living plays a significant role in these figures. For example, Dubai is 53% more expensive than Riyadh and 19% costlier than Jeddah. To address this, companies are implementing compensation strategies like:
- Cost-of-Living Adjustments (COLA)
- Indexed allowances
- Location-based pay differentials
- Enhanced financial wellness programmes
These measures aim to balance the higher living costs and ensure competitive pay. According to Tuscan Consulting, 36% of employers now offer differentiated compensation for high-demand roles, such as those in AI and data science.
2025-2030 Workforce Outlook
The forecast for 2025-2030 highlights the growing divide between current workforce capabilities and the skills needed for the future. By 2030, Saudi Arabia’s data center capacity is expected to almost triple from 0.44 thousand MW in 2025 to 1.19 thousand MW. Similarly, the UAE's data center market is set to grow from AED 4.62 billion in 2024 to AED 12.22 billion by 2030. This rapid expansion underscores the need for tailored strategies to meet evolving workforce demands in both nations.
Saudi Arabia: A Surge in Skilled Workforce Demand
Saudi Arabia's ambitious projects are driving a significant need for skilled professionals. In March 2024, the Kingdom signed a US$5.3 billion agreement with Amazon Web Services to establish local data center infrastructure, set to begin operations in 2026. Another major initiative is the US$5 billion partnership between DataVolt and NEOM to create a sustainable AI data center in Oxagon. As Vishal Wanchoo, CEO of Oxagon, stated:
"The Kingdom is at the forefront of the global energy transition. At Oxagon, we are accelerating a renewable energy industrial ecosystem that is set to power businesses with green energy and technology solutions."
These developments highlight the Kingdom's commitment to becoming a leader in both technology and renewable energy. Meanwhile, the UAE is also preparing its workforce to meet the demands of large-scale AI infrastructure projects.
UAE: Workforce Strategies for AI Infrastructure
The Stargate UAE initiative, announced in May 2025, is a prime example of the UAE's forward-looking strategy. This project aims to construct a 1-gigawatt compute cluster as part of the larger 5-gigawatt UAE–U.S. AI Campus. To support this, the country requires experts in areas like high-performance computing, AI architecture, and network security. Jensen Huang, CEO of NVIDIA, remarked:
"AI is the most transformative force of our time. With Stargate UAE, we are building the AI infrastructure to power the country's bold vision – to empower its people, grow its economy, and shape its future."
This initiative reinforces the UAE’s position as a global hub for AI innovation, while also creating a competitive environment for attracting and retaining top talent.
Skills in Green Technology
Sustainability has become a cornerstone of data center strategies in both Saudi Arabia and the UAE, guided by Vision 2030 and Net Zero 2050, respectively. Companies are actively seeking professionals with expertise in energy management, advanced cooling systems, renewable energy integration, and smart facility management. With the Middle East’s data center market projected to double by 2030, having a workforce skilled in energy-efficient operations is now a priority.
In Saudi Arabia, the AI market is forecasted to grow to AED 227 billion by 2033, with an annual growth rate of 46.6%. Meanwhile, the UAE continues to solidify its role as a regional AI leader. This rapid growth in both markets is intensifying the race to attract and retain skilled professionals, making workforce development a critical focus for the years ahead.
Conclusion
Examining the development of training programmes and skills assessments, the data centre workforce in Saudi Arabia and the UAE highlights two distinct yet complementary approaches to achieving digital transformation. Saudi Arabia's data centre sector is on a rapid growth trajectory, while the UAE leverages strategic initiatives and targeted training programmes to maintain its competitive edge. Together, these dynamics pave the way for more in-depth discussions on the importance of investing in training and compensation strategies.
Saudi Arabia stands out with salaries for specialised roles being 10–15% higher than those in the UAE. This salary difference influences talent acquisition strategies across the region, creating a competitive environment for skilled professionals.
Major players are also driving progress through significant investments in training. Oracle plans to train 350,000 professionals across the Middle East, and AWS is committing US$3.6 billion to train 2,500 software engineers. These efforts underscore the focus on developing a highly skilled workforce.
Engie Solutions highlights this shift:
"The data center landscape in the Middle East is evolving rapidly, particularly with the shift toward AI-focused facilities and the increasing importance of sustainability".
The competition between Saudi Arabia and the UAE is also evident in the AI space. The UAE boasts approximately 7,000 AI specialists, compared to Saudi Arabia's 5,000. This growing expertise is driving regional progress, with AI expected to contribute 13.6% to the UAE’s GDP and 12.4% to Saudi Arabia’s GDP by 2030.
Key initiatives, such as Saudi Arabia’s PIF-backed 'Alat' programme, which plans to invest US$100 billion by 2030, and the UAE’s Artificial Intelligence & Digital Economy Council, further demonstrate both nations' dedication to advancing their digital economies through skilled local talent.
FAQs
How do workforce development strategies in Saudi Arabia and the UAE shape their data center industries?
Saudi Arabia and the UAE have chosen different paths when it comes to workforce development, and these choices are shaping their data centre industries in distinct ways. In the UAE, the focus has been on specialised training and quick skill-building programmes designed specifically for the sector. This strategy has resulted in a workforce that’s well-equipped to handle advanced technologies, making the country a magnet for foreign investment and fuelling rapid growth in its data centre market.
Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, is still in the process of building its local expertise. The Kingdom often relies on international professionals to fill skill gaps as it works to develop its talent pool. Although Saudi Arabia’s data centre market is growing at a fast pace, preparing its workforce for the demands of the sector remains a key challenge. Both countries are pouring resources into infrastructure and talent development, but their ability to stay competitive in the long run will hinge on how effectively they execute these plans.
What challenges do Saudi Arabia and the UAE face in building a skilled workforce for their data center industries?
Both Saudi Arabia and the UAE are grappling with the challenge of building a skilled workforce to sustain their rapidly growing data center industries. One of the biggest hurdles is the lack of professionals with expertise in cutting-edge fields like cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), and cybersecurity - skills that are essential for running modern data centers effectively. The sector’s rapid expansion has outpaced the availability of local talent, leading to a noticeable skills gap.
Adding to this, the fierce global competition for specialised talent has driven up recruitment costs, making it tougher to attract and retain the right professionals. Operational challenges further complicate matters, especially the need for consistent access to reliable power and advanced cooling systems - both crucial for keeping data centers running efficiently. These obstacles pose significant barriers for both countries as they work to position themselves as leaders in the data center market, despite their heavy investments and strategic efforts.
How do salaries and benefits for specialised data centre roles compare between Saudi Arabia and the UAE, and what does this mean for attracting talent?
Salaries for specialised data centre roles in the UAE are typically 10–20% higher than those in Saudi Arabia. This pay difference stems from the UAE's established position as a regional technology hub and its more mature data centre market, which drives up demand for skilled professionals.
Thanks to these factors, the UAE attracts a larger pool of qualified talent, giving companies access to top-tier professionals. On the other hand, Saudi Arabia faces hurdles in competing for such expertise. Lower salary levels and a less developed data centre sector make it more challenging to draw in skilled candidates. To address this, companies in Saudi Arabia are working on enhancing benefits and providing stronger career growth opportunities to attract and retain talent.