Saudi Arabia has taken a major step in strengthening its position as a global technology hub by granting distinctive residency to 685 technology specialists from around the world, including professionals from Pakistan. The announcement was made on the third day of the LEAP Tech Conference 2025 in Riyadh by the Saudi Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), signaling the Kingdom’s continued push to attract top-tier talent in the rapidly evolving tech sector.
According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the largest share of residency recipients comprises 5G technology specialists, who account for 16 percent of the total. Cloud computing experts make up 15 percent, while professionals specializing in Big Data represent 13 percent. Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) experts follow closely behind at 12 percent. These fields have been prioritized due to their transformative impact on industries such as healthcare, education, and digital services, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s broader vision to diversify its economy beyond oil and establish itself as a leading player in the digital era.
Beyond AI, Big Data, and 5G, the initiative has also attracted professionals from key emerging fields, including financial technology (fintech), advanced computing, and smart technologies. These specializations are considered vital to the Kingdom’s ambitions of developing a robust digital economy. The recipients of the residency are not limited to Pakistan but also include experts from the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Germany, Brazil, India, and Egypt, demonstrating Saudi Arabia’s broad outreach in securing world-class talent.
The distinctive residency program offers a range of benefits, allowing successful applicants to live and work in Saudi Arabia for up to five years, depending on their qualifications and income level. It also grants visa holders the right to bring their families, own real estate, establish businesses, and collaborate with government agencies. By offering such incentives, Saudi Arabia aims to not only retain top technology talent but also encourage long-term investment and innovation within the country.
This initiative is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader push to develop its digital infrastructure and become a hub for technological research and innovation. As the Kingdom continues to integrate advanced technologies into its economic framework, the demand for skilled professionals in areas such as AI, cloud computing, and cybersecurity is expected to rise. The residency program reflects the country’s proactive approach to attracting and retaining high-caliber experts who can contribute to its digital transformation goals.
Saudi Arabia’s efforts to bring in specialized talent align with its Vision 2030 strategy, which seeks to diversify the economy, create new job opportunities, and establish the country as a leader in innovation and emerging technologies. The Kingdom has been making significant investments in technology-focused projects, from smart cities to AI-driven healthcare solutions, and the introduction of this residency program serves as another step toward fostering a thriving digital economy.
With increasing global competition for top tech professionals, Saudi Arabia’s residency initiative sets a precedent for other nations looking to attract skilled talent. By providing a welcoming environment with strong incentives, the Kingdom is positioning itself as a prime destination for innovators and experts in cutting-edge fields, ensuring it remains at the forefront of technological advancements in the years to come.
