Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology announced at the fourth edition of the LEAP 2025 Technology Conference that as many as 685 exceptional talents and researchers in the technology sector have obtained Premium Residency in Saudi Arabia under the “Exceptional Competence Residency” product.

This was revealed in a session on the second day of the LEAP 2025 Tech Conference at the Riyadh Exhibition and Convention Center on Monday. Minister of Communications and Information Technology Abdullah Alswaha inaugurated the conference under the theme "Into New Worlds" at the Riyadh Exhibition and Convention Center on Sunday.

The list of holders of Premium Residency under the “Exceptional Competence Residency” product is topped by 5G technology specialists with 16 percent, followed by cloud computing specialists with 15 percent. These fields are the cornerstone of enhancing digital infrastructure, which enhances the Kingdom’s position as a leading country in adopting modern technologies.

In the context of supporting innovation, Premium Residency was granted to experts in artificial intelligence and machine learning, who constituted 12 percent of the talents who were granted Premium Residency. These fields are among the priorities in the Kingdom, due to their role in contributing to the development of many sectors such as healthcare, education, and digital industries.

Big data experts constitute 13 percent of the number of Premium Residency recipients, and it is one of the specializations that is witnessing rapid global growth in advanced economies that rely on the analysis of large and complex data.

The attraction was not limited to these fields, but also included attracting professionals in Internet of Things technologies, financial technology, and advanced computing, which are areas that are considered priorities in supporting the growth of the Kingdom's digital economy for the present and the future.

These experts came from various countries around the world, including the United States of America, the United Kingdom, Australia, Germany, Brazil, India, Pakistan, and Egypt.

The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology seeks, through the "Exceptional Competence Residency" product provided by the Premium Residency Center, to empower global digital talents in the Kingdom and enhance the innovation environment. This contributes to achieving the Kingdom's Vision 2030, and enhances its position as a global center for artificial intelligence, technology, and innovation, and contributes to job creation, knowledge transfer to national cadres, and enhancing the exchange of experiences.

It is noteworthy that the Premium Residency Center offers seven products: Exceptional Competence Residency, Special Talent Residency, Entrepreneur Residency, Investor Residency, Real Estate Owner Residency, Unlimited Duration Premium Residency, and Limited Duration Premium Residency. These products provide their holders with a range of benefits, most notably residency in the Kingdom with family, carry out businesses, and own real estate, in addition to many privileges provided in cooperation with government agencies.