Entrepreneurs in Saudi Arabia are increasingly turning to artificial intelligence (AI) to build, manage and scale their businesses, but many say they need clearer guidance on how to apply the technology effectively in real-world operations.

At a recent AI crash course held in Riyadh by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), entrepreneurs explored how AI can be integrated into their businesses, from developing products to improving marketing and operational efficiency while addressing data privacy and risk management.

“AI is no longer ‘nice to have’ it’s a founder skill,” said Heba Kurdi, founder and CEO of Mata Logistics. She added that understanding AI enables entrepreneurs to make smarter decisions, work more efficiently and turn data into meaningful business value.

The training was launched in response to growing interest in AI among entrepreneurs. Empretec, UNCTAD’s flagship entrepreneurship programme, partnered with the Social Development Bank and the Empretec Saudi Arabia centre to deliver hands-on crash courses designed to help founders apply AI tools directly to their business challenges.

Rather than focusing on theory, the courses emphasise practical problem-solving. Participants work on real startup issues such as customer acquisition, marketing strategies, sales optimisation and operational efficiency while learning how AI technologies can support these goals.

“Most entrepreneurs are still at an early stage with AI,” said Felipe Matos, Empretec’s AI expert and the course instructor. “They want to know how to apply it, avoid costly mistakes and prioritise effectively. This course provides a structured path from curiosity to action.”

Participants also explored the technical aspects of building AI tools. Anwar Adushe, head of sales at Tawantech, said the workshop helped him understand AI development from a builder’s perspective and highlighted the components required to create AI solutions from the ground up.

A key part of the programme focused on data readiness, teaching entrepreneurs how to collect, organise and analyse data so that AI systems can generate reliable and actionable insights.

A second AI training session was delivered through the 1K Mile bootcamp under the National Industrial Development and Logistics Program, targeting early-stage startups operating in sectors such as energy, mining, industry and logistics.

The session introduced core AI concepts and guided the strategic considerations businesses should evaluate before integrating AI into their operations.

According to Arlette Verploegh, who leads UNCTAD’s work on entrepreneurship development, the initiative reflects Empretec’s evolving focus on supporting technology-driven business models and equipping founders with the skills needed to succeed in a rapidly changing digital economy.

The training also builds on UNCTAD’s report, “Artificial intelligence unleashed: Transforming the entrepreneurial scene in developing nations,” which identifies skills gaps and limited AI literacy as major barriers preventing small businesses from fully leveraging AI technologies.

The initiative aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, the country’s long-term strategy aimed at positioning Saudi Arabia as a global hub for artificial intelligence and innovation through expanded digital infrastructure, policy reforms and a stronger startup ecosystem.