Minister of Investment Khalid bin Abdulaziz Al-Falih announced today at the Tuwaiq Academy in Riyadh the launch of the “Drone Club,” a strategic initiative in partnership with DCL, a leading global organization in drone racing. This launch aims to build and develop national capabilities in drone technology and solidify the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s position as a key player in this growing technology sector on the international stage.

An ambitious initiative within Vision 2030

The club's launch is part of the ambitious "Tuwaiq Drones" initiative, which aims to provide a stimulating and integrated environment that brings together professionals, amateurs, and those interested in drone sports and science. The inauguration ceremony, attended by prominent figures such as Captain Sulaiman bin Saleh Al-Muhaimidi, Executive Vice President of Aviation Safety and Environmental Sustainability, witnessed the graduation of a new cohort of FPV camp students, as well as the announcement of registration for eight new camps, reflecting a commitment to expanding the skills base in this field.

Strategic context and importance of the drone sector

This step cannot be viewed in isolation from the broader framework of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, which places digital transformation and the localization of advanced technologies at the heart of its objectives. Investing in sectors such as drones is a pivotal part of the strategy to diversify the national economy and reduce dependence on oil. As the Kingdom’s first academy specializing in advanced technologies, Tuwaiq Academy plays a vital role in building a knowledge-based economy by developing young Saudi talent and equipping them with the skills necessary to meet the demands of the future job market.

The drone sector is experiencing rapid global growth, with its uses no longer limited to racing and entertainment. Drones have become a vital tool in various sectors, including logistics, precision agriculture, construction monitoring, media production, and even search and rescue and disaster response. By establishing this club, the Kingdom is positioning itself at the heart of this technological development, aiming not only to participate but also to lead innovation in diverse drone applications.

Expected impact at the local and international levels

The Drone Club is expected to have a multifaceted impact. Locally, it will contribute to creating a new generation of skilled programmers, engineers, and pilots, and fostering an entrepreneurial ecosystem by supporting startups in this field. Regionally and internationally, the partnership with a global organization like DCL lends the club international credibility and opens doors to hosting world championships, thus enhancing the Kingdom's position as a destination for sports and technology tourism. This initiative also supports the investment sector's efforts to attract high-quality partnerships and facilitate the foreign investor journey, aligning with the goal of transforming the Kingdom into a global hub for modern technologies and innovation.

The club offers a comprehensive system that includes dedicated spaces for experimentation and learning, advanced professional programs, a training center for the Saudi national drone racing team, and the organization of workshops, community events, and regular championships. This initiative underscores the pioneering role of the Tuwaiq Academy in empowering youth and supporting the Kingdom's technological transformation.

Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Education, Yousef Al-Bunyan, affirmed that the Kingdom is steadily progressing towards a strategic transformation in its relationship with advanced technologies, striving to move from being a consumer of artificial intelligence to becoming a major contributor and innovator in its development and applications. This statement was made during his opening address at the International Conference on Building Capabilities in Data and Artificial Intelligence (ICAN 2026), hosted by King Saud University. He emphasized that this approach aims to bridge the growing global digital divide and achieve tangible economic and societal benefits.

General context: Artificial intelligence at the heart of Vision 2030

This ambitious approach is an integral part of Saudi Vision 2030, which places digital transformation and the building of a knowledge-based economy at the heart of its objectives. The Kingdom recognized early on that the future depends on data and smart technologies, and established specialized bodies such as the Saudi Data & Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA) to lead national efforts in this field. The shift from consumption to production means not only adopting technology, but also localizing it and developing a national workforce capable of innovation and global competitiveness, thereby reducing reliance on imported solutions and enhancing national technological security.

Conference pillars and the importance of the human element

Al-Bunyan explained that the conference focuses on three key pillars: artificial intelligence infrastructure, digital readiness for different age groups, and future preparedness. He noted that the event goes beyond theoretical discussions to focus on practical steps, including signing agreements and launching initiatives that link education, the labor market, and national aspirations. The minister emphasized that global challenges are no longer limited to the availability of technology, but extend to the ability of individuals to utilize it efficiently and effectively, stressing that “the future of artificial intelligence is shaped by people as much as by technology.”.

Artificial intelligence as a support for education, not a replacement

Regarding the education sector, the Minister of Education affirmed that artificial intelligence is a supportive and enabling element, not a replacement for teachers or human resources. He explained that the goal is to use it to enhance productivity, improve the quality of educational outcomes, and provide personalized learning experiences for students. He emphasized the paramount responsibility of designing AI systems where humans remain in control and are the primary beneficiaries, considering this a fundamental requirement for achieving sustainable development and the desired growth.

Expected impact: National leadership and regional influence

The Kingdom's success in this transformation will have far-reaching effects across various sectors. Domestically, it will create high-quality, skilled jobs for Saudi youth and accelerate the diversification of the economy away from oil. Regionally, it will solidify Saudi Arabia's position as a leading technology hub in the Middle East, attracting investment and talent. Internationally, this transformation will position the Kingdom as a producer and exporter of AI innovations, enhancing its economic and technological influence on the global stage.

Al-Bunyan concluded his speech by praising the role played by King Saud University, its faculty members and students in driving research and innovation, stressing that the educational environment in the Kingdom is witnessing rapid development that supports the success of such international events and contributes to building effective partnerships and career paths that extend from learning to leadership, in order to serve the goals of Vision 2030.