Top 10 Essential Tech Skills Saudi Arabia Employers Seek in 2024

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The tech scene in Saudi Arabia is absolutely popping right now! According to PwC, the Kingdom's non-oil sector led the growth game last year, accelerating at a blistering 5.8% rate.

They're doubling down on digitalization and fostering an innovative business environment to make that Vision 2030 dream a reality. We're talking smart cities, AI-powered healthcare, and cutting-edge solutions across industries.

At the recent LEAP 2024 conference, major players like Amazon, Microsoft, and Zoom announced massive investments totaling over $12 billion.

Amazon's launching a new cloud region, while Zoom's rolling out their AI Companion and expanding their cloud presence. It's a full-blown tech renaissance, with the government going all-in on AI, cloud, cybersecurity, you name it.

With the digital shift in full swing, Saudi is hungry for skilled pros in fields like cybersecurity, data analytics, and software development.

If you want a future-proof career, now's the time to level up your tech game and get certified. Just imagine yourself at the forefront of this transformative wave, creating innovative solutions that shape the nation's digital landscape.

It's an opportunity you can't afford to miss!

Check this out - Data analysis is the hottest skill to have these days! Companies are digging into data like crazy to make smart moves and stay ahead of the game.

By 2024, Saudi Arabia is going to be in high demand for data scientists and analysts, especially in finance, healthcare, and energy industries that are going digital fast.

Data Scientists are like the rock stars, using fancy math and machine learning to spot patterns, predict what's coming, and solve tough business problems.

Data Analysts, on the other hand, are the ones gathering, cleaning up, and analyzing data to find those golden nuggets of insight, then presenting it all in a way that makes sense to the bosses.

Both roles are key to turning raw data into game-changing intel.

To make it in these gigs, you have to be a pro at programming languages like Python and R.

Python's got powerful libraries like NumPy, Pandas, and Scikit-learn that make data munging, analysis, and machine learning a breeze. R is the go-to for stats, data viz, and predictive modeling.

A recent report says these two will dominate the data analysis scene in Saudi by 2024.

Big players like Saudi Telecom Company (STC) and Saudi Aramco are already excelling with data analysis.

STC uses advanced analytics to optimize networks, give customers a better experience, and find new revenue streams. Aramco has invested massively in data to boost oil exploration, production, and supply chains.

As Aramco's Chief Data Officer said, "Data is the new oil, and mastering its power will make or break our future success." It's no wonder this is a major priority.

In this digital age, cybersecurity is way more crucial than ever, especially in Saudi Arabia. With the Kingdom going all-in on tech, businesses and the government know they need to protect their digital assets from cyber threats.

That's why the demand for cybersecurity pros is skyrocketing – a report says there will be over 20,000 new cybersecurity jobs in Saudi by 2025, a massive 92% increase! That's insane growth.

Some of the hottest cybersecurity roles Saudi employers will be hunting for are:

• Cybersecurity Analyst: These folks monitor networks, find vulnerabilities, and implement tight security measures to keep systems locked down.
• Ethical Hacker: Like the good guy hackers, they use hacking techniques to expose weaknesses in systems before the bad guys can exploit them.
• Information Security Manager: The big bosses overseeing an organization's entire cybersecurity strategy, policies, and risk management game plan.

Major players like Saudi Aramco (the world's largest oil producer) and the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) are leading the charge in developing cybersecurity talent.

Aramco has this awesome Cybersecurity Operations Center dedicated to safeguarding their digital assets, while KAUST offers specialized programs for cybersecurity research and innovation.

As Khalid Al-Falih, Aramco's former CEO, said,

"The volume and sophistication of cyber threats keep evolving, so we must stay vigilant and invest in our human capital to protect our digital infrastructure."

Cloud computing is the future, and Saudi Arabia is getting in on the action big time! By 2024, the global cloud market is expected to hit a whopping $1 trillion, and Saudi is going to be a major player.

Cloud tech offers advantages like scalability, cost savings, and easy access – it's a game-changer for businesses of all sizes.

In Saudi, big names like Solutions by STC (Saudi Telecom Company) and Elm are leading the cloud charge.

STC offers a full range of cloud solutions, from Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) to Platform as a Service (PaaS) and Software as a Service (SaaS), so companies can find the perfect fit.

Elm is all about helping organizations embrace the cloud smoothly, with services like cloud migration, security, and management.

If you want to cash in on the cloud craze, certifications from major players like Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft Azure are the way to go.

These certs prove you've got the skills and know-how, and they can seriously boost your earning potential. We're talking up to 25% higher salaries for certified cloud pros in Saudi Arabia, according to some studies.

Companies across industries in Saudi are investing big bucks in cloud tech to stay ahead of the game.

Take Saudi Aramco, for instance – the energy giant is partnering with top cloud providers to supercharge its digital transformation. Saudi National Bank is using the cloud to streamline operations and deliver better service to customers.

Even prestigious universities like King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) are embracing the cloud for research and academics.

With all this cloud adoption happening, the demand for skilled cloud professionals in Saudi Arabia is going through the roof.

Industry experts predict the cloud job market will grow by a staggering 20% by 2024, creating a ton of career opportunities for those with the right skills and certs.

If you want to future-proof your career, cloud computing is definitely the way to go!

AI and Machine Learning are like, totally blowing up in Saudi right now! These mind-blowing techs can make machines smarter than humans at certain tasks. Saudi is embracing AI and robotics in healthcare big time.

Imagine robots assisting nurses and doctors, detecting diseases from scans, and predicting health crises - crazy, right? But that's just the tip of the iceberg!

In finance, AI is speeding up processes like detecting fraud, managing risks, and even giving personalized banking advice.

Saudi banks are going all in with AI chatbots and smart credit scoring systems. Plus, a research study found that a solid 63% of financial firms have AI strategies in motion.

But that's not all! AI and Machine Learning aren't just for healthcare and finance.

These cutting-edge technologies are revolutionizing various sectors across the Kingdom.

From smart city projects like the mind-blowing NEOM to supply chain management and customer service, AI/ML are game-changers. And with Saudi universities like KAUST nurturing homegrown AI talents, the future looks brighter than ever!

Web development is all about creating and managing websites and web apps, keeping up with the digital world's constant changes. It's split into two main areas: front-end and back-end development.

Front-end devs handle the parts users see and interact with, using languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. They make things look slick and work smoothly, often using frameworks like React.

Back-end devs deal with the behind-the-scenes stuff, like server logic, data management, and APIs, using technologies like Node.js, Python, and PHP.

In Saudi Arabia, the need for skilled web devs is skyrocketing thanks to the country's digital transformation efforts.

Companies like Jarir Bookstore and Noon, the top e-commerce platform in the region, are leading the charge, using cutting-edge web tech to deliver killer online experiences.

According to a study by the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming, and Drones, the web dev job market in Saudi is expected to grow by a massive 18% by 2024, surpassing the global average.

To stay ahead of the game, professionals are embracing full-stack development, an approach that covers both front-end and back-end skills.

This versatility lets devs contribute to every phase of web app development, from concept to launch. A survey by the Saudi Software Development Community shows that these technologies are among the most in-demand by Saudi employers in 2024:

• JavaScript (73% of job postings): JavaScript remains a cornerstone of front-end development, showcasing its widespread use.
• React.js (51% of job postings): The popularity of React.js reflects its efficiency in building dynamic user interfaces.
• Node.js (43% of job postings): Node.js is essential for back-end development, providing a robust server environment.
• Angular (37% of job postings): Angular continues to be a preferred framework for creating maintainable web applications.
• Vue.js (29% of job postings): Vue.js is renowned for its flexibility and simplicity in developing interactive web pages.

The demand for skilled web devs in Saudi Arabia will only intensify, opening up lucrative career opportunities for those who embrace this dynamic and ever-changing field.

Saudi Arabia is going wild over mobile apps. According to the latest stats, the app market in this country is projected to blow up at a growth rate of nearly 10% annually, hitting a massive $2.5 billion by 2027.

This means tons of opportunities for anyone who can whip up slick iOS and Android apps!

With tech giants like Mobily and Zain KSA leading the charge, the demand for devs who can code in Swift for iOS and Kotlin for Android is skyrocketing.

These companies are investing big bucks to stay ahead of the game, launching apps that let users stream TV shows, manage finances, and more, right from their phones.

But it's not just the telecom titans getting in on the action.

Businesses across various sectors are jumping on the app bandwagon, from e-commerce giants like Jarir and Noon to industry titans like Saudi Aramco. They're all seeking skilled programmers to craft cutting-edge mobile solutions, whether it's for online shopping, logistics, or enterprise operations.

And let's not forget the sky-high salaries devs can command in this booming market – we're talking anywhere from $30,000 to a mind-blowing $250,000 or beyond for top-notch work!

If you're a coding whiz with a knack for Swift, Kotlin, or cross-platform frameworks like React Native, Saudi Arabia might just be your ticket to tech stardom.

The opportunities are endless, and the paychecks are fat – what more could a mobile app dev ask for?

In today's fast-paced digital world, DevOps, a seamless blend of development and operations, has become a game-changer, and Saudi Arabia is no exception.

Tech companies in the Kingdom are scrambling to snatch up DevOps talent to streamline software delivery and stay ahead of the curve. According to the experts, the DevOps market in Saudi is expected to skyrocket past $300 million by 2024, fueled by the nation's digital transformation initiatives and cloud adoption frenzy.

DevOps is all about fostering a collaborative, agile environment, enabling smooth integration and continuous delivery of software products.

Tools like Docker, a containerization powerhouse, and Jenkins, the automation server extraordinaire, are leading the DevOps revolution in Saudi Arabia.

A recent survey revealed that a whopping 62% of organizations in the Kingdom have embraced Docker, while Jenkins is utilized by over 45% of companies in the region.

Saudi tech titans are going all-in on DevOps expertise to drive innovation and efficiency.

Take Saudi Telecom Company (STC), the Kingdom's telecom giant – they've got a dedicated squad of over 100 DevOps rockstars on board. And SAFCSP, the cloud services provider on the rise, who's planning to hire over 50 DevOps engineers by 2024 to support their rapidly expanding cloud infrastructure.

But it's not just the tech giants getting in on the action.

DevOps skills are in high demand across various sectors in Saudi Arabia, including:

• Finance: Banks and fintech companies leveraging DevOps for rapid application deployment and continuous integration.
• Healthcare: Hospitals and medical institutions adopting DevOps for secure and efficient management of patient data.
• Energy: Oil and gas companies utilizing DevOps for streamlining operations and optimizing resource utilization.

As Saudi Arabia's digital transformation continues to accelerate, the role of DevOps is only going to get bigger and better, bridging the gap between software development and operational excellence.

Organizations that embrace DevOps practices will be the ones leading the charge, delivering value to customers faster and more efficiently than ever before.

Blockchain is the hottest tech trend taking over how we do transactions! It's like a digital ledger that records info in blocks, all linked up and secured with crazy cryptography.

Once data lands on the blockchain, it's uneditable and tamper-proof, which is major key for keeping things legit.

In finance, blockchain is a game-changer for banks like Al Rajhi.

They're using it to make cross-border payments and trade finance way smoother and more transparent. Stanford says blockchain operates on a distributed ledger, meaning everyone involved can see and verify the same info in real-time.

No more shady business!

But it's not just banking - supply chains are leveling up too.

Companies like SABIC are utilizing blockchain to track goods from start to finish, increasing visibility and slashing delivery times and costs. With blockchain, you know exactly where your stuff is coming from and where it's going.

To build all these dope blockchain apps, developers need skills in coding languages like Solidity.

This language lets you create self-executing smart contracts on platforms like Ethereum. Knowing Solidity is a major flex, with demand for those skills skyrocketing according to the experts.

Bottom line, blockchain is revolutionizing how we handle transactions across multiple industries.

If you're not already studying up on this tech, you're sleeping on a massive opportunity to future-proof your career!

The Internet of Things, or IoT, is totally shaking up how we live and work by connecting everyday devices to the web.

As Saudi Arabia hustles towards its Vision 2030 goals, adopting IoT solutions is becoming a big deal across sectors like smart cities, homes, and industries. In the smart city game, IoT is an MVP, enhancing urban infrastructure and services.

Companies like Schneider Electric are leading the charge in Saudi with innovative solutions for energy management, smart buildings, and sustainable operations.

For homeowners, IoT is revolutionizing how we interact with our cribs.

Smart home systems powered by IoT can automate lighting, temperature control, security, and appliance management, making life more convenient and energy-efficient while saving cash.

Key skills and tools driving IoT innovation include:

• MQTT (a lightweight messaging protocol for efficient data transmission between devices and servers).
• RFID (tech that uses radio waves to identify and track objects, enabling real-time inventory management and supply chain optimization).
• IoT programming (proficiency in languages like Python, C++, and JavaScript for developing IoT apps, firmware, and backend systems).
• Cloud computing (knowledge of platforms like AWS IoT and Microsoft Azure IoT Hub for scalable device management and data processing).

According to a recent report, the IoT market in Saudi Arabia is projected to grow from $6.1 billion in 2022 to $11.4 billion by 2027, with a CAGR of 13.4%.

This growth trajectory highlights the massive potential for IoT professionals in shaping the kingdom's digital transformation journey.

The digital world is taking over like crazy in Saudi Arabia, and if you want to stay on top of your game, you gotta master digital marketing skills. It's no longer an option; it's a necessity.

Companies are going all-in on leveraging online platforms to connect with their audience and drive sales.

The numbers don't lie – the e-commerce market in Saudi Arabia is expected to hit $24.8 billion by 2024.

That's insane! And with big players like Careem and Saudi Arabian Airlines leading the charge, you can bet your bottom dollar that digital marketing skills are in high demand.

So, what exactly are we talking about here? Well, for starters, you need to be a master of SEO – that's how you get your website ranking on the first page of Google.

Marketing agencies are also going all-in on social media marketing, creating killer campaigns on platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok.

And let's not forget about content marketing – producing top-notch, SEO-friendly content that keeps your audience hooked.

But here's the real kicker – data analytics.

You gotta be able to crunch those numbers and make sense of all the website traffic, ad performance, and social media metrics. That's how you optimize your campaigns and stay ahead of the competition.

The digital revolution is happening, and Saudi Arabia is at the forefront.

If you want to land that dream job in tech in 2024, you better start sharpening your digital marketing skills. Trust me, it's gonna be crucial.

To make sure we got the real deal on the hottest tech skills Saudi Arabia companies are looking for in 2024, we did some serious research. We dug into reports from big names like the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming and Drones (SAFCSP), which gave us the inside scoop on emerging trends and what skills are in demand across major industries like finance, oil and gas, and healthcare. We also checked out the actual job postings from top Saudi employers like Saudi Aramco, NEOM, STC, and SABIC to see exactly what tech roles and skills they're hiring for.

We got the lowdown straight from the source - HR pros and industry experts who gave us the real deal on the tech talents and skills that Saudi employers value most. To make sure we stayed ahead of the game, we used some super cool data mining tools to analyze real-time job posting data.

This let us spot new skills trends as they emerged, track demand across different industries and regions, and find out which certs and tools are the most sought-after. We even teamed up with major Saudi tech associations like the Saudi AI Society and the Saudi Cloud Computing Association to get insights from the experts shaping Saudi Arabia's tech future.

One data scientist from Saudi Aramco said,

"As Saudi Arabia accelerates its digital transformation, we're seeing an unprecedented demand for professionals skilled in data analysis, cybersecurity, and cloud computing across all sectors."

By combining all this intel from multiple sources, we've got the ultimate guide to THE tech skills you need to succeed in Saudi Arabia in 2024 and beyond.

The tech scene in Saudi Arabia is straight-up booming, and if you want a piece of that sweet, high-paying job action, you gotta pack your skills bag with the hottest tech skills employers are craving for in 2024.

We're talking data science, AI, machine learning, cybersecurity (those hackers ain't playin'), cloud solutions, blockchain (crypto, baby!), and slick web and mobile development skills.

It's a whole buffet of opportunities out there!

But how do you load up on these mad skills, you ask? Well, coding bootcamps are the way to go. Places like Nucamp offer intense training programs that'll have you coding like a pro in no time.

They'll teach you the latest tools and technologies, from Python and JavaScript to React and everything in between. And the best part? You'll be job-ready before you know it!

Of course, certifications are a major flex too.

Companies in Saudi are straight-up drooling over folks with certs from big names like AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Cisco. Especially in fields like cybersecurity and cloud computing – they can't get enough of that certified talent.

So, if you want to really stand out, make sure to add some fancy certifications to your resume.

Now, if you're thinking of making a career switch to tech, here's the game plan:

1. Level up: Sign up for online courses, bootcamps, or hit the books – whatever it takes to gain those in-demand skills.
2. Build a killer portfolio: Show off your coding chops with some impressive projects.
3. Network like a boss: Attend industry events, join online communities, and connect with the tech pros.
4. Get certified: Earn those globally recognized certs to prove you're the real deal.

Keep learning, keep hustling, and you'll be living that sweet tech life in Saudi Arabia before you know it!