Alawwal Bank becomes first Middle East firm to offer AI training for staff

Saudi Arabia-based Alawwal Bank has partnered with global tech firm Reaktor to train its entire workforce on the basics of artificial intelligence (AI), a statement said on Monday.

“The bank took the unusual step of training all staff in the technology so every team could spot opportunities where AI could benefit the business and its customers,” the statement added.

The bank’s staff will use an online course designed by Reaktor, along with workshops exploring how AI could make a difference at the bank.

“Through the AI training, Alawwal bank hopes to lead the region’s financial services industry in adopting a technology estimated to contribute $320 billion (11 percent) to the Middle East’s GDP by 2030,” the statement added.

The move to train staff in AI is the latest in a line of digital innovations by Alawwal bank, having opened the region’s first digital café branch in Riyadh, as well as being the Kingdom’s first bank to sanction face ID access to services and enabling transactions on the Apple Watch.