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English Skills Gain Importance in Saudi Arabia’s AI-Driven Workplace

Prime Highlights-

  • English proficiency is becoming increasingly important in Saudi Arabia’s AI-driven business environment.
  • Arabic remains central to business culture while demand for bilingual skills continues to rise.

Key Facts-

  • ETS is a US-based educational testing organization that studies global English language skills.
  • Around 92% of Saudi HR leaders say English skills are more important today than five years ago.

Background-

English language skills are becoming increasingly important in Saudi Arabia’s business sector as companies adapt to global and AI-driven work environments, according to industry insights shared in May.

At the same time, Arabic continues to remain a core language for business communication, culture, and customer engagement across the Middle East.

An industry expert said organizations in Saudi Arabia are becoming more global, digital, and cross-functional, which is increasing the need for stronger communication skills.

The comments were shared by Anil Singh, chief business officer for Saudi Arabia at TASC Outsourcing, following a global study on English proficiency in the workplace.

The study, published by ETS, a US-based educational assessment organization, found that nine in 10 HR decision-makers across 17 countries consider English proficiency essential for business success. In Saudi Arabia, 92% of respondents said English skills are now more important than they were five years ago.

Singh said Arabic remains deeply important to regional identity and business culture, while the market is also moving toward bilingual and multilingual skills. He added that professionals are increasingly expected to work confidently in both Arabic and English depending on business needs.

The report also showed that artificial intelligence is increasing, not reducing, the need for strong language skills. Employers said AI tools cannot fully replace human communication skills, especially in understanding, accuracy and decision-making.

Around nine in 10 employers said English is needed to use AI systems effectively, create prompts, and review results. The findings suggest that language skills will continue to be an important requirement as AI use grows in workplaces across Saudi Arabia and the wider region in the coming years.