Saudi ministry creates ‘skill development’ strategy to enhance Saudization

1 / 2
Abdullah Abuthnain (left) speaking at the opening session of the First Scientific Conference for Labor Market Research, Studies, and Indicators in Riyadh. (Supplied/HRDF)
Short Url
Updated 17 May 2022
Follow

Saudi ministry creates ‘skill development’ strategy to enhance Saudization

  • The ministry has established a “forecasting of supply and demand” unit within the human capacity development program, which will provide researchers with data, information and insights into labor market trends

RIYADH: The Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development is focusing on a skills strategy to improve professional standards for workers and those entering the labor market, according to Abdullah Abuthnain, the vice minister.

Abuthnain said that the strategy will benefit more than 200 professions, with skills councils establishing employment standards, as well as on-the-job training programs, in important economic sectors.

FASTFACT

The strategy will benefit more than 200 professions, with skills councils establishing employment standards, as well as on-the-job training programs, in important economic sectors.

The vice minister made his comments during the inaugural Scientific Conference for Labor Market Research, Studies and Indicators, organized by the National Labor Observatory, an affiliate of the Human Resources Development Fund, in collaboration with Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University.




Academics and professionals gathered in Riyadh on Tuesday for the First Scientific Conference for Labor Market Research, Studies, and Indicators organized by Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University.  (Supplied/HRDF)

During the opening session of the two-day conference in Riyadh on Tuesday, Abuthnain said that Saudi Arabia’s labor market is presently in “a phase of big reforms,” including eight strategic labor market themes and 25 development initiatives.

The ministry has established a “forecasting of supply and demand” unit within the human capacity development program, which will provide researchers with data, information and insights into labor market trends.

The unit identifies opportunities and challenges facing the labor market by issuing specialized reports showing future trends, he said, adding that the unit will primarily assist educational institutions in designing educational and training programs.

Abuthnain expressed optimism about the Kingdom’s labor market, which has seen “positive developments in its indicators and gains,” noting that more than 2 million Saudis now work in the private sector, “the highest figure historically speaking.”




Mohammad Aalmughaiseb, Director of Research and Studies Department at the National Labor Observatory (NLO), Dr. Abdullah Abuthnain, Vice Minister of Human Resources and Social Development for Labor, Dr. Ahmed Al-Ameri, President of Imam Mohammed bin Saud Islamic University, Dr. Lilac Al-Safadi, President of Saudi Electronic University and Dr. Enas Al-Issa, Director of Noura University. (Supplied/ HRDF)

Economic participation has reached 51 percent, while economic participation of Saudi women has also reached 35 percent, “the highest figure historically.”

Turki Al-Jawini, director-general of HRDF, said that the fund had redesigned support programs with a focus on the impact assessment and analysis of big data; their relevance to the needs of beneficiaries; the possibility of measuring their reach, impact and efficiency; and the application of a governance model that enables the fund to adjust the design of the program to suit changing market needs.

“We at HRDF will work to develop and implement labor market policies by creating a sustainable national workforce, developing human cadres’ skills, providing them with knowledge and qualifications, and aligning them with labor market and job needs,” he said.

“We will use a strategy that prioritizes the beneficiary in the design and delivery of works and services and modernizes the human resources system by utilizing visions and sketching future labor market directions.”

Al-Jawini said that the HRDF strategy focused on three main objectives: Reducing the gap between education outcomes and labor market needs, increasing the efficiency of matching supply and demand, and enabling sustainable employment for groups facing labor market challenges.

Among the most significant problems for graduates is understanding labor market needs, linking labor market requirements with their skills, having the necessary experience, and possessing the most in-demand soft skills.

Direct coaching and mentoring for leaders comes within the framework of programs that support and empower women in the labor market, he said.

About 1,000 female leaders benefited from the programs, which helped find jobs for more than 65,000 women in private sector companies. Around 3,500 Saudi mothers benefited from Qurrah, a program that supports child care.

Al-Jawini said that about 51,000 Saudi women employees benefited from Wusool, a program that supports transport for female workers. About 7,000 job-seekers were employed in 2021, thanks to the Tamheer program, which offers female workers on-the-job training.

Mishaal Aledwani, professor of administration and educational planning at Imam Muhammad bin Saud Islamic University, said that Saudi universities are undergoing substantial change as a result of external developments, as well as advances in technology and knowledge development.

The Saudi labor market needs skilled graduates who can work efficiently. Saudi universities face challenges maintaining their status and excellence, both locally and internationally, through the use of innovative learning methods and the provision of training programs for students, Aledwani said.

According to the former dean of the faculty of social sciences, Saudi universities’ performance in adapting graduates to the needs of the labor market is “average.”

Aledwani said that his research had revealed that one of the most significant challenges facing universities is inadequate training and qualification of students before they enter the labor market.

This includes poor coordination between universities and employers to determine the skills graduates need.

Zaid Al-Khumishi, educational supervisor at the Saudi Ministry of Education, discussed the application of artificial intelligence in human resource professional development to suit the needs of the Saudi labor market.

Al-Khumishi has worked in the education industry for almost two decades, recruiting specialists in electronic technology to build training programs employing artificial intelligence.

He suggested designing artificial intelligence-based training programs that meet the needs of the Saudi labor market and workers “by conducting a comprehensive survey of those needs and setting priorities for them to build training programs that meet those needs.”


Thunderstorms expected across Kingdom until Sunday

Updated 19 March 2025
Follow

Thunderstorms expected across Kingdom until Sunday

  • Thunderstorms are expected to continue across most regions of the Kingdom until Sunday

RIYADH: Thunderstorms are expected to continue across most regions of the Kingdom until Sunday, leading the General Directorate of Civil Defense to urge the public to exercise caution, stay in safe areas, avoid flood-prone valleys and watercourses, and refrain from swimming in them.

It emphasized the importance of following official instructions issued through media outlets and social media platforms, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.

According to the report, the Makkah region will experience moderate to heavy rainfall, leading to flash floods, hail and winds, causing dust and sandstorms.

Similar conditions are expected in the Riyadh region.

The directorate indicated that the regions of Madinah, Baha, Asir, Jazan, Qassim, and the Eastern Province will also experience moderate to heavy rainfall. Moderate rain is expected in the Najran region while the Hail region will have light showers.


Saudi Arabia cracks down on foreign truck violations

Updated 19 March 2025
Follow

Saudi Arabia cracks down on foreign truck violations

  • Inspection teams have seized 25 trucks illegally transporting goods in cities

RIYADH: The Transport General Authority is stepping up inspections on foreign trucks in Saudi Arabia to enforce land transport regulations.

Inspection teams have seized 25 trucks illegally transporting goods in cities, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.

Each offense resulted in a SR10,000 ($2,666) fine and immediate impoundment of the vehicle, the SPA added.

In Riyadh, 86 inspections revealed 24 offenses and impoundments, while in Jeddah, one offense and impoundment were recorded from eight inspections.

The authority reaffirmed its zero-tolerance policy, which results in a SR10,000 fine and a 15-day impoundment for first-time offenders.

Repeat offenses result in escalating penalties: SR20,000 and 30 days for the second offense; SR40,000 and 60 days for the third; SR80,000 and 60 days for the fourth; and SR160,000 and 60 days for the fifth. Persistent offenders face having their vehicles confiscated.

These nationwide campaigns enhance transport oversight, ensure fair competition, and support the national carrier, the SPA reported.

In collaboration with relevant bodies, the authority has set four key regulations for foreign truck operations: obtaining an electronic transport document via “bayan.logisti.sa,” limiting transport to return journeys, complying with local carrier rules, and settling offenses before entry or exit.


KSrelief delivers food aid to thousands in need

Updated 19 March 2025
Follow

KSrelief delivers food aid to thousands in need

  • In Somalia’s Bay region, 1,200 packages were distributed to families
  • In Syria, KSrelief distributed food baskets to 600 families in Daraa governorate

RIYADH: Saudi aid agency KSrelief has delivered thousands of food baskets to some of the world’s most vulnerable people, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.

In Somalia’s Bay region, 1,200 packages were distributed to families in need as part of the Etaam Ramadan food project.

In Jhenaidah district, Bangladesh, 200 packages were distributed, while 685 baskets were given to needy families in Lebanon.

In Syria, KSrelief distributed food baskets to 600 families in Daraa governorate.

Now in its fourth phase, the Etaam project aims to distribute more than 390,000 food parcels in 27 countries during Ramadan, benefiting 2.3 million people at a cost of more than SR67 million ($17.8 million).

KSrelief also distributed 1,100 baskets in Khartoum, Sudan. The project will distribute 30,000 parcels to displaced people returning to their homes.


Manga Productions looks to attract Japanese investment for Riyadh Season

Updated 19 March 2025
Follow

Manga Productions looks to attract Japanese investment for Riyadh Season

  • New pact inked with entertainment firm Sela
  • Promotions to take place at Anime Japan 2025

RIYADH: Manga Productions, a subsidiary of the Mohammed bin Salman Foundation, or Misk, has signed a new strategic partnership with the Saudi Arabia entertainment company Sela.

The partnership aims to strengthen collaboration with renowned Japanese companies and create new opportunities for their participation in Riyadh Season, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Wednesday.

Potential collaborations will enable Japanese companies to engage with Saudi Arabia and international audiences through events and experiences in the Kingdom with the facilitation of Manga Productions, the SPA reported.

In 2022, Sela unveiled a 33-meter-tall statue of the anime character Grendizer, which set a Guinness World Record during Riyadh Season of that year.

This year, Manga Productions announced its official sponsorship of Anime Japan 2025, one of the world’s leading events in the creative industry.

During the event from March 22 to 25, the company’s booth will promote investment opportunities, according to the SPA.

This article also appears on Arab News Japan


Saudi Arabia condemns attempted assassination of Somali president

Updated 19 March 2025
Follow

Saudi Arabia condemns attempted assassination of Somali president

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia condemned on Wednesday an attack that targeted the convoy of Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.

A roadside bomb exploded near the presidential residence on Tuesday shortly after Mohamud’s convoy left the palace grounds, but the head of state was unharmed, according to officials.

A Saudi Foreign Ministry statement said: “The Kingdom reaffirms its solidarity with the Federal Republic of Somalia and its people against all threats to its security and stability, reiterating its firm stance in rejecting all forms of violence, terrorism, and extremism.”

Reports said that up to four people had been killed, including a journalist who was in a nearby building that collapsed after the explosion.

Somali militant group Al-Shabab claimed responsibility for the attack.

The president’s entourage was traveling to the airport to head to the frontlines in Middle Shabelle, where Mahamud is expected to oversee the military campaign against the militant group.

The Somali government has increased its effort to crush Al-Shabab in recent months in Middle Shabelle as well as other regions.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also condemned the attack and reaffirmed the global body’s commitment to Somalia’s people and government.

The British embassy in Mogadishu denounced the attack and offered condolences to the victims.

“The UK remains a steadfast partner to the Somali Government as they fight the violent extremists behind this despicable attack,” the embassy said in a statement.

Mohamud was in the Kingdom in November to attend the Extraordinary Arab and Islamic Summit in the Saudi capital Riyadh, where he reaffirmed Somalia’s support for the Palestinian people and urged for there to be a ceasefire in Gaza.