Saudi ministry creates ‘skill development’ strategy to enhance Saudization

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

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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.”


Manga Productions looks to attract Japanese investment for Riyadh Season

Updated 6 sec ago
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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
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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.


Ramadan in Saudi Arabia: Why expats love to celebrate in the ‘homeland of Islam’

Updated 18 March 2025
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Ramadan in Saudi Arabia: Why expats love to celebrate in the ‘homeland of Islam’

  • Muslim expatriates blend Saudi customs with home traditions
  • Spiritual practices and social gatherings enjoyed by people of all nationalities

RIYADH: Many Muslim expatriates in Saudi Arabia, despite being away from their families and home countries during Ramadan, cherish the time spent in the “homeland of Islam” during the holy month.

“The expats spending the holy month in the homeland of Islam are fortunate, both in terms of spiritual satisfaction and piousness as well as personal experiences, and for those who are new to the Kingdom, there is a lot to look forward to for a whole new experience,” said Nafisa Usmani, an Indian homemaker who has lived in Riyadh for more than two decades.

“You can sense the Ramadan vibes here everywhere you go. The streets at night during Ramadan are packed and everything that is dull during the day comes to life in the night,” she added.

Ramadan in Saudi Arabia has become a model of brotherhood that transcends borders and nationalities, with increased gatherings among families and friends in homes. (SPA/Supplied)

“I can say from my decades of experience here that there is no other place better than Saudi Arabia to spend time in Ramadan and celebrate its spirit including the opportunity to go to the mosque and do group Taraweeh prayers,” Usmani said.

“Ramadan is a time of great significance for Muslims and it is observed with great importance in Saudi Arabia. You also have the opportunity to go to the two holy cities — Makkah and Madinah — and perform Umrah and Ziyarah during the holy month while staying here,” she added.

Echoing the sentiments, Lebanese expat Farah Fouad said that she is very excited to celebrate yet another Ramadan in Saudi Arabia due to the special significance of the holy month in the Kingdom.

I can say from my decades of experience here that there is no other place better than Saudi Arabia to spend time in Ramadan and celebrate its spirit.

Nafisa Usmani, Indian homemaker

“Being in the heartland of Islam you can sense the Ramadan spirit here everywhere you go,” she added.

Iffat Aabroo, another Indian homemaker in Riyadh, said: “It’s very nice to spend Ramadan here. Markets are open until suhoor, there is the crowd bustling in the streets keeping the night alive and those that are shopping to prepare themselves for the Eid Al-Fitr festival.

Ramadan in Saudi Arabia has become a model of brotherhood that transcends borders and nationalities, with increased gatherings among families and friends in homes. (SPA/Supplied)

“Hotels make elaborate Ramadan tent arrangements, both delicacies as well as decorations.”

She added that Ramadan is not just a religious observance, but also a cultural phenomenon, reflected by acts of spirituality and social bonding.

Sharing her experience, Ambreen Faiz, a Pakistani writer living in Yanbu, told Arab News: “I have been living in Saudi Arabia for the past 27 years.

An Indian community iftar party in Riyadh. (Supplied)

“When I first arrived in Riyadh in 1998, I was sort of mesmerized witnessing the festivities of the holy month of Ramadan in the Kingdom. Every Muslim anxiously waits for the advent of the holy month of Ramadan.”

She added: “Many women that I know of from Pakistan become as excited as I do when the holy month arrives. We do not want to go for vacation during Ramadan and in fact want to stay in the Kingdom to welcome Ramadan and enjoy the festivities that it brings along.

“We women friends chalk out our programs of iftar parties. And we prepare Pakistani delicacies of Ramadan — chole, pakore, samose, dahi barey, fruit chaat and whatnot. Such delicacies are liked and enjoyed by all ages,” she said.

Delicacies from Iftar table of a Sri Lankan expat in Riyadh. (Supplied)

“Ramadan is very much enjoyed by the kids especially when we go to Haramain to perform Umrah,” Faiz said, adding: “I am thankful to Allah that he has blessed us with the opportunity to live in Saudi Arabia and enjoy the festivities of Ramadan.

“Ramadan in Saudi Arabia is way better than it is in the sub-continent or any other country,” said Mohammed Naeem, a Pakistani expatriate.

“I always prefer spending Ramadan here because everything is so smooth and there is so much dedication to the almighty Allah during Ramadan. People actually know the true value of the holy month and they act accordingly here.”

Delicacies from the Iftar table of a Pakistani expat. (Supplied)

Ramadan for many expatriates is often marked by a mix of traditions from home and the Kingdom.

Ifthikar Ansari, a Sri Lankan working in the Eastern Province, told Arab News: “We love staying here during Ramadan and enjoy a mix of Sri Lankan and Saudi delicacies.

“In Sri Lanka, where a significant percentage of the population observes fasting during the sacred month of Ramadan, their iftar meals are characterized by a special blend of flavors and traditions.

“A customary dish on their iftar table is a porridge made with rice and coconut, often complemented by the addition of beef or chicken, along with a spicy chili chutney.

“Bringing it to our iftar table here with dates, an essential component of an iftar meal, and some Saudi delicacies are a routine thing, and the iftar spread is further enriched with other delicacies such as cutlets, and patties,” he added.

“To quench the thirst, tropical fruit juices featuring wood apple, pineapple and king coconut are favored choices, ensuring a healthy and refreshing conclusion to the day of fasting,” Ansari said.

 


Grand Mosque in Makkah furnished with 33,000 Saudi-made luxury carpets for Ramadan

Updated 18 March 2025
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Grand Mosque in Makkah furnished with 33,000 Saudi-made luxury carpets for Ramadan

  • High-quality carpets are known for their durability and designed to handle heavy foot traffic 
  • Carpets are used on Fridays and during the month of Ramadan

MAKKAH: Saudi authorities have furnished the Grand Mosque in Makkah with thousands of luxury carpets during the holy month of Ramadan.

The General Authority for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque said that the 33,000 luxury carpets were made in Saudi Arabia, and known for their high quality, exquisite craftsmanship, and durability.

The carpets, each measuring 1.2 meters by 4 meters or 1.2 meters by 3 meters, are used on Fridays, during the month of Ramadan, and in other peak seasons, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Carpets are 1.6 cm thick and able to cope with heavy foot traffic, the SPA added.

One of the authority’s missions is to provide services and attend to the needs of Hajj and Umrah pilgrims and visitors to the Two Holy Mosques in Makkah and Madinah.

The authority announced this week that it provided almost 11 million iftar meals to Umrah pilgrims and other worshippers at the Two Holy Mosques in Makkah and Madinah during the first half of Ramadan, a time of worship for Muslims who fast from sunrise to sunset.


Saudi regional emirs' annual meeting reviews security and sustainable development

Updated 19 March 2025
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Saudi regional emirs' annual meeting reviews security and sustainable development

  • A number of topics were reviewed including enhancing security and stability, achieving comprehensive and sustainable development, and serving the nation

JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s Interior Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif chaired the 32nd annual meeting of the emirs of the Kingdom’s regions at the ministry’s headquarters in Jeddah on Tuesday.

Prince Abdulaziz conveyed the greetings of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and emphasized the directives to maintain security and facilitate all matters for citizens, residents, and visitors around the Kingdom, Saudi Press Agency reported.

During the meeting, a number of topics were reviewed including enhancing security and stability, achieving comprehensive and sustainable development, and serving the nation.