Saudi ministry launches initiatives to build sustainable skills ecosystem

Saudi ministry launches initiatives to build sustainable skills ecosystem
The scheme aims to align education and training programs with labor market needs through several projects, including the Waad training initiative. (SPA/File)
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Updated 16 July 2025
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Saudi ministry launches initiatives to build sustainable skills ecosystem

Saudi ministry launches initiatives to build sustainable skills ecosystem
  • Skills Week highlights Saudi Arabia’s vision to equip youth with tools to thrive in a competitive world

RIYADH: The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development marked World Youth Skills Day on July 15, highlighting the Kingdom’s commitment to a skill-based labor market that enhances productivity and competitiveness.

To mark the occasion, the ministry launched Skills Week, running until July 19. It is led by the newly established Skills and Training Deputyship in cooperation with public and private sector partners.

The scheme aims to align education and training programs with labor market needs through several projects, including the Waad training initiative.

Waad addresses gaps between education outcomes and market demands, preparing Saudi youth to compete locally and internationally.

In its first phase, the initiative exceeded its targets by delivering 129 percent of planned training opportunities through 14 private companies. Its second phase aims to offer 3 million training opportunities by 2028, supported by more than 65 public and private sector partners.

The ministry also introduced the Sector Skills Framework tool, which maps more than 8,500 technical skills across 12 key sectors. The tool serves as a strategic guide for developing sector-specific training programs, supported by 13 councils comprising more than 200 experts.

Other initiatives highlighted during Skills Week include the launch of the Saudi Skills Classification Taxonomy to define required skills for each profession, and the release of Skills Survey findings conducted with the World Bank on more than 3,000 firms to identify workforce skill gaps. The ministry also launched Waad Club, a volunteer platform promoting mentoring and knowledge exchange.

Ahmed Al-Zahrani, deputy minister for skills and training, said: “Organizing Skills Week reflects our deep commitment to the goals of the ministry. This effort supports all groups across our labor market.

“We are building a sustainable skills ecosystem integrated with education and training, preparing a young generation ready to drive Saudi Arabia’s transformation and compete globally, in line with Vision 2030.”

All of the initiatives operate within the framework of Saudi Arabia’s Labor Market Strategy, approved by the Council of Ministers in 2020.

The strategy addresses labor market challenges and Vision 2030 goals, aiming to increase labor participation, improve market efficiency and productivity, and reduce unemployment. As a result, labor productivity rose by 4.9 percent in 2022, the highest growth among G20 economies.

The ministry also leads the national skills agenda through the National Skills Strategy, which serves as the Kingdom’s skills policy to guide planning, development, recognition and management.

It aims to bridge the gap between supply and demand, enhance employability across all segments and promote lifelong learning.

Reinforcing this commitment, the ministry launched the Skill Accelerator Program to upskill and reskill more than 300,000 Saudis by 2027.

The program focuses on the top seven sectors driving gross domestic product growth and employment, offering more than 3,000 training programs nationwide in partnership with local and international providers.

Through the Professional Verification Program, Saudi Arabia ensures that skilled workers from more than 169 countries, covering more than 1,000 professions, meet rigorous standards, strengthening labor market quality.

The Kingdom is also reforming its education system through the Human Capability Development Program, spanning nursery to university and lifelong learning, to build a resilient educational foundation aligned with future labor demands.


Manga Productions signs partnership to launch “Sonic” game in the Middle East

Manga Productions signs partnership to launch “Sonic” game in the Middle East
Updated 15 sec ago
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Manga Productions signs partnership to launch “Sonic” game in the Middle East

Manga Productions signs partnership to launch “Sonic” game in the Middle East
  • Game provides extensive vehicle customization options for appearance and performance
  • Game launches with a record-breaking roster of 23 characters, with plans to expand this number post-launch through continuous updates

RIYADH: Manga Productions has signed a publishing and distribution agreement with Japanese company Sega, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.

The launch highlights the popular game Sonic Racing: Crossworlds in the Middle East and North Africa region.

Manga Productions, a subsidiary of the Mohammed bin Salman Foundation (Misk), will collaborate with Sega to launch the game for MENA audiences and provide opportunities for Saudi talent to participate in the publishing process, as well as marketing the game.

Essam Bukhary, CEO of Manga Productions, said that the company has successfully built strategic partnerships contributing to the development of the creative content industry in the Kingdom and the region.

The game provides extensive vehicle customization options for appearance and performance, along with items granting special abilities that affect gameplay style. It also supports online multiplayer, allowing players to compete globally, climb leaderboards and earn rewards.

The game launches with a record-breaking roster of 23 characters, with plans to expand this number post-launch through continuous updates.

These updates will include characters such as Hatsune Miku, Joker from Persona 5 Royal, Ichiban Kasuga from Like a Dragon, plus popular characters from franchises such as Minecraft and SpongeBob SquarePants, among others.

Players can customize their strategies using more than 70 types of items, each offering different skills and features. It supports online multiplayer with a co-play feature, allowing up to 12 players to compete in a variety of modes.


Diriyah Horizon program empowers creative youth

Diriyah Horizon program empowers creative youth
Updated 28 July 2025
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Diriyah Horizon program empowers creative youth

Diriyah Horizon program empowers creative youth
  • Collaborators include the King Abdulaziz Center for Cultural Communication, Saudi Space Agency, iLMI Science Discovery and Innovation Center, and Mahd Sports Academy
  • Program offers hands-on learning experiences to enrich participants and boost educational outcomes

RIYADH: The third Diriyah Horizon youth summer program began on Sunday, organized by the Diriyah Gate Development Authority in partnership with several entities to build youth skills and promote cultural and national values.

Collaborators include the King Abdulaziz Center for Cultural Communication, Saudi Space Agency, iLMI Science Discovery and Innovation Center, and Mahd Sports Academy.

The program offers hands-on learning experiences to enrich participants and boost educational outcomes, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

It reflects the authority’s commitment to education and social responsibility by providing a dynamic environment filled with diverse, skill-building activities.

Running until Aug. 21, the program features six specialized tracks inspired by Diriyah’s heritage and values, including 14 workshops.

The leadership track covers debate, volunteerism and public speaking. The heritage track explores archeological excavation and traditional mudbrick construction. The creative production track focuses on photography and filmmaking. The science track includes water systems, soil science, sustainable energy and aircraft design.

The space track offers interactive sessions on astronomy, space technology and Diriyah’s agricultural seasons, while the sports track features fencing and archery.

Held Sunday to Thursday from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., the program aims to shape a conscious, capable generation rooted in Saudi identity. It fosters pride, cultural awareness, creativity, innovation and real-world problem-solving.


Saudi minister urges global backing for Somali stability at OIC meeting in Doha 

Saudi minister urges global backing for Somali stability at OIC meeting in Doha 
Updated 28 July 2025
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Saudi minister urges global backing for Somali stability at OIC meeting in Doha 

Saudi minister urges global backing for Somali stability at OIC meeting in Doha 
  • Deputy FM Elkhereiji stressed the need to mobilize greater international support for the security, development and stability of Somalia
  • Elkhereiji highlighted the importance of infrastructure and long-term production projects aligned with Somali government priorities

RIYADH: Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Elkhereiji participated on Monday in the meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation Contact Group for Somalia, held in Doha, Qatar.

Elkhereiji stressed the need to mobilize greater international support for the security, development and stability of Somalia, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

He highlighted the importance of infrastructure and long-term production projects aligned with Somali government priorities, including the development of newly discovered natural resources.

He said: “The Kingdom continues to provide relief and humanitarian aid through KSrelief, reflecting its commitment to supporting the Somali people and advancing relief and development efforts that promote stability and reduce human suffering.”

Elkhereiji also reiterated the Kingdom’s support for the Somalia-Ethiopia reconciliation talks in Turkiye, calling it a first step toward peace between the two nations. 

He said the agreement reflects a genuine desire to overcome tensions and build a future of security, stability, and joint development for both nations and the wider organization. 

Elkhereiji condemned attacks aimed at destabilizing Somalia and disrupting national unity. He emphasized the need for collective efforts to combat extremism, which threatens state security, peaceful coexistence and sustainable development.

Elkhereiji also praised Somalia for securing a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for 2025–2026. He described it as a major diplomatic milestone that reflects growing international confidence in Somalia’s role in promoting global peace and security.


Social Development Bank supports local creatives through art initiative

Social Development Bank supports local creatives through art initiative
A man visits an outdoor art show in the old town in the historical Saudi city of Al-Ula. (FILE/AFP)
Updated 28 July 2025
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Social Development Bank supports local creatives through art initiative

Social Development Bank supports local creatives through art initiative
  • This program not only enriches the nation’s cultural landscape but also strengthens the creative economy by integrating original artworks into seven major bank branches across the Kingdom, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.

Saudi Arabia’s Social Development Bank has launched the Art Bank 7 event as part of the second phase of the Art Bank initiative, which invites a wide range of Saudi visual artists and independent creators to showcase their work and compete for acquisition contracts.

This program not only enriches the nation’s cultural landscape but also strengthens the creative economy by integrating original artworks into seven major bank branches across the Kingdom, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.

Jointly managed by the bank and the Saudi Arabian Society for Culture and Arts, the initiative highlights the Kingdom’s dedication to nurturing creative industries and aligns with the Ministry of Culture’s Year of Handicrafts campaign, which celebrates traditional craftsmanship and empowers artisans.

Sultan Al-Hamidi, the bank’s CEO, reaffirmed the institution’s dedication to developing the cultural and creative sectors across three core categories: fine art, handicrafts, and textiles.

He emphasized the importance of institutional collaborations for lasting impact and highlighted the bank’s focus on nurturing domestic talent through professional exhibition and acquisition platforms, ensuring the economic viability of artists and craftspeople while enhancing their cultural influence both locally and internationally.

Khaled Al-Baz, the society’s CEO, said that the program advances the organization’s mission to strengthen the national creative sector and position Saudi artistic expression as a vital part of the cultural identity, thereby supporting creative economic growth and sustainable development goals.

The first phase of the initiative was launched in 2024, bringing together painters, craftsmen, craftswomen, textile artists, and designers to celebrate Saudi identity by decorating the bank’s Riyadh headquarters with striking artwork that reflects local heritage and culture.


Energy minister inaugurates carbon capture unit at KAPSARC

Energy minister inaugurates carbon capture unit at KAPSARC
Updated 28 July 2025
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Energy minister inaugurates carbon capture unit at KAPSARC

Energy minister inaugurates carbon capture unit at KAPSARC
  • Developed in partnership with Swiss company Climeworks, the unit is already operational, capturing carbon dioxide directly from the atmosphere
  • A key objective of the project is to assess the unit’s performance under the Kingdom’s harsh climatic conditions and high temperatures

RIYADH: A new test unit for carbon capture technology was inaugurated by Saudi Arabia’s energy minister on Sunday following its installation at the King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center in Riyadh.

Developed in partnership with Swiss company Climeworks, the unit is already operational, capturing carbon dioxide directly from the atmosphere.

A key objective of the project is to assess the unit’s performance under the Kingdom’s harsh climatic conditions and high temperatures, differing from similar technologies employed in colder countries.

The inauguration follows an announcement in March from Saudi Aramco, which launched the Kingdom’s first direct air capture test unit.

The new unit highlights Saudi Arabia’s commitment to advancing the circular carbon economy by deploying direct air capture solutions in pursuit of its climate objectives aligned with Vision 2030 sustainability goals.

It also demonstrates the economic potential of localizing direct air capture technologies, leveraging the country’s vast renewable energy resources.

The installation of the unit is part of a broader feasibility study launched after a memorandum of understanding was signed last December during the Saudi Green Initiative Forum.

Saudi Arabia has announced a target to capture and utilize up to 44 million tonnes of carbon dioxide annually by 2035 through the development of major Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage hubs in the eastern and western regions.

These centers will be designed to collect industrial emissions and convert captured carbon into high-value products.

Ongoing studies are also exploring the potential to localize key materials and components of carbon capture systems, enhancing opportunities to build a robust domestic supply chain for the emerging sector.