Saudi Arabia introduces Madarik program to aid development of nation’s space industry

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Communications, Space and Technology Commission on Tuesday launched a program designed to empower and develop national capabilities in the space sector.

The Madarik program, which will run from May 5 to Aug. 15 in collaboration with specialist international institutions, aims to build a sustainable future for the sector by drawing on the knowledge of partners with experience in the field to develop professional pathways for Saudi citizens, officials said. The goal is to build a foundation of knowledge in the space sciences to help participants in the program take their first steps on their journey to develop their skills and play a part in the growth of the nation’s space sector. 

The commission said the program has been developed in partnership with the International Space University in France, the Georgia Institute of Technology, the Thunderbird School of Global Management in Arizona, and BAE Systems Saudi Development and Training, with Al-Yamama University in Riyadh as an educational partner.

In-person courses will take place in Riyadh and Jeddah, but registered participants in all parts of the Kingdom will be able to attend virtually.

The commission said recent graduates and professionals chosen to take part in the program will join one of three specialized tracks. Space business development targets those with experience in strategy, business administration, economics and the law.

The space data and software track is for people who specialize in computer science, data science, data engineering and cybersecurity. And the space engineering track is for those qualified in engineering disciplines.

Applicants for the Madarik program must be Saudi nationals, have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, be proficient in English, and meet all other registration requirements, the commission said.