Budget deficit is ‘intentional’ to ensure sustainable development

Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan said deficit is not merely a consequence but an attempt to achieve development goals. SPA
Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan said deficit is not merely a consequence but an attempt to achieve development goals. SPA
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Updated 12 May 2024
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Budget deficit is ‘intentional’ to ensure sustainable development

Budget deficit is ‘intentional’ to ensure sustainable development
  • ‘As long as deficit is directed toward productive expenses, it is acceptable,’ says Al-Jadaan

RIYADH: Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan on Tuesday said the Kingdom is intentionally running a budget deficit to achieve its development goals.

The Finance Ministry announced the quarterly budget performance report on Sunday. As per the report, the Kingdom posted a deficit of SR12.4 billion ($3.3 billion) in Q1, marking the sixth consecutive quarterly deficit with revenues amounting to SR293.4 billion and expenditures hitting a record SR305.8 billion.

“We’re intentionally running a sustainable deficit for economic development, contrasting with mandatory borrowing in some nations for essential but unproductive expenses,” the minister told Al-Eqtisadiyah in an interview.

He said the deficit is not merely a consequence but an attempt to achieve development goals. The minister said the government prioritizes spending to accelerate the implementation of its development strategies and projects.

Al-Jadaan also shed light on the overall situation of the global economy and how Saudi Arabia’s prudent fiscal policies have supported growth and enhanced the Kingdom’s resilience in dealing with changes.

HIGHLIGHTS

Efforts are underway to attract domestic and foreign investments that stimulate economic growth and contribute to reducing the budget deficit.

Strategic spending has a multiplier effect on the economy, like creating jobs and enhancing trade through infrastructure investments.

Saudi Arabia is committed to optimizing government expenditures by directing them toward promising strategies.

Regarding the budget deficit and its potential impact on the economy, he reassured citizens that managing the budget deficit is a top priority.

The minister clarified that as long as the deficit is directed toward productive expenses, the government views it as acceptable, as it generates economic returns that exceed the cost of debt.

Highlighting sustainable financial policies, Al-Jadaan cited the government’s efforts to reduce its reliance on oil revenues by diversifying sources of income.

He said non-oil revenues made up 38 percent of the total income in 2023, compared to 9 percent in 2015. The minister said the ratio of non-oil revenues to covering expenditure ceilings was about 17 percent in 2015 and surged to reach 35 percent in 2023.

Al-Jadaan said: “Financial policies can enhance financial inclusion and access to funding, both vital for supporting entrepreneurship, small and medium-sized enterprises, and innovation. This contributes to achieving the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which has succeeded in unprecedented achievements across various sectors.”

He also addressed the efficiency of government spending and its pivotal role in fostering economic development and bolstering economic resilience.

“We are committed to optimizing government expenditures by directing them toward promising strategies aimed at diversifying the economic base,” the official added.

He said by the end of 2023, total government spending had reached approximately SR1.29 trillion, reflecting continued progress in implementing initiatives and structural reforms.

These initiatives include regional and sectoral strategies supportive of structural transformation for comprehensive sectoral development and economic diversification, Al-Jadaan added.

Moreover, the finance minister revealed that active efforts are underway to attract both domestic and foreign investments that stimulate economic growth and contribute to reducing the budget deficit.

Commenting on the impact of strategic spending on the national economy, he said it “involves directing and allocating financial resources toward specific goals and priorities that align with long-term economic objectives.”

This is achieved by strategically guiding funds, enabling governments and institutions to stimulate economic growth and development, foster innovation, and enhance productivity, he explained.

The minister went on to say that for instance, investments in additional industrial zones, expanding ports’ capacities, and investing in roads have led to significant growth in industrial investments and logistics services, creating business opportunities and employment for many citizens.

“This supports economic activity and raises the non-oil gross domestic product, thereby increasing non-oil revenues and covering additional debt costs,” he added.

Al-Jadaan said that strategic spending has a multiplier effect on the economy, like creating jobs and enhancing trade through infrastructure investments.

The minister also highlighted Saudi Arabia’s remarkable international presence over the past seven years.

He emphasized that Saudi Vision 2030 has positioned the Kingdom as a preferred and leading destination worldwide.

Al-Jadaan explained: “The foreign direct investment as a percentage of GDP reached 2.4 percent, which stimulated economic growth and bolstered the Kingdom’s competitiveness in the global market, leading it to advance seven positions to become one of the top 20 countries in the Global Competitiveness Report for the year 2023.”

Additionally, Saudi Arabia participated in regional economic integration initiatives, strengthened close economic relations with neighboring countries, and capitalized on regional markets to achieve mutual benefits.

“The Ministry of Finance has undertaken the task of enhancing international cooperation in financial policies through fostering international economic and trade partnerships, exchanging expertise, and promoting development at both regional and global levels,” the minister said.

Al-Jadaan emphasized Saudi Arabia’s commitment to promoting international dialogue. “We take pride in the Kingdom’s strong relations with international organizations, believing in the importance of international cooperation to achieve development, enhance peace and international security, promote human rights, combat climate change, and foster economic collaboration.”

Saudi Arabia chaired the G20 meetings, the most important global economic forum, in 2020 and effectively managed global consensus on addressing the COVID-19 pandemic.

He emphasized that the Kingdom has presented initiatives that are still being implemented globally, including the Debt Service Suspension Initiative for the benefit of poor countries, further enhancing its international standing.

Moreover, Saudi Arabia won the bid to host the 2030 International Expo, further solidifying its international position. The Kingdom’s nominees also secured victories in several international organizations.

In terms of financial and monetary policy, Saudi Arabia’s recent successes and its active participation in local, regional, and international events led the IMF to choose the Kingdom to chair the International Monetary and Financial Committee.

“This reflects the close and long-standing relationship between the two sides, affirming the Kingdom’s commitment to actively participate in shaping and implementing international financial and economic policies,” Al-Jadaan added.

The minister highlighted the IMF’s Riyadh-based regional office and said: “The opening of the IMF’s regional office in Riyadh is a strategic move that reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to enhancing international cooperation and promoting economic stability at the regional level.”


Saudi Arabia eyes $31.6bn space economy as sector gains momentum

Saudi Arabia eyes $31.6bn space economy as sector gains momentum
Updated 13 April 2025
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Saudi Arabia eyes $31.6bn space economy as sector gains momentum

Saudi Arabia eyes $31.6bn space economy as sector gains momentum

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s space economy reached $8.7 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow to $31.6 billion by 2035, according to a new study. 

The Space Market Report 2025, released by the Communications, Space and Technology Commission, stated that the growth encompasses all value-added activities and industries derived from technologies and services, with a projected compound annual growth rate of 12 percent. 

The Kingdom’s space market—focused on commercial services and infrastructure—was valued at $1.9 billion in 2024 and is forecast to reach $5.6 billion by 2035, supported by increased investment in technologies and infrastructure. 

The report aims to chart the growth trajectory of the domestic and global space sectors, while also supporting market development, enhancing competitiveness, and identifying investment opportunities. 

CST Gov. Mohammad Al-Tamimi stated that the strong support from wise leadership is accelerating investment, infrastructure development, and the enabling of national talents. 

He added that these efforts contribute to the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 and aim to establish a competitive, sustainable space economy both regionally and internationally. 

Al-Tamimi also said the analysis is part of CST’s continued work to support the space sector as a new economic driver, contributing to the Kingdom’s global standing in technology and innovation. 

He described the publication as a valuable resource for decision-makers, investors, and entrepreneurs to understand future trends and promising growth opportunities in the sector. 

The study highlights several movements shaping the space industry, including the growth of Earth observation data analysis, infrastructure services, integrated communications systems, and advanced sensing technologies. 

It also notes the increasing development and deployment of small satellites and the expanding role of the private sector in both local and international space markets. 

Globally, the space economy is projected to grow from $687 billion in 2024 to $1.8 trillion by 2035, representing a CAGR of 9 percent. 

The global space market is forecast to increase from $176 billion to $377 billion in the same period, with a CAGR of 7 percent. 


Balanced growth beyond Riyadh vital to Vision 2030, says MBSC dean

Balanced growth beyond Riyadh vital to Vision 2030, says MBSC dean
Updated 13 April 2025
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Balanced growth beyond Riyadh vital to Vision 2030, says MBSC dean

Balanced growth beyond Riyadh vital to Vision 2030, says MBSC dean

RIYADH: As Saudi Arabia accelerates its economic diversification efforts under Vision 2030, ensuring balanced regional development is crucial, according to a senior academic.

Zeger Degraeve, dean of Prince Mohammed Bin Salman College of Business & Entrepreneurship, emphasized the importance of spreading development beyond Riyadh during an interview with Arab News on the sidelines of the Human Capability Initiative in the capital.

“Economic development of the Kingdom outside of the capital city of Riyadh is critical,” Degraeve said. “That still is the intent of KAEC. It’s also the intent of NEOM… you have to bring the whole city along in an economic development process, the whole country.”

He drew parallels with the UK, pointing to regional disparities as a factor in Brexit. “It’s one of the reasons for Brexit, for instance, because of the imbalance in economic development between London and the rest of the UK,” he added.

Degraeve also underscored the role of education in driving sustainable growth, noting that the sector is key to preparing young Saudis for leadership and innovation in a diversified economy.

“Education is a critical strategic sector in Saudi Arabia, with 36 million people and 70 percent below 30,” he noted. “There’s an enormous market that underlines the importance of the sector.” 

MBSC is experiencing rapid growth in student enrollment, signaling strong demand for high-quality academic programs aligned with Saudi Arabia’s evolving economic landscape.

“Four years ago, we graduated 40 students and the next year we graduated 100 students. That was already two and a half times the size of the school,” said Degraeve. “But the year after we graduated 320 students… and this year we have graduated 480 students.”

“That’s an enormous growth which shows the market interest in premium business education in the Kingdom,” he added.

Degraeve credited the surge to the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 initiative, which he said has inspired young Saudis to seek world-class business education that equips them for a dynamic future.

“It is Vision 2030,” he said. “The Saudi youth is really inspired by the business future of the Kingdom… and they are looking for good world-class business education. Prince Mohammed Bin Salman College provides that alternative.”

In response to rising demand across the country, MBSC has expanded its reach through regional partnerships and diversified program delivery.

“Since 2021, we work in partnership with STC Academy to offer our executive MBA program, or Master in Management and a Master in Finance programs here in Riyadh,” Degraeve said.

He continued: “Through Riyadh, we have access to Dammam as well. We are offering programs in KAEC also, which allow us to access Makkah and Madinah.”

The college’s modular program format has also made it easier for working professionals to pursue advanced education without stepping away from their careers.

“It’s a format where students fly in, stay for four days in the program, four days per month over the weekend, and then they are back in the full-time employment,” he explained.

Degraeve emphasized that MBSC’s mission is closely aligned with the Kingdom’s drive to unlock new economic value and diversify its economy.

“The main aim of Vision 2030 is diversification of Saudi’s economy,” he said. “You diversify an economy by taking many, many, many initiatives, value-creating initiatives in a wide range of businesses and industries.”

“Prince Mohammed Bin Salman College develops leaders,” he added. “Leaders do essentially two things… they think about new value-creating initiatives… but that’s not sufficient. Leadership also requires us to act. We sharpen… our students’ execution skills.”

To date, the college has graduated more than 1,200 students, whom Degraeve described as “leaders for the future of the Kingdom.”

He also stressed the importance of preparing students for success on the global stage.

“Actually, we have a duty. It’s a responsibility for us to connect with international organizations,” he said.

Degraeve added: “We make them especially effective to work in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East region… but business is a global activity.”

MBSC has partnered with leading international institutions, including Babson College in the US and Oxford University in the UK, to strengthen its global outlook and educational offerings.


Saudi Arabia continues to leverage AI to propel mining sector, says Alkhorayef

Saudi Arabia continues to leverage AI to propel mining sector, says Alkhorayef
Updated 13 April 2025
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Saudi Arabia continues to leverage AI to propel mining sector, says Alkhorayef

Saudi Arabia continues to leverage AI to propel mining sector, says Alkhorayef

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia is investing in artificial intelligence to drive growth in the mining sector, according to the Kingdom’s minister of industry and mineral resources. 

Speaking in a fireside chat titled “Human Potential – The Critical Foundation of Industrial Transformation” on the first day of the Human Capability Initiative 2025 taking place in Riyadh on April 13-14, Bandar Alkhorayef explained that this focus is significant given that mining is often viewed as a traditional industry where innovation has lagged. 

This falls in line with Saudi Arabia’s goal to increase the mining industry’s gross domestic product contribution from $17 billion to $75 billion by 2035. 

It also aligns well with the nation’s efforts to establish mining as the third pillar of its industrial economy. 

During the session, Alkhorayef said: “When we launched our Future Mineral Form three years ago, actually in this center, we had a small zone that we called tech zone where we invited different innovators from around the world to showcase some of their ideas. It was amazing to see how small ideas can actually be accommodated in the mining sector from up to upstream in mines, for example, where we can see more safer mines, more productive and more energy efficient mines, and so on.” 

He added: “So, in industry, it’s the same thing. We believe that Saudi Arabia has a great advantage in terms of our energy efficiency. Also, AI needs a lot of energy, as you can imagine, and we are spending a lot of money to create the infrastructure to build AI, to build data centers, to allow also the investors to come at the same time.” 

The minister went on to highlight significant regulatory efforts — from cybersecurity to broader frameworks — that enable artificial intelligence to operate safely and under strong governance. 

“We have a program that we launched two years ago in the ministry called the Future Factories Program where we incentivize industry investors to tap into new technologies, robotics, or AI,” Alkhorayef said.

He added: “When we look at the industry and mining coupled with the human capital development program, the RDI, the Research, Development and Innovation Program, it creates an ecosystem where talent-based human capital is developed, where we are creating opportunities for the young in the form of jobs but also creating opportunities in the form of actual investment or building the next interpreters.” 

Regarding the Human Capital Development Program, the minister emphasized that it is a key national asset. He noted that the ministry is working to ensure strong coordination between the program and the industrial and mining sectors, as it addresses the broader needs of the nation. 

“Today’s world is moving so fast, and it is very hard for sectors on their own to be responsible for the agility in a cost-cutting element of the economy, which is education and training and skilling and reskilling. So, I think that it’s a great asset for us because it allows us to focus on our own plans where we are at the same time very confident that there is a great effort with great coordination for the sector to have the right talent in place for us to achieve our targets,” Alkhorayef said. 

The two-day event unites government entities, the private sector, and nonprofit organizations to foster collaboration and drive innovation. 

Organized by the Human Capability Development Program — a part of the Vision 2030 realization initiatives — in partnership with the Ministry of Education, the conference is expected to explore breakthrough learning models and strategies for future workforce readiness. 

HCI 2025 will host over 100-panel discussions across four main stages, focusing on key future trends in developing human potential. It will explore innovative methods to empower individuals and communities while fostering stronger public-private sector collaboration to create sustainable and impactful solutions for the future.


Human capital is Saudi Arabia’s ‘strongest driver of wealth,’ says economy minister

Human capital is Saudi Arabia’s ‘strongest driver of wealth,’ says economy minister
Updated 13 April 2025
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Human capital is Saudi Arabia’s ‘strongest driver of wealth,’ says economy minister

Human capital is Saudi Arabia’s ‘strongest driver of wealth,’ says economy minister

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia must fundamentally transform how it develops its people to remain globally competitive in a rapidly evolving economy, according to a Saudi minister. 

During the Human Capability Initiative in Riyadh, Minister of Economy and Planning Faisal Al-Ibrahim emphasized the critical role of talent in developing economies.  

“Countries don’t succeed because of fortune. They succeed because of decisions — hard, deliberate, long-term decisions,” Al-Ibrahim said.  

“The smartest decision any nation can make in any era under any circumstances is to invest in its people.”  

Framing human capital as a core pillar of national strength, Al-Ibrahim described talent — not natural resources — as the true multiplier for growth.  

“Land may contain oil, but only people create value. Infrastructure may enable trade, but only talent drives innovation. And technology may open doors, but only a capable workforce can walk through them,” he said, warning that economies failing to reform their education and workforce systems will struggle to compete.  

“Human capital is the strongest driver of national wealth in advanced economies. It fuels productivity, and in countries that still rely heavily on natural resources, it is the untapped advantage and the growth multiplier,” he said.  

Al-Ibrahim emphasized that while traditional skills and credentials remain vital, they are insufficient without leadership.  

“I’m not talking about the formal kind (of leadership) that comes with position or seniority, but the quiet kind that shows up in decisions, merit, and responsibility,” he said.  

“We’ve produced engineers who can calculate, developers who can code, analysts who can optimize, but how many can challenge, persuade, inspire?”  

He cautioned that the failure to prioritize leadership development would hinder national progress.  

“This is not a soft skill, it’s a hard requirement,” Al-Ibrahim stated.  

“In a volatile world, leadership is the scarce resource that sets nations apart. And unless we build systems that deliberately grow it, we will keep falling short, even when everything else looks great on paper.”  

Citing Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman as a national model, Al-Ibrahim said that His Royal Highness “Is not only leading reform. He is redefining what leadership means in this era — bold, energetic, laser-focused. He doesn’t manage for the status quo. He moves with vision and urgency, exactly what this moment demands and exactly what we must multiply.”  

Five forces for reform  

Al-Ibrahim outlined five structural forces driving the urgency for human capital reform.  

First, he highlighted that automation and artificial intelligence are no longer future concerns — they are already transforming industries and displacing routine work.  

“Education systems built for routine and stability are no longer fit for purpose,” he said.   

Second, Al-Ibrahim stressed that “every job is now a digital job,” making digital fluency as fundamental as literacy and numeracy.  

“Falling behind in digital skills is not an inconvenience — it is economic jeopardy,” he said.  

Third, demographic realities require urgent responses. In countries with aging populations, continuous retraining is essential to sustain output.  

In youthful economies like Saudi Arabia, he posed a critical point: “The question is, will youth find systems and jobs that match their potential, or will that potential go unused and eventually be lost?” 

Fourth, the job market is evolving beyond degrees. “Employers are no longer hiring credentials. They are hiring capability,” he said.  

The mismatch between educational output and labor market demand is “a growth killer.”  

Fifth, Al-Ibrahim addressed talent mobility amid global instability.  

“High-skilled professionals are looking for stable homes, places they can thrive and build,” he said.  

“This is a real opportunity for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. If we build attractive environments with clear pathways, inclusive communities, and forward-thinking policies,” he added.   

A strategic action plan  

To meet these challenges, Al-Ibrahim laid out four strategic actions: realigning education with labor market needs, elevating vocational education, institutionalizing lifelong learning, and fostering deep collaboration between government, business, and academia.  

“We must drastically realign education and the economy,” he said.  

He added: “Curriculum must be shaped by real labor market data in partnership with employers. Fields like AI, climate tech, logistics, tourism, and digital finance are all expanding—our classrooms should reflect that today, not five years from now.”  

Vocational and technical training, he stressed, must be integrated into national strategy.  

“Too many systems still treat hands-on careers as a second choice. That is a mistake—and it’s an expensive one,” he said. “Vocational education is economic infrastructure.”  

Lifelong learning, Al-Ibrahim said, must become standard policy. “People entering the workforce today will need to re-skill again and again,” he said, calling for co-investment by government and employers to support ongoing learning as a shared responsibility.  

Finally, he called for a systemic, long-term approach to collaboration. “No one can do this alone—not government, not business, not academia,” he said.  

“When we align incentives, share accountability, and build for the long term, we don’t just produce the skills we need—we produce competitive advantage,” he added.   

He highlighted that Saudi Arabia is already moving in this direction under Vision 2030.  

“Education systems are reforming. They now emphasize digital skills, entrepreneurship, and critical thinking. Vocational training is expanding. Women’s workforce participation is rising. Young Saudis are reshaping entire sectors,” he said.  

“All of this is supported by the Human Capability Development Program — a serious, systems-level investment in national talent.”  

He concluded that there is a challenge for policymakers globally. “Do we treat human capability as a headline or as the foundation? Do we prepare people to chase opportunity or to create it?”  

Al-Ibrahim reaffirmed the Kingdom’s commitment: “No matter how much we invest in infrastructure or technology, there is no return without the right people to lead it. And those people don’t appear by chance—they appear because we chose early, clearly, and repeatedly to believe in them.”  

The second edition of the HCI, running from April 13 - 14 in Riyadh, brings together more than 300 global leaders and attendees from 120 countries to explore solutions for critical gaps in global skills and knowledge.  

Held under the patronage of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the event is hosted by the Human Capability Development Program in collaboration with the Ministry of Education.   

With the theme “Beyond Readiness,” HCI 2025 features over 100 panels, a high-level ministerial roundtable, and major international announcements. The event is part of Human Capability and Learning Week, running through April 16. 


Saudi Arabia launches bold initiatives to empower youth, drive innovation

Saudi Arabia launches bold initiatives to empower youth, drive innovation
Updated 13 April 2025
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Saudi Arabia launches bold initiatives to empower youth, drive innovation

Saudi Arabia launches bold initiatives to empower youth, drive innovation

RIYADH: The opening day of the Human Capability Initiative 2025 in Riyadh marked a significant milestone in the Kingdom’s journey toward empowering youth and fostering innovation with the signing of several agreements and the launch of impactful programs.

In a move underscoring global collaboration, the Kingdom signed an agreement with the Saudi Arabian Scouts Association, the World Organization of the Scout Movement, and the World Scout Foundation.

Under this partnership, Saudi Arabia will invest $50 million over the next decade to support the Messengers of Peace initiative—a global youth-led program focused on peace-building and sustainable development projects.

On the national front, the Kingdom reaffirmed its commitment to transforming education through the National Curriculum Center. This research-driven institution, working with key government entities such as the Ministries of Sports, Education, Economy and Planning, and Culture, aims to empower teachers and better prepare students for global competitiveness.

King Saud University and CEER, the Kingdom’s national automotive company, also signed a memorandum of understanding to promote collaboration in scientific research, training, and knowledge sharing.

Their partnership will emphasize innovation, technical consulting, and talent development—critical elements in building a knowledge-based economy.

In an effort to professionalize the sports sector, the Ministry of Sports, in partnership with the Leaders Development Institute, introduced the Professional License and Program Accreditation Regulation.

This initiative sets a new benchmark for qualifications, training, and the development of athletic professionals in line with Vision 2030.

Further advancing digital capabilities, the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, in collaboration with Noon, launched the second edition of the Digital Future Readiness Program.

This initiative will equip 7,000 Saudi students with generative AI skills, combining hands-on training with cutting-edge digital tools to cultivate future-ready leaders.

The Ministry of Tourism also backed a strategic agreement between Umm Al-Qura University and Ecole Hoteliere de Lausanne to strengthen collaboration in tourism education and training.

KSU launched a new open online training platform, offering certified programs recognized by both the university and the National e-Learning Center.

This platform expands professional development opportunities while enabling developers to contribute and gain academic accreditation for their content.

Additionally, KSU signed agreements with IBM Middle East and the Saudi Authority for Data and Artificial Intelligence to accelerate AI innovation through specialized training and certifications.

The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development also awarded KSU the prestigious Gold Certificate for Accreditation, recognizing its compliance with Universal Accessibility Standards. This milestone underscores KSU’s ongoing commitment to creating an inclusive environment for both students and staff, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals for equitable and accessible education.

In related developments, the King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language launched several initiatives aimed at strengthening Arabic language education and research on a global scale. One key initiative, the “Language Policies Around the World” project, will compile and analyze language policies in non-Arab countries, comparing them with Saudi Arabia’s own approach. The findings will be presented in a comprehensive report, followed by an international symposium to discuss the future directions of language policy.

KSGAAL is also expanding the scope of its Arabic Language Months initiative. In its second phase, the program will continue offering high-quality Arabic teaching programs, focusing on educator training, improving learning methodologies, and enhancing Arabic’s presence worldwide.

Alongside this, KSGAAL is introducing the “Kalamuna” video series, which features over 50 Arabic language experts who will produce 1,000 short video clips—each under two minutes—aimed at simplifying complex linguistic concepts and elevating the cultural status of Arabic. These videos will be shared across a variety of digital platforms.

Additionally, KSGAAL has launched the “Children of Arabic” book series, a collection of 30 interactive books designed for young learners. The series includes literary stories, language games, and coloring/activity books, with the goal of engaging children with both the Arabic language and Saudi culture in an educational and fun way.

Meanwhile, the Heritage Commission has introduced the Heritage Pioneers Program, an annual training initiative aimed at 500 participants in fields such as archaeology, site management, and craft preservation. The program offers participants hands-on experience, mentorship from experts, and collaboration with universities and cultural organizations to develop critical skills in heritage conservation.

Targeting both recent graduates and experienced practitioners, the program plays an important role in supporting Saudi Arabia’s cultural leadership and its broader sustainable development goals.

The Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources signed an MoU with FESTO, a German company, to develop vocational training programs in industrial facilities across the Kingdom.

Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Al-Khorayef also witnessed the launch of NAVA Academy—the first digital glossary for electric vehicle manufacturing and maintenance terminology.

This initiative was launched in partnership with theministry and the King Salman Global Academy for Arabic Language.

The UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, through its Regional Center for Quality and Excellence in Education, established a strategic partnership with the World Bank to advance educational development initiatives.

The first day of the event concluded with the signing of a MoU between the Statistical, Economic and Social Research and Training Centre for Islamic Countries and the Technical and Vocational Training Corp., reinforcing efforts to enhance vocational education and workforce development across the region.

Held under the patronage of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the Human Capability Initiative 2025 runs from April 13-14 at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center in Riyadh. Themed “Beyond Readiness,” the summit brings together more than 12,000 attendees and 300+ speakers from over 100 countries.

Discussions focus on preparing the global workforce for future challenges, with key themes including AI-driven transformations, upskiling strategies, and inclusive development. The event also features the Education Global Exhibition, spotlighting innovations in learning and workforce evolution.