JEDDAH: The future of Saudi employment and human capital development was a key focus at the Red Sea Development and Training Forum in Jeddah, which gathered more than 250 officials, experts, and academics under the theme “Building People, Empowering Capabilities, and Creating Impact.”
Rather than a traditional conference, the two-day forum, which concluded on Saturday, reflected a broader shift in approach, where human capital is increasingly viewed as a core economic asset linked to Saudi Vision 2030 goals.
Abdul Salam Abu Al-Ala, the forum president, said: “Training is no longer a traditional development activity but a strategic driver of development. Building human capabilities is the foundation of sustainable national progress. A nation that invests in people invests in its future; a nation that creates knowledge achieves excellence; and a nation that values development achieves leadership.”
Discussions consistently highlighted Saudization as a key driver reshaping the training ecosystem, particularly in strengthening the link between skills development and employment pathways for Saudi graduates.
Mustafa Hafez Al-Ansari, deputy CEO of Taiba Higher Training Institutes Co., said: “Linking training directly to employment outcomes is essential to closing the gap between skills and market demand, ensuring graduates are better prepared for workplace challenges and that training investments translate into sustainable job opportunities.”
In this context, a panel discussion titled “Human Capital as a Driver of Change: Modern Empowerment Strategies,” chaired by licensed expert and certified professional development trainer Faisal Alshudukhi, highlighted the need for institutions to strengthen empowerment frameworks and align training systems with evolving labor market demands.
He said: “The focus today is no longer only on systems and processes, but on empowering human capital and ensuring training outcomes keep pace with rapid digital transformation.”
Academic contributions also highlighted innovation in training methodologies. A paper presented by Ya’n Allah Al-Qarni, professor of curriculum and teaching methods at King Abdulaziz University, examined neuroscience-based training approaches.
He said: “Modern training design should engage multiple senses, encourage social interaction, and create positive emotional experiences that enhance learning effectiveness, strengthen memory retention, and ensure knowledge is retained and applied in real learning environments.”
The forum also explored evolving institutional practices, with Monira Khalifa Al-Muharraf, executive leadership trainer and HR consultant, saying: “Effective decision-making increasingly relies on emotional intelligence, soft skills, and the leadership environment, as modern workplaces demand more adaptive and human-centered approaches.”
Abdul Latif Al-Ghamdi, trainer at the Judicial Training Center, added: “The legal sector is also undergoing rapid transformation and requires continuous alignment with legislative updates and technological advancements to ensure legal professionals are prepared for an evolving judicial environment.”
On coaching and professional development, Rasha Nabil Al-Ajuz, vice president of the Saudi Chapter of the International Coaching Federation, said: “Coaching is now a core mechanism for building sustainable professional communities through structured development and self-awareness. Positive organizational impact begins with leadership that builds flexible, motivating, and trust-driven environments where employees are empowered to contribute effectively.”
The event highlighted that professionalizing the training sector through clear standards and measurable indicators is essential to ensure quality outcomes and credibility.
The forum also addressed rehabilitation and employment integration. Noura Jaafar Al-Shaibani, social development researcher and certified family consultant, said: “True rehabilitation is not complete without professional empowerment that enables individuals to re-enter the labor market effectively, ensuring recovery is matched with skills development and clear pathways to sustainable employment.”
Ahmed Mohammed Al-Ghamdi, founder and chairman of Qudwati Charitable Endowment in Makkah, said: “Values are the foundation of any sustainable training system; without them, development loses impact and credibility, and workforce development cannot achieve its goals of producing skilled professionals who combine competence with integrity in a labor market shaped by Saudization and ongoing transformation.”
