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Arab News
4 days ago
- Business
- Arab News
‘We will make our country proud': Joy as Saudi graduates take first professional steps
JEDDAH: Hundreds of Saudi students on Thursday graduated from a specialized program targeting job creation in the Kingdom's fast-growing tourism sector. The Red Sea Global Vocational Training Program, held in partnership with King Abdulaziz University and the Human Resources Development Fund, celebrated the graduation of 466 Saudis, the scheme's third cohort of students, across specializations including wellness tourism and hospitality. The ceremony was attended by Jeddah Gov. Prince Saud bin Abdullah bin Jalawi and John Pagano, CEO of the Red Sea Development Company. The two officials delivered a speech highlighting the importance of achieving Saudi Vision 2030 by empowering the nation's youth, building a thriving Saudi industry, and showcasing the Kingdom's natural beauty and hospitality to the world. Pagano said: 'We are proud to see our skill development initiative empower youth and transform lives. By providing access to high quality and job-oriented training programs, we empower the students with the tools they need to confidently enter the workforce and contribute meaningfully to the tourism industry of Saudi Arabia.' RSG is committed to offering employment opportunities for outstanding graduates within its workforce or with partners, he added. The graduation, held at King Faisal Auditorium, saw the signing of an agreement between the Human Resources Development Fund and Red Sea Global to train and employ 1,000 young Saudi men and women in specialized fields, including wellness tourism, hospitality, tourism security and technical services. Turki bin Abdullah Al-Jawini, HRDF director general, said that the fund helped more than 153,000 Saudi men and women find employment in the private sector during the first half of 2024. Al-Jawini showcased the fund's most prominent campaigns, and said that the HRDF develops its programs in partnership with various sectors, with the aim of improving job opportunities and developing human capital. The event also included a keynote address by Raed Al-Basseet, group chief environment and sustainability officer at RSG. He praised the graduates for their resilience, hard work and dedication. 'From the first day you entered the Red Sea Vocational Training Program, you've proven to us that ambition has no limits, and that those with determination and passion can go further than they imagined. Your hard work has become an accomplishment. Your efforts are the beginning of a great professional journey, filled with opportunities and successes that exceed our expectations,' Al-Basseet said. 'Don't stop at this achievement; let it be the beginning of a great and prosperous future. We are always behind you, and we are proud of you.' Later, graduates Naif Najmi, Mishari Al-Jehani, Ghala Al-Buhairi and Ghada Al-Jehani gave thank-you speeches on behalf of their cohort. They highlighted the importance of the support they received, reflected on their journeys and described their hopes for the future. The ceremony was full of emotion and joy among students and their parents. Amer Al-Marawani, a graduate student of tourism security, told Arab News: 'I'm feeling really happy and excited for the beginning of my new journey. In the future, I hope I can contribute to the tourism sector of my country.' Hala Nadri, a graduate specializing in hospitality, said: 'After graduation, it is an outstanding honor for us to serve the country, we are really looking forward to join the workforce anywhere in our touristic sites.' Meanwhile, Jood Majed, a graduate of tourism safety, praised the program's technical depth and encouraged other Saudi women to apply: 'The training programs have been a resounding success and we learned a lot from it. Now, it is our time to pay back our leadership who supported us all these years by working hard, and eventually, we will make our country proud.' Yousef Al-Amri, a graduate in information technology, said: 'I consider myself very lucky to be equipped with these invaluable skills and I am forever grateful to RSG and KAU.'
Leaders
19-06-2025
- Business
- Leaders
HRDF Wins Two Gold Awards at EMEA Customer Service Event
The Human Resources Development Fund (HRDF) has been honored with two prestigious Gold Awards at the EMEA Contact Center World Awards, recognizing its excellence in customer service. HRDF received the Gold Award for Best Contact Center and the Gold Award for Best Use of Social Media in Customer Experience across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA). These achievements were announced during the regional conference held in Berlin, Germany, which brought together leading organizations to celebrate outstanding performance in customer service. HRDF earned these accolades after competing with numerous government bodies and companies from around the globe. Additionally, the rigorous evaluation process was conducted in multiple phases and aligned with top-tier international standards. Judging was carried out by a panel of global experts in customer service and contact center operations. As part of the conference, HRDF presented its approach to enhancing the customer journey through diverse communication platforms and responsive support services. Moreover, the Fund shared insights into its customer engagement strategies, real-time assistance capabilities, use of advanced technologies, performance metrics, and ongoing initiatives to improve access to its programs and services. These awards, along with HRDF's recent local and international recognitions, reflect its unwavering commitment to excellence, quality, and innovation in customer experience. They also underscore HRDF's dedication to boosting operational efficiency, fulfilling service expectations, and driving sustainable outcomes that contribute to the Fund's mission of developing a resilient national workforce—aligned with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030. Related Topics : Saudi Arabia HRDF's Expenditure Hits SAR 6.9 Billion in 9 Months NEOM Tech & Digital Co. Launches Major Cloud Infrastructure Project with Oracle 'Customer service' Jobs for Saudis Only Aqualia, NWC Redefine House Connection Services in Saudi Arabia Short link : Post Views: 19
Arab News
26-05-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Saudi Arabia increases wage support to 50% for tourism sector jobs
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has raised wage subsidies for local workers in the tourism sector from 30 percent to 50 percent, in a strategic push to expand employment opportunities for Saudi nationals and reduce reliance on foreign labor. The initiative, part of the Employment Support Program by the Human Resources Development Fund, was unveiled by the Ministry of Tourism in coordination with other government agencies. It extends financial support to 43 tourism-related professions and is designed to enhance the appeal and sustainability of careers in the sector. According to the Saudi Press Agency, the program aligns with the Ahlaha initiative — the ministry's national workforce empowerment plan — which seeks to train and integrate Saudi citizens into the tourism industry. The updated wage support is expected to encourage more private sector involvement in national workforce development and marks a significant step toward achieving the goals outlined in the Kingdom's National Tourism Strategy, which aims to create 1.6 million jobs by 2030 as part of the broader Vision 2030 economic diversification agenda. 'The step aims to raise the percentage of national employment in the tourism sector, while ensuring job sustainability and stability for Saudi workers,' the SPA report stated. The decision underscores ongoing efforts by the Ministry of Tourism and its partners to empower Saudi men and women in tourism-related roles and increase Saudization rates across the industry. Latest figures from the General Authority for Statistics show that by the fourth quarter of 2024, employment in the tourism sector grew by 4 percent year on year. Saudi nationals comprised 25 percent of the workforce — or 242,073 employees — while expatriates accounted for 75 percent, totaling 724,458 workers. The Riyadh and Makkah regions led the sector in employment numbers. In a related move, authorities announced in April that 41 key tourism roles, including hotel managers, travel agency directors, and tour guides, will be exclusively reserved for Saudi nationals starting April 2026. The decision is part of continued efforts to localize critical job functions and strengthen the domestic workforce.
Leaders
25-05-2025
- Business
- Leaders
Saudi Arabia Boosts Tourism Wage Support to Empower National Workforce
The Ministry of Tourism has announced a significant increase in wage support for Saudi workers in the tourism sector. This increase raises the financial contribution provided through the Human Resources Development Fund (HADAF) from 30% to 50%. This updated support applies to 43 job roles and licensed tourism activities, enhancing the ministry's efforts to localize the sector. Empowering National Talent Through 'Ahlaha' This initiative is part of the 'Ahlaha' program, which aims to equip and employ Saudi nationals in tourism-related professions. By enhancing job stability and workforce sustainability, the program makes tourism careers more attractive for citizens. The ministry emphasized that this move aligns with its ongoing collaboration with relevant government entities to increase Saudization levels across the tourism industry. The goal is to position tourism as a key sector for employment and sustainable economic growth in Saudi Arabia. The enhanced wage subsidy program, administered by HADAF, supports private-sector employers by covering a portion of Saudi employees' wages. This initiative improves job security and incentivizes hiring, ultimately benefiting the entire tourism sector. Advancing Workforce Readiness with Training Programs Additionally, the ministry is advancing national workforce readiness through diverse and modern training programs under 'Ahlaha.' These programs are offered both locally and internationally to upskill Saudi talent and align with global tourism standards. The HRDF wage support program plays a critical role in promoting long-term employment for Saudi citizens by sharing salary costs with employers. Ultimately, this initiative strengthens the domestic labor market and supports the growth of the tourism sector. By investing in Saudi talent, the Ministry of Tourism aims to create a vibrant and sustainable workforce that drives economic development. Short link : Post Views: 1 Related Stories
Asharq Al-Awsat
22-05-2025
- Business
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Saudi Private Sector Employment of Nationals Rises 93% in Q1
Saudi Arabia's Human Resources Development Fund (HRDF) announced a significant increase in the employment of Saudi nationals in the private sector, with 143,000 citizens hired through the Fund's programs during the first quarter of 2025, a 93% growth compared to the same period last year. In its quarterly report, the Fund also revealed that 1.18 million Saudis benefited from its training, empowerment, and career guidance services in Q1, marking a 4% year-on-year increase. More than 98,000 private sector establishments across various industries and regions of the Kingdom benefited from HRDF services during the same period, reflecting a 37% increase over Q1 of the previous year. Notably, 93% of these businesses were small, medium, or micro enterprises, underscoring the Fund's role in supporting grassroots economic development. HRDF disbursed SAR1.8 billion (approximately $480 million) during the quarter to support training, empowerment, and career counseling programs. HRDF Director General Turki Al-Jawini said the Fund operates in close partnership with public and private sector stakeholders to create job opportunities for Saudi nationals. He highlighted ongoing transformations within the Fund, driven by the government's commitment to investing in human capital. Al-Jawini noted that the growing number of individuals placed into jobs through HRDF initiatives reflects the Fund's strategic efforts to respond to labor market changes, improve workforce efficiency, and align with economic priorities. He added that the Fund continues to evolve its support programs to better meet the needs of the market and national development goals. HRDF's focus remains on providing tailored training and career development programs that equip Saudi talent for roles across key sectors, especially those identified as economic priorities.
