Latest news with #HumanCapabilityInitiative
Arab News
01-05-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Qassim region sees 25% growth in business sector over 7 years: Ministry of Commerce
JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia's Qassim region has experienced 25 percent growth in its business sector over the past seven years, reflecting increased economic activity and contributing to the Kingdom's goal of balanced development. The number of commercial records in the central region rose from 68,000 in 2018 to 85,000 by the end of the first quarter of this year, the Ministry of Commerce reported in a post on its official X account. The latest figures showed that the Qassim region saw 1,342 e-commerce registrations, contributing to the overall 6 percent year-on-year increase in the sector. The increase comes as the Kingdom pushes ahead with its economic diversification strategy, aiming to increase the private sector's share of the gross domestic product from 40 percent to 65 percent by 2030. This effort is reflected in a 60 percent increase in commercial registrations in 2024 across the Kingdom, with a total of 521,969 records issued, according to the Ministry of Commerce. Business registrations continued to rise in early 2025, with 154,638 commercial records issued in the first quarter alone, representing a 48 percent year-on-year increase. The ministry report highlighted 'critical sectors' for the Kingdom include technology, tourism, and entertainment, as well as research and development. The report added: 'These sectors offer businesses significant opportunities to grow and expand partnerships.' According to the Ministry of Commerce, a commercial registration certificate verifies a business's official status within Saudi Arabia. These records are essential for operating in the Kingdom, as they are required to open a bank account, hire employees, sign contracts, and conduct other business activities. The data also showed that 71 percent of the total commercial records issued were concentrated in three key regions: Riyadh, Makkah, and the Eastern Province. This surge in registrations aligns with recent reforms to Saudi Arabia's business registration system, including the introduction of the new Commercial Register Law and Trade Names Law. Subsidiary registers have also been abolished, meaning that one commercial register now covers all businesses, and companies no longer need to specify the city of registration, as a single enrollment is now valid nationwide. The bulletin also revealed that 45 percent of the total commercial records issued to institutions are owned by women. In an interview with Arab News in April on the sidelines of the Human Capability Initiative held in the capital, Zeger Degraeve, dean of Prince Mohammed Bin Salman College of Business & Entrepreneurship, emphasized that ensuring balanced regional development is crucial as Saudi Arabia accelerates its economic diversification efforts under Vision 2030. The rise in business registrations in Qassim is aligning with its growing industrial sector, supported by its rich mineral resources, which are a key focus of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 diversification plan. The region's SR122 billion ($32.5 billion) in untapped mineral wealth, including significant deposits of gold, copper, zinc, and phosphate, contributes to the area's industrial development, which has seen substantial growth.
Zawya
23-04-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
HE Sarah Al Amiri highlights UAE's leadership in future-proofing education
United Arab Emirates: Her Excellency Sara bint Yousef Al Amiri, Minister of Education, has highlighted the UAE's leadership in preparing for the future across various vital fields, with the national education sector at the forefront. In recent years, the country has leveraged global partnerships and advanced methods to develop an education system in line with international standards, national aspirations, and its prominent position on the world stage. Her Excellency's comments came during her participation in the second edition of the Human Capability Initiative (HCI) 2025 conference, held in Riyadh under the theme 'Beyond Readiness'. The event convened around 300 ministers, policymakers, and global experts from various academic and private sectors entities to discuss shared visions and exchange expertise in developing human capabilities in line with the rapid global transformation. During the forum, Her Excellency presented the UAE's strategic direction for education development. She emphasised the importance of investing in digital technology, aligning educational policies with national priorities, and building an advanced educational system that focuses on future skills, supports critical thinking and creativity, and enhances adaptability. Her Excellency noted that providing lifelong learning opportunities is a key pillar of empowering individuals and enhancing their readiness for the future. She also spoke about diversifying educational pathways and providing flexible learning environments that meet the needs of various groups. Furthermore, she highlighted the significance of building strategic partnerships with educational institutions and knowledge providers and leveraging digital technologies to build skills and instil the spirit of innovation in children from an early age. During her participation in a meeting of GCC ministers of education as part of the conference, Her Excellency emphasised the importance of integrating digital literacy and artificial intelligence skills into educational policies. She outlined the UAE's efforts to ensure effective and responsible use of technology in schools and beyond. She also shared the Ministry of Education's vision to include the latest technologies in the curricula, equip teachers with the right digital tools, and provide equal access to technology for all addition, Her Excellency discussed the challenges associated with digital transformation, particularly its impact on the job market. In this context, she stressed the need to promote continuous learning, establish a robust educational infrastructure, and develop flexible labour policies that meet tomorrow's demands and ensure inclusive opportunities for all members of society. This is achieved through data-driven educational solutions designed in collaboration with the community to address real-world needs. For further information, please contact: Maher Al Bash Weber Shandwick E: MAlbash@ Sara Abuhassira Weber Shandwick E: SAbuhassira@
Egypt Independent
22-04-2025
- Business
- Egypt Independent
PM affirms presidential directives to boost education quality
CAIRO, April 20 (MENA) – Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly said President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi directed the government to continue raising the quality of education to prepare qualified generations and support national development. Madbouly noted the government is increasing public investments in the education sector, focusing on classroom expansion, school upgrades, and digital integration. Special attention is being given to modern fields like artificial intelligence and digital skills, which are in high demand in today's labor market, he noted. During a meeting with Education and Technical Education Minister Mohamed Abdel Latif, Madbouli reviewed plans for the FY 2025–2026 education budget, which includes expanding technical schools, reducing class densities, and developing applied technology schools in partnership with the private sector. The minister added that efforts are ongoing to align education with job market needs by producing skilled graduates. He also shared outcomes from his recent participation in the Human Capability Initiative conference in Riyadh and a proposal to launch a Google-applied technology school in Egypt. The minister added that inspection visits to schools in several governorates are ongoing to ensure consistent learning outcomes across the country. (MENA)
Middle East
21-04-2025
- Business
- Middle East
OPEN// PM affirms presidential directives to boost education quality
CAIRO, April 20 (MENA) – Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouli said President Abdel Fattah el Sisi directed the government to continue raising the quality of education to prepare qualified generations and support national development. Madbouli noted the government is increasing public investments in the education sector, focusing on classroom expansion, school upgrades, and digital integration. Special attention is being given to modern fields like artificial intelligence and digital skills, which are in high demand in today's labor market, he noted. During a meeting with Education and Technical Education Minister Mohamed Abdel Latif, Madbouli reviewed plans for the FY 2025–2026 education budget, which includes expanding technical schools, reducing class densities, and developing applied technology schools in partnership with the private sector. The minister added that efforts are ongoing to align education with job market needs by producing skilled graduates. He also shared outcomes from his recent participation in the Human Capability Initiative conference in Riyadh and a proposal to launch a Google-applied technology school in Egypt. The minister added that inspection visits to schools in several governorates are ongoing to ensure consistent learning outcomes across the country. (MENA) H A T/R E E
Zawya
15-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
At HCI 2025 global minds convene to accelerate the future of human capability with over 13,000 participants from 120 countries
Riyadh – The second edition of the Human Capability Initiative (HCI), has concluded, hosting over 300 influential leaders, policymakers, and global experts from 40 countries, including academia, private sector, international organizations, and non-profits. HCI 2025 was held under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Chairman of the Human Capability Development Program Committee (HCDP), the organization which hosts HCI. HCI 2025 welcomed over 13,000 participants from 120 countries to the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center in Riyadh under the theme #BeyondReadiness. The conference saw over 100 agreements announced across industry and various economic sectors, with a total investment of SAR8.5bn (US$2.2bn). Among the key agreements, the prestigious London Business School revealed plans to establish a new office in Riyadh. This year's event brought together a stellar lineup, with senior government officials such as the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education of South Korea, joining leaders from the private and nonprofit sectors. Global organizations and top academic institutions were also represented, including the World Bank, International Labor Organization (ILO), World Economic Forum (WEF), United Nations Development Program (UNDP), and UNICEF, as well as Microsoft, Google for Education, Apple Academy, University of Chicago's Harris School of Public Policy and London Business School. The conference served as a dynamic platform for fostering collaboration and innovation in addressing the challenges of a rapidly changing labor market. Speaking at the conference, Dr. Majid bin Abdullah Al-Kassabi, Minister of Commerce said: 'Saudi Arabia today is moving…from ambition to action. Vision 2030 is no longer a roadmap, it's no longer a blueprint. It's transformation in motion, reflecting the ambitions of the Kingdom's leadership and reaffirming Saudi Arabia's commitment to building a prosperous future for its people and strengthening its leadership on both regional and global fronts'. During his opening remarks on the second day of the conference, H.E. Eng. Ahmed bin Sulaiman AlRajhi, Saudi Minister of Human Resources & Social Development, said: 'Throughout history, progress has been driven by those willing to adapt, to innovate, and to embrace change. Today we find ourselves at a time when human capital is not a subset of economy and fiscal policy, it is the defining variable of global prosperity'. In his closing address, H.E. Yousef Al-Benyan, Minister of Education said: 'Throughout this conference, we engaged in powerful dialogues and shared innovative insights that underscore the extraordinary potential within every individual. HCI 2025 demonstrated that sustainable human capability development and meaningful impact require cross-sector partnerships, collective responsibility, and strategic alignment across governments, private sectors, academic institutions and civil society'. HCI hosted a ministerial roundtable, bringing together international human capability development officials alongside leading international experts in education and technology, as well as representatives from local and international organizations. The discussion centered on the theme 'AI Skills for All', which delved into strategies to ensure equitable access to this transformative technology. The conference also marked the launch of the 'Future Skills Initiative' by H.E. the Minister of Commerce and Chair of the Economic and Social Committee of the Saudi–UK Strategic Partnership Council. This initiative seeks to foster the exchange of expertise to cultivate future-ready skills across 13 high-potential sectors. The launch was attended by 40 government officials and 100 business leaders from Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom. This year's agenda focused on pioneering innovative learning models to equip individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in an evolving labor market shaped by rapid technological advancements, particularly in artificial intelligence (AI). At the conclusion of the conference, the Minister of Education and Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Human Capability Development Program, alongside Eng. Anas Al-Mudaifer, CEO, and Dr. Bedour Alrayes, Vice President of the Human Capability Development Program (HCDP), extended their gratitude to HCI partners across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors – both within the Kingdom and globally – for their contributions to the event's success. The conference also provided speakers and delegates the chance to engage in Saudi culture, with the venue offering musical performances, traditional craft workshops and the taste of world-famous Saudi coffee. About Human Capability Initiative (HCI): The Human Capability Initiative (HCI) is the first global cooperative platform designed to unify international efforts and enrich global dialogue on the challenges and opportunities for developing human capabilities. Organized by the Human Capability Development Program – a part of the Vision 2030 realization programs – in partnership with Ministry of Education, HCI unites government entities, the private sector, and nonprofit organizations to foster collaboration and drive innovation in the realm of human capabilities. The conference took place on 13 – 14 April, 2025 at the King Abdulaziz International Conference Center in Riyadh under the theme 'Beyond Readiness'. About Saudi Vision 2030: Under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, Saudi Vision 2030 was launched by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, Crown Prince, and Prime Minister, with a roadmap to build Saudi Arabia's prosperous and bright future through a vibrant society, a thriving economy, and an ambitious nation.
