As Saudi Arabia continues to position itself as a leader in the digital transformation of the Middle East, global technology giant SAP is taking significant steps to enhance its footprint in the Kingdom. Recognizing the country’s strategic importance, SAP has unveiled its first regional Innovation Hub and an SAP Experience Center in Khobar to foster innovation and collaboration among customers and partners.
Empowering Saudi Arabia’s Digital Future
In a notable alliance with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), SAP has extended its Academy of Engineering program until 2025. This initiative aims to equip Saudi nationals with advanced technology skills, aligning with the nation’s Vision 2030 goals. His Excellency Eng. Haitham AlOhali, Vice Minister of MCIT, emphasized the significance of such investments, stating that they are crucial for creating a technology-driven workforce that can transform key industries across the Kingdom.
Ahmed AlFaifi, Senior Vice President and Managing Director for SAP in the Middle East Africa region, expressed SAP’s commitment to supporting Saudi Arabia’s digital growth. “Our investment in the SAP Experience Center and Innovation Hub is a testament to our dedication to advancing the Kingdom’s digital marketplace. These efforts are part of our broader strategy to accelerate new technology adoption and establish a strong partner ecosystem,” AlFaifi said.
Innovation Hub: A Collaborative Ecosystem
The newly established SAP Innovation Hub is set to become a cornerstone for collaborative innovation in Saudi Arabia. This facility will bring together SAP’s global and regional experts, local businesses, startups, and partners to co-create solutions and generate business value tailored to the Saudi market. Industries such as oil and gas, energy, logistics, and telecommunications are among those invited to participate, reflecting the diverse opportunities available within the Kingdom.
Moreover, SAP’s support extends to the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology’s Center of Digital Entrepreneurship (CODE) startup program. This initiative is designed to nurture digital entrepreneurship and foster a culture of innovation, making it a vital component of Saudi Arabia’s technological landscape.
Advancing Skills with the Academy of Engineering
The SAP Academy of Engineering program has already seen remarkable success, with 127 IT talents graduating in 2023. This program, which targets promising Saudi national technology talents, is set to expand further with 150 additional participants planned for 2024. The curriculum includes comprehensive training in IT technology, application development, and AI, both in Saudi Arabia and at SAP’s facilities in San Ramon, California.
This rigorous program begins with a coding challenge and includes both virtual and in-person learning experiences, culminating in a graduation ceremony. It complements other SAP initiatives like the SAP University Alliances and the SAP Young Professionals Program, all of which aim to build a robust knowledge economy and enhance career opportunities for Saudi nationals.
AlFaifi highlighted the importance of such programs, stating, “Technology is the engine that will drive much of Saudi Arabia’s growth. SAP’s initiatives, like the Academy of Engineering, are essential for developing a cadre of future leaders capable of leveraging emerging technologies to address challenges and create opportunities within the Kingdom.”
As Saudi Arabia continues to transform its economy, the collaboration between SAP and the Kingdom sets the stage for a promising future, inviting foreign investors and companies to be part of this dynamic journey.
