Qiddiya Launches Playmakers Training Programmes to Upskill Saudi Talent

Qiddiya Investment Company (QIC) announced the launch of its landmark ‘Playmakers Training Programmes’ on October 17, 2024, in Riyadh, aiming to upskill Saudi citizens and expand access to job opportunities across Qiddiya’s key sectors. The initiative partners with world-class training providers to deliver top-tier education and practical skills, initially focusing on entertainment and hospitality, with plans to expand into sports, culture, and other sectors. This program is a key driver of Qiddiya’s commitment to Vision 2030 goals, fostering employment and creating new job opportunities for Saudis.

Context and Background

The launch of the Playmakers Training Programmes aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader Vision 2030 strategy to diversify the economy and develop human capital. Qiddiya Investment Company, a subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund (PIF), is developing Qiddiya City, a mega-entertainment destination near Riyadh. The company anticipates creating 325,000 jobs at Qiddiya City and an additional 22,000 jobs across the Kingdom through Saudi Entertainment Ventures (SEVEN). These programmes are designed to prepare Saudi talent for dynamic careers in emerging sectors, supporting the Kingdom’s transition to a post-oil economy.

Key Details and Partnerships

Qiddiya has signed memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with leading global and local training partners in entertainment and hospitality, with additional partners being engaged for future phases. The company is also collaborating closely with government and non-profit organizations that share the goal of upskilling Saudi talent. The programmes offer a wide range of training options, from short-term courses and vocational training to higher education degrees, catering to all educational backgrounds. Participants can train for roles at attractions such as Six Flags, Aquarabia, and Speed Park Track within Qiddiya City and SEVEN.

To support accessibility, Qiddiya inaugurated an online platform providing comprehensive information about all available training programmes, allowing candidates to browse and apply directly. Abdullah Aldawood, Managing Director of Qiddiya Investment Company, stated: “We are thrilled to launch the ‘Playmakers Training Programmes’, which represent a significant step in Qiddiya’s mission to develop Saudi talent and create a vibrant, skilled workforce for the entertainment, hospitality, sports, and culture sectors among others. By providing a wide range of training programmes that lead directly to job opportunities, we are not only supporting Vision 2030 but also empowering individuals to embark on meaningful careers within the Qiddiya ecosystem.”

Implications and Impact

The Playmakers Training Programmes are expected to have a substantial impact on Saudi Arabia’s labor market by equipping citizens with skills needed in high-growth industries. This initiative supports the Kingdom’s goal of reducing unemployment and increasing Saudi participation in the private sector. By preparing a future-ready workforce, Qiddiya is contributing to the economic diversification outlined in Vision 2030, positioning Saudi Arabia as a global hub for entertainment, tourism, and culture. The programmes also strengthen the local talent pipeline for major projects like Qiddiya City, ensuring that Saudis are at the forefront of the Kingdom’s transformation.

Vision 2030 Alignment

The Playmakers Training Programmes directly support Vision 2030’s objectives of human capital development and economic diversification. By upskilling Saudis for careers in entertainment, hospitality, sports, and culture, Qiddiya is fostering a vibrant society and a thriving economy. This initiative reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to creating sustainable job opportunities and empowering its citizens to lead the nation toward a prosperous future. As Qiddiya continues to expand its training offerings, it plays a central role in realizing the ambitious goals of Vision 2030.

20 Questions

Q1. What are the ‘Playmakers Training Programmes’?

A1. The Playmakers Training Programmes are a landmark initiative by Qiddiya Investment Company to upskill Saudi citizens and provide job opportunities across entertainment, hospitality, sports, and culture sectors.

Q2. Who launched the Playmakers Training Programmes?

A2. The programmes were launched by Qiddiya Investment Company (QIC) on October 17, 2024, in Riyadh.

Q3. Which sectors are initially targeted by the programmes?

A3. The programmes initially focus on entertainment and hospitality, with plans to expand into sports, culture, and other sectors over time.

Q4. How does this initiative support Vision 2030?

A4. The initiative supports Vision 2030 by fostering employment, creating job opportunities, and developing a skilled workforce for economic diversification.

Q5. How many jobs is Qiddiya expected to create?

A5. Qiddiya anticipates creating 325,000 jobs at Qiddiya City and an additional 22,000 jobs across the Kingdom through SEVEN.

Q6. Who are the training partners for the programmes?

A6. Qiddiya has signed MoUs with top global and local entertainment and hospitality training partners, with more partners being engaged for future phases.

Q7. What types of training are offered?

A7. The programmes offer short-term courses, vocational training, and higher education degrees to cater to various educational backgrounds and career aspirations.

Q8. Can professionals looking to reskill apply?

A8. Yes, the programmes welcome both recent high school graduates and professionals seeking to reskill or transition to new career paths.

Q9. Which attractions will participants be trained for?

A9. Participants can train for roles at attractions such as Six Flags, Aquarabia, and Speed Park Track within Qiddiya City and SEVEN.

Q10. Is there an online platform for applications?

A10. Yes, Qiddiya inaugurated an online platform at https://qiddiya.com/training-programmes/ for candidates to browse and apply.

Q11. Who is the Managing Director of Qiddiya Investment Company?

A11. The Managing Director is Abdullah Aldawood, who expressed excitement about the launch and its impact on Saudi talent development.

Q12. How does Qiddiya collaborate with government organizations?

A12. Qiddiya works closely with government and non-profit organizations that share the goal of upskilling and training the Kingdom’s future talent.

Q13. What is the role of Qiddiya City in this initiative?

A13. Qiddiya City serves as a major employment hub, with the programmes preparing Saudis for jobs in its entertainment, hospitality, and sports venues.

Q14. How does the programme help reduce unemployment?

A14. By providing skills training and direct job pathways, the programme helps reduce unemployment and increases Saudi participation in the private sector.

Q15. Are there partnerships with non-profit organizations?

A15. Yes, Qiddiya partners with non-profit organizations that share its ambition to upskill and train Saudi talent.

Q16. What is the long-term vision for the programmes?

A16. The programmes aim to expand into sports and culture, creating a continuous pipeline of skilled Saudis for emerging industries.

Q17. How does this initiative contribute to economic diversification?

A17. By developing a workforce for entertainment and tourism, the initiative supports Saudi Arabia’s goal to diversify its economy beyond oil.

Q18. What feedback has the Managing Director shared?

A18. Abdullah Aldawood stated that the programmes empower individuals to embark on meaningful careers within the Qiddiya ecosystem while supporting Vision 2030.

Q19. How can interested candidates apply?

A19. Candidates can visit the online platform at https://qiddiya.com/training-programmes/ to browse the catalogue and submit applications.

Q20. What is the significance of the programme’s name ‘Playmakers’?

A20. The name ‘Playmakers’ reflects the programme’s goal to create skilled professionals who will drive the entertainment and hospitality sectors, shaping Saudi Arabia’s vibrant future.

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