Red Sea Global (RSG), the developer behind Saudi Arabia’s regenerative tourism destinations, and Oracle, a global technology leader, today announced a landmark collaboration to train 5,000 Saudi citizens over the next six months. The initiative, revealed in an official press release from RSG, forms part of Oracle’s broader goal to train 50,000 people across the Kingdom and underscores RSG’s commitment to empowering local communities through its regenerative approach. Could this partnership set a new benchmark for how tourism and technology converge to build national talent?
The training program will leverage Oracle’s Mostaqbali learning platform, delivered through Oracle University, to provide free, high-quality education in information technology (IT) skills. These skills are tailored to meet the demands of the most technologically enabled jobs, particularly in the hospitality sector, where Oracle technologies are integral to the hotels and resorts at RSG destinations. By equipping young Saudis with these capabilities, the initiative aims to enhance their employability across RSG’s expanding portfolio of luxury tourism projects, aligning with the overarching objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.
Context and Background
Why is this collaboration so critical at this juncture in Saudi Arabia’s transformation? The Kingdom is undergoing an unprecedented economic diversification drive, with tourism and technology identified as key pillars of Vision 2030. Red Sea Global, a Public Investment Fund (PIF) company, is at the forefront of developing regenerative tourism destinations along the Red Sea coast, including The Red Sea and Amaala. These projects are designed to set new standards in sustainable development, but their success depends heavily on a skilled local workforce. Oracle, with its deep expertise in cloud infrastructure and enterprise applications, has been a longstanding partner in Saudi Arabia’s digital transformation, and this initiative builds on that legacy.
The program also reflects a broader trend in Saudi Arabia: the public and private sectors are joining forces to bridge the skills gap and create meaningful employment for citizens. Oracle’s Mostaqbali platform, which means “my future” in Arabic, is a customized learning solution that offers courses in cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and data analytics. By integrating this platform into RSG’s training ecosystem, the partnership not only addresses immediate hiring needs but also contributes to the long-term goal of building a knowledge-based economy. Isn’t it inspiring to see global tech giants investing in local human capital?
Key Details
How exactly will this program unfold? According to the official press release, the training will cover a range of Oracle solutions, including enterprise applications and cloud infrastructure services. Participants will engage in practical educational modules designed to prepare them for roles within RSG’s hotels and resorts. The program is free of charge, removing financial barriers and making it accessible to a wide segment of Saudi citizens. It will be delivered entirely through Oracle University, which provides certified training and certification paths recognized globally. This structure ensures that learners gain not only theoretical knowledge but also hands-on experience with the same technologies they will encounter on the job.
Sultan Moraished, Group Head of Technology and Corporate Excellence at RSG, emphasized the initiative’s alignment with the company’s mission. “This initiative forms part of our commitment to support the growth and development of young Saudi talent across the Kingdom and help them achieve their potential,” he said. “By equipping young Saudis with technical skills through a program run by a global technology leader, we believe that we can create a strong pool of qualified candidates for the hospitality sector within the Kingdom, aligning with the overarching objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.” His words highlight the dual benefit: individuals gain marketable skills, while the industry gains a pipeline of talent ready to drive innovation.
Reham AlMusa, Oracle Vice President for Business Applications, Public Sector, and Managing Director, echoed this sentiment: “Oracle is committed to supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 by empowering local talent with the skills needed for the Kingdom’s rapidly growing digital economy. Our collaboration with RSG will help create a strong local talent pipeline that is geared for the needs of Saudi Arabia’s rapidly growing hospitality industry.” The involvement of such senior leaders signals the strategic importance of this collaboration.
International and Regional Impact
What does this mean for the region and beyond? The partnership between RSG and Oracle is a powerful example of how international technology firms can contribute to local capacity building in line with national visions. For Saudi Arabia, it reinforces the Kingdom’s position as a hub for innovation and a destination for global investment. The training of 5,000 citizens in high-demand IT skills will not only support the hospitality sector but also create ripple effects across other industries, as these individuals may later apply their expertise in fields such as smart city management, renewable energy, and logistics. Moreover, the initiative enhances Saudi Arabia’s competitiveness in the global tourism market by ensuring that its workforce meets international standards.
Regionally, this collaboration could inspire similar programs in neighboring Gulf countries, many of which are also pursuing economic diversification. By showcasing a successful model of public-private partnership, RSG and Oracle demonstrate that skilling initiatives can be both scalable and impactful. On a global scale, it underscores Oracle’s commitment to corporate social responsibility and its strategic focus on emerging markets. For international observers, this is a clear signal that Saudi Arabia is not only investing in infrastructure but also in its people, which is essential for sustainable growth. Could this be a blueprint for other nations aiming to leapfrog into the digital age?
Economic and Strategic Significance
Why does this matter economically? The hospitality and tourism sectors are expected to contribute significantly to Saudi Arabia’s GDP in the coming years, with targets set under Vision 2030 to increase tourism’s share to 10% of GDP by 2030. A well-trained local workforce is critical to achieving these targets, as it reduces reliance on expatriate labor and ensures that economic benefits remain within the Kingdom. The training program also supports the growth of the digital economy, which is a key focus area for the government. By upskilling citizens in cloud and enterprise technologies, the initiative helps create a more resilient and diversified economy, less dependent on oil revenues.
Strategically, the collaboration strengthens the ties between RSG and Oracle, two entities that are already deeply involved in Saudi Arabia’s transformation. RSG’s regenerative tourism model aims to deliver a net positive impact on the environment and communities, and having a skilled local workforce is integral to that vision. For Oracle, the partnership expands its footprint in the Kingdom and reinforces its role as a trusted partner in the digital transformation journey. It also aligns with the company’s global commitment to train millions of people in digital skills. The economic multiplier effects could be substantial: higher employment leads to increased consumer spending, which in turn stimulates local businesses and attracts further investment. Isn’t it clear that investing in human capital is the smartest economic strategy?
Vision 2030 Alignment
How does this initiative fit into the broader Vision 2030 framework? Vision 2030 is built on three main pillars: a vibrant society, a thriving economy, and an ambitious nation. This training program directly supports the thriving economy pillar by developing a skilled and productive workforce. It also contributes to the ambitious nation pillar by empowering citizens to take part in the Kingdom’s development. Furthermore, it aligns with the Human Capability Development Program, one of the Vision’s executive programs, which aims to prepare Saudis for the jobs of the future. By partnering with a global leader like Oracle, RSG is helping to create a sustainable talent pipeline that will support not only its own destinations but also the wider economy.
In conclusion, the collaboration between Red Sea Global and Oracle to train 5,000 citizens is more than just a skills development program; it is a strategic investment in Saudi Arabia’s future. It exemplifies the spirit of Vision 2030, where public and private sectors work hand in hand to unlock the potential of the Kingdom’s greatest resource: its people. As RSG continues to develop world-class tourism destinations, the skills and expertise gained by these trainees will be instrumental in delivering exceptional experiences and driving sustainable growth. This initiative sets a precedent for other sectors and regions, proving that when global expertise meets local ambition, the possibilities are limitless. Can there be any doubt that Saudi Arabia is building a brighter tomorrow?
20 Questions
Q1. What is the main objective of the collaboration between Red Sea Global and Oracle?
A1. The main objective is to train 5,000 Saudi citizens in IT skills over the next six months, supporting Oracle’s goal to train 50,000 people in the Kingdom and empowering local talent for technologically enabled jobs.
Q2. How will the training be delivered?
A2. The training will be delivered through Oracle’s Mostaqbali learning platform, managed by Oracle University. It is a free educational initiative that provides courses in enterprise applications and cloud infrastructure services.
Q3. What skills will participants gain?
A3. Participants will gain practical IT skills in high-demand areas such as cloud computing, enterprise applications, and data management, preparing them for roles within RSG’s hotels and resorts.
Q4. Who is eligible to participate in the program?
A4. The program is open to Saudi citizens, with a focus on young talent seeking to enhance their employability in the hospitality and technology sectors.
Q5. How does this initiative align with Saudi Vision 2030?
A5. It supports Vision 2030 by developing a skilled workforce, promoting economic diversification, and empowering citizens to contribute to the Kingdom’s growth, particularly in tourism and digital sectors.
Q6. What role does Oracle play in the program?
A6. Oracle provides the learning platform, curriculum, and certification through Oracle University, leveraging its global expertise in technology education and cloud solutions.
Q7. How does RSG benefit from this collaboration?
A7. RSG gains a pipeline of qualified candidates for its luxury tourism destinations, ensuring that its hotels and resorts are staffed by skilled local professionals familiar with Oracle technologies.
Q8. What is the Mostaqbali platform?
A8. Mostaqbali, meaning “my future” in Arabic, is Oracle’s customized learning platform that offers courses in cutting-edge technologies, designed to upskill individuals for the digital economy.
Q9. How long will the training program last?
A9. The program will run for six months, during which 5,000 citizens will be trained, as announced in the official press release.
Q10. Is there any cost for participants?
A10. No, the training is completely free, making it accessible to a broad range of Saudi citizens and removing financial barriers to skill development.
Q11. What types of jobs will participants be prepared for?
A11. Participants will be prepared for roles in the hospitality sector, such as hotel operations, IT support, and technology management, as well as other technology-enabled positions.
Q12. How does this program support RSG’s regenerative approach?
A12. By empowering local communities and nurturing Saudi talent, the program contributes to RSG’s regenerative approach, which aims to create a net positive impact on society and the environment.
Q13. What did Sultan Moraished say about the initiative?
A13. Sultan Moraished, RSG’s Group Head of Technology and Corporate Excellence, stated that the initiative supports young Saudi talent and aligns with Vision 2030 by creating a pool of qualified candidates for the hospitality sector.
Q14. What did Reham AlMusa say about the collaboration?
A14. Reham AlMusa, Oracle Vice President, emphasized Oracle’s commitment to Vision 2030 and stated that the collaboration will create a strong local talent pipeline for Saudi Arabia’s growing hospitality industry.
Q15. How many people does Oracle aim to train in Saudi Arabia?
A15. Oracle aims to train 50,000 people in the Kingdom, and this program with RSG is a significant step toward achieving that goal.
Q16. What Oracle solutions will be covered in the training?
A16. The training will cover a range of Oracle solutions, including enterprise applications and cloud infrastructure services, providing practical experience through educational modules.
Q17. How will this program impact the Saudi hospitality industry?
A17. It will enhance the industry by providing a skilled local workforce, reducing reliance on expatriate labor, and ensuring high-quality service standards in line with international expectations.
Q18. What are the broader economic implications of this initiative?
A18. The initiative supports economic diversification, increases employment, and boosts the digital economy, contributing to the Kingdom’s GDP growth and long-term sustainability.
Q19. How does this collaboration reflect public-private partnership?
A19. It exemplifies a successful public-private partnership, with RSG (a PIF company) and Oracle (a global tech firm) joining forces to address national skills gaps and drive Vision 2030 goals.
Q20. What is the expected outcome of the program by the end of six months?
A20. By the end of six months, 5,000 Saudi citizens will have gained certified IT skills, ready to take up roles in RSG’s destinations and contribute to the Kingdom’s growing digital and hospitality sectors.
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