University of Jeddah Launches Digital Skills Program

Jeddah, August 9, 2026 — The College of Computer Science and Engineering at the University of Jeddah has launched a specialized training program titled “RaQmin Summerak” (Digitize Your Summer), designed to build digital skills and prepare participants for the evolving demands of the modern labor market. The initiative is being delivered in partnership with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology and the Google Saudi Developer Community, with sponsorship from the Majid Society for Social Development and Services, according to an official announcement carried by the Saudi Press Agency.

Context and Background

The program reflects a growing national emphasis on digital capacity building as Saudi Arabia accelerates its transition toward a knowledge-based economy. As labor markets worldwide undergo rapid transformation driven by artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data science, and autonomous systems, the Kingdom has prioritized equipping its workforce and younger generations with the technical competencies required to compete globally. Universities such as the University of Jeddah are increasingly positioning themselves as engines of practical innovation, bridging academic instruction with hands-on industry application.

This initiative also aligns with broader national efforts to expand access to future-oriented training, particularly during the summer break, when students and professionals can invest in skill development outside traditional academic calendars. By involving both public institutions and private-sector partners, the program illustrates the collaborative model that has come to define many Saudi skills-development programs.

Program Structure and Key Details

The RaQmin Summerak program comprises ten specialized training workshops covering artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data science, and drone technology. Sessions are led by subject-matter specialists and faculty members, and are open to students, employees, and anyone interested in modern technologies.

According to Dr. Ilham Al-Ghamdi, Vice Dean for Research and Innovation at the College of Computer Science and Engineering at the University of Jeddah, the initiative is designed to capitalize on the summer vacation period to advance technical skills amid fast-moving labor market shifts. She noted that digital skills have become a foundational element across disciplines and professional fields, and that the program helps connect academic knowledge with practical applications, strengthens a culture of continuous learning, and encourages the exchange of expertise.

The involvement of the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology and the Google Saudi Developer Community signals a commitment to aligning training content with internationally recognized technology trends and standards. The sponsorship by the Majid Society for Social Development and Services further underscores the role of civil society in widening access to high-quality digital education.

Implications and Impact

For participants, the program offers an opportunity to gain practical exposure to some of the most in-demand technology domains. For the Kingdom, it represents another step toward building a robust pipeline of local talent capable of supporting digital transformation across sectors—from government services to private enterprise. The emphasis on drones, cybersecurity, and AI is particularly significant, as these fields are central to smart city development, industrial innovation, and national security.

By convening academic, governmental, and corporate partners, the initiative also strengthens the broader innovation ecosystem in Jeddah, a city that is increasingly emerging as a hub for technology and entrepreneurship on the Red Sea coast. The program’s inclusive approach—welcoming students, employees, and enthusiasts—helps democratize access to advanced technical training and fosters a culture of lifelong learning.

Vision 2030 Alignment

The launch of RaQmin Summerak is closely aligned with Saudi Vision 2030, which seeks to diversify the economy, develop human capital, and position the Kingdom as a global leader in technology and innovation. By investing in digital skills today, the University of Jeddah and its partners are helping to build the capable, future-ready workforce that will drive the Kingdom’s next phase of growth and reinforce its standing in the global digital economy.

20 Questions

Q1. What is the name of the training program launched by the University of Jeddah?

A1. The program is called “RaQmin Summerak” (Digitize Your Summer), launched by the College of Computer Science and Engineering at the University of Jeddah.

Q2. Which university launched the RaQmin Summerak program?

A2. The University of Jeddah launched the program through its College of Computer Science and Engineering.

Q3. Which government ministry partnered on the initiative?

A3. The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology partnered on the initiative to support digital skills development.

Q4. Which technology community collaborated on the program?

A4. The Google Saudi Developer Community collaborated on the program.

Q5. Who sponsored the RaQmin Summerak program?

A5. The Majid Society for Social Development and Services sponsored the program.

Q6. How many training workshops are included in the program?

A6. The program includes ten specialized training workshops.

Q7. What are the main topics covered in the workshops?

A7. The workshops cover artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data science, and drone technology.

Q8. Who is eligible to participate in the program?

A8. The program targets students, employees, and anyone interested in modern technologies.

Q9. Who delivers the training sessions?

A9. Specialists and faculty members deliver the training sessions.

Q10. What is the stated goal of the program?

A10. The goal is to develop digital skills and enhance participants’ readiness for labor market requirements.

Q11. Who is Dr. Ilham Al-Ghamdi?

A11. Dr. Ilham Al-Ghamdi is the Vice Dean for Research and Innovation at the College of Computer Science and Engineering at the University of Jeddah.

Q12. What did Dr. Al-Ghamdi say about digital skills?

A12. She said digital skills have become a foundational element across various disciplines and professional fields.

Q13. Why is the summer period significant for this program?

A13. The summer vacation offers an opportunity to invest time in developing technical skills outside traditional academic calendars.

Q14. How does the program connect academic knowledge with practical application?

A14. It offers hands-on workshops that link theoretical learning to real-world technology applications.

Q15. What role does the Google Saudi Developer Community play?

A15. It collaborates to align training content with internationally recognized technology trends and standards.

Q16. How does the program support continuous learning?

A16. By encouraging participants to engage in skill development during breaks and fostering a culture of lifelong learning.

Q17. What is the significance of drone technology in the program?

A17. Drone technology is central to smart city development, industrial innovation, and national security.

Q18. How does the program benefit the Saudi labor market?

A18. It helps build a pipeline of local talent capable of supporting digital transformation across sectors.

Q19. Which city hosts the University of Jeddah?

A19. The University of Jeddah is located in Jeddah, a major city on Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast.

Q20. How does the program align with Saudi Vision 2030?

A20. It supports economic diversification, human capital development, and the Kingdom’s goal to become a global technology leader.

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