Empowering Saudi Arabia’s Workforce: MCIT, SDA, NeLC, and Coursera Launch Transformative Initiative to Train 100,000 Saudi Citizens for In-Demand Digital Jobs
By: Jeff Maggioncalda, CEO of Coursera
Today, we are excited to announce that Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) and the Saudi Digital Academy (SDA), in collaboration with the National eLearning Center (NeLC), have partnered with Coursera to launch “Fuel,” a new training initiative aiming to equip 100,000 Saudi citizens with skills and credentials tailored to in-demand digital jobs in its first year. The program will be delivered through the Saudi Digital Academy, one of the MCIT’s initiatives to empower local youth and equip them with required skills for the Saudi digital labor market.
This partnership will serve many groups, including unemployed Saudi nationals, employed workers looking to upskill in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) domains, recent university graduates, and Saudi youth.
With over 40 curated learning tracks and 200 training courses across eight key job sectors, the program will provide flexible, free learning pathways for citizens to develop the skills required to access emerging job opportunities within the expanding ICT domains. Moreover, with expert instruction from top global companies, the program acts as a vital bridge between Saudi talent and prospective employers, equipping learners with the skills they need to unlock a wide range of employment opportunities as digital transformation, AI, and other emerging technologies create new industry demands.
“This partnership fits within the Academy’s commitment to enhancing the digital capabilities of the nation’s youth,” said Mohammed Alsuhaim, CEO of the Saudi Digital Academy. “The ‘Fuel’ program is in line with the Academy’s objectives of equipping young individuals with the necessary tools to succeed in the digital economy era. This program will contribute to shaping a generation of skilled professionals who will make their mark on the growth of the digital economy and increase their contribution to the GDP, thus reinforcing the Kingdom’s position as a regional center for technology and innovation.”
“We are committed to delivering relevant, trusted, high-quality lifelong learning, and development opportunities for upskilling and reskilling based on market needs, through our integrated ecosystem, FutureX. This partnership with MCIT, SDA, and Coursera will accelerate the development of human capabilities in the Kingdom,” said Dr. Abdullah Alwalidi, the Director-General of NeLC.
We are also proud to share that Coursera is taking steps to solidify a stronger local presence and has established a new legal entity in the Kingdom. This strategic investment underscores our growing engagement with learners and partners in the region and signifies our long-term commitment to fostering digital literacy and promoting employment opportunities for Saudi nationals.
To sign up for the program, visit forms.nelc.gov.sa/sda/fuel. To learn more about Coursera for Government, visit coursera.org/government
