Huawei and MCIT Launch Future Skills Center in Riyadh to Boost Digital Talent
Huawei and Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) have launched the Future Skills Center in Riyadh. This joint initiative reinforces their shared goal of developing local digital talent and supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. The Center aims to accelerate digital transformation across the kingdom by equipping Saudi nationals with advanced tech skills.
During the official opening, several high-level attendees emphasized the strategic importance of the Center. These included H.E. Haytham AlOhali, Vice Minister of Communications and IT; H.E. Chang Hua, Chinese Ambassador to Saudi Arabia; Eng. Murhaf Al-Madani from the Ministry of Education; Eng. Mansour Al-Qurashi, Deputy Minister of Communications and IT; Safa Al-Rashed, Deputy Minister of Future Jobs and Capabilities; and Huawei Saudi Arabia’s Chairman Liam Zhao.
The Center builds on the earlier success of Huawei’s Future Space exhibition, which took place in 2022. That exhibition attracted over 35,000 visitors and provided more than 270 training sessions to 10,000+ participants. As a result, Huawei saw the potential to turn that momentum into a permanent learning platform focused on real-world skills.
Advancing Innovation Through Immersive Training
By offering practical, hands-on training in cutting-edge technologies like AI, 5G, and smart industry applications, the Center positions itself as a vital hub for Saudi Arabia’s innovation ecosystem. It doesn’t just focus on theory; instead, it connects learners with real-world applications and certification programs. This helps individuals build competitive capabilities, which in turn contributes to national economic growth.
H.E. Haytham AlOhali stated that the Center will play a key role in nurturing human capital while fueling the kingdom’s economic development through digital advancement. In addition, Chinese Ambassador Chang Hua stressed that the initiative strengthens the growing cooperation between China and Saudi Arabia, particularly in innovation, education, and technological exchange.
A Vision for Local Talent and Future Jobs
Huawei’s Chairman in Saudi Arabia, Liam Zhao, explained that this initiative reflects the company’s long-term commitment to nurturing local talent. He also emphasized the importance of turning early success into sustained impact, helping to shape a future-ready digital workforce.
Furthermore, the Center’s launch comes at a time when demand for skilled tech professionals in Saudi Arabia continues to grow. Therefore, the Future Skills Center is not only timely but also essential in preparing young Saudis for emerging job markets. By creating space for hands-on learning, certifications, and mentorship, the Center is expected to serve as a model for public-private collaboration in digital education.
Through these efforts, Huawei and MCIT are taking tangible steps to make Vision 2030 a reality investing in people, building innovation capacity, and strengthening the region’s role in the global digital economy.
