MCIT and Snap Partner to Train 20,000 Saudis
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) has signed a strategic partnership with Snap to strengthen national digital skills. The agreement targets more than 20,000 Saudis by 2030. The Saudi Digital Academy will serve as the implementing arm.
The agreement was signed on the sidelines of LEAP 2026 in Riyadh. Moreover, it establishes a long-term framework for an integrated digital innovation ecosystem. The initiative supports national talent development, digital economy growth, and digital trust.
Digital Skills Programs Target Saudi Talent
Under the partnership, MCIT and Snap will develop programs for different stages of professional development. These include university students, graduates, and digital marketing professionals.
For example, the Snap Digital Academy will offer in-person training in Arabic. The program will focus on campaign management and performance measurement. Participants can also work toward professional certification.
Meanwhile, the Snap Virtual Lens Challenge will introduce participants to augmented reality development. It will combine self-paced learning with live workshops using Snap’s Lens Studio. Therefore, participants can build practical skills in lens design and interactive experiences.
The Snap Graduate Program will provide graduates with hands-on experience and career mentorship. In addition, participants may gain access to opportunities within Snap or its partner network.
Partnership Builds Digital Innovation Ecosystem
The collaboration will operate through three main areas. First, a Center of Excellence will focus on talent development. Second, an Innovation Center will support digital economy initiatives. Finally, a Digital Sustainability Initiative will promote digital safety and well-being.
Through the Innovation Center, the partners will also support Saudi creators and entrepreneurs. One initiative, Saudi Digital Success Stories on Snap, will highlight local entrepreneurs and creators. It aims to demonstrate opportunities emerging from the digital economy.
Furthermore, the Digital Sustainability Initiative will work with schools on online safety. The programs will encourage students to use digital platforms safely and responsibly.
Snap already has a substantial user base in Saudi Arabia. According to the Saudi Press Agency, more than 26 million people in the country use Snapchat each month.
The initiative aligns with Saudi Vision 2030 and the Kingdom’s wider digital transformation agenda. Meanwhile, MCIT continues to expand digital training through its Future Skills programs and partnerships with technology companies.
Overall, the MCIT-Snap partnership links digital training with Saudi Arabia’s growing creative and technology economy. By 2030, the initiative aims to equip more than 20,000 Saudi talents with practical skills in digital media, marketing, augmented reality, and related fields.
