RIYADH, KSA:– Reinforcing its commitment to Saudi Arabia’s burgeoning technology sector, SAP has escalated its regional presence with the launch of a pioneering SAP Innovation Hub and the imminent inauguration of an SAP Experience Center in Khobar. Additionally, the esteemed SAP Academy of Engineering program, in partnership with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), has been extended through 2025.
His Excellency Eng. Haitham AlOhali, Vice Minister of MCIT, emphasized the essential role of collaborative investments like those of SAP in actualizing Saudi Arabia’s economic diversification and technological advancement across pivotal industries. He highlighted the digital workforce development efforts, such as the Academy of Engineering, and the anticipated contributions of the new Innovation Hub to resolving contemporary business challenges and establishing advanced industry practices.
Ahmed AlFaifi, Senior Vice President and Managing Director for the Middle East Africa – North at SAP, affirmed the company’s alignment with Saudi Vision 2030 and the Kingdom’s leadership in regional digital transformation. He outlined SAP’s fourfold strategy centered on the Experience Center and Innovation Hub, the Academy of Engineering, and the cultivation of a robust partner ecosystem to spur the digital market’s growth.
SAP Experience Center and Innovation Hub
AlFaifi detailed that the SAP Innovation Hub will act as a central arena for innovation and co-creation, drawing together global and regional SAP experts, local enterprises, startups, and partners. The hub is tailored to the Saudi market, aiming to foster a dynamic community that addresses operational issues and enhances business value within diverse sectors.
Leading companies from sectors such as oil and gas, energy, logistics, manufacturing, telecommunications, sports, entertainment, and the public sector are among those invited to engage with the SAP Innovation Hub and Experience Center.
Furthering its dedication to Saudi Arabia’s digital landscape, SAP is also supporting the CODE startup program under the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology, promoting digital entrepreneurship and innovation within the region.
The Khobar Experience Center, alongside the Innovation Hub, is designed to stimulate connections and co-creation, thereby increasing digital trend awareness across global industries.
SAP Academy of Engineering Program
The extension of the Academy of Engineering program reflects the success of its initial phases. In 2023, the program saw 127 IT talents, including a 30% female representation, graduate from an intensive training in the U.S. SAP plans to enroll another 150 Saudi IT professionals in 2024, who will undergo a comprehensive five-step application process.
The program is part of SAP’s broader strategy to nurture the Kingdom’s knowledge economy and tech sector career opportunities. AlFaifi expressed that such initiatives are vital in preparing decision-makers to leverage emerging technologies and respond to the Kingdom’s real-world business needs, with a focus on cloud computing and AI.
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