Riyadh, KSA, 03 October, 2024 – IBM, a leading provider of global hybrid cloud, AI and consulting expertise, announced plans to collaborate with Al Baha University to potentially establish a center of excellence in Al Baha, Saudi Arabia. The collaboration aims to train local Saudi talent with advanced skills in emerging technologies, meeting the growing demand for a highly skilled workforce in the Kingdom.

The signing took place on October 2nd 2024, attended and sponsored by His Royal Highness Prince Dr. Hussam bin Saud bin Abdulaziz, Governor of Al-Baha region; Dr. Abdullah bin Yahya Al Hussain, President of Al Baha University; Bill Farrell, Managing Partner, IBM Consulting, MEA; Khaled Al-Ofaysan, Managing Partner and Country Manager of IBM Consulting Saudi Arabia; alongside other senior representatives from Al Baha University and IBM.

The centre will rapidly advance the development of Saudi talent, where IBM will provide hands-on training and access to IBM’s extensive resources. Al Baha University will provide dedicated facilities and logistical support and help outstanding students in their participation. 

Dr. Abdullah bin Yahya Al Hussain, President of Al-Baha University said: “Our collaboration with IBM will elevate our academic offerings and provide students with unparalleled opportunities to develop essential skills for the digital age. By getting access to IBM’s global consulting expertise and resources, we aim to build a highly skilled Saudi workforce that can contribute significantly to the growth of the kingdom.” 

Dr. Mansour Sehmi Alghamdi, Director of Al-Baha University’s Domestic and International Cooperation Department and CEO of the Applied College, stated “Our approach to global partnerships is what makes IBM, a global leader, the right strategic fit for our university.  We are focused on expanding and upgrading Al-Baha’s capacity to advance high technology skill acquisition in a practical, and applied manner, that has immediate impact not just on the individuals who learn, but on the organizations they are employed by and the local and national economic spaces they work in.”

Khaled Al-Ofaysan, Managing Partner and Country Manager at IBM Consulting Saudi Arabia added: “Our collaboration with Al Baha University reinforces our dedication to nurturing Saudi talent and supporting the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, through offering access to IBM’s global training resources and consulting expertise. We will continue to work side-by-side with relevant entities to identify opportunities where we can invest in talent development and help shape the future of Saudi Arabia’s workforce.” 

IBM has recently made several announcements about its investments in the Kingdom, including the opening of a regional headquarters and the establishment of a new software lab. These investments underscore IBM’s commitment to supporting the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.

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