Alshaya Group Launches Retail Academy to Empower Saudi Youth and Align with Vision 2030
In a strategic move to bolster the Kingdom’s retail sector and foster youth empowerment, Alshaya Group, a global leader in international retail franchising, has officially launched the Alshaya Retail Academy in Saudi Arabia. This initiative aims to equip young Saudi men and women with practical and theoretical knowledge in the retail industry, aligning with the socio-economic objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.
The academy was inaugurated in partnership with prominent governmental entities, including the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, reflecting a strong commitment to national development and workforce localization. Designed to offer both one-month development courses and three-month qualification programs, the academy provides a comprehensive curriculum tailored to meet the evolving demands of the retail sector.
Mohammed Alshaya, Executive Chairman of Alshaya Group, emphasized the company's dedication to nurturing Saudi talent, stating, “At Alshaya, we believe in empowering Saudi youth with the knowledge and skills necessary for their professional growth. The Alshaya Retail Academy will help build a resilient national workforce prepared for the future of retail in Saudi Arabia.”
The launch event was attended by senior officials including John Hadden, CEO of Alshaya Group; Firas Aba Alkhail, Deputy General Manager for Business at the Human Resources Development Fund (HADAF); and several assistant deputy ministers from the Ministries of Commerce, Tourism, and Technical and Vocational Training.
Abdullah Faisal, Regional People Director at Alshaya Group, echoed the sentiment, adding, “We take great pride in expanding opportunities for Saudi citizens across all sectors. The Alshaya Academy will be a cornerstone for developing a future-ready workforce that thrives in a competitive global environment.”
This initiative is also in synergy with the group's expanding retail presence in Saudi Arabia, notably the recent openings of The Avenues in Riyadh and Khobar, further creating employment opportunities for local talent.
Alshaya’s commitment to local empowerment has already earned recognition from the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development for its leadership in parallel training and feminization. To date, Alshaya has successfully recruited approximately 4,000 Saudi women across renowned international brands such as Starbucks, The Cheesecake Factory, H&M, Victoria’s Secret, and more.
