Business

Alshaya Group, a global leader in retail franchise operations, has announced the launch of the Alshaya Retail Academy in Saudi Arabia, a strategic initiative designed to empower young Saudi men and women with practical and theoretical training in the retail sector. The initiative aligns with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 to enhance employment opportunities and strengthen the local economy.

Developed in collaboration with prominent government entities such as the Human Resources Development Fund (HADAF), the new academy will deliver specialized training programs to newly hired Saudi nationals. These programs aim to equip participants with market-relevant skills and knowledge, preparing them for successful careers in the fast-growing retail industry.

The launch ceremony was attended by several senior officials including Mohammed Alshaya, Executive Chairman of Alshaya Group; John Hadden, CEO of Alshaya Group; and representatives from HADAF, the Ministry of Commerce, the Ministry of Tourism, and the Technical and Vocational Training Corporation. Attendees underscored the academy’s importance in promoting youth participation in the labor market and supporting the Kingdom’s economic diversification efforts.

The Alshaya Retail Academy offers both one-month development programs and three-month qualification courses. These training modules combine classroom-based learning with hands-on experience, reflecting the rapid transformation of the retail landscape in Saudi Arabia.

Mohammed Alshaya stated, “At Alshaya, we are committed to empowering Saudi youth with the skills and expertise needed to succeed in retail. The academy reflects our dedication to nurturing local talent and supporting national goals, in line with Saudi Vision 2030.”

Abdullah Faisal, Regional People Director at Alshaya Group, added, “We are proud of our track record in employing Saudi nationals and continuously seek to expand these opportunities. The Alshaya Academy will be a cornerstone in developing a capable and innovative workforce for the future.”

As part of its broader commitment to Saudization and gender inclusion, Alshaya Group was recently recognized by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development as a leading company in parallel training and feminization. To date, the company has successfully recruited around 4,000 Saudi women to work with globally renowned brands such as Starbucks, The Cheesecake Factory, Shake Shack, H&M, Victoria’s Secret, Bath & Body Works, and others.

The academy's launch coincides with Alshaya’s recent retail expansions in Riyadh and Khobar. These expansions further create opportunities for national talent and contribute to the ongoing development of Saudi Arabia’s retail sector.

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