��������

RIYADH: The Energy & Water Academy, the national leading institution in preparing and qualifying talent in the fields of energy, water and related industries, announced the launch of ��������’s first industry-integrated diploma in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, in collaboration with DataVolt and Innovatics.

The specialized program aims to support the Kingdom’s digital transformation and equip national cadres with practical knowledge and skills that enable them to lead the digital future, in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 and the National Strategy for Data and Artificial Intelligence.

The diploma was announced during the LEARN event in Riyadh. It is fully accredited by the Technical and Vocational Training Corporation and the Colleges of Excellence, with support from the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology.

Trainees will also benefit from financial support of up to 75 percent of training fees through the Human Resources Development Fund, enabling the widest possible range of beneficiaries to take part.

The diploma combines academic learning with hands-on projects alongside industry partners, allowing targeted graduates to develop real-world solutions using AI technologies and hone their skills to ensure workforce readiness.

Each trainee begins their journey with an employment contract, granting them immediate engagement in practical projects from day one.

Tariq Al-Shamrani, CEO of the Energy & Water Academy, said that the launch of the program represents an extension of the academy’s pioneering role in preparing the next generation of national talent.

He added: “We are proud of our partnership with DataVolt and Innovatics, which has resulted in the delivery of this pioneering diploma. It aims to build national capabilities in AI, data science and advanced digital technologies, with a focus on enabling graduates to actively participate from day one in major projects underway in the Kingdom in the fields of AI and digital transformation.”

Rajit Nanda, CEO of DataVolt, said that the collaboration with the academy and Innovatics supports the Kingdom’s vision for digital transformation and human capacity building in technical fields.

He added: “We are honored to partner with the Energy & Water Academy and Innovatics, combining a strong academic foundation with practical business experience to create real career pathways for Saudi youth.

“With our current 90 students specializing in digital infrastructure, graduates of this Data Science and AI diploma will form the backbone of future AI-powered data centers and directly contribute to the Kingdom’s digital transformation.”

The launch of the diploma aligns with the global trend of accelerated investment in AI, which is expected to contribute more than $320 billion to the Middle East economy by 2030.

�������� is set to capture the largest share of this growth thanks to its plans to build a fully integrated digital economy based on knowledge and innovation.

The academy aims to attract additional industry partners to launch the first cohort of the program, which will include 100 trainees, half women, with training set to begin in November.

RIYADH: The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture, or Ithra, an initiative of Saudi Aramco, is spotlighting local creativity and knowledge exchange through its pavilion at the Riyadh International Book Fair until Oct. 11.

Ithra, participating for the 12th time, is presenting a comprehensive cultural experience centered on its renowned library, showcasing new publications, digital resources, and rare books, alongside diverse programs and events.

The pavilion is divided into four sections. There is an introductory area outlining Ithra’s key facilities, including its library, museum, theater, and cinema.

In addition, there are two zones for library programs featuring workshops and discussion panels; and a bookstore offering Ithra’s latest titles spanning culture, art, philosophy, and heritage.

Abdullah Al-Hawas, head of Ithra Library, said the center’s participation reflects its mission to foster cultural dialogue and align with the fair’s annual theme.

“Every year, Ithra participates in the Riyadh International Book Fair with a new concept,” Al-Hawas said. “This year, the theme is Riyadh Reads, and we’ve aligned our initiatives and programs with it by presenting 13 publications covering philosophy, literature, and art — most of which were produced in recent years.”

He added that Ithra strives to produce “unique content that appeals to experts and specialists” while engaging general readers.

“One of our most in-demand books is ‘The Mu’allaqat for the Millennial Generation,’ which simplifies classical Arabic poetry for today’s readers,” Al-Hawas added.

“We also published ‘Arabic Proverbs for the New Generation,’ featuring over 150 Arabic proverbs with commentary, encouraging readers to reconnect with their linguistic and cultural heritage.”

Another title, “Hijra: In the Footsteps of the Prophet,” details the eight-day travel of Prophet Muhammad from Makkah to Madinah, presented as “one of the most significant journeys in human history.” 

The pavilion also offers titles on camels, crafts, and philosophy, carefully selected for their cultural value and appeal.

Al-Hawas said Ithra’s publications have reached international audiences through translations into several languages including Spanish, German, Korean, Chinese, French, and English.

“We aim to translate as many as possible to expand the global reach of Arab culture,” he said.

The Ithra Library, one of the Kingdom’s largest and first fully digital, spans four floors and houses more than 357,000 books and thousands of digital resources.

Designed as a cultural hub, it also hosts programs including the Ithra Reading Club; and Majaz, a program celebrating poetry and literature.

In addition, it has Ithra Library Saturdays, a monthly gathering; Your Book in a Minute, an interactive experience; and Bridges to the World, a cultural exchange initiative.