Jeddah: Red Sea Global (RSG), the developer behind some of the world’s most ambitious regenerative tourism destinations, has celebrated the graduation of the fourth cohort of its Red Sea Vocational Training Program, marking another milestone in its commitment to developing Saudi talent for the Kingdom’s rapidly growing tourism sector.
The graduation ceremony honored 386 trainees who joined the program in 2024 and successfully completed an intensive 27-month educational and vocational journey. The event was held under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince Saud bin Mishal bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Governor of the Makkah Region.
Representing His Royal Highness, Prince Saud bin Abdullah bin Jalawi, Governor of Jeddah, attended the ceremony at the King Abdullah International Convention Center at The Ritz-Carlton. The event brought together Red Sea Global executives, representatives from partner organizations, graduates, and their families to celebrate the achievement.
The graduates completed specialized training in airport services, luxury hospitality, and health and wellness tourism operations. Notably, 35 percent of the graduates came from local communities, reflecting Red Sea Global’s continued focus on creating opportunities for regional talent.
The program was delivered in collaboration with the Human Resources Development Fund (HRDF) and supported by Bunyan Academy, Batterjee Colleges, and the Airports Academy. Alongside technical education, participants received English language training, vocational qualifications, and extensive practical experience to prepare them for careers in Saudi Arabia’s expanding tourism and hospitality industries.
Launched in 2021, the Red Sea Vocational Training Program has become one of Red Sea Global’s flagship human capital development initiatives. It is also the largest vocational training program among Saudi Arabia’s giga tourism projects, supporting the Kingdom’s broader efforts to build a highly skilled national workforce.
Speaking at the ceremony, Ahmad G. Darwish, Group Chief Administrative Officer at Red Sea Global, praised the graduates for their dedication throughout the program.
“Today we celebrate the graduation of a new cohort of the nation’s sons and daughters, who have demonstrated commitment and ambition throughout their educational and training journey. These graduates represent the national capabilities that will help lead the future of tourism in Saudi Arabia. They also reflect the success of strategic partnerships between the public and private sectors in developing national talent and preparing them for promising career opportunities,” he said.
Darwish also highlighted the growing impact of Red Sea Global’s educational initiatives.
“Since the launch of our education and capability building programs, more than 2,400 young men and women have benefited from these initiatives, while the number of graduates has now surpassed 1,500. These programs continue to empower Saudi talent, create new career pathways, and support the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 by strengthening the contribution of Saudis to the tourism sector.”
Turki bin Abdullah Al-Juwaini, Director General of the Human Resources Development Fund, described the initiative as a successful national model that connects vocational training directly with employment opportunities.
He said the graduation of another cohort reinforces the importance of investing in Saudi human capital and equipping young men and women with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience needed to contribute to high-growth sectors, particularly tourism, in line with the ambitions of Saudi Vision 2030.
Red Sea Global’s wider education portfolio also includes the Red Sea Hospitality Leaders Program and the Red Sea Scholarships Program. More than 900 students are currently enrolled across these initiatives, while the Red Sea Vocational Training Program maintains one of the lowest dropout rates among vocational training programs in Saudi Arabia.
Graduates who complete the program receive a diploma along with employment opportunities across Red Sea Global’s destinations, operators, and facilities. This approach ensures that graduates transition directly into roles that match the needs of the tourism industry.
The Red Sea destination welcomed its first guests in 2023 and has since grown into a collection of luxury resorts supported by the Red Sea International Airport. Meanwhile, AMAALA has also begun welcoming its first guests as a global destination focused on wellness and luxury tourism.
Through these projects, Red Sea Global continues to advance regenerative tourism while supporting Saudi Vision 2030 by diversifying the economy, creating employment opportunities, and developing the next generation of Saudi professionals who will shape the future of the Kingdom’s tourism industry.
