In a landmark MOU with the Ministry of Communications and IT, Oracle intends to train and certify more than 5,000 Saudi graduates in next generation IT skills. The four-year program is in line with Saudi Arabia's National Transformation Program and the ICT 2020 objectives that emphasize the development of a digitally savvy workforce. [caption id="attachment_127050" align="alignright" width="300"] The landmark MOU between Ministry of Communications and IT, Oracle at the signing ceremony.[/caption] Oracle, in collaboration with its partner resources in Saudi Arabia intends to deliver training on Java, SQL/Database, Cloud and Data Analytics, following which all participating students will receive Oracle certification helping them secure specialized IT jobs in the Kingdom. "With more than a third of the country's organizations having already invested in creating a cloud enabled infrastructure, Saudi Arabia is rapidly progressing towards a digitally enabled knowledge based economy," said Abdul Rahman Al Thehaiban, senior vice president – tech, Middle East and Africa. "At Oracle, we are excited to work with the Ministry of Communications and IT to equip Saudi students with IT skills that will enable them to contribute towards this next phase of country's growth." "IT spending in Saudi Arabia is expected to reach $7.5 billion in 2017; one of the highest in Middle East. This investment is vital for Saudi Arabia to continue diversifying its economy and create new jobs," continued Al Thehaiban. "Bridging the IT skills gap in the Kingdom is critical for the country's youth and we are delighted to collaborate with MCIT to create a unique training platform for young Saudi graduates to learn next generation IT skills and help establish the country as a digital economy."
