Education & Training
Education technology news, e-learning platforms, digital skills training, and academic developments shaping the future of learning in Saudi Arabia.

SANS Report: Cybersecurity Skills Gap Now Outweighs Headcount Shortages as 27% of Organizations Report Breaches
The 2026 SANS | GIAC Cybersecurity Workforce Report finds 60% of organizations cite skills gaps over headcount shortages, while 27% report breaches tied directly to capability gaps.

Saudi Media Conference Examines AI’s Impact on Communication Models and Journalism
The 10th International Conference of the Saudi Association for Media and Communication examined how AI is transforming communication theory and journalism practice. Media expert Dr. Hamza Bayt Al-Mal called for interdisciplinary knowledge integration across media, computer science, and AI.

Saudi Conference Examines Four Scenarios for Media Education in the Age of AI
A scientific session at the 10th International Conference of the Saudi Association for Media and Communication presented four future scenarios for integrating AI into media education at Saudi universities.

NASMO Olympiad Phase Two Launches with Nearly 20,000 Students Across Saudi Arabia
The NASMO Olympiad second phase launched on April 4, 2026, with 19,489 students from 16 educational regions competing across six scientific disciplines. Mawhiba is organizing the event in partnership with the Ministry of Education.

Standard Chartered Foundation and Village Capital Launch 2026 Women in Tech Accelerator in UAE
Standard Chartered Foundation and Village Capital launched the eighth edition of the Women in Tech Accelerator in the UAE on March 31, 2026. UAE participants compete for USD 150,000 in equity-free prizes at Demo Day.

Ruder Finn Atteline Launches rf.engage Internal Communications Service Across MENA
Ruder Finn Atteline has launched rf.engage, a strategic internal communications and leadership training service, targeting organizations across the Middle East and North Africa as of March 30, 2026.

Open Digital Platforms and AI: How MBRF’s Digital Knowledge Hub Is Shaping the Arab Knowledge Economy
MBRF’s analysis positions open digital platforms as central to the Arab knowledge economy, with its Digital Knowledge Hub providing tens of millions of free digital items worldwide.

Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University Launches Transformative Education Initiative to Build Future-Ready Students
Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University launched a transformative education initiative on March 23, 2026, focusing on sustainable learning and critical thinking to prepare students for a technology-driven world.

PangaeaX Launches Tech Talent Initiative to Strengthen UAE Digital Workforce
PangaeaX has launched a tech talent initiative using challenge-based performance assessment to help UAE organizations identify and verify skilled data professionals.

World Happiness Day 2026: How Happiness at Work Drives Productivity and Creativity
A University of Oxford study found that happiness at work raises employee productivity by an average of 13%. Saudi Arabia ranked first in the Arab world in the 2021 World Happiness Report, reflecting Vision 2030 priorities.

KFSH Receives American Heart Association Honor for CPR Education at MENA Healthcare Forum 2026
King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Centre received an American Heart Association honor for CPR education at the MENA Healthcare Forum 2026. Both the Riyadh and Jeddah branches were recognized for distinct contributions to clinical training and community awareness.

K.A.CARE Wins Three Gold Medals at 51st Geneva International Exhibition of Inventions
K.A.CARE secured three gold medals, one silver medal, and a special award at the 51st International Exhibition of Inventions in Geneva, presenting technologies in water desalination, energy storage, and clean hydrogen.

Saudi Water Authority Launches AI Development Program to Train 10,000 Water Sector Professionals by 2030
The Saudi Water Authority launched an AI development program targeting 1,500 trainees in 2026 and 10,000 by 2030, as part of the Year of Artificial Intelligence initiative.

Epson Study Saudi Arabia: 83% of Teachers and Parents Back Digital Classrooms, But Print Remains Essential
An Epson survey of 375 Saudi teachers and parents found 83% back digital classrooms, yet 76% say printers remain essential — pointing to demand for a blended learning approach.

SDAIA Academy Launches Applied Artificial Intelligence Bootcamp for Technical Professionals in Riyadh
SDAIA Academy has launched the Applied Artificial Intelligence Bootcamp in Riyadh, running from March 29 to May 21, 2026, targeting technical professionals with registration closing March 12.

Ankabut and Dell Technologies Sign MoU to Expand High-Performance Computing in UAE Education
Ankabut and Dell Technologies signed an MoU on February 17, 2026, to deliver GPU-as-a-service and high-performance computing to UAE academic institutions.

Women in Saudi Arabia Outpace Men in Generative AI Course Completion by 10%
Women in Saudi Arabia complete generative AI courses at a rate 10% higher than men, according to a new Coursera report. Enrollment gaps remain, but completion data signals strong female commitment to AI skills.

Huawei MWC 2026: New Solutions for Offices, Healthcare, and Education
Huawei unveiled scenario-specific solutions for offices, healthcare, and education at MWC 2026 in Barcelona, integrating AI into video conferencing and remote medicine platforms.

BCG Concludes 7th Jeel Tamooh Program for 150 Saudi Students
Boston Consulting Group concluded its seventh Jeel Tamooh program, training over 150 Saudi university students in consulting fundamentals through six months of mentorship and practical workshops.

TEDx Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University Opens in Riyadh Under Education Minister’s Patronage
TEDx Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University held its annual conference in Riyadh on February 17, 2026, under the patronage of Education Minister Yousef Al-Benyan. The event featured scientific sessions, a cultural exhibition, and participation from over 70 organizers and 16 institutional partners.

IFA Berlin 2026 Opens Call for Session Proposals with Five Content Tracks
IFA Berlin 2026 opens call for session proposals with five content tracks until March 27, featuring diverse formats from talks to masterclasses for the September event.

MBSC Graduates 596 Students in Largest Class to Date
MBSC held its 8th graduation ceremony, honoring 596 graduates from the Class of 2026, the largest in the college’s history, with 97% Saudi nationals and 33% women.
