Arthur D. Little Gathers Saudi Leaders to Tackle Human Capital Challenges:
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: Arthur D. Little (ADL) recently hosted its third Executive Leadership Workshop in Riyadh, focusing on the future of human capital in the Kingdom. The event, held at JW Marriott, was attended by more than 30 senior leaders from both the public and private sectors.
Representatives from major organizations, including the Public Investment Fund (PIF), Ministry of Economy and Planning, Nokia Middle East and Africa, and HSBC Saudi Arabia, engaged in discussions aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.
Key Themes: Skills, Youth, and AI:
The workshop explored essential topics such as the national skills gap, AI integration, the balance between local and international talent, and the unique demands of Generation Z.
Insights from the event were consolidated in ADL’s latest report, “Economic Diversification: The Human Side.” It outlines four key takeaways:
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A long-term ecosystem is needed to bridge the national skills gap.
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Saudi Arabia must balance foreign expertise with local talent development.
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The country’s youthful population poses both opportunities and challenges.
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Artificial Intelligence is no longer optional it is essential for growth.
Call to Action: Embrace Technology or Be Left Behind:
During the roundtable, urgency was a common theme. Prof. Selwa A. F. Al-Hazzaa, CEO of SDM, highlighted the impact of digital transformation:
“If you’re not tech-ready, you’ll be out of a job. If you embrace it, you’ll be a leader.”
ADL’s Managing Partner, Thomas Kuruvilla, emphasized the Kingdom’s readiness to act:
“Saudi Arabia understands well the need for reskilling its workforce. Seventy-five percent of executives recognize the importance of developing new skills.”
Saudi Arabia: A Rising Leader in AI Integration:
The report draws on findings from ADL’s CEO Insights 2024 study, which surveyed nearly 300 global business leaders. Notably, 66% of CEOs remain optimistic about economic growth over the next three to five years—much of it linked to AI adoption.
Saudi Arabia is ahead of the curve, with 38% of companies already implementing AI in multiple departments. This positions the Kingdom as a regional—and potentially global leader in the AI economy.
Supporting Vision 2030 Through Leadership Development:
The workshop also saw participation from the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development and the Diriyah Foundation. It forms part of ADL’s ongoing initiatives to strengthen leadership and human capital in support of Vision 2030.
By bringing together key voices and focusing on actionable strategies, Arthur D. Little continues to contribute meaningfully to Saudi Arabia’s transformation journey.
